Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom’s city of London to join the Islamic State (IS) in Syria as a schoolgirl approximately eight years ago, on Wednesday (February 22), lost her appeal against the decision to revoke her British citizenship. She left the UK as a 15-year-old with her two friends who have reportedly passed away in two separate incidents. In 2019, Begum was stripped of her British citizenship by then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid as a national security risk.&nbsp;

Who is Shamima Begum?

The now 23-year-old was born in London&nbsp;to parents of Bangladeshi heritage, Begum left for Syria to join ISIS in 2015. She was reported to be the first woman to leave the UK to join the terrorist organisation two years later, as per Sky News. Begum who was attending the Bethnal Green Academy and resided in eastern London was reportedly radicalised by someone called Aqsa Mahmood. 
&nbsp;

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During an interview, Renu Begum, Shamima's elder sister holds a picture of her in 2015. (File Photo: AFP) 
 
She went on to marry an IS fighter and gave birth to three children all of whom died as infants. Begum is currently living in northern Syria’s Roj camp which is run by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Her case made international headlines in 2019 after she was found in a displacement camp by a journalist as an “ISIS bride”.&nbsp;

At the time she was nine months pregnant and urged the UK government to allow her to return to her home country to give birth to her child, as per media reports. However, her citizenship was revoked by the home secretary and Begum has since challenged the decision.&nbsp;

The recent verdict

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC), rejected Begum’s appeal. Judge Robert Jay, of the commission which hears appeals against decisions to remove citizenship on national security grounds, gave the decision after a five-day hearing in November. In the previous hearing, Begum’s lawyers had argued that it was the home office’s duty to investigate whether she was a victim of trafficking before revoking her citizenship.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shamima-begum-cant-return-to-uk-loses-citizenship-appeal-564720">Ex-ISIS member Shamima Begum can't return to UK, loses citizenship bid</a>

Justice Jay, who wrote the judgment published on Wednesday said&nbsp;the commission finds “credible suspicion" that&nbsp;Begum had been trafficked to Syria for “sexual exploitation”. However, this reason was deemed “insufficient” for them to conclude that the home secretary’s decision was unlawful. The ruling also means that she would be barred from entering the UK from Syria, as per BBC.&nbsp;

The SIAC judge also said that the officials in London are seeing this as a “black and white issue” and the government’s witnesses’ evidence to the tribunal “betrayed an all-or-nothing approach”. Whereas, the commission was concerned about the security services’ “apparent downplaying of the significance of radicalisation and grooming, in stating that what happened to Ms Begum is not unusual”, said Justice Jay.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shamima-begum-loses-uk-citizenship-appeal-as-court-cites-threat-to-national-security-564780">Shamima Begum loses UK citizenship appeal as court cites threat to national security</a>

The SIAC&nbsp;concluded that there were “arguable breaches of duty on the part of various State bodies” which allowed Begum to leave the country, said Jay, in a summary of the judgement.&nbsp;

“This secretary of state, speaking through Sir James (Eadie KC), maintains that national security is a weighty factor and that it would take a very strong countervailing case to outweigh it,” said the SIAC judge.&nbsp;

He added, “However, under our constitutional settlement these sensitive issues are for the secretary of state to evaluate and not for the commission.” Notably, the commission does not have the power to rule if&nbsp;Begum is allowed to return to the UK, even if it found that her citizenship should not have been stripped.&nbsp;

“Nowhere near over”: Begum’s legal team

In a statement, Begum’s lawyers, Gareth Pierce and Daniel Furner, of Birnberg Pierce Solicitors criticised the ruling and called it a “lost opportunity” to reverse the “profound mistake and a continuing injustice”. They added, “The outcome is that there is now no protection for a British child trafficked out of the UK if the home secretary invokes national security,” as per media reports.

Begum’s lawyers also called her “indefinite detention” in Syria, “unlawful and arbitrary”. According to the BBC, they said the case was “nowhere near over” and the decision will be challenged.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shamima-begum-faces-death-if-sent-to-bangladesh-her-lawyers-tell-the-court-537080">Shamima Begum faces death if sent to Bangladesh, her lawyers tell the court</a> 
 
At the five-day hearing, last year, her attorneys asserted that she was “recruited, transported, transferred, harboured and received in Syria for the purposes of 'sexual exploitation' and 'marriage' to an adult male”.&nbsp;

The attorneys argued that the British officials failed to recognise that Begum was a “victim of child trafficking” when she travelled to Syria and remained there.

An argument was recently found “insufficient” by the SIAC which led to the dismissal of&nbsp;her appeal on all nine grounds. The British-born, 23-year-old is also said to hold Bangladeshi citizenship through her father, as per media reports, However, would be hanged if she returns to the country which has effectively left her stateless, her lawyers had said in November.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/father-of-islamic-state-teen-shamima-begum-says-britain-must-take-her-back-199675">Bangladesh: Father of Islamic State teen Shamima Begum says Britain must take her back</a>

During the previous hearing, attorney Eadie KC representing the secretary of state to the SIAC also said, “You can be trafficked in the most ghastly, unacceptable way, exposed in the most unacceptable way, desensitised in the most unacceptable way and yet, unfortunately...still be a security threat,” reported Sky News. &nbsp;

UK Home Office welcomes the decision&nbsp; 
 
A UK Home Office spokesperson said that they were “pleased” with the judgement and added, “The government’s priority remains maintaining the safety and security of the UK and we will robustly defend any decision made in doing so,” as per British media reports.&nbsp;

Amnesty International UK calls the verdict “very disappointing”&nbsp;

In a statement following the judgement, the UK-based rights group Amnesty International called the decision “very disappointing” and argued that Begum had stayed in London before she was “lured to Syria” as an impressionable 15-year-old. They added, “ISIS have been responsible for appalling crimes in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, but that doesn’t change that Shamima Begum is British and was groomed and trafficked to Syria.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-spy-accused-of-smuggling-shamima-begum-to-syria-trudeau-vows-proper-oversight-511976">Canadian spy accused of smuggling Shamima Begum to Syria, Trudeau vows 'proper oversight'</a>

Furthermore, the rights organisation criticising the home secretary said “exiling British citizens by stripping them of their citizenship,” should not be their business. The power to banish citizens should not exist in the modern world, particularly in the context of a “person who was seriously exploited as a child,” said Amnesty International.&nbsp;

Shamima Begum’s story: A time of key events

2015-16

Shamima Begum along with her two friends,&nbsp;Abase (15) and Sultana (16) dropped out of school at the age of 15 and travelled from Gatwick Airport to Istanbul in Turkiye, before crossing the border into Syria. According to media reports, the girls stole their family’s jewellery to pay for their flights.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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CCTV pictures show (L-R) British teenagers Sultana, Abase and Begum passing through security barriers at Gatwick Airport, UK (File Photo: AFP) 
 
 
Begum claims that while in Syria she married a Dutch IS fighter, Yago Riedijk and had three children (two sons and one daughter) all of whom died as infants. The now 23-year-old is said to be an “enforcer” who recruited other women to the caliphate, reported Sky News. In 2016, Begum’s two friends Abase and Sultana were reportedly killed.&nbsp;

Sultana had married a Somalian IS fighter, her family told ITV while Abase was reportedly married to an Australian IS fighter but this has not been confirmed.&nbsp;

2019&nbsp;

After 2016 Begum’s actions and whereabouts remained unknown until a Times journalist found her at a displacement camp in Syria, three years later. Reportedly, at the time she had fled the village of Baghuz which was witnessing intense fighting during the terrorist group’s last stand. Begum with her husband had three children, two of whom died of disease or malnutrition and the third died in the al-Hawl camp.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-bride-shamima-begum-allowed-to-return-uk-to-fight-for-citizenship-313794">IS bride Shamima Begum allowed to return UK to fight for citizenship</a>

In February, the now-former UK home secretary stripped Begum of her British citizenship, while Bangladeshi officials say that if she returns she will face the death penalty for her involvement in terrorism. Furthermore, they had also said that since she has never visited Dhaka, Begum does not hold dual citizenship, reported Al Jazeera. In April, she was granted legal aid by the Ministry of Justice to appeal the decision.

2020

The then 20-year-old was allowed to return to the UK by the Court of Appeal and contest the decision.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-isis-bride-shamima-begum-where-is-she-now-manchester-bombing-link-other-things-to-know-564815">Who is 'ISIS bride' Shamima Begum? Where is she now? Manchester bombing link; other things to know</a>

2021

The Supreme Court blocked Begum’s appeal to return to the UK after British officials said that she “would create significant national security risks” and expose the citizens to an “increased risk of terrorism”.&nbsp;

2022

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/isis-bride-shamima-begum-was-child-victim-of-trafficking-uk-tribunal-told-536392">November</a>, the aforementioned five-day trial takes place where Begum attempts to win the right to return to London. However, a unanimous judgement by the SIAC barred her from coming to the UK based on three preliminary grounds which included that the revocation of her citizenship was not unlawful.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom’s city of London to join the Islamic State (IS) in Syria as a schoolgirl approximately eight years ago, on Wednesday (February 22), lost her appeal against the decision to revoke her British citizenship.

Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom’s city of London to join the Islamic State (IS) in Syria as a schoolgirl approximately eight years ago, on Wednesday (February 22), lost her appeal against the decision to revoke her British citizenship. She left the UK as a 15-year-old with her two friends who have reportedly passed away in two separate incidents. In 2019, Begum was stripped of her British citizenship by then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid as a national security risk. Who is Shamima Begum? The now 23-year-old was born in London to parents of Bangladeshi heritage, Begum left for Syria to join ISIS in 2015. She was reported to be the first woman to leave the UK to join the terrorist organisation two years later, as per Sky News. Begum who was attending the Bethnal Green Academy and resided in eastern London was reportedly radicalised by someone called Aqsa Mahmood. During an interview, Renu Begum, Shamima's elder sister holds a picture of her in 2015. (File Photo: AFP) She went on to marry an IS fighter and gave birth to three children all of whom died as infants. Begum is currently living in northern Syria’s Roj camp which is run by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Her case made international headlines in 2019 after she was found in a displacement camp by a journalist as an “ISIS bride”. At the time she was nine months pregnant and urged the UK government to allow her to return to her home country to give birth to her child, as per media reports. However, her citizenship was revoked by the home secretary and Begum has since challenged the decision. The recent verdict The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC), rejected Begum’s appeal. Judge Robert Jay, of the commission which hears appeals against decisions to remove citizenship on national security grounds, gave the decision after a five-day hearing in November. In the previous hearing, Begum’s lawyers had argued that it was the home office’s duty to investigate whether she was a victim of trafficking before revoking her citizenship. ALSO READ | Ex-ISIS member Shamima Begum can't return to UK, loses citizenship bid Justice Jay, who wrote the judgment published on Wednesday said the commission finds “credible suspicion" that Begum had been trafficked to Syria for “sexual exploitation”. However, this reason was deemed “insufficient” for them to conclude that the home secretary’s decision was unlawful. The ruling also means that she would be barred from entering the UK from Syria, as per BBC. The SIAC judge also said that the officials in London are seeing this as a “black and white issue” and the government’s witnesses’ evidence to the tribunal “betrayed an all-or-nothing approach”. Whereas, the commission was concerned about the security services’ “apparent downplaying of the significance of radicalisation and grooming, in stating that what happened to Ms Begum is not unusual”, said Justice Jay. ALSO WATCH | Shamima Begum loses UK citizenship appeal as court cites threat to national security The SIAC concluded that there were “arguable breaches of duty on the part of various State bodies” which allowed Begum to leave the country, said Jay, in a summary of the judgement. “This secretary of state, speaking through Sir James (Eadie KC), maintains that national security is a weighty factor and that it would take a very strong countervailing case to outweigh it,” said the SIAC judge. He added, “However, under our constitutional settlement these sensitive issues are for the secretary of state to evaluate and not for the commission.” Notably, the commission does not have the power to rule if Begum is allowed to return to the UK, even if it found that her citizenship should not have been stripped. “Nowhere near over”: Begum’s legal team In a statement, Begum’s lawyers, Gareth Pierce and Daniel Furner, of Birnberg Pierce Solicitors criticised the ruling and called it a “lost opportunity” to reverse the “profound mistake and a continuing injustice”. They added, “The outcome is that there is now no protection for a British child trafficked out of the UK if the home secretary invokes national security,” as per media reports. Begum’s lawyers also called her “indefinite detention” in Syria, “unlawful and arbitrary”. According to the BBC, they said the case was “nowhere near over” and the decision will be challenged. ALSO READ | Shamima Begum faces death if sent to Bangladesh, her lawyers tell the court At the five-day hearing, last year, her attorneys asserted that she was “recruited, transported, transferred, harboured and received in Syria for the purposes of 'sexual exploitation' and 'marriage' to an adult male”. The attorneys argued that the British officials failed to recognise that Begum was a “victim of child trafficking” when she travelled to Syria and remained there. An argument was recently found “insufficient” by the SIAC which led to the dismissal of her appeal on all nine grounds. The British-born, 23-year-old is also said to hold Bangladeshi citizenship through her father, as per media reports, However, would be hanged if she returns to the country which has effectively left her stateless, her lawyers had said in November. ALSO READ | Bangladesh: Father of Islamic State teen Shamima Begum says Britain must take her back During the previous hearing, attorney Eadie KC representing the secretary of state to the SIAC also said, “You can be trafficked in the most ghastly, unacceptable way, exposed in the most unacceptable way, desensitised in the most unacceptable way and yet, unfortunately...still be a security threat,” reported Sky News. UK Home Office welcomes the decision A UK Home Office spokesperson said that they were “pleased” with the judgement and added, “The government’s priority remains maintaining the safety and security of the UK and we will robustly defend any decision made in doing so,” as per British media reports. Amnesty International UK calls the verdict “very disappointing” In a statement following the judgement, the UK-based rights group Amnesty International called the decision “very disappointing” and argued that Begum had stayed in London before she was “lured to Syria” as an impressionable 15-year-old. They added, “ISIS have been responsible for appalling crimes in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, but that doesn’t change that Shamima Begum is British and was groomed and trafficked to Syria.” ALSO READ | Canadian spy accused of smuggling Shamima Begum to Syria, Trudeau vows 'proper oversight' Furthermore, the rights organisation criticising the home secretary said “exiling British citizens by stripping them of their citizenship,” should not be their business. The power to banish citizens should not exist in the modern world, particularly in the context of a “person who was seriously exploited as a child,” said Amnesty International. Shamima Begum’s story: A time of key events 2015-16 Shamima Begum along with her two friends, Abase (15) and Sultana (16) dropped out of school at the age of 15 and travelled from Gatwick Airport to Istanbul in Turkiye, before crossing the border into Syria. According to media reports, the girls stole their family’s jewellery to pay for their flights. CCTV pictures show (L-R) British teenagers Sultana, Abase and Begum passing through security barriers at Gatwick Airport, UK (File Photo: AFP) Begum claims that while in Syria she married a Dutch IS fighter, Yago Riedijk and had three children (two sons and one daughter) all of whom died as infants. The now 23-year-old is said to be an “enforcer” who recruited other women to the caliphate, reported Sky News. In 2016, Begum’s two friends Abase and Sultana were reportedly killed. Sultana had married a Somalian IS fighter, her family told ITV while Abase was reportedly married to an Australian IS fighter but this has not been confirmed. 2019 After 2016 Begum’s actions and whereabouts remained unknown until a Times journalist found her at a displacement camp in Syria, three years later. Reportedly, at the time she had fled the village of Baghuz which was witnessing intense fighting during the terrorist group’s last stand. Begum with her husband had three children, two of whom died of disease or malnutrition and the third died in the al-Hawl camp. ALSO READ | IS bride Shamima Begum allowed to return UK to fight for citizenship In February, the now-former UK home secretary stripped Begum of her British citizenship, while Bangladeshi officials say that if she returns she will face the death penalty for her involvement in terrorism. Furthermore, they had also said that since she has never visited Dhaka, Begum does not hold dual citizenship, reported Al Jazeera. In April, she was granted legal aid by the Ministry of Justice to appeal the decision. 2020 The then 20-year-old was allowed to return to the UK by the Court of Appeal and contest the decision. ALSO READ | Who is 'ISIS bride' Shamima Begum? Where is she now? Manchester bombing link; other things to know 2021 The Supreme Court blocked Begum’s appeal to return to the UK after British officials said that she “would create significant national security risks” and expose the citizens to an “increased risk of terrorism”. 2022 In November, the aforementioned five-day trial takes place where Begum attempts to win the right to return to London. However, a unanimous judgement by the SIAC barred her from coming to the UK based on three preliminary grounds which included that the revocation of her citizenship was not unlawful. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | UK: Shamima Begum who left to join ISIS loses citizenship bid. Here’s what happened

A law that has protected big tech companies in the United States since 1996 from lawsuits over content posted on their platforms is under scrutiny in the US. The country's Supreme Court on Tuesday started with the hearing, debating the law but sounded wary of tinkering with the legal shield.&nbsp;

The particular hearing is related to&nbsp;November 2015 Paris attacks and has been filed&nbsp;by the family of Nohemi Gonzalez, a 23-year-old student at California State University who was in France when the attacks took place. She was one of the 130 victims of the terror attack in the French capital.

The SC heard arguments from US officials, Google and Gonzalez's family during the three-hour-long hearing. The court admitted that the landscape of the internet had changed vastly since the law first came into being, 27 years ago.&nbsp;

The justices also expressed concerns that granting a judgement in favour of&nbsp;Gonzalez's family may open the floodgates for similar litigations against the tech companies.&nbsp;

"You are creating a world of lawsuits.&nbsp;Really anytime you have content, you also have these presentational and prioritisation choices that can be subject to suit," observed&nbsp;Justice Elena Kagan.&nbsp;

A lower court earlier dismissed the plea against Google LLC-owned YouTube. Her family has accused YouTube of recommending videos by extremist groups to users, blaming the tech giant for supporting the radicals in their call for violence. Google and YouTube are part of Alphabet Inc. "By recommend[ing] ISIS videos to users, Google assists ISIS in spreading its message and thus provides material support to the ISIS," reads the legal brief.

Section 230 - the law in question

Legal immunity to tech giants under Section 230 has been questioned in the case. This is the first time that the US Supreme Court is hearing a case related to the scope of the law. Under Section 230, internet firms in the US can't be considered as the publishers of the content posted by users. It was passed more than two decades ago when the internet was in its infancy.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/utter-failure-us-supreme-court-fails-to-identify-abortion-ruling-leak-culprit-554325">'Utter failure': US Supreme Court fails to identify abortion ruling leak culprit</a>

In the appeal, the family of the student has argued that highly complex recommendation systems - that have been perfected by internet giants over time - fall out of the scope of Section 230. The lawsuit has been filed under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act, a federal law that lets Americans recover damages related to “an act of international terrorism," news agency Reuters reported.

Also watch:US Supreme Court probe fails to find Roe V Wade draft leak culprit

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Google and its supporters have opposed the case, as expected, calling it a threat to free speech.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A law that has protected big tech companies in the United States since 1996 from lawsuits over content posted on their platforms is under scrutiny in the US. The country's Supreme Court on Tuesday started with the hearing, debating the law but sounded wary of tinkering with the legal shield.

A law that has protected big tech companies in the United States since 1996 from lawsuits over content posted on their platforms is under scrutiny in the US. The country's Supreme Court on Tuesday started with the hearing, debating the law but sounded wary of tinkering with the legal shield. The particular hearing is related to November 2015 Paris attacks and has been filed by the family of Nohemi Gonzalez, a 23-year-old student at California State University who was in France when the attacks took place. She was one of the 130 victims of the terror attack in the French capital. The SC heard arguments from US officials, Google and Gonzalez's family during the three-hour-long hearing. The court admitted that the landscape of the internet had changed vastly since the law first came into being, 27 years ago. The justices also expressed concerns that granting a judgement in favour of Gonzalez's family may open the floodgates for similar litigations against the tech companies. "You are creating a world of lawsuits. Really anytime you have content, you also have these presentational and prioritisation choices that can be subject to suit," observed Justice Elena Kagan. A lower court earlier dismissed the plea against Google LLC-owned YouTube. Her family has accused YouTube of recommending videos by extremist groups to users, blaming the tech giant for supporting the radicals in their call for violence. Google and YouTube are part of Alphabet Inc. "By recommend[ing] ISIS videos to users, Google assists ISIS in spreading its message and thus provides material support to the ISIS," reads the legal brief. Section 230 - the law in question Legal immunity to tech giants under Section 230 has been questioned in the case. This is the first time that the US Supreme Court is hearing a case related to the scope of the law. Under Section 230, internet firms in the US can't be considered as the publishers of the content posted by users. It was passed more than two decades ago when the internet was in its infancy. Also read: 'Utter failure': US Supreme Court fails to identify abortion ruling leak culprit In the appeal, the family of the student has argued that highly complex recommendation systems - that have been perfected by internet giants over time - fall out of the scope of Section 230. The lawsuit has been filed under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act, a federal law that lets Americans recover damages related to “an act of international terrorism," news agency Reuters reported. Also watch:US Supreme Court probe fails to find Roe V Wade draft leak culprit × Google and its supporters have opposed the case, as expected, calling it a threat to free speech. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Supreme Court wary of removing legal immunity for the tech companies

Shamima Begum, who left London when she was 15 to join the terror group ISIS eight years ago, on Wednesday lost an appeal for citizenship. The ex-ISIS member had married a fighter of the group and had three children, who died as infants.

Shamima Begum, who left London when she was 15 to join the terror group ISIS eight years ago, on Wednesday lost an appeal for citizenship. The ex-ISIS member had married a fighter of the group and had three children, who died as infants. The 23-year-old will also not be allowed to return to the United Kingdom. She is currently living in a refugee camp in Syria. The Special Immigration Appeals Commission's Justice Jay, who presided over the appeal, said that the UK citizenship is "not an absolute entitlement for everyone", reported British network Sky News. She had challenged the decision by former British interior minister Sajid Javid of stripping her of citizenship in 2019. Reports also pointed out that Justice Jay on Wednesday ruled that Javid was not formally required to consider the claim about her trafficking to Syria when he took the decision. There was a “credible suspicion”, he further stressed, that she was a victim in this regard. The Secretary of State’s conclusion that she voluntarily travelled to Syria was “as stark as unsympathetic”, Justice Jay was quoted as saying by The Mirror. In response to the dismissal of the appeal, a spokesperson of the UK Home office underlined: "We are pleased that the court has found in favour of the government's position in this case. We will robustly defend any decision made in doing so.” Javid also welcomed the decision by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. “This is a complex case, but home secretaries should have the power to prevent anyone entering our country who is assessed to pose a threat to it," he said. Also Watch: Book claims spy for Canada smuggled Shamima Begum, 2 other schoolgirls to Syria × In 2015, Shamima Begum left with school friends for Syria, where she married the hardline IS member and Dutch national Yago Riedijk. She was later found in a detention camp in Syria; and was stripped of her British citizenship on national security grounds. Also read: Senior ISIS leader killed, four American troops, dog wounded after helicopter raid in Syria: US military In November, she challenged the decision as her lawyers argued that Britain’s interior ministry did not probe if she was a “child victim of trafficking”. Her lawyers also argued that then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid had “pre-determined” that Begum’s British citizenship should be revoked before getting any evidence. On Wednesday, her lawyers said the "legal fight was far from over". (With agency inputs) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-ISIS member Shamima Begum can't return to UK, loses citizenship bid

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on Friday (February 17) said four American military personnel and one working dog were injured during a raid targeting ISIS senior leader in northeastern Syria, who was killed. The joint raid was conducted by Washington and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the region.&nbsp;

“Last night, during a partnered US and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) helicopter raid in northeastern Syria, an explosion on target resulted in four US&nbsp;servicemembers and one working dog wounded,” said the CENTCOM, in a statement. The targeted ISIS senior leader, identified as Hamza al-Homsi, was killed during the raid, it added.&nbsp;

While the three military personnel and the working dog are receiving treatment at the US medical facility in Iraq, said the CENTCOM. A report by CNN, citing a military official familiar with the operation, said that the three servicemen and the working dog are in stable condition, while the fourth member sustained minor injuries and has returned to duty.&nbsp;

This comes days after the US military, in a statement had also announced the killing of “Ibrahim Al Qahtani, an ISIS official associated with planning ISIS detention center attacks,” It added, that raid also led to the “seizure of multiple weapons, ammo, and a suicide belt.” The statement posted on Twitter, five days after the raid was conducted, also said that there are more than 10,000 ISIS detainees being held in Syria.&nbsp;

Washington leads the international coalition which leads the battle against IS in the region and also conducts periodic raids and strikes which target the group and its members. Earlier this month, the US military-led coalition forces and partner forces conducted 43 operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. It added, “No US forces were injured or killed in these operations.” 
&nbsp;

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The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on Friday (February 17) said four American military personnel and one working dog were injured during a raid targeting ISIS senior leader in northeastern Syria, who was killed.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on Friday (February 17) said four American military personnel and one working dog were injured during a raid targeting ISIS senior leader in northeastern Syria, who was killed. The joint raid was conducted by Washington and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the region. “Last night, during a partnered US and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) helicopter raid in northeastern Syria, an explosion on target resulted in four US servicemembers and one working dog wounded,” said the CENTCOM, in a statement. The targeted ISIS senior leader, identified as Hamza al-Homsi, was killed during the raid, it added. While the three military personnel and the working dog are receiving treatment at the US medical facility in Iraq, said the CENTCOM. A report by CNN, citing a military official familiar with the operation, said that the three servicemen and the working dog are in stable condition, while the fourth member sustained minor injuries and has returned to duty. This comes days after the US military, in a statement had also announced the killing of “Ibrahim Al Qahtani, an ISIS official associated with planning ISIS detention center attacks,” It added, that raid also led to the “seizure of multiple weapons, ammo, and a suicide belt.” The statement posted on Twitter, five days after the raid was conducted, also said that there are more than 10,000 ISIS detainees being held in Syria. Washington leads the international coalition which leads the battle against IS in the region and also conducts periodic raids and strikes which target the group and its members. Earlier this month, the US military-led coalition forces and partner forces conducted 43 operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. It added, “No US forces were injured or killed in these operations.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Senior ISIS leader killed, four American troops, dog wounded after helicopter raid in Syria: US military

Meta, Microsoft, Twitter and other tech firms have backed Google in the internet giant's defence in a key Supreme Court case.&nbsp;These big tech companies have filed a series of briefs on how a broad ruling could harm their business and offerings.

In the Gonzalez versus Google case, the question is, should tech firms face lawsuits for content from their users?&nbsp;The key lawsuit also questions whether businesses should be held accountable for the content they suggest to consumers.&nbsp;Large IT firms have urged the apex court to consider the case carefully.

Under a 1996 statute known as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, companies are protected against user content, including comments, reviews and advertisements.

The Supreme Court is considering whether it is time to narrow down the law, framed when the internet was not a central part of daily life as it is today.

On February 21, the court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case.

The petitioners are a family of an American woman who died in an ISIS attack in 2015. They allege that Alphabet's Google, which owns YouTube, is to blame for the algorithm suggesting videos, including those encouraging radicalisation.

<h2>Major setback for Google in India as top court rejects Google's challenge</h2>

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Advocates for children's online safety, such as Fairplay and Common Sense Media, supported the Gonzalez family in their lawsuit against the internet giant.&nbsp;They said the tech industry should be held accountable for how their products might endanger kids.

Gonzalez was also partially supported by the US government, which argued that, in some cases, social media platforms should be held accountable for encouraging hate speech.

Meta predicts the lawsuit would compel businesses to remove more content, including topics of public importance, to avoid any unnecessary legal trouble.

A sweeping decision, according to Microsoft, could have "devastating and disruptive ramifications".

Twitter said algorithms help the organisation of content by making the web user-friendly.

Separately, the court will decide on Friday whether to take up two more section 230-related cases.

In Texas and Florida, new laws that penalise digital companies for removing political speech on their platforms are being challenged by the cases.

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Meta, Microsoft, Twitter and other tech firms have backed Google in the internet giant's defence in a key Supreme Court case. These big tech companies have filed a series of briefs on how a broad ruling could harm their business and offerings.

Meta, Microsoft, Twitter and other tech firms have backed Google in the internet giant's defence in a key Supreme Court case. These big tech companies have filed a series of briefs on how a broad ruling could harm their business and offerings. In the Gonzalez versus Google case, the question is, should tech firms face lawsuits for content from their users? The key lawsuit also questions whether businesses should be held accountable for the content they suggest to consumers. Large IT firms have urged the apex court to consider the case carefully. Under a 1996 statute known as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, companies are protected against user content, including comments, reviews and advertisements. The Supreme Court is considering whether it is time to narrow down the law, framed when the internet was not a central part of daily life as it is today. On February 21, the court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case. The petitioners are a family of an American woman who died in an ISIS attack in 2015. They allege that Alphabet's Google, which owns YouTube, is to blame for the algorithm suggesting videos, including those encouraging radicalisation. Major setback for Google in India as top court rejects Google's challenge Advocates for children's online safety, such as Fairplay and Common Sense Media, supported the Gonzalez family in their lawsuit against the internet giant. They said the tech industry should be held accountable for how their products might endanger kids. Gonzalez was also partially supported by the US government, which argued that, in some cases, social media platforms should be held accountable for encouraging hate speech. Meta predicts the lawsuit would compel businesses to remove more content, including topics of public importance, to avoid any unnecessary legal trouble. A sweeping decision, according to Microsoft, could have "devastating and disruptive ramifications". Twitter said algorithms help the organisation of content by making the web user-friendly. Separately, the court will decide on Friday whether to take up two more section 230-related cases. In Texas and Florida, new laws that penalise digital companies for removing political speech on their platforms are being challenged by the cases. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Is more trouble brewing? Big tech firms back Google in a key lawsuit

ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack near the foreign ministry building where Chinese diplomats were supposed to be present. Why are the Chinese being targeted in Afghanistan? Where does this leave China's Afghanistan game plan?

Gravitas: ISIS versus the Taliban: A new battle for survival

In an early Sunday morning helicopter assault in eastern Syria, the US killed two ISIS leaders, according to a statement from US Central Command.

According to CENTCOM, the attack was a unilateral US action that had "considerable preparation," and the first findings indicated that no civilians were killed or hurt.

"Anas," a local ISIS leader active in organising activities in eastern Syria, was one of the officials killed.

“The death of these ISIS officials will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks in the Middle East,” said Central Command spokesman Col. Joe Buccino.

The US reaffirmed that it was dedicated to the fight against ISIS "in conjunction with local forces," notwithstanding recent Turkish operations in northern Syria that targeted Kurdish troops, putting US people at danger and posing a destabilisation threat.

The death of ISIS commander Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al- Qurayshi was praised by the US two weeks ago. Unlike the previous commander, Hajji Abdullah, who died in a US raid in February, he was not assassinated by American forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In an early Sunday morning helicopter assault in eastern Syria, the US killed two ISIS leaders, according to a statement from US Central Command. According to CENTCOM, the attack was a unilateral US action that had "considerable preparation," and the first findings indicated that no civilians were killed or hurt.

In an early Sunday morning helicopter assault in eastern Syria, the US killed two ISIS leaders, according to a statement from US Central Command. According to CENTCOM, the attack was a unilateral US action that had "considerable preparation," and the first findings indicated that no civilians were killed or hurt. "Anas," a local ISIS leader active in organising activities in eastern Syria, was one of the officials killed. “The death of these ISIS officials will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks in the Middle East,” said Central Command spokesman Col. Joe Buccino. The US reaffirmed that it was dedicated to the fight against ISIS "in conjunction with local forces," notwithstanding recent Turkish operations in northern Syria that targeted Kurdish troops, putting US people at danger and posing a destabilisation threat. The death of ISIS commander Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al- Qurayshi was praised by the US two weeks ago. Unlike the previous commander, Hajji Abdullah, who died in a US raid in February, he was not assassinated by American forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Two ISIS officials killed by the US in helicopter raid in eastern Syria

Russian air bases attacked by drones in a major escalation ISIS affiliated bomber targets a police station in Indonesia 'Crackpot Neo-Nazis' plan a coup against the German Republic to restore the monarchy Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

World at War | Episode 32: Why is China building 1500 nuclear warheads by 2035?

ISIS in a bitter turf war with the Taliban in Afghanistan How is Russia replenishing its arsenal for the Ukraine war? Honduras declares a state of emergency over rampant kidnappings & extortion. Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

World at War | Episode 31: China wants to dominate two oceans in next 15 years

The Islamist State said on Wednesday that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in battle.&nbsp;The extremist group has named&nbsp;his replacement. A spokesperson for the group said that the IS group leader was killed "in combat with enemies of God" but did not provide further details.&nbsp;

Al-Muhajir, a spokesman for the ISIS said on Telegram that Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi is the new leader of the terror outfit.

Abu Hasan al-Husseini al-Qurashi was named in March as the third leader since IS was founded. It happened after the extremist group`s former leader blew himself up in February to avoid being captured by US soldiers.

His predecessor Abu Hasan became the leader of the group back in October 2019 after the death of his predecessor – Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi. He was killed in a raid conducted by the United States in northern Syria.

Earlier, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was also killed in Idlib back in October 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou</a>

The Islamic State was born out of the civil war in Syria in the 2000s and over the next few years, the militant group was able to capture parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The main aim of the group was to create an Islamic caliphate as was proclaimed by Baghdadi from the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The various factions of the Islamic state and other militant groups have been constantly in a state of war and even in Afghanistan, the IS was active after the Taliban came to power. There were a number of blasts that took place in the past year and most of them were claimed by the Islamic State.

The Islamist State said on Wednesday that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in battle. The extremist group has named his replacement. A spokesperson for the group said that the IS group leader was killed "in combat with enemies of God" but did not provide further details.

The Islamist State said on Wednesday that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in battle. The extremist group has named his replacement. A spokesperson for the group said that the IS group leader was killed "in combat with enemies of God" but did not provide further details. Al-Muhajir, a spokesman for the ISIS said on Telegram that Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi is the new leader of the terror outfit. Abu Hasan al-Husseini al-Qurashi was named in March as the third leader since IS was founded. It happened after the extremist group`s former leader blew himself up in February to avoid being captured by US soldiers. His predecessor Abu Hasan became the leader of the group back in October 2019 after the death of his predecessor – Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi. He was killed in a raid conducted by the United States in northern Syria. Earlier, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was also killed in Idlib back in October 2019. Also read | Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou The Islamic State was born out of the civil war in Syria in the 2000s and over the next few years, the militant group was able to capture parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The main aim of the group was to create an Islamic caliphate as was proclaimed by Baghdadi from the Iraqi city of Mosul. The various factions of the Islamic state and other militant groups have been constantly in a state of war and even in Afghanistan, the IS was active after the Taliban came to power. There were a number of blasts that took place in the past year and most of them were claimed by the Islamic State.

ISIS says leader Abu Hasan Al-Qurashi killed, new leader named

The Chinese capital of Beijing reported a record 5,006 Covid cases on Wednesday, as the country struggles to get hold of the worst-ever outbreak of viral contagion amid growing public anger against President Xi Jinping's zero Covid regime. In other news, security forces shot dead an Iranian man who was celebrating his football team's loss to the United States at the World Cup, rights groups said. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has said that it had complied with the Supreme Court's order and has made available Donald Trump's tax returns to a congressional committee. Finally, former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried has apologised for his mistakes and said that he did not knowingly commit fraud.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for&nbsp;more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-5006-covid-cases-as-china-stumbles-through-worst-outbreak-538948">Beijing reports 5,006 Covid cases as China stumbles through worst outbreak</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/15/295862-2022-09-14t153110z2lynxmpei8d0vvrtroptp4health-coronavirus-china.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

Across China, new Covid infections numbered 34,942 for Wednesday, coming slightly off a peak of 38,808 registered over the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-protester-celebrating-irans-world-cup-exit-was-shot-dead-say-reports-538918">A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/01/314794-untitled-design-47.png?imwidth=1920" />

Activist Mehran Samak, 27, was honking his car horn in Bandar Anzali, a city on the Caspian Sea coast, when he was shot dead, human rights groups said.

Iran has been facing anti-regime protests following Mahsa Amini's death in police custody after being arrested by the morality police. Several people had refused to support the national team in response to a bloody government crackdown on the protests.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irs-releases-donald-trumps-tax-records-to-house-committee-538924">IRS releases Donald Trump's tax records to House Committee</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/01/314797-untitled-design-2022-11-16t094534292.png?imwidth=1920" />

The court had last week declined to interfere in the matter, saying that the House has the right to request the tax returns from the IRS.&nbsp;A department spokesperson said “Treasury has complied with last week’s court decision”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-ftx-ceo-sam-bankman-fried-apologises-for-his-mistakes-says-didnt-knowingly-commit-fraud-538944">Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried apologises for his 'mistakes,' says didn't knowingly commit fraud</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/01/314818-untitled-design-2022-12-01t085609243.png?imwidth=1920" />

Speaking via video call, Bankman said, "I'm deeply sorry about what happened. Clearly, I made a lot of mistakes or things I would be able to give anything to be able to do over again."

Watch |&nbsp;Islamic State group announces death of leader, appoints successor

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The Chinese capital of Beijing reported a record 5,006 Covid cases on Wednesday, as the country struggles to get hold of the worst-ever outbreak of viral contagion amid growing public anger against President Xi Jinping's zero Covid regime.

The Chinese capital of Beijing reported a record 5,006 Covid cases on Wednesday, as the country struggles to get hold of the worst-ever outbreak of viral contagion amid growing public anger against President Xi Jinping's zero Covid regime. In other news, security forces shot dead an Iranian man who was celebrating his football team's loss to the United States at the World Cup, rights groups said. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has said that it had complied with the Supreme Court's order and has made available Donald Trump's tax returns to a congressional committee. Finally, former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried has apologised for his mistakes and said that he did not knowingly commit fraud. Click on the headlines for more: Beijing reports 5,006 Covid cases as China stumbles through worst outbreak Across China, new Covid infections numbered 34,942 for Wednesday, coming slightly off a peak of 38,808 registered over the weekend. A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports Activist Mehran Samak, 27, was honking his car horn in Bandar Anzali, a city on the Caspian Sea coast, when he was shot dead, human rights groups said. Iran has been facing anti-regime protests following Mahsa Amini's death in police custody after being arrested by the morality police. Several people had refused to support the national team in response to a bloody government crackdown on the protests. IRS releases Donald Trump's tax records to House Committee The court had last week declined to interfere in the matter, saying that the House has the right to request the tax returns from the IRS. A department spokesperson said “Treasury has complied with last week’s court decision”. Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried apologises for his 'mistakes,' says didn't knowingly commit fraud Speaking via video call, Bankman said, "I'm deeply sorry about what happened. Clearly, I made a lot of mistakes or things I would be able to give anything to be able to do over again." Watch | Islamic State group announces death of leader, appoints successor

Morning brief: Beijing reports 5,006 Covid cases, IRS releases Trump's tax records to House Committee & more

On Monday (November 21), the Special Immigration Appeals Commission&nbsp; (SIAC)&nbsp;will be&nbsp;reviewing the case of Shamima Begum, a British woman who lost her citizenship after she allegedly joined the Islamic State group in Syria.&nbsp;

Shamima Begum, was 15 when she left London and moved to Syria along with her friends after she married an IS fighter, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Her husband, Mohammed Al-Rashed was allegedly charged with smuggling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/isis-claims-iran-shrine-attack-president-raisi-vows-to-strong-response-528685">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;ISIS claims Iran shrine attack, president Raisi vows strong response</a>

Begum was found by a British journalist in 2019, pregnant and claiming to be a&nbsp;victim of trafficking. Her interview drew outrage.&nbsp;

Dubbed an "IS bride," her request to come to the UK&nbsp;was denied by the&nbsp;Supreme Court last year to fight a case for her citizenship against the Home Office.&nbsp;

Begum's lawyer told AFP&nbsp;that the hearing would be centred around Begum being considered a victim&nbsp;of trafficking.&nbsp;

Further, a book published by Richard Kerbaj, claimed that Begum and her friends were taken to Syria by a man who was also leaking information to Canadian security services.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-targets-south-africa-isis-cell-with-sanctions-531980">Also read |&nbsp;US targets South Africa ISIS cell with sanctions</a>

In her interview, Begum claimed that as soon as she arrived in Syria, she realised that the IS is trapping people and is trying to look "good for the propaganda vidoes."

Maya Foa, director of the human rights group Reprieve claimed that Begum was "groomed online as a child and taken to Syria by a Canadian spy."

The group told AFP that currently, 20-25 British families including over 30 children are still in the camps suspected of being related to Syrian fighters.&nbsp;

According to reports, some 900 people are estimated to have travelled from the UK to Syria and Iraq to join the IS group.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Monday (November 21), the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) will be reviewing the case of Shamima Begum, a British woman who lost her citizenship after she allegedly joined the Islamic State group in Syria.

On Monday (November 21), the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) will be reviewing the case of Shamima Begum, a British woman who lost her citizenship after she allegedly joined the Islamic State group in Syria. Shamima Begum, was 15 when she left London and moved to Syria along with her friends after she married an IS fighter, AFP reported. Her husband, Mohammed Al-Rashed was allegedly charged with smuggling. Also read | ISIS claims Iran shrine attack, president Raisi vows strong response Begum was found by a British journalist in 2019, pregnant and claiming to be a victim of trafficking. Her interview drew outrage. Dubbed an "IS bride," her request to come to the UK was denied by the Supreme Court last year to fight a case for her citizenship against the Home Office. Begum's lawyer told AFP that the hearing would be centred around Begum being considered a victim of trafficking. Further, a book published by Richard Kerbaj, claimed that Begum and her friends were taken to Syria by a man who was also leaking information to Canadian security services. Also read | US targets South Africa ISIS cell with sanctions In her interview, Begum claimed that as soon as she arrived in Syria, she realised that the IS is trapping people and is trying to look "good for the propaganda vidoes." Maya Foa, director of the human rights group Reprieve claimed that Begum was "groomed online as a child and taken to Syria by a Canadian spy." The group told AFP that currently, 20-25 British families including over 30 children are still in the camps suspected of being related to Syrian fighters. According to reports, some 900 people are estimated to have travelled from the UK to Syria and Iraq to join the IS group. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

SIAC to hear case of 'IS Bride' Begum who lost her UK citizenship after allegedly joining ISIS

The United States on Monday targetted member of Islamic State cell with sanctions. The cell is operating in South Africa. The sanctions have been imposed on the individuals as well as companies they control.

US Treasury Department said that the aim of the action was to choke off support for the network and control their expansion in the region. &nbsp;

"Today, Treasury is targeting key individuals in ISIS's network in South Africa, as well as their business assets, who have played pivotal roles in enabling terrorism and other criminal activities in the region," said Brian E. Nelson, Treasury's top terrorist finance watchdog.&nbsp;

The sanctions blacklisted four individuals and eight companies. Their assets in US, if any, were frozen. The sanctions deny these individuals and companies ability to use the US financial system.

"The United States, as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, will continue to partner with South Africa to deny ISIS the ability to exploit the country’s economy to raise and move funds to support the growth of ISIS affiliates and networks," Nelson said in a statement.

The sanctions target members of the Durban, South Africa-based ISIS cell led by Farhad Hoomer, who was previously targeted by sanctions. They are brothers Nufael Akbar and Yunus Mohamad Akbar, as well as Mohamad Akbar and Umar Akbar.

The companies hit with sanctions are MA Gold Traders (PTY) LTD, Bailey Holdings (PTY) LTD, Flexoseal Waterproofing Solutions (PTY) LTD, HJ Bannister Construction CC, Sultans Construction CC, Ashiq Jewellers CC, Ineos Trading (PTY) LTD, and Shaahista Shoes&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The United States on Monday targetted member of Islamic State cell with sanctions. The cell is operating in South Africa. The sanctions have been imposed on the individuals as well as companies they control.

The United States on Monday targetted member of Islamic State cell with sanctions. The cell is operating in South Africa. The sanctions have been imposed on the individuals as well as companies they control. US Treasury Department said that the aim of the action was to choke off support for the network and control their expansion in the region. "Today, Treasury is targeting key individuals in ISIS's network in South Africa, as well as their business assets, who have played pivotal roles in enabling terrorism and other criminal activities in the region," said Brian E. Nelson, Treasury's top terrorist finance watchdog. The sanctions blacklisted four individuals and eight companies. Their assets in US, if any, were frozen. The sanctions deny these individuals and companies ability to use the US financial system. "The United States, as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, will continue to partner with South Africa to deny ISIS the ability to exploit the country’s economy to raise and move funds to support the growth of ISIS affiliates and networks," Nelson said in a statement. The sanctions target members of the Durban, South Africa-based ISIS cell led by Farhad Hoomer, who was previously targeted by sanctions. They are brothers Nufael Akbar and Yunus Mohamad Akbar, as well as Mohamad Akbar and Umar Akbar. The companies hit with sanctions are MA Gold Traders (PTY) LTD, Bailey Holdings (PTY) LTD, Flexoseal Waterproofing Solutions (PTY) LTD, HJ Bannister Construction CC, Sultans Construction CC, Ashiq Jewellers CC, Ineos Trading (PTY) LTD, and Shaahista Shoes (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US targets South Africa ISIS cell with sanctions

Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the Shia holy shrine gun attack in southern Iran that killed at least 15 people and injured over 40 on Wednesday.

Three IS terrorists opened fire on worshippers at the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz city, "killing at least 20 Shiites and wounded dozens of others", the radical Sunni Muslim jihadist group said in a statement via Telegram channels.

According to local reports, the attack was carried out by three armed men in the evening. The enforcement agencies have caught two of the terrorists while the hunt is on for the third one.

Earlier state-run Nour news reported that the attackers were not Iranian nationals.

According to Fars News Agency, one woman and two children were among those killed in Shiraz, a popular destination for pilgrimages and tourism.

It is a very rare incident as the last such attack to take place in the city was in April 2008 when a bomb planted in a mosque killed 14 people.

Condemning the attack, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed “regrettable response” against those responsible for the Shiraz attack.

“Experience shows that Iran’s enemies, after failing to create a split in the nation’s united ranks, take revenge through violence and terror. This evil will definitely not go unanswered, and the security and law enforcement agencies will teach a lesson to those who designed the attack,” Raisi said, according to Tasnim news agency.

The Wednesday attack comes at a time when the nation is gripped by street protests against the regime over the custodial death of 23-year-old Mhasa Amini.

According to rights groups, more than 200 protesters have been killed and thousands have been arrested.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the Shia holy shrine gun attack in southern Iran that killed at least 15 people and injured over 40 on Wednesday.

Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the Shia holy shrine gun attack in southern Iran that killed at least 15 people and injured over 40 on Wednesday. Three IS terrorists opened fire on worshippers at the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz city, "killing at least 20 Shiites and wounded dozens of others", the radical Sunni Muslim jihadist group said in a statement via Telegram channels. According to local reports, the attack was carried out by three armed men in the evening. The enforcement agencies have caught two of the terrorists while the hunt is on for the third one. Earlier state-run Nour news reported that the attackers were not Iranian nationals. According to Fars News Agency, one woman and two children were among those killed in Shiraz, a popular destination for pilgrimages and tourism. It is a very rare incident as the last such attack to take place in the city was in April 2008 when a bomb planted in a mosque killed 14 people. Condemning the attack, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed “regrettable response” against those responsible for the Shiraz attack. “Experience shows that Iran’s enemies, after failing to create a split in the nation’s united ranks, take revenge through violence and terror. This evil will definitely not go unanswered, and the security and law enforcement agencies will teach a lesson to those who designed the attack,” Raisi said, according to Tasnim news agency. The Wednesday attack comes at a time when the nation is gripped by street protests against the regime over the custodial death of 23-year-old Mhasa Amini. According to rights groups, more than 200 protesters have been killed and thousands have been arrested. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISIS claims Iran shrine attack, president Raisi vows strong response

"These two companies have admitted to engaging in criminal conduct that constitutes material support to terrorism in both legal and practical terms and there is no justification for multinational corporations to authorize payments to a designated terrorist groups," says Matthew Olsen, US Attorney General on Lafarge row.

'No justification for companies to authorise payments to terror groups,' says US Attorney General

French cement-maker Lafarge has pleaded guilty for supporting ISIS and other terror groups. The firm paid millions of dollars to the terrorist group to keep a plant operational in Syria.

World Business Watch: Lafarge fined $778 million for supporting terror groups in Syria

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old.

On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute

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The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured.

Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes.&nbsp;The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim.

Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-court-allows-euthanasia-for-paraplegic-gunman-awaiting-trail-504289">Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail</a>

Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised.

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident".

As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year.&nbsp;She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news.&nbsp;'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it".

"With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote.

In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already."

(With inputs from agencies)

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

&nbsp;

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The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they? A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old. On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off. Watch | Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured. Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes. The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim. Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020. Also read | Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident". As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year. She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news. 'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it". "With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote. In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already." (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belgium woman gets euthanised after battling post-terror attack mental trauma for six years

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed.

The operation came just days after an ISIS smuggler was killed by the US forces. The United States has increased its operations in the area and has been targeting senior ISIS officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-power-plant-is-a-ukrainian-facility-says-head-of-un-nuclear-watchdog-523122" hreflang="en">Zaporizhzhia plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog</a>

“Last night, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in northeast Syria, near the village of Qamishli, targeting Rakkan Wahid al-Shammri, an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations. During the operation, the targeted individual was killed and one of his associates was wounded,” the Central Command said.

In the build-up to the operation on Thursday, the forces collected around 1000 hours of intelligence to minimise collateral damage and they were successful in keeping all the nearby civilians safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-requests-halt-on-legal-proceedings-in-twitter-dispute-case-523146">US judge halts Musk-Twitter lawsuit ahead of possible $44 billion takeover</a>

“USCENTCOM is committed to our allies and partners in the enduring defeat of ISIS,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Joe Buccino said in a statement while addressing the recent strikes.

The Biden administration has repeatedly made their intentions clear about shifting the military away gradually from the middle east. But, with the new operations, questioned have been asked about whether they can be looking to maintain control over a region which has recently seen interest from two of the world’s other superpowers – China and Russia.

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed.

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed. The operation came just days after an ISIS smuggler was killed by the US forces. The United States has increased its operations in the area and has been targeting senior ISIS officials. Also read | Zaporizhzhia plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog “Last night, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in northeast Syria, near the village of Qamishli, targeting Rakkan Wahid al-Shammri, an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations. During the operation, the targeted individual was killed and one of his associates was wounded,” the Central Command said. In the build-up to the operation on Thursday, the forces collected around 1000 hours of intelligence to minimise collateral damage and they were successful in keeping all the nearby civilians safe. Also read | US judge halts Musk-Twitter lawsuit ahead of possible $44 billion takeover “USCENTCOM is committed to our allies and partners in the enduring defeat of ISIS,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Joe Buccino said in a statement while addressing the recent strikes. The Biden administration has repeatedly made their intentions clear about shifting the military away gradually from the middle east. But, with the new operations, questioned have been asked about whether they can be looking to maintain control over a region which has recently seen interest from two of the world’s other superpowers – China and Russia.

Two top Islamic State terrorists killed in US air raids conducted in Syria

Moving on our muscle is often associated to ISIS or war but the city is a treasure trove, a culture, a link to history and heritage, one that Iraq is trying to revive now using tourism and virtual.

Iraq: VR to revive war-ravaged heritage, government tries to revive tourism

According to an accusation made in a new book, Shamima Begum and two other schoolgirls were transported into Syria from the UK by a spy working for Canadian intelligence.

Book claims spy for Canada smuggled Shamima Begum, 2 other schoolgirls to Syria

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia nabbed an ISIS suicide bomber who was planning a high profile terrorist attack against one of the representatives of the ruling circle of India.

I-S terrorist held by Russia's top security agency, admits plot against Indian leader

Saudi-born Canadian jihadist Mohammed Khalifa, who had confessed to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, was sentenced to life in prison in the United States.

Mohammed Khalifa belonged to the Islamic State group’s propaganda production unit and reportedly played a key role in narrating violent videos, the Justice Department informed. Khalifa, 39, had left Canada in 2013 to join the IS in Syria and was in the propaganda cell.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-us-drone-strike-kills-islamic-state-syria-chief-maher-al-agal-496833">Also Read:&nbsp;Pentagon says US drone strike kills Islamic State Syria chief Maher al-Agal</a>

Khalifa served as a lead translator in ISIS’s propaganda production and the English-speaking narrator on multiple violent ISIS videos, the US State Department revealed while adding that&nbsp;the productions narrated by Khalifa include two of the most “influential and exceptionally violent” ISIS propaganda videos named “Flames of War: Fighting Has Just Begun” in 2014, and “Flames of War II: Until the Final Hour,” distributed in 2017.

Watch:&nbsp;Islamic state 'Beatles' cell member convicted in US

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Khalifa was also involved in the&nbsp;brutal hostage-taking and ransom demand campaign involving journalists and humanitarian aid workers in Syria, the US agency said.

“Khalifa engaged in fighting on behalf of ISIS and attacked an SDF position in Abu Badran, Syria,” the US Justice Department said. Khalifa surrendered to the SDF in 2019 and was taken into custody by the FBI last year.

In December last year, Khalifa pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, resulting in death. The US informed that between August 2014 and February 2015, the Islamic state killed eight American, British and Japanese citizens in Syria as part of the hostage scheme.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Saudi-born Canadian jihadist Mohammed Khalifa, who had confessed to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, was sentenced to life in prison in the United States.

Saudi-born Canadian jihadist Mohammed Khalifa, who had confessed to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, was sentenced to life in prison in the United States. Mohammed Khalifa belonged to the Islamic State group’s propaganda production unit and reportedly played a key role in narrating violent videos, the Justice Department informed. Khalifa, 39, had left Canada in 2013 to join the IS in Syria and was in the propaganda cell. Also Read: Pentagon says US drone strike kills Islamic State Syria chief Maher al-Agal Khalifa served as a lead translator in ISIS’s propaganda production and the English-speaking narrator on multiple violent ISIS videos, the US State Department revealed while adding that the productions narrated by Khalifa include two of the most “influential and exceptionally violent” ISIS propaganda videos named “Flames of War: Fighting Has Just Begun” in 2014, and “Flames of War II: Until the Final Hour,” distributed in 2017. Watch: Islamic state 'Beatles' cell member convicted in US Khalifa was also involved in the brutal hostage-taking and ransom demand campaign involving journalists and humanitarian aid workers in Syria, the US agency said. “Khalifa engaged in fighting on behalf of ISIS and attacked an SDF position in Abu Badran, Syria,” the US Justice Department said. Khalifa surrendered to the SDF in 2019 and was taken into custody by the FBI last year. In December last year, Khalifa pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, resulting in death. The US informed that between August 2014 and February 2015, the Islamic state killed eight American, British and Japanese citizens in Syria as part of the hostage scheme. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US sentences Islamic State's Saudi-born Canadian terrorist to life imprisonment

Intel reports indicate that the Islamic State tried to develop chemical weapons to strike targets in western Europe. How close did ISIS get to developing these weapons? How can we avoid a repeat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: ISIS planned chemical weapon attack on Europe

A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, to a city once ruled by jihadists, who carried out mass executions. Hisham Khaled often visited the Hamam al-Alil baths as a child with his father but since the facility's restoration, he comes alone. His father, a policeman, was executed near the baths by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2016. 
&nbsp; 
Located 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mosul, Hamam al-Alil -- meaning the baths of the sick in Arabic -- built a solid reputation over decades with its therapeutic sulphurous waters. But the spa and surrounding village, which shares the same name, are now also known for massacres committed by IS during its occupation of the area. 
&nbsp; 
"I lost the people who were dearest to me," says Khaled, 21, sitting shirtless and in his underpants near the spa's circular pool, as reported by AFP. 
&nbsp; 
Like other parts of the Mosul area, the slow pace of reconstruction, five years after the jihadists were driven out, leaves locals frustrated. But last month's reopening of the baths, on the banks of the Tigris River, contributes to a return to normality, even if the scars of conflict remain. Khaled is now a masseur at the spa and bathes regularly. He says the sulphur-rich waters have cured him of an allergy and dermatological problems.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-did-century-old-3800-tonne-building-in-shanghai-start-walking-496092">&nbsp;How did this century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai start 'walking'?</a> 
&nbsp; 
The resort, built in 1984, accommodates between 75 and 100 people, with men and women using separate areas. &nbsp;On surrounding sidewalks, makeshift stalls sell plastic bottles filled with sulphurous mud. After the defeat of IS in 2017, the baths remained popular although the building had fallen into disrepair, with chipped tiles and broken windows. In 2019, authorities undertook renovation work costing $500,000.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In late 2016, months before being driven out of Mosul by the Iraqi army and a US-led international coalition, IS rounded up and executed hundreds of people. 
&nbsp; 
The bodies of some of the victims were initially found dumped in the open among garbage, leading investigators to the mass grave estimated to hold "the bodies of at least 300 former local police officers", Human Rights Watch said at the time. Today, local officials denounce the slow pace of identifying the bodies as DNA testing is still underway. The jihadists "worked at night, they executed them and buried them with a bulldozer", explains Ahmed, the spa employee. 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, to a city once ruled by jihadists, who carried out mass executions.

A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, to a city once ruled by jihadists, who carried out mass executions. Hisham Khaled often visited the Hamam al-Alil baths as a child with his father but since the facility's restoration, he comes alone. His father, a policeman, was executed near the baths by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2016. Located 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mosul, Hamam al-Alil -- meaning the baths of the sick in Arabic -- built a solid reputation over decades with its therapeutic sulphurous waters. But the spa and surrounding village, which shares the same name, are now also known for massacres committed by IS during its occupation of the area. "I lost the people who were dearest to me," says Khaled, 21, sitting shirtless and in his underpants near the spa's circular pool, as reported by AFP. Like other parts of the Mosul area, the slow pace of reconstruction, five years after the jihadists were driven out, leaves locals frustrated. But last month's reopening of the baths, on the banks of the Tigris River, contributes to a return to normality, even if the scars of conflict remain. Khaled is now a masseur at the spa and bathes regularly. He says the sulphur-rich waters have cured him of an allergy and dermatological problems. Also Read: How did this century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai start 'walking'? The resort, built in 1984, accommodates between 75 and 100 people, with men and women using separate areas. On surrounding sidewalks, makeshift stalls sell plastic bottles filled with sulphurous mud. After the defeat of IS in 2017, the baths remained popular although the building had fallen into disrepair, with chipped tiles and broken windows. In 2019, authorities undertook renovation work costing $500,000. In late 2016, months before being driven out of Mosul by the Iraqi army and a US-led international coalition, IS rounded up and executed hundreds of people. The bodies of some of the victims were initially found dumped in the open among garbage, leading investigators to the mass grave estimated to hold "the bodies of at least 300 former local police officers", Human Rights Watch said at the time. Today, local officials denounce the slow pace of identifying the bodies as DNA testing is still underway. The jihadists "worked at night, they executed them and buried them with a bulldozer", explains Ahmed, the spa employee. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraq's Hamams: Once IS mass execution sites, now being restored as mineral spa

A series of explosions rattled Afghanistan on Wednesday, four bombs ripped through minibuses and mosque in the country, three of which targeted a minivan in the country's northern area while the fourth blast took place inside a mosque in Afghanistan's capital Kabul according to officials the death count has now risen to 16.

Explosions rock Afghanistan, ISIS claims responsibility for three attacks that killed 16

Four bombs ripped through vans and a mosque in Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people. Hours after the explosions, the Islamic State group (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the three attacks.

12 killed as four blasts rip through Afghanistan

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: ISIS claims attack on Shiite Mosque | Israel-Palestine tensions

The Interior ministry of Tunisia said in an official statement on Wednesday that they have dismantled a terrorist cell linked to ISIS. According to the statement, the units from the Anti-Terrorism department at Tunisia’s National Guard broke up militants who were linked to an extremist group that had earlier pledged allegiance to ISIS in the southern Tunisian city of Tataouine.<o:p></o:p>

The statement from the interior ministry also stated that the Tunisian authorities believed that the cell was planning attacks with explosives and was trying to recruit young people.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-is-the-western-press-asking-same-agenda-driven-motivated-questions-462899">&nbsp;</a></o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-is-the-western-press-asking-same-agenda-driven-motivated-questions-462899">'Give Ukraine weapons': Is the western press asking same, agenda-driven, motivated questions?</a><o:p></o:p>

“The cell included six members and is active in the Tataouine region led by a Takfiri (extremist) fighter. Its fighters had pledged allegiance to the leader of the so-called ISIS terrorist group. They deliberately attracted a group of young men to adopt the Takfiri ideology and also planned to manufacture explosive materials,” the statement read.<o:p></o:p>

In the last year, there have been a number of reports regarding militants close to ISIS planning terror attacks in Tunisia. According to a recent report by Reuters, it is estimated that more than 3,000 Tunisians have joined the war in Syria and Iraq fighting on the side of the Islamic State.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-north-korea-missile-fails-after-launch-over-pyongyang-462817">Suspected North Korea missile fails after launch over Pyongyang</a>

The Tunisian army has been battling armed extremist groups since 2012 in the country’s central mountains and according to the reports, they include fighters from Jund al-Khalifa, or “Soldiers of the Caliphate”, linked to the ISIS group and jihadists from Okba Ibn Nafaa.<o:p></o:p>

In 2015, assailants killed 15 soldiers on Mount Chaambi and in February this year, ISIS claimed responsibility for the death of four soldiers in the three blasts near Mount Mghila.<o:p></o:p>

The Interior ministry of Tunisia said in an official statement on Wednesday that they have dismantled a terrorist cell linked to ISIS. According to the statement, the units from the Anti-Terrorism department at Tunisia’s National Guard broke up militants who were linked to an extremist group that had earlier pledged allegiance to ISIS in the southern Tunisian city of Tataouine.

The Interior ministry of Tunisia said in an official statement on Wednesday that they have dismantled a terrorist cell linked to ISIS. According to the statement, the units from the Anti-Terrorism department at Tunisia’s National Guard broke up militants who were linked to an extremist group that had earlier pledged allegiance to ISIS in the southern Tunisian city of Tataouine. The statement from the interior ministry also stated that the Tunisian authorities believed that the cell was planning attacks with explosives and was trying to recruit young people. Also read | 'Give Ukraine weapons': Is the western press asking same, agenda-driven, motivated questions? “The cell included six members and is active in the Tataouine region led by a Takfiri (extremist) fighter. Its fighters had pledged allegiance to the leader of the so-called ISIS terrorist group. They deliberately attracted a group of young men to adopt the Takfiri ideology and also planned to manufacture explosive materials,” the statement read. In the last year, there have been a number of reports regarding militants close to ISIS planning terror attacks in Tunisia. According to a recent report by Reuters, it is estimated that more than 3,000 Tunisians have joined the war in Syria and Iraq fighting on the side of the Islamic State. Also read | Suspected North Korea missile fails after launch over Pyongyang The Tunisian army has been battling armed extremist groups since 2012 in the country’s central mountains and according to the reports, they include fighters from Jund al-Khalifa, or “Soldiers of the Caliphate”, linked to the ISIS group and jihadists from Okba Ibn Nafaa. In 2015, assailants killed 15 soldiers on Mount Chaambi and in February this year, ISIS claimed responsibility for the death of four soldiers in the three blasts near Mount Mghila.

Tunisia dismantles terrorist group linked to ISIS in Tataouine

The new leader of ISIS, whose appointment the group announced on Thursday, is the brother of slain former caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to two Iraqi security officials and one Western security source.

ISIS named its new leader Abu al-Hassan al-Hashemi al-Quraishi in a recorded audio message distributed online.

The announcement came weeks after the death last month of Abu Ibrahim al-Quraishi, the man who in turn succeeded Baghdadi in 2019 and became the group's second so-called caliph. Both Baghdadi and Quraishi died by blowing themselves and family members up during U.S. raids on their hideouts in northern Syria.

ISIS, a successor to al Qaeda's notoriously bloodthirsty Iraq branch, has its roots in an Islamist insurgency against U.S. forces after they invaded Iraq and toppled Sunni Muslim dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

ISIS in its current form emerged from the chaos of the civil war in neighbouring Syria last decade and took over vast swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Baghdadi declared an Islamic caliphate from a mosque in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in 2014 and proclaimed himself caliph of all Muslims.

ISIS's brutal rule, during which it killed and executed thousands of people in the name of its narrow interpretation of Islam, came to an end in Mosul when Iraqi and international forces defeated the group there in 2017.

Its remaining thousands of militants have in recent years mostly hid out in remote territory but are still able to carry out significant insurgent-style attacks.

Close Baghdadi Aide

The new leader's real name is Juma Awad al-Badri, he is Iraqi and Baghdadi's elder brother, two Iraqi security officials told Reuters on Friday. A Western security official confirmed the two men were brothers, but did not specify which was older.

It is the first time this has been revealed since ISIS announced the new leader. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to media.

Little is known about Badri, but he comes from a close circle of shadowy, battle-hardened Iraqi jihadists who emerged in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S. invasion.

"Badri is a radical who joined salafi jihadist groups in 2003 and was known to always accompany Baghdadi as a personal companion and Islamic legal adviser," one of the Iraqi security officials said.

The official said Badri has long been head of ISIS's Shura Council, a leadership group that guides strategy and decides succession when a caliph is killed or captured.

Research by the late Iraqi ISIS expert Hisham al-Hashemi published online in 2020 said Badri was leader of the five-member Shura Council.

The audio recording announcing the new leader said he had been named by Quraishi as his successor before his death.

Badri's nom-de-guerre, also Quraishi, indicates that like his brother and his predecessor he is believed to trace his lineage from the Prophet Mohammed, giving him religious clout among fellow jihadists.

Iraqi security officials and analysts have said that the new leader will continue trying to wage attacks across Iraq and Syria and that he might have his own vision for how those attacks are carried out.

New Security Threat

One of the Iraqi security officials who spoke to Reuters on Friday said Badri had recently moved across the border from Syria, where he has been holed up, and into Iraq.

Badri will inherit control over financial resources that are significant, according to a report written in December by the United Nations sanctions monitoring team.

"Recent assessments ... put the group's reserves at between $25 million and $50 million," it said, but added that ISIS spends more than it earns, relying on "opportunistic extortion, looting and kidnap for ransom."

Badri has two other brothers, one detained for years by Iraqi security services, the Iraqi security official said. The other brother's whereabouts is not known, but he is believed to be another Islamist radical, he said.

The new leader of ISIS, whose appointment the group announced on Thursday, is the brother of slain former caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to two Iraqi security officials and one Western security source.

The new leader of ISIS, whose appointment the group announced on Thursday, is the brother of slain former caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to two Iraqi security officials and one Western security source. ISIS named its new leader Abu al-Hassan al-Hashemi al-Quraishi in a recorded audio message distributed online. The announcement came weeks after the death last month of Abu Ibrahim al-Quraishi, the man who in turn succeeded Baghdadi in 2019 and became the group's second so-called caliph. Both Baghdadi and Quraishi died by blowing themselves and family members up during U.S. raids on their hideouts in northern Syria. ISIS, a successor to al Qaeda's notoriously bloodthirsty Iraq branch, has its roots in an Islamist insurgency against U.S. forces after they invaded Iraq and toppled Sunni Muslim dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. ISIS in its current form emerged from the chaos of the civil war in neighbouring Syria last decade and took over vast swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Baghdadi declared an Islamic caliphate from a mosque in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in 2014 and proclaimed himself caliph of all Muslims. ISIS's brutal rule, during which it killed and executed thousands of people in the name of its narrow interpretation of Islam, came to an end in Mosul when Iraqi and international forces defeated the group there in 2017. Its remaining thousands of militants have in recent years mostly hid out in remote territory but are still able to carry out significant insurgent-style attacks. Close Baghdadi Aide The new leader's real name is Juma Awad al-Badri, he is Iraqi and Baghdadi's elder brother, two Iraqi security officials told Reuters on Friday. A Western security official confirmed the two men were brothers, but did not specify which was older. It is the first time this has been revealed since ISIS announced the new leader. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to media. Little is known about Badri, but he comes from a close circle of shadowy, battle-hardened Iraqi jihadists who emerged in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S. invasion. "Badri is a radical who joined salafi jihadist groups in 2003 and was known to always accompany Baghdadi as a personal companion and Islamic legal adviser," one of the Iraqi security officials said. The official said Badri has long been head of ISIS's Shura Council, a leadership group that guides strategy and decides succession when a caliph is killed or captured. Research by the late Iraqi ISIS expert Hisham al-Hashemi published online in 2020 said Badri was leader of the five-member Shura Council. The audio recording announcing the new leader said he had been named by Quraishi as his successor before his death. Badri's nom-de-guerre, also Quraishi, indicates that like his brother and his predecessor he is believed to trace his lineage from the Prophet Mohammed, giving him religious clout among fellow jihadists. Iraqi security officials and analysts have said that the new leader will continue trying to wage attacks across Iraq and Syria and that he might have his own vision for how those attacks are carried out. New Security Threat One of the Iraqi security officials who spoke to Reuters on Friday said Badri had recently moved across the border from Syria, where he has been holed up, and into Iraq. Badri will inherit control over financial resources that are significant, according to a report written in December by the United Nations sanctions monitoring team. "Recent assessments ... put the group's reserves at between $25 million and $50 million," it said, but added that ISIS spends more than it earns, relying on "opportunistic extortion, looting and kidnap for ransom." Badri has two other brothers, one detained for years by Iraqi security services, the Iraqi security official said. The other brother's whereabouts is not known, but he is believed to be another Islamist radical, he said.

New ISIS leader is close aide and brother of slain ‘caliph’

Despite major defeats in Syria and Iraq, ISIS still remains the greatest threat to security and stability in the world. The terrorists have switched recently to single hostile activities and heinous acts of terror in the EU and throughout Asia.

Social media became quite a good platform for ISIS recruiters to disseminate and spread information on the guidelines for ‘lone wolves’. Brainwashers urge them to organize and commit terrorist attacks in cities, social gathering places during public events and Christian holidays.

Major sporting events facilities are also a prior target for the jihadists.&nbsp;According to the Sun, ISIS radicals were planning to carry out attacks during the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games. The masterminds posted the step-by-step guide, which includes 17 different attack methods, on social network Telegram. The terrorists awaited the hostile activities to be implemented by the experienced militants as well as common people willing to swear allegiance to ISIS.

According to&nbsp;Mustaqila Press Agency, quite an interesting information has appeared recently on ISIS-supporters discussing via Telegram channels how to organize attacks on Olympic sites in South Korea. For its part, a year ago official Seoul claimed terror threat would rise. On June 19, 2016, the Yonhap news agency with the reference to the national intelligence service of South Korea&nbsp;reported on&nbsp;a series of attacks aimed at various military and government facilities. The intelligence sources said, not only the Koreans would be in danger but also the people of other states.

PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games venues seem to be the main ISIS targets in the near future. While losing control over territories and energy resources in Syria and Iraq with every passing day, the radicals are trying to increase their credibility by organizing attacks, which could lead to numerous human casualties.

At the same time, the level of 2018 sports events’ attendance is in question. Currently, just only one-third of tickets have been sold. Most likely, the main reasons are the terrorist attacks’ threats and provocations from North Korea.

A number of European countries are considering the security measures at the Olympic Games in PyeongChang. France’s Winter Olympics team will not go to the 2018 Games in South Korea if its security cannot be guaranteed, France’s sports minister, Laura Flessel&nbsp;said&nbsp;on September 21, 2017. The more so, British Olympic leaders have plans in place to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;athletes from the 2018 Pyeongchang Games amid terrorist and nuclear threats.

The 2018 Olympic Games would be attended by sports fans from more than 80 countries. Ensuring security of such a number of people will become a serious challenge for the special security services and interior ministry of South Korea. People should realize that the trip to PyeongChang is quite dangerous as for someone it will be a festival of sport, and for the terrorists, it would be a festival of violence.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

People should realise that the trip to PyeongChang is quite dangerous as for someone it will be a festival of sport, and for the terrorists, it would be a festival of violence.

Despite major defeats in Syria and Iraq, ISIS still remains the greatest threat to security and stability in the world. The terrorists have switched recently to single hostile activities and heinous acts of terror in the EU and throughout Asia. Social media became quite a good platform for ISIS recruiters to disseminate and spread information on the guidelines for ‘lone wolves’. Brainwashers urge them to organize and commit terrorist attacks in cities, social gathering places during public events and Christian holidays. Major sporting events facilities are also a prior target for the jihadists. According to the Sun, ISIS radicals were planning to carry out attacks during the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games. The masterminds posted the step-by-step guide, which includes 17 different attack methods, on social network Telegram. The terrorists awaited the hostile activities to be implemented by the experienced militants as well as common people willing to swear allegiance to ISIS. According to Mustaqila Press Agency, quite an interesting information has appeared recently on ISIS-supporters discussing via Telegram channels how to organize attacks on Olympic sites in South Korea. For its part, a year ago official Seoul claimed terror threat would rise. On June 19, 2016, the Yonhap news agency with the reference to the national intelligence service of South Korea reported on a series of attacks aimed at various military and government facilities. The intelligence sources said, not only the Koreans would be in danger but also the people of other states. PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games venues seem to be the main ISIS targets in the near future. While losing control over territories and energy resources in Syria and Iraq with every passing day, the radicals are trying to increase their credibility by organizing attacks, which could lead to numerous human casualties. At the same time, the level of 2018 sports events’ attendance is in question. Currently, just only one-third of tickets have been sold. Most likely, the main reasons are the terrorist attacks’ threats and provocations from North Korea. A number of European countries are considering the security measures at the Olympic Games in PyeongChang. France’s Winter Olympics team will not go to the 2018 Games in South Korea if its security cannot be guaranteed, France’s sports minister, Laura Flessel said on September 21, 2017. The more so, British Olympic leaders have plans in place to evacuate athletes from the 2018 Pyeongchang Games amid terrorist and nuclear threats. The 2018 Olympic Games would be attended by sports fans from more than 80 countries. Ensuring security of such a number of people will become a serious challenge for the special security services and interior ministry of South Korea. People should realize that the trip to PyeongChang is quite dangerous as for someone it will be a festival of sport, and for the terrorists, it would be a festival of violence. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Will ISIS blow up Olympics in Korea?

Reports are circulating that the ISIS is renewing its leadership as well as changing personnel. Senior officials in hiding are trying to optimise the management of their structure and continue to carry out illegal subversive activities in a number of Western countries.

&nbsp;

According to the sources, ISIS leadership is still under Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The representatives of ISIS military council are Iyad Abdulrahman al-Abadi, who is known as Abu Saleh al-Haifa and Abu al-Harith Bashar Ismail al-Jarjar. For all the security issues Iyad Hamid Khalifa al-Jamili, known as Abdulrahman Ansari, and Abu Ali at-Turkmeni from Turkmenistan known as Abdul Bin Waheed Bin Khader Bin Ahmad are responsible. One of the high-ranking field commanders is Mustafa Sat Marim al-Nasr, also known as Masib As-Suri. The coordinators and official representatives, as well as spokesmen of the radical group, are Abu Hajir al-Sufi and Abu Hasan al-Muhajir. Besides, Abu Salah (Mustafa Mohamed al-Jarmusch) runs the financial management of ISIS.

&nbsp;

There are also a number of specific posts in the jihadi Caliphate. For example, Abu Muhammad is in charge of all the prisons on the IS-controlled territory, and Abu Saji, known as Khairi Abd al-Khumud at-Taiami, is responsible for the social policy of the jihadists. Abu Shimaa, also known as Faris Riyad al-Naimi, is engaged in all the kinds of weapons supplies while a citizen of Tunisia Tariq bin al-Tahar bin al-Falih al-Awni al-Harzi, known as Abu Umar al-Tunisi, is in charge of the operations with the use of suicide bombers in Syria. According to some sources, he wasn’t killed in a U.S. drone strike at Shaddadi in north-eastern Syria on 16 June 2015, but this has not been confirmed yet.

&nbsp;

In addition, Abu Qasim, known as Abdallah Ahmad al-Mashhadani, oversees the meeting from abroad and training of new militants, as well as the brainwashing of the suicide bombers. The chief editor of IS affiliated ‘Dabiq’ magazine, Ahmad Abu Samra, is engaged in propaganda and interaction with mainstream media, and the social engineering and the organisational engineering in Twitter is conducted by Mahdi Saidi. Subversive activities are concentrated in the hands of Abu Amr al-Kardash and his assistant for distant mining is Abu Amr al-Malcum.

&nbsp;

It is also noticed that ISIS economy is concentrated in the hands of the Minister Haydar al-‘Abadi (Ahmad al-Salih) and his deputy named Abu Hazma. ISIS emir in Western Kalamun is Muafik al-Jarban Abu as-Sus, and in the south of Damascus is Abu al-Dahman. Military operations in the south of Syria are led by Abu Samir al-Urduni, Jordanian by nationality. The sources also report that the head of the ISIS-affiliated Jaysh Khalid ibn al-Walid Army in the south of Syria is Nadir al-Zeyab (Abu Ali), and her military leader is Abd al-Karim al-Misri.

&nbsp;

That might be kind of weird for you to run accidentally into the above-mentioned FB-accounts when searching. Be prepared to see the photos of quite respectable citizens. Unfortunately, it is too far from the reality. The latest Inside Syria Media Center’ investigation of the so-called “White Helmets” FB-accounts showed that they are playing a double game on Facebook often disguised as everyday people.

&nbsp;

The more so, some of the high-ranking radicals managed to survive, although, in the U.S. reports they appear killed as a result of drones’ attacks or coalition’s airstrikes, eyewitnesses report. Does a mock take place here? It seems a conspiracy is prepared. You may be quite surprised to know that some high-ranking militants like jackals have fled recently to the territory of neighboring Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq at the first sign of threat against their lives. Many of the terrorists managed to deceive their allies on jihad. Together with their family, they took along their bloody looted property, leaving the rest of the radicals to the mercy of fate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Among the most famous militants who took advantage of the situation are the head of the so-called ‘Islamic Police’ in the province of Deir-Ezzor, Mahmoud Jaber Haij Rujuk, known as Abu Al-Jude, as well as Abu Laidan al-Iraqi responsible for the city of al-Mayadin. The others include the IS Minister of Agriculture, Abdulrahman Akal al-Araf (Abu al-Haras) along with his father, and the Secretary-General for Real Estate in the province of Deir-Ezzor, Abu Hazif al-Dashish.

&nbsp;

At the same time, the information about some previously appointed commanders remains unclear. It is known, for example, that the head of intelligence in the province of Deir Ezzor, Abu Firas Ash-Shahil, and his assistant have not been able to cope with their duties. But their fate is unknown at the moment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Many know ‘White Widow’ Sally Jones was responsible for suicide operations in the province of Raqqa. She was close to the border between Syria and Iraq when was allegedly killed by a U.S. drone strike in Syria in June 2017. This ‘office’ as well as many others in ISIS structure are vacant now or have been ‘reduced’ as a result of the Syrian Arab Army’s successful activity.

&nbsp;

Furthermore, there are no such positions as ‘a person responsible for Deir-Ezzor defense’. This position was earlier occupied by now escaped Ahmad al-Dunham and Abu Didjan al-Zor. Some more ranks vacant now include: ‘a person responsible for the Tunisian detachments in ISIS’ and ‘a person responsible for al-Bukamal defense’ which were held by Syrian Saddam al-Jamal. Such posts like ‘responsible for the security in Deir-Ezzor’ occupied by Iraqi native Abu Tawfiq al-Iraqi, as well as ‘responsible for finances in the province of Deir-Ezzor’ occupied by Abu Arif al-Iraqi were also relegated to the dustbin of history when their chiefs fled.

&nbsp;

It seems that ISIS days are numbered. The Syrian Arab army under the help of its allies broke the back of the powerful earlier structure and is now finishing off its remains. No personnel changes or other transformations in its ranks can help ISIS to rise from the ashes. The scattered ISIS-Islamists are still present on the Syrian soil, but they will have been dealt with in the end.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

No personnel changes or other transformations in its ranks can help ISIS to rise from the ashes.

Reports are circulating that the ISIS is renewing its leadership as well as changing personnel. Senior officials in hiding are trying to optimise the management of their structure and continue to carry out illegal subversive activities in a number of Western countries. According to the sources, ISIS leadership is still under Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The representatives of ISIS military council are Iyad Abdulrahman al-Abadi, who is known as Abu Saleh al-Haifa and Abu al-Harith Bashar Ismail al-Jarjar. For all the security issues Iyad Hamid Khalifa al-Jamili, known as Abdulrahman Ansari, and Abu Ali at-Turkmeni from Turkmenistan known as Abdul Bin Waheed Bin Khader Bin Ahmad are responsible. One of the high-ranking field commanders is Mustafa Sat Marim al-Nasr, also known as Masib As-Suri. The coordinators and official representatives, as well as spokesmen of the radical group, are Abu Hajir al-Sufi and Abu Hasan al-Muhajir. Besides, Abu Salah (Mustafa Mohamed al-Jarmusch) runs the financial management of ISIS. There are also a number of specific posts in the jihadi Caliphate. For example, Abu Muhammad is in charge of all the prisons on the IS-controlled territory, and Abu Saji, known as Khairi Abd al-Khumud at-Taiami, is responsible for the social policy of the jihadists. Abu Shimaa, also known as Faris Riyad al-Naimi, is engaged in all the kinds of weapons supplies while a citizen of Tunisia Tariq bin al-Tahar bin al-Falih al-Awni al-Harzi, known as Abu Umar al-Tunisi, is in charge of the operations with the use of suicide bombers in Syria. According to some sources, he wasn’t killed in a U.S. drone strike at Shaddadi in north-eastern Syria on 16 June 2015, but this has not been confirmed yet. In addition, Abu Qasim, known as Abdallah Ahmad al-Mashhadani, oversees the meeting from abroad and training of new militants, as well as the brainwashing of the suicide bombers. The chief editor of IS affiliated ‘Dabiq’ magazine, Ahmad Abu Samra, is engaged in propaganda and interaction with mainstream media, and the social engineering and the organisational engineering in Twitter is conducted by Mahdi Saidi. Subversive activities are concentrated in the hands of Abu Amr al-Kardash and his assistant for distant mining is Abu Amr al-Malcum. It is also noticed that ISIS economy is concentrated in the hands of the Minister Haydar al-‘Abadi (Ahmad al-Salih) and his deputy named Abu Hazma. ISIS emir in Western Kalamun is Muafik al-Jarban Abu as-Sus, and in the south of Damascus is Abu al-Dahman. Military operations in the south of Syria are led by Abu Samir al-Urduni, Jordanian by nationality. The sources also report that the head of the ISIS-affiliated Jaysh Khalid ibn al-Walid Army in the south of Syria is Nadir al-Zeyab (Abu Ali), and her military leader is Abd al-Karim al-Misri. That might be kind of weird for you to run accidentally into the above-mentioned FB-accounts when searching. Be prepared to see the photos of quite respectable citizens. Unfortunately, it is too far from the reality. The latest Inside Syria Media Center’ investigation of the so-called “White Helmets” FB-accounts showed that they are playing a double game on Facebook often disguised as everyday people. The more so, some of the high-ranking radicals managed to survive, although, in the U.S. reports they appear killed as a result of drones’ attacks or coalition’s airstrikes, eyewitnesses report. Does a mock take place here? It seems a conspiracy is prepared. You may be quite surprised to know that some high-ranking militants like jackals have fled recently to the territory of neighboring Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq at the first sign of threat against their lives. Many of the terrorists managed to deceive their allies on jihad. Together with their family, they took along their bloody looted property, leaving the rest of the radicals to the mercy of fate. Among the most famous militants who took advantage of the situation are the head of the so-called ‘Islamic Police’ in the province of Deir-Ezzor, Mahmoud Jaber Haij Rujuk, known as Abu Al-Jude, as well as Abu Laidan al-Iraqi responsible for the city of al-Mayadin. The others include the IS Minister of Agriculture, Abdulrahman Akal al-Araf (Abu al-Haras) along with his father, and the Secretary-General for Real Estate in the province of Deir-Ezzor, Abu Hazif al-Dashish. At the same time, the information about some previously appointed commanders remains unclear. It is known, for example, that the head of intelligence in the province of Deir Ezzor, Abu Firas Ash-Shahil, and his assistant have not been able to cope with their duties. But their fate is unknown at the moment. Many know ‘White Widow’ Sally Jones was responsible for suicide operations in the province of Raqqa. She was close to the border between Syria and Iraq when was allegedly killed by a U.S. drone strike in Syria in June 2017. This ‘office’ as well as many others in ISIS structure are vacant now or have been ‘reduced’ as a result of the Syrian Arab Army’s successful activity. Furthermore, there are no such positions as ‘a person responsible for Deir-Ezzor defense’. This position was earlier occupied by now escaped Ahmad al-Dunham and Abu Didjan al-Zor. Some more ranks vacant now include: ‘a person responsible for the Tunisian detachments in ISIS’ and ‘a person responsible for al-Bukamal defense’ which were held by Syrian Saddam al-Jamal. Such posts like ‘responsible for the security in Deir-Ezzor’ occupied by Iraqi native Abu Tawfiq al-Iraqi, as well as ‘responsible for finances in the province of Deir-Ezzor’ occupied by Abu Arif al-Iraqi were also relegated to the dustbin of history when their chiefs fled. It seems that ISIS days are numbered. The Syrian Arab army under the help of its allies broke the back of the powerful earlier structure and is now finishing off its remains. No personnel changes or other transformations in its ranks can help ISIS to rise from the ashes. The scattered ISIS-Islamists are still present on the Syrian soil, but they will have been dealt with in the end. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Fatally wounded ISIS trying to reappoint its killers

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