Syrian President Bashar Al Assad was in China last week. It was the first trip by a Syrian leader in decades. While in Beijing, Assad sat down with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders pledged a new beginning for their diplomatic ties. This is a partnership that benefits both. But there is more to the picture, Will China's tall statements actually materialise?

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad visits China

China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22). 
 
The meeting of the two leaders in the Chinese city of Hangzhou gave a boost to the campaign of Assad to come back to the global stage while permitting China to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, where the country is already aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. 
 
"China opposes interference by external forces in Syria's internal affairs... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria," stated a readout of the talks which was published by Chinese state media. 
 
Assad was also informed by Xi that China will extend help to Syria in countering domestic unrest and rebuilding its ruined economy and even by upgrading ties to a "strategic partnership".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-metoo-journalist-and-labour-rights-activists-secret-trial-begins-in-guangzhou-638615">China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou</a>

The endorsement of Xi should strengthen the efforts of Assad to plot a way back from what can be called a pariah status. In 2022, Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Arab League welcomed it back in May.

<h2>China's comprehensive strategic partnership</h2>

In the diplomatic language of China, a "strategic partnership" implies closer co-ordination on international and regional affairs, which includes the military sphere. 
 
This is one grade below what China calls a "comprehensive strategic partnership". 
 
Since the civil war started in 2011 with a crackdown on protests, killing of hundreds of people and displacement of millions, western sanctions have been steadily tightened on Syria. 
 
The government of Assad, supported by Iran and Russia, now controls most of the territory of Syria and has re-established ties with Arab neighbours, which once supported his opponents, in recent years.

WATCH |&nbsp;China working on its own maritime spy project

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-working-on-its-own-maritime-spy-project-638657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Syria is in desperate need of foreign investment for its industry and infrastructure. Its dire economic situation has led to protests in southern Syria in which people appealed for the removal of the president. 
 
"China is reinforcing its message that it is there to try and help countries resolve their disputes and that peace stems from economic development," stated Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca'Foscari, University of Venice. 
 
"(China) is trying to perform a useful role from a distance. As they did with the Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement deal," he further said.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22).

China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22). The meeting of the two leaders in the Chinese city of Hangzhou gave a boost to the campaign of Assad to come back to the global stage while permitting China to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, where the country is already aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. "China opposes interference by external forces in Syria's internal affairs... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria," stated a readout of the talks which was published by Chinese state media. Assad was also informed by Xi that China will extend help to Syria in countering domestic unrest and rebuilding its ruined economy and even by upgrading ties to a "strategic partnership". ALSO READ | China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou The endorsement of Xi should strengthen the efforts of Assad to plot a way back from what can be called a pariah status. In 2022, Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Arab League welcomed it back in May. China's comprehensive strategic partnership In the diplomatic language of China, a "strategic partnership" implies closer co-ordination on international and regional affairs, which includes the military sphere. This is one grade below what China calls a "comprehensive strategic partnership". Since the civil war started in 2011 with a crackdown on protests, killing of hundreds of people and displacement of millions, western sanctions have been steadily tightened on Syria. The government of Assad, supported by Iran and Russia, now controls most of the territory of Syria and has re-established ties with Arab neighbours, which once supported his opponents, in recent years. WATCH | China working on its own maritime spy project Syria is in desperate need of foreign investment for its industry and infrastructure. Its dire economic situation has led to protests in southern Syria in which people appealed for the removal of the president. "China is reinforcing its message that it is there to try and help countries resolve their disputes and that peace stems from economic development," stated Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca'Foscari, University of Venice. "(China) is trying to perform a useful role from a distance. As they did with the Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement deal," he further said. 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

China's Xi holds rare talks with Syria's Assad, appeals West to lift sanctions against latter

China and Syria, on Friday, upgraded their bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership” during a summit meeting between Xi Jinping and his visiting Syrian counterpart, Bashar Al-Assad, Beijing said.

Xi-Assad meet: China, Syria upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'

China has offered to help the war-torn nation of Syria with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Syrian President announcing the formation of a strategic partnership.

Syria's efforts to boost commercial ties

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is on his first official trip to China in almost two decades. Beijing has been a long time ally and Bashar Al-Assad is seeking financial support to help rebuild his devastating country.

Syria President Bashar Al-Assad visits China seeking funds on his first official trip to the country

The controversial cluster bombs which were supplied by the united states of America to Ukraine are now being used against the Russian military positions according to the white house Kyiv is using these cluster munitions quite effectively. How will the use of cluster munitions impact the ongoing war?

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's new cluster munition death pass Syria

Syria's President Bashar Assad will head to China later this week in his first visit to Beijing since the start of his country's 12-year conflict during which China has been one of his main backers, his office said Tuesday.

Syria's Bashar Assad to visit China in first trip since 2004

More than 100 Syrians, including entire families, died in flash flooding that killed thousands in Libya's eastern city of Derna last week, a war monitor said.

Thousands of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland over the past 12 years for Libya, which has become a launchpad for migrants hoping to make the perilous voyage to Europe by sea.

"In total, 112 Syrians were killed in the flood and more than 100 are still missing," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

The flooding has killed nearly 3,300 people and left thousands more missing as war-scarred Libya was lashed by the hurricane-strength Storm Daniel on September 10.

"I lost two nephews, their wives and six of their children" including a six-month-old baby, Syrian construction worker Khaled Ali told AFP over the phone from Derna.

His nephews Hadi and Mahmoud had taken refuge in Lebanon after Syria's war erupted in 2011, but they later fled to Libya after their country's economy collapsed in late 2019.

"We fled from one crisis to another," said the 37-year-old who hails from Daraa province, the cradle of Syria's 2011 uprising that the government brutally suppressed.&nbsp;

"This is our fate".

He identified his nephews' bodies in pictures posted on Facebook, he said.

Families of Syrians who disappeared in the tragedy have been sharing photographs of their relatives on Facebook groups, asking for their whereabouts.

Damascus resident Ibrahim Qalaaji, 46, held a funeral for eight relatives including his brother Mohammed, who are either dead or missing in the disaster, he told AFP over the phone.

"A doctor there told us my brother and his wife had died, but there is no trace of the rest of the family," he said. 
Mohammed had been in Libya since 2000.

His surviving brother Shadi was swept away from a rooftop and held on to a mosque's minaret as the waters hurled dead bodies towards him.

Shadi lost all his belongings, including identification papers, in the disaster, Qalaaji said.

"He has no past, no present, no future."

Syria's war has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions.

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>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

More than 100 Syrians, including entire families, died in flash flooding that killed thousands in Libya's eastern city of Derna last week, a war monitor said. Thousands of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland over the past 12 years for Libya, which has become a launchpad for migrants hoping to make the perilous voyage to Europe by sea.

More than 100 Syrians, including entire families, died in flash flooding that killed thousands in Libya's eastern city of Derna last week, a war monitor said. Thousands of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland over the past 12 years for Libya, which has become a launchpad for migrants hoping to make the perilous voyage to Europe by sea. "In total, 112 Syrians were killed in the flood and more than 100 are still missing," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. The flooding has killed nearly 3,300 people and left thousands more missing as war-scarred Libya was lashed by the hurricane-strength Storm Daniel on September 10. "I lost two nephews, their wives and six of their children" including a six-month-old baby, Syrian construction worker Khaled Ali told AFP over the phone from Derna. His nephews Hadi and Mahmoud had taken refuge in Lebanon after Syria's war erupted in 2011, but they later fled to Libya after their country's economy collapsed in late 2019. "We fled from one crisis to another," said the 37-year-old who hails from Daraa province, the cradle of Syria's 2011 uprising that the government brutally suppressed. "This is our fate". He identified his nephews' bodies in pictures posted on Facebook, he said. Families of Syrians who disappeared in the tragedy have been sharing photographs of their relatives on Facebook groups, asking for their whereabouts. Damascus resident Ibrahim Qalaaji, 46, held a funeral for eight relatives including his brother Mohammed, who are either dead or missing in the disaster, he told AFP over the phone. "A doctor there told us my brother and his wife had died, but there is no trace of the rest of the family," he said. Mohammed had been in Libya since 2000. His surviving brother Shadi was swept away from a rooftop and held on to a mosque's minaret as the waters hurled dead bodies towards him. Shadi lost all his belongings, including identification papers, in the disaster, Qalaaji said. "He has no past, no present, no future." Syria's war has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. 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 ×

More than 100 Syrians dead in Libya flood: monitor

The use of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">cluster munitions</a> has led to the death or injuries of&nbsp;more than 1,000 people. Casualties by the bomb rose eightfold last year due to their use in the Russia-Ukraine war, said the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), in its annual report on Tuesday (September 5).

This comes months after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nations-rights-groups-and-un-oppose-us-move-to-send-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-613459">United States received criticism</a> from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations for sending the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion, and amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive.&nbsp;

Russia has “extensively” been using cluster bombs from its stockpile and also developed new ones during its “special military operation” in Ukraine, the monitor noted in its 96-page global ‘Cluster Munition Monitor 2023’ report.

<h2>Highest number of deaths due to cluster bombs since 2008</h2>

According to the report, the deaths caused by cluster munitions were the highest since the 2008 ban on the bombs. However, the US and Ukraine, along with countries like China and Russia, are not a part of a treaty joined by more than 100 countries that enforces the restriction.&nbsp;

The report by the CMC campaign group recorded some 353 deaths due to cluster munitions which is the most since the group began compiling its annual reports over a decade.

Cluster munitions have been widely denounced for killing and maiming civilians as they typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets that had hit targets indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians.&nbsp;

Not to mention the small bomblets which do not explode when deployed and can pose a danger for years after a conflict ends. People who do survive the attack suffer severe injuries from blasts and burns that can result in life-long wounds which require medical attention.&nbsp;

“It’s unconscionable that civilians are still dying and being wounded from cluster munitions 15 years after these weapons were prohibited,” said Mary Wareham from Human Rights Watch (HRW), during a press conference in Geneva.

The report also noted that 95 per cent of cluster munition-related casualties last year were civilians and three-quarters were children, given that they are often drawn to play with unexploded bomblets which look like shiny balls or batteries.

In 2022, most of the casualties were due to live bombs, said the report, unlike previous years where most deaths were nearly always due to delayed explosion of bomb remnants.&nbsp;

<h2>Use of cluster munitions during Ukraine war</h2>

Out of the 1,172 victims last year, Ukraine – which had not registered any cluster munition casualties for several years – recorded 916 deaths and injuries, nearly all of them involving civilians, said the CMC campaign group.&nbsp;

“The vast majority of the cluster munition rocket missile and artillery attacks in Ukraine…have been conducted by Russian forces,” said Wareham, who also participated in the report. She added, “That is I think the major reason for the uptick in civilian casualties.”&nbsp;

Ukraine has reported a total of 890 casualties – 294 deaths and 596 injuries – due to attacks using cluster munitions, said the monitor.&nbsp;

Russia has&nbsp;“repeatedly” used cluster munitions, said the CMC but it also noted&nbsp;that Ukraine has also deployed the controversial bomb but to a “lesser extent”. However, given that the data is from last year, it does not include Ukraine’s use of cluster bombs provided by the US this year.&nbsp;

“Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties,” said the report. However, Kyiv has maintained that it only uses the cluster munition against Russian troops at the front line while Moscow has denied using them at all but has threatened to do so.&nbsp;

Russian officials after the <a>US’ announcement </a>have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-blames-the-west-kyiv-for-russian-journalists-death-in-ukraine-vows-response-618532">repeatedly accused</a> Ukraine of using cluster munitions against civilians. However, the number could be higher.&nbsp;

Loren Persi, a co-author of the report, said that many casualties in Ukraine might have gone unrecorded, suggesting that there were at least 51 cluster munition attacks in 2022 where casualties were not recorded.

<h2>What about other conflicts?</h2>

The monitor also documented the first known use of cluster bombs in countries like Myanmar last year. The report also accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-will-likely-hold-elections-in-2025-report-632606">Myanmar military</a> and Syrian government forces of using cluster munitions and causing civilian harm.&nbsp;

Cluster munitions were also used in countries like Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, and Yemen, according to the CMC report.&nbsp;

These countries are not among those who have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) that prohibits the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which has been signed by 112 nations and 12 other signatories.&nbsp;

“The greatest obstacle to countries working to eradicate cluster munitions are governments that are unwilling to join the convention and that undermine its principles by using or transferring the weapon,” said Wareham.&nbsp;

This was after the HRW, in a statement, noted that at least 21 nations, including those in the West who support Ukraine’s war effort, criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/cluster-bombs-for-ukraine-highlight-us-aversion-to-international-treaties-618749">US government’s decision</a> to transfer cluster bombs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

The use of cluster munitions has led to the death or injuries of more than 1,000 people. Casualties by the bomb rose eightfold last year due to their use in the Russia-Ukraine war, said the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), in its annual report on Tuesday (September 5).

The use of cluster munitions has led to the death or injuries of more than 1,000 people. Casualties by the bomb rose eightfold last year due to their use in the Russia-Ukraine war, said the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), in its annual report on Tuesday (September 5). This comes months after the United States received criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations for sending the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion, and amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive. Russia has “extensively” been using cluster bombs from its stockpile and also developed new ones during its “special military operation” in Ukraine, the monitor noted in its 96-page global ‘Cluster Munition Monitor 2023’ report. Highest number of deaths due to cluster bombs since 2008 According to the report, the deaths caused by cluster munitions were the highest since the 2008 ban on the bombs. However, the US and Ukraine, along with countries like China and Russia, are not a part of a treaty joined by more than 100 countries that enforces the restriction. The report by the CMC campaign group recorded some 353 deaths due to cluster munitions which is the most since the group began compiling its annual reports over a decade. Cluster munitions have been widely denounced for killing and maiming civilians as they typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets that had hit targets indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians. Not to mention the small bomblets which do not explode when deployed and can pose a danger for years after a conflict ends. People who do survive the attack suffer severe injuries from blasts and burns that can result in life-long wounds which require medical attention. “It’s unconscionable that civilians are still dying and being wounded from cluster munitions 15 years after these weapons were prohibited,” said Mary Wareham from Human Rights Watch (HRW), during a press conference in Geneva. The report also noted that 95 per cent of cluster munition-related casualties last year were civilians and three-quarters were children, given that they are often drawn to play with unexploded bomblets which look like shiny balls or batteries. In 2022, most of the casualties were due to live bombs, said the report, unlike previous years where most deaths were nearly always due to delayed explosion of bomb remnants. Use of cluster munitions during Ukraine war Out of the 1,172 victims last year, Ukraine – which had not registered any cluster munition casualties for several years – recorded 916 deaths and injuries, nearly all of them involving civilians, said the CMC campaign group. “The vast majority of the cluster munition rocket missile and artillery attacks in Ukraine…have been conducted by Russian forces,” said Wareham, who also participated in the report. She added, “That is I think the major reason for the uptick in civilian casualties.” Ukraine has reported a total of 890 casualties – 294 deaths and 596 injuries – due to attacks using cluster munitions, said the monitor. Russia has “repeatedly” used cluster munitions, said the CMC but it also noted that Ukraine has also deployed the controversial bomb but to a “lesser extent”. However, given that the data is from last year, it does not include Ukraine’s use of cluster bombs provided by the US this year. “Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties,” said the report. However, Kyiv has maintained that it only uses the cluster munition against Russian troops at the front line while Moscow has denied using them at all but has threatened to do so. Russian officials after the US’ announcement have repeatedly accused Ukraine of using cluster munitions against civilians. However, the number could be higher. Loren Persi, a co-author of the report, said that many casualties in Ukraine might have gone unrecorded, suggesting that there were at least 51 cluster munition attacks in 2022 where casualties were not recorded. What about other conflicts? The monitor also documented the first known use of cluster bombs in countries like Myanmar last year. The report also accused Myanmar military and Syrian government forces of using cluster munitions and causing civilian harm. Cluster munitions were also used in countries like Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, and Yemen, according to the CMC report. These countries are not among those who have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) that prohibits the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which has been signed by 112 nations and 12 other signatories. “The greatest obstacle to countries working to eradicate cluster munitions are governments that are unwilling to join the convention and that undermine its principles by using or transferring the weapon,” said Wareham. This was after the HRW, in a statement, noted that at least 21 nations, including those in the West who support Ukraine’s war effort, criticised the US government’s decision to transfer cluster bombs. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

Explained: Use of cluster bombs causes over 1,000 casualties globally; Ukraine war drives surge

A wave of protests has gripped Syria people are frustrated with poor living conditions despite very high living costs.

Hundreds rally in southern Syria's biggest protest in weeks

Iran's foreign minister who is on a visit to Syria addressed a press conference with a Syrian counterpart in Damascus on Wednesday. During the Press event, he slammed the recent United States delegation that visited the Rebel Health territory in Northwestern Syria.

Iranian foreign minister condemns Israeli strike on Syrian airport

Protesters demanding an end to authoritarian rule shut the ruling Baath party headquarters in the southwestern Syrian Druze city of Sweida as protests which entered their second week showed no signs of abating, civic activists and witnesses said.

Youths with welding machines sealed the gates of the building of the party led by President Bashar al Assad,‮ ‬which has been in power since a 1963 coup.

Hundreds again took to the streets for the seventh consecutive day of peaceful protests over worsening living conditions caused by steep gasoline prices and they demanded sweeping political changes.

"Step down Bashar, we want to live in dignity," they chanted in the main square where Druze top spiritual leaders have given their blessing for their protests without endorsing calls for an end to five decades of Assad family rule.

A major economic crisis has seen the local currency collapse, leading to soaring prices for food and basic supplies and which Assad's government blames on Western sanctions.

The rising dissent in loyalist areas that once stood with Assad now pose the biggest challenge to his hold on power after winning a more than decade-long civil war with crucial help from Russia and Iran.

Officials have heightened security in Mediterranean coastal areas, the ancestral homeland of Assad's minority Alawite sect that holds a tight control over the army and security forces, to preempt growing calls to strike and protest about living conditions, said Kenan Waqaf, a prominent journalist who was imprisoned for criticizing the authorities.

Across the province, scores of local branches of the Baath party whose officials hold top government posts were also closed by protesters with its cadres fleeing, residents said.

In a rare act of defiance in areas under Assad's rule, protesters tore down posters of Assad, where the party has promoted a personality cult around him and his late father.

Sweida, a city of over 100,000 people, has seen most public institutions shut and public transport on strike and businesses partially open, residents and civic activists said.

"This is civil disobedience that is unprecedented and draws wide societal support from a large section of the Druze community and its religious leaders," said Ryan Marouf, a civic activist and editor of the local Suwayda 24 news website.

The authorities have kept silent about the widening protests but instructed the security apparatus to stay out of sight and even vacated some checkpoints to avoid friction, officials privately said.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

Protesters demanding an end to authoritarian rule shut the ruling Baath party headquarters in the southwestern Syrian Druze city of Sweida as protests which entered their second week showed no signs of abating, civic activists and witnesses said.

Protesters demanding an end to authoritarian rule shut the ruling Baath party headquarters in the southwestern Syrian Druze city of Sweida as protests which entered their second week showed no signs of abating, civic activists and witnesses said. Youths with welding machines sealed the gates of the building of the party led by President Bashar al Assad,‮ ‬which has been in power since a 1963 coup. Hundreds again took to the streets for the seventh consecutive day of peaceful protests over worsening living conditions caused by steep gasoline prices and they demanded sweeping political changes. "Step down Bashar, we want to live in dignity," they chanted in the main square where Druze top spiritual leaders have given their blessing for their protests without endorsing calls for an end to five decades of Assad family rule. A major economic crisis has seen the local currency collapse, leading to soaring prices for food and basic supplies and which Assad's government blames on Western sanctions. The rising dissent in loyalist areas that once stood with Assad now pose the biggest challenge to his hold on power after winning a more than decade-long civil war with crucial help from Russia and Iran. Officials have heightened security in Mediterranean coastal areas, the ancestral homeland of Assad's minority Alawite sect that holds a tight control over the army and security forces, to preempt growing calls to strike and protest about living conditions, said Kenan Waqaf, a prominent journalist who was imprisoned for criticizing the authorities. Across the province, scores of local branches of the Baath party whose officials hold top government posts were also closed by protesters with its cadres fleeing, residents said. In a rare act of defiance in areas under Assad's rule, protesters tore down posters of Assad, where the party has promoted a personality cult around him and his late father. Sweida, a city of over 100,000 people, has seen most public institutions shut and public transport on strike and businesses partially open, residents and civic activists said. "This is civil disobedience that is unprecedented and draws wide societal support from a large section of the Druze community and its religious leaders," said Ryan Marouf, a civic activist and editor of the local Suwayda 24 news website. The authorities have kept silent about the widening protests but instructed the security apparatus to stay out of sight and even vacated some checkpoints to avoid friction, officials privately said. 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.

Syria's Assad's ruling party shut by protests in rebellious Druze city

Protesters chanted anti-govt. slogans in the Syrian city of Sweida. The protesters demand the end to authoritarian rule. Protesters call for the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Protesters take to the city in Druze city as anti-government protests rock Syria

At least two civilians have been&nbsp;killed in Russian air strikes on an abandoned water pumping station in Syria's rebel-held northwest.

As per&nbsp;an AFP report, late on Tuesday, the two strikes&nbsp;hit at the facility near Ain Shib, west of the city of Idlib, where displaced Syrians had been living. This comes&nbsp;amid a recent increase in attacks by the Syrian government's ally, Moscow.

Other late-night air strikes reportedly targeted the town of Ariha, located south of Idlib city in Syria.&nbsp;

<h2>Casualties</h2>

Quoting first responders, AFP reports that at least&nbsp;two civilians had been killed. Several inhabitants&nbsp;of the building remain unaccounted for.

As per the monitoring&nbsp;group,&nbsp;the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes near Ain Shib had targeted "military bases belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strikes-on-syria-claim-lives-of-three-civilians-622719" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strikes-on-syria-claim-lives-of-three-civilians-622719&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy8YSgwfGAAxXyb2wGHWf-DEYQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ksyTLiOquO2bU4HcG841L" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strikes-on-syria-claim-lives-of-three-civilians-622719&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy8YSgwfGAAxXyb2wGHWf-DEYQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ksyTLiOquO2bU4HcG841L" target="_blank">Russian strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;claim lives of three civilians</a>

Just hours before the Ariha strikes, Russian air attacks targeted a rebel base to the north of Idlib city killing three, and injuring seven HTS members. Five civilians were also wounded in the strike, reports UK-based monitoring group.

HTS is a&nbsp;jihadist group that controls the bastion. The group routinely&nbsp;carries out deadly attacks on soldiers and pro-government forces. In recent days,&nbsp;Russian forces have repeatedly targeted the Idlib area. Some of Moscow's previous strikes also resulted in some civilian casualties.

On Monday, Russian air strikes on the periphery of Idlib City&nbsp;resulted in the death&nbsp;of 13 HTS fighters and while several others were reportedly injured.

Earlier on August 5, a Russian air strike&nbsp;directed at a former HTS&nbsp;base that the militant group had vacated a few weeks prior killed three civilians&nbsp;— members of the&nbsp;same family on the outskirts of Idlib.&nbsp;

Another strike in the Idlib province,&nbsp;on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, including nine civilians.

As per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Russian strikes&nbsp;have wounded around 30 civilians in the Idlib province.&nbsp;Among the casualties of these air strikes, was a member of the Turkistan Islamic Party, an organisation primarily composed of Uyghur fighters, reports AFP.

<h2>Moscow intervention</h2>

The strikes are part of Russia's intervention in Syria's ongoing civil conflict. Since 2015, Moscow has aided the Syrian government's efforts to regain control over territories that were previously lost to rebel forces during the nation's 12-year civil conflict.

HTS group, which formerly had linkages to Al-Qaeda, holds control over significant areas within Idlib province, along with portions of adjacent Latakia, Hama, and Aleppo provinces.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

At least two civilians have been killed in Russian air strikes on an abandoned water pumping station in Syria's rebel-held northwest. As per an AFP report, late on Tuesday, the two strikes hit at the facility near Ain Shib, west of the city of Idlib, where displaced Syrians had been living.

At least two civilians have been killed in Russian air strikes on an abandoned water pumping station in Syria's rebel-held northwest. As per an AFP report, late on Tuesday, the two strikes hit at the facility near Ain Shib, west of the city of Idlib, where displaced Syrians had been living. This comes amid a recent increase in attacks by the Syrian government's ally, Moscow. Other late-night air strikes reportedly targeted the town of Ariha, located south of Idlib city in Syria. Casualties Quoting first responders, AFP reports that at least two civilians had been killed. Several inhabitants of the building remain unaccounted for. As per the monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes near Ain Shib had targeted "military bases belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)". Also read | Russian strikes on Syria claim lives of three civilians Just hours before the Ariha strikes, Russian air attacks targeted a rebel base to the north of Idlib city killing three, and injuring seven HTS members. Five civilians were also wounded in the strike, reports UK-based monitoring group. HTS is a jihadist group that controls the bastion. The group routinely carries out deadly attacks on soldiers and pro-government forces. In recent days, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted the Idlib area. Some of Moscow's previous strikes also resulted in some civilian casualties. On Monday, Russian air strikes on the periphery of Idlib City resulted in the death of 13 HTS fighters and while several others were reportedly injured. Earlier on August 5, a Russian air strike directed at a former HTS base that the militant group had vacated a few weeks prior killed three civilians — members of the same family on the outskirts of Idlib. Another strike in the Idlib province, on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, including nine civilians. As per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Russian strikes have wounded around 30 civilians in the Idlib province. Among the casualties of these air strikes, was a member of the Turkistan Islamic Party, an organisation primarily composed of Uyghur fighters, reports AFP. Moscow intervention The strikes are part of Russia's intervention in Syria's ongoing civil conflict. Since 2015, Moscow has aided the Syrian government's efforts to regain control over territories that were previously lost to rebel forces during the nation's 12-year civil conflict. HTS group, which formerly had linkages to Al-Qaeda, holds control over significant areas within Idlib province, along with portions of adjacent Latakia, Hama, and Aleppo provinces. (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.

Two civilians killed in Russian air strikes on water station in Syria's rebel-held northwest

Syria has been wracked by conflict for over 12 years and in a striking irony Syrian youngsters find respite in a make-believe battlefield inspired by the video game PUBG.

Syria's PUBG inspired make-believe battlefield

A series of explosions rocked Syria overnight. The country's capital, Damascus was targeted during the early hours on Sunday.

Syria: Blasts target weapons warehouse in Iran-backed militia

Situated in Northeast Syria, these are the unrecognised camps people rarely talk about. Thousands of internally displaces refugees here are languishing in extreme poverty, as they remain cut off from international assistance. Ghadi Francis gets you the story.

'Forgotten' Syrian refugee camps | The West Asia Post

Climate change and conflict decimate Syria's grain crop, and farmers suffer not only from an unprecedented heat wave but also from a lack of water and a sporadic electricity supply, both of which are necessary to upkeep their farms.

Syria battles 'Climate War'

At least four Syrian soldiers were killed and as many were wounded after an Israeli missile strike hit near the&nbsp;capital city of Damascus, reported state media&nbsp;Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).&nbsp;

"At about 2:20 in the morning today, the Israeli enemy launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting some points in the vicinity of the city of Damascus," said the agency citing a military source, adding that "some material damage" had also been reported.&nbsp;

After the initial strikes, the Syrian air defence system managed to intercept the Israeli missiles and shot&nbsp;down some of them, the publication noted.&nbsp;

In the aftermath, Syria's foreign ministry released a statement, condemning the attack "in the strongest terms".&nbsp;

Notably, on July 19, Israel carried out similar strikes near Damascus that killed three pro-government fighters and wounded four others. Previous other strikes have put both Damascus and Aleppo airports out of service as well.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-syrian-civilians-killed-in-israeli-air-strike-on-syria-578778">Also read |&nbsp;Two Syrian civilians killed in Israeli air strike on Syria</a>

<h2>Why Israel attacks Syria?</h2>

For several years now, Tel Aviv has been carrying out air strikes against what it described as&nbsp;Iran-linked targets in Syria. Since the civil war broke out in 2011 in Syria, Iran's influence has grown in the region with&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad having full support of the Shi'ite country.&nbsp;

Although Israel does not comment frequently regarding its air strikes on Syria, the country has made a point to reiterate that it will not allow its nemesis Iran to expand its footprint there.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-air-strikes-hit-anti-aircraft-battery-in-syria-611118">Watch |&nbsp;Israeli air strikes hit 'anti-aircraft battery' in Syria</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-air-strikes-hit-anti-aircraft-battery-in-syria-611118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Primarily, Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions have been the target of the Israeli strikes.&nbsp;

Hezbollah is a Shia terror outfit, operating in southern Lebanon, backed by Iran. The group came into existence during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has been waging a war against Israel by supporting Palestinian factions and their cause.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At least four Syrian soldiers were killed and as many were wounded after an Israeli missile strike hit near the capital city of Damascus, reported state media Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

At least four Syrian soldiers were killed and as many were wounded after an Israeli missile strike hit near the capital city of Damascus, reported state media Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). "At about 2:20 in the morning today, the Israeli enemy launched an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, targeting some points in the vicinity of the city of Damascus," said the agency citing a military source, adding that "some material damage" had also been reported. After the initial strikes, the Syrian air defence system managed to intercept the Israeli missiles and shot down some of them, the publication noted. In the aftermath, Syria's foreign ministry released a statement, condemning the attack "in the strongest terms". Notably, on July 19, Israel carried out similar strikes near Damascus that killed three pro-government fighters and wounded four others. Previous other strikes have put both Damascus and Aleppo airports out of service as well. Also read | Two Syrian civilians killed in Israeli air strike on Syria Why Israel attacks Syria? For several years now, Tel Aviv has been carrying out air strikes against what it described as Iran-linked targets in Syria. Since the civil war broke out in 2011 in Syria, Iran's influence has grown in the region with President Bashar al-Assad having full support of the Shi'ite country. Although Israel does not comment frequently regarding its air strikes on Syria, the country has made a point to reiterate that it will not allow its nemesis Iran to expand its footprint there. Watch | Israeli air strikes hit 'anti-aircraft battery' in Syria × Primarily, Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions have been the target of the Israeli strikes. Hezbollah is a Shia terror outfit, operating in southern Lebanon, backed by Iran. The group came into existence during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has been waging a war against Israel by supporting Palestinian factions and their cause. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

At least four Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli air strikes near Damascus: Reports

Russian warplanes hit the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least three civilians from the same family, said a war monitor.

Russia over the years has repeatedly hit Syria's final major opposition stronghold, but attacks claiming the lives of civilians had been limited this year until an uptick in violence was recorded in late June.

"Russian air strikes this morning" to the west of the city left "three dead from the same family... and six people wounded", the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding rescue teams were still at work removing rubble.

The Observatory added there were four strikes in the area where rebel bases are present.

The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has regained most of the territory that it had lost to rebels early in the conflict with the support of Russia and Iran.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-now-bans-girl-students-from-attending-school-beyond-third-grade-622562">Taliban now ban girl students from attending school beyond third grade</a>

The war in Syria broke out in the year 2011 after the repression of peaceful anti-government protests spiralled into a deadly brawl that dragged in foreign powers and global jihadists.

The war has so far claimed the lives of more than half a million people and displaced millions.

Since 2020, a ceasefire deal brokered by Damascus ally Moscow and rebel-backer Ankara has largely held in Syria's northwest, despite periodic clashes.

But, in an uptick in violence, air strikes by Russia on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 people in Idlib province, which according to the Observatory was the deadliest such attack on the country this year.

The people who were killed included nine civilians and two children. Six of them were killed at a fruit and vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur.

On June 28, Damascus's defence ministry said Syrian and Russian forces had launched air strikes on rebel bases in the Idlib region.

The operation came "in response to daily and repeated attacks... on civilians" in residential areas in nearby Hama province, the ministry had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

Russian warplanes hit the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least three civilians from the same family, said a war monitor.

Russian warplanes hit the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least three civilians from the same family, said a war monitor. Russia over the years has repeatedly hit Syria's final major opposition stronghold, but attacks claiming the lives of civilians had been limited this year until an uptick in violence was recorded in late June. "Russian air strikes this morning" to the west of the city left "three dead from the same family... and six people wounded", the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding rescue teams were still at work removing rubble. The Observatory added there were four strikes in the area where rebel bases are present. The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has regained most of the territory that it had lost to rebels early in the conflict with the support of Russia and Iran. Also read: Taliban now ban girl students from attending school beyond third grade The war in Syria broke out in the year 2011 after the repression of peaceful anti-government protests spiralled into a deadly brawl that dragged in foreign powers and global jihadists. The war has so far claimed the lives of more than half a million people and displaced millions. Since 2020, a ceasefire deal brokered by Damascus ally Moscow and rebel-backer Ankara has largely held in Syria's northwest, despite periodic clashes. But, in an uptick in violence, air strikes by Russia on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 people in Idlib province, which according to the Observatory was the deadliest such attack on the country this year. The people who were killed included nine civilians and two children. Six of them were killed at a fruit and vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur. On June 28, Damascus's defence ministry said Syrian and Russian forces had launched air strikes on rebel bases in the Idlib region. The operation came "in response to daily and repeated attacks... on civilians" in residential areas in nearby Hama province, the ministry had said. (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.

Russian strikes on Syria claim lives of three civilians

Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the leader of the Islamic State group, has died in clashes in northwestern Syria, announced the group on Thursday.

<h2>Leader has fallen</h2>

In a recorded statement on its channels on the Telegram messaging app, the group said that its leader Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi "was killed after direct clashes" with the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib province.&nbsp;

The spokesperson, as per news agency AFP, also announced Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as al-Qurashi's successor and the Islamic State's new leader.&nbsp; 
 
Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi,&nbsp;will be the group's fifth leader.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-khanun-leaves-two-dead-41-injured-in-japan-622079">Typhoon Khanun leaves 2 dead, 41 injured in Japan; over 220,000 homes sans power</a>

<h2>Previous leadership</h2>

Before, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the last leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as per the group's announcement, died in November of 2022. His predecessor, Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi was killed in February of the same year, during a US raid in Idlib province. The Islamic State group's first-ever "caliph", Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also killed in Idlib. He died in October 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-facebook-youtube-pushing-harmful-misogynistic-trends-like-yoni-pearls-to-kenyan-women-622035">Facebook, Google, YouTube pushing harmful 'misogynistic' trends like 'yoni pearls' to Kenyan women</a>

The group saw a meteoric rise in Iraq and Syria in 2014. Back then; it conquered vast swathes of territory. However, the Islamic State soon saw its self-proclaimed "caliphate" collapse under a wave of offensives.

In 2017, it was defeated in Iraq and in 2019; it faced defeat in Syria. However, as per AFP, despite this, the sleeper cells of the group still carry out attacks in both countries. The Sunni Muslim extremist group's austere and terror-ridden rule, as per the France-based news agency, was marked by beheadings and mass shootings.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the leader of the Islamic State group, has died in clashes in northwestern Syria, announced the group on Thursday. Leader has fallen In a recorded statement on its channels on the Telegram messaging app, the group said that its leader Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi "was killed after direct clashes" with the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib province.

Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the leader of the Islamic State group, has died in clashes in northwestern Syria, announced the group on Thursday. Leader has fallen In a recorded statement on its channels on the Telegram messaging app, the group said that its leader Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi "was killed after direct clashes" with the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib province. The spokesperson, as per news agency AFP, also announced Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as al-Qurashi's successor and the Islamic State's new leader. Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, will be the group's fifth leader. Also read | Typhoon Khanun leaves 2 dead, 41 injured in Japan; over 220,000 homes sans power Previous leadership Before, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the last leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as per the group's announcement, died in November of 2022. His predecessor, Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi was killed in February of the same year, during a US raid in Idlib province. The Islamic State group's first-ever "caliph", Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also killed in Idlib. He died in October 2019. Also read | Facebook, Google, YouTube pushing harmful 'misogynistic' trends like 'yoni pearls' to Kenyan women The group saw a meteoric rise in Iraq and Syria in 2014. Back then; it conquered vast swathes of territory. However, the Islamic State soon saw its self-proclaimed "caliphate" collapse under a wave of offensives. In 2017, it was defeated in Iraq and in 2019; it faced defeat in Syria. However, as per AFP, despite this, the sleeper cells of the group still carry out attacks in both countries. The Sunni Muslim extremist group's austere and terror-ridden rule, as per the France-based news agency, was marked by beheadings and mass shootings. (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.

Islamic State announces death of its leader 'after direct clashes' in Syria's Idlib, names successor

Syria, which continues to recover from the February earthquake, is now battling wildfires supercharged by strong winds and searing temperatures. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Sunday (July 30), Syria's Agriculture Minister Mohammad Hassaan Qatna said on Saturday that firefighters struggled to extinguish the fires and the fires in Latakia raged for five days before rescuers could control them.

Syria, which continues to recover from the February earthquake, is now battling wildfires supercharged by strong winds and searing temperatures. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Sunday (July 30), Syria's Agriculture Minister Mohammad Hassaan Qatna said on Saturday that firefighters struggled to extinguish the fires and the fires in Latakia raged for five days before rescuers could control them. "There were multiple places, far away. The speed of the wind was a factor in the excessive spread of the fires," Agriculture Minister Qatna said during a tour of the area. Other challenges for the firefighters included poor telecoms coverage in the north and the procurement of fireproof suits or spare parts for extinguishing equipment, he added. The agriculture ministry does not have a final figure of how far the damage had spread, but Qatna said the region's pine forests were badly hit. 'Have never seen any weather like this' Syrian farmer Izzadin Zuhaira, whose orchards turned into ash, told Reuters, "I've never seen any weather like this. The soil and the trees were so impacted by the heat that they lit up quickly." Zuhaira had been living off the harvests of around 700 olive, pomegranate and walnut trees, but all of these were destroyed by the spreading fire. His one-storey farmhouse, which has already been damaged by years of war, was further damaged by the February earthquake. Zuhaira said that after the earthquake the fires came and finished it off, and there was nothing left. The farmer pointed out other challenges for the firefighters, including poor telecoms coverage in the north and the procurement of fireproof suits or spare parts for extinguishing equipment. 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.

Syria's northern coast ravaged by wildfires; govt says pine forests badly hit

Six people were killed and scores of others wounded in a bomb blast on Thursday (July 27) near the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum, the most-visited Shiite pilgrimage site in Syria, said the interior ministry.&nbsp;

The blast took place south of Damascus just before the annual commemoration of Ashura, a time when the death of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein in the seventh-century battle is mourned by the Shiites.

Six deaths were recorded by the interior ministry, state news agency SANA reported, revising an earlier toll of five.

More than 20 people were wounded in the attack which the interior ministry said was a "terrorist bombing".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-fighter-jets-fire-at-us-reaper-drone-while-flying-over-syria-619369">Russian fighter jets fire at US Reaper drone while flying over Syria</a>

A source at the nearby Al-Sadr hospital told AFP earlier that the facility had received 10 wounded after a car bombing near the shrine.

<h2>Explosion caused by bomb placed in taxi</h2>

State television reported that the explosion was caused by a "bomb placed in a taxi by unidentified people". &nbsp;

"We heard a huge blast and people began to run," said 39-year-old civil servant Ibrahim, while speaking to AFP. "Then ambulances arrived and security forces cordoned off the area," he added.&nbsp;

He stated that the explosion took place "near a security building around 600 metres (yards) from the mausoleum of Sayeda Zeinab", who was Prophet Mohammed's granddaughter and the daughter of Imam Ali, a founding figure of Shiite Islam.

Security measures were tightened by the authorities around the mausoleum for the commemoration of the 10-day Ashura, the most important in Shiite Islam.

WATCH |&nbsp;First Iraqi PM to visit Syria since 2011

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-iraqi-pm-to-visit-syria-since-2011-618219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Tuesday (July 25), an explosion took place in a car in the same area in which two civilians were wounded, a security official was quoted as saying by the official media.&nbsp;

During the civil war of the country which erupted in 2011, the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum was hit by several deadly bombings. Since then the mosque complex, featuring a gold dome and turquoise ceramics in the Iranian style, has been defended by Shiite militiamen, mostly Iraqi and Lebanese along with the army.

In recent years, the attacks have declined with some of the security measures relaxed.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

Six people were killed and scores of others wounded in a bomb blast on Thursday (July 27) near the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum, the most-visited Shiite pilgrimage site in Syria, said the interior ministry.

Six people were killed and scores of others wounded in a bomb blast on Thursday (July 27) near the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum, the most-visited Shiite pilgrimage site in Syria, said the interior ministry. The blast took place south of Damascus just before the annual commemoration of Ashura, a time when the death of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein in the seventh-century battle is mourned by the Shiites. Six deaths were recorded by the interior ministry, state news agency SANA reported, revising an earlier toll of five. More than 20 people were wounded in the attack which the interior ministry said was a "terrorist bombing". ALSO READ | Russian fighter jets fire at US Reaper drone while flying over Syria A source at the nearby Al-Sadr hospital told AFP earlier that the facility had received 10 wounded after a car bombing near the shrine. Explosion caused by bomb placed in taxi State television reported that the explosion was caused by a "bomb placed in a taxi by unidentified people". "We heard a huge blast and people began to run," said 39-year-old civil servant Ibrahim, while speaking to AFP. "Then ambulances arrived and security forces cordoned off the area," he added. He stated that the explosion took place "near a security building around 600 metres (yards) from the mausoleum of Sayeda Zeinab", who was Prophet Mohammed's granddaughter and the daughter of Imam Ali, a founding figure of Shiite Islam. Security measures were tightened by the authorities around the mausoleum for the commemoration of the 10-day Ashura, the most important in Shiite Islam. WATCH | First Iraqi PM to visit Syria since 2011 On Tuesday (July 25), an explosion took place in a car in the same area in which two civilians were wounded, a security official was quoted as saying by the official media. During the civil war of the country which erupted in 2011, the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum was hit by several deadly bombings. Since then the mosque complex, featuring a gold dome and turquoise ceramics in the Iranian style, has been defended by Shiite militiamen, mostly Iraqi and Lebanese along with the army. In recent years, the attacks have declined with some of the security measures relaxed. (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

Six killed in bomb blast at shrine near Syrian capital

United States on Tuesday (July 25) claimed that the Russian fighter jets fired flares at an American MQ-9 Reaper drone while flying over Syria.

The incident happened on Sunday (July 25) when it was on a counter-terrorism mission against the Islamic State group, US Air Forces Central said.

"On 23 July, 2023 at 12:23 a.m. (EST) Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission, harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few meters of separation between aircraft," Air Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich said.

The drone’s propeller suffered “serious” damages, the air force said.

<h2>US calls upon Russia to exercise restraint&nbsp;</h2>

“The Sukhoi Su-35 began dropping flares in front of the US drone, severely damaging its propellor, the Air Force said. The drone’s crew was able to control the aircraft and fly it back to its home base,” Grynkewich said in a statement

The US Air Force called upon the Russian forces in Syria “to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behaviour.”

There have been increasingly close encounters between the Russian fighter jets and US drones operating over Syria.

This is the second time this month that US and Russian jets have come in close proximity in the Syrian air.

<h2>Gravitas : US releases video of Russian jets attacking US air force drones</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-releases-video-of-russian-jets-attacking-us-air-force-drones-612862/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Spike in confrontation&nbsp;</h2>

Last week, a Russian Su-35 fighter endangered the crew of a manned US MC-12 by forcing it to fly through turbulence, according to a release from Air Forces Central.

On July 5, three Russian fighter jets reportedly “harassed” three US drones flying over Syria.

According to the US military, Russian jets dropped parachute flares in front of the drones, forcing the operators of the unmanned aircraft to take evasive manoeuvres.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reckless-russian-fighter-jets-harass-us-drones-in-syrian-skies-for-second-time-in-two-days-612896">US drones harassed by 'reckless' Russian fighter jets in Syrian skies for second time in two days</a>

And on July 14, a senior US defence official said another Russian fighter jet flew near an MQ-9 Reaper drone over Syria in an unprofessional manner.

The increased confrontation between the countries in the Syrian skies can be attributed to the presence of their militaries&nbsp;in the North African region.

While the US has around 900 troops in eastern Syria fighting against the IS terrorist group, Russia has a military presence in northwestern Syria as part of its mission to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

United States on Tuesday (July 25) claimed that the Russian fighter jets fired flares at an American MQ-9 Reaper drone while flying over Syria. The incident happened on Sunday (July 25) when it was on a counter-terrorism mission against the Islamic State group, US Air Forces Central said.

United States on Tuesday (July 25) claimed that the Russian fighter jets fired flares at an American MQ-9 Reaper drone while flying over Syria. The incident happened on Sunday (July 25) when it was on a counter-terrorism mission against the Islamic State group, US Air Forces Central said. "On 23 July, 2023 at 12:23 a.m. (EST) Russian fighter aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission, harassing the MQ-9 and deploying flares from a position directly overhead, with only a few meters of separation between aircraft," Air Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich said. The drone’s propeller suffered “serious” damages, the air force said. US calls upon Russia to exercise restraint “The Sukhoi Su-35 began dropping flares in front of the US drone, severely damaging its propellor, the Air Force said. The drone’s crew was able to control the aircraft and fly it back to its home base,” Grynkewich said in a statement The US Air Force called upon the Russian forces in Syria “to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behaviour.” There have been increasingly close encounters between the Russian fighter jets and US drones operating over Syria. This is the second time this month that US and Russian jets have come in close proximity in the Syrian air. Gravitas : US releases video of Russian jets attacking US air force drones Spike in confrontation Last week, a Russian Su-35 fighter endangered the crew of a manned US MC-12 by forcing it to fly through turbulence, according to a release from Air Forces Central. On July 5, three Russian fighter jets reportedly “harassed” three US drones flying over Syria. According to the US military, Russian jets dropped parachute flares in front of the drones, forcing the operators of the unmanned aircraft to take evasive manoeuvres. Also read | US drones harassed by 'reckless' Russian fighter jets in Syrian skies for second time in two days And on July 14, a senior US defence official said another Russian fighter jet flew near an MQ-9 Reaper drone over Syria in an unprofessional manner. The increased confrontation between the countries in the Syrian skies can be attributed to the presence of their militaries in the North African region. While the US has around 900 troops in eastern Syria fighting against the IS terrorist group, Russia has a military presence in northwestern Syria as part of its mission to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian fighter jets fire at US Reaper drone while flying over Syria

2023 is turning out to be an eventful year for Syria. After the flurry of normalisations, its longtime ally Iraq has stepped up. Iraqi Prime Minister visited Syria this week in a bid to boost ties. @ghadifrancis gets you a roundup of what happened and what will follow

First Iraqi PM to visit Syria since 2011

The war-ravaged middle eastern nation of Syria is limping back to normalcy. More than 12 years of conflict, which mushroomed out of protests against President Bashar Al-Assad's regime in 2011, have taken a brutal toll. Since then, it has evolved into a complex conflict including jihadists and foreign powers. More than half a million people have been killed and millions have fled their homes. In northern Syria, the areas held by Türkiye and its Syrian proxies often witness scenes of targeted killings, bombings and clashes between armed groups.

Pockets of resistance still exist in war-ravaged Syria

In a diplomatic comeback, Syria and Iraq are making efforts to build ties. The Iraqi prime minister has become the first Iraqi leader to visit Damascus since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hosted the Iraqi prime minister for talks in Damascus.

Iraq's PM in Syria: Syria back in Arab League after 13 years

Extreme heat grips southern Europe, fire breaks out in Syria

Russia on Tuesday signaled the demise of a long-running United Nations humanitarian operation in Turkey delivering aid to 4 million people in rebel-held northwest Syria after it vetoed a nine-month authorization renewal at the U.N. Security Council. Russia then failed in its own bid for a six-month extension of the operation, which has been delivering aid including food, medicine and shelter since 2014. The Security Council approval for the aid deliveries expired on Monday.

Thousands to suffer as UN fails to extend key Syria aid deal

The United States has accused Russia of "an act of utter cruelty" after Moscow used its veto power at the UN Security Council&nbsp;to block a nine-month&nbsp;renewal of a cross-border aid deal designed to help people living in rebel-held north-west Syria.&nbsp;

The original deal, first brokered in 2014 to supply aid from Turkey into&nbsp;rebel-held areas of Syria's northwest Idlib Province via the Bab al-Hawa crossing, expired on Monday (July 10). The region is&nbsp;the last stronghold of the jihadist groups and Turkish-backed rebel factions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia, considered an ally of the Syrian government, vetoed the proposal to extend the deal for a nine-month period. Despite 13 of the 15 council members voting for the extension, Moscow had its way.&nbsp;

Afterwards, Russia was only able to win support from trusted ally China, another permanent Security Council member, for a six-month extension.

“It’s a sad moment for the Syrian people.&nbsp;What we have just witnessed, what the world has just witnessed, was an act of utter cruelty," said&nbsp;Linda Thomas-Greenfield,&nbsp;the US ambassador to the UN.&nbsp;

"Russia owns this failure. And it’s up to them to come to the negotiating table in good faith. The United States will continue to work with all Council members to renew the cross-border mechanism," she added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tense-russia-us-encounter-over-the-skies-of-eastern-syria-613153">WATCH |&nbsp;Tense Russia-US encounter over the skies of Eastern Syria</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tense-russia-us-encounter-over-the-skies-of-eastern-syria-613153/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Why Moscow wants to gut the deal&nbsp;</h2>

For years, Moscow has attempted to gut the deal. It argues that the deal 'disregards' the will of the Syrian people.&nbsp;Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been ferociously against the deliveries saying it is a violation of&nbsp;sovereignty as Damascus never approved of them.

Notably, hundreds of trucks, lorries and other forms of transport pass through&nbsp;Bab al-Hawa to provide aid to 2.7 million civilians, who rely on it for food, shelter and healthcare.&nbsp;

The decision to pull the plug could not have come at a worse time. The region is still reeling from the devastating effects of the earthquake that struck in February, earlier this year, More than 4,500 people were killed while over 50,000 families were displaced.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-syria-earthquake-aftermath-survivors-experience-crush-syndrome-what-is-it-569345">Also read |&nbsp;Turkey-Syria earthquake aftermath: Survivors experience ‘crush syndrome’. What is it?</a>

Although two more crossings were opened in the aftermath of the earthquake, the&nbsp;Bab al-Hawa crossing was responsible was nearly 80 per cent of the aid reaching the troubled area. The two crossings that remain open are scheduled to close in a little over one month's time which could doom for the people living there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The United States has accused Russia of "an act of utter cruelty" after Moscow used its veto power at the UN Security Council to block a nine-month renewal of a cross-border aid deal designed to help people living in rebel-held north-west Syria.

The United States has accused Russia of "an act of utter cruelty" after Moscow used its veto power at the UN Security Council to block a nine-month renewal of a cross-border aid deal designed to help people living in rebel-held north-west Syria. The original deal, first brokered in 2014 to supply aid from Turkey into rebel-held areas of Syria's northwest Idlib Province via the Bab al-Hawa crossing, expired on Monday (July 10). The region is the last stronghold of the jihadist groups and Turkish-backed rebel factions. Russia, considered an ally of the Syrian government, vetoed the proposal to extend the deal for a nine-month period. Despite 13 of the 15 council members voting for the extension, Moscow had its way. Afterwards, Russia was only able to win support from trusted ally China, another permanent Security Council member, for a six-month extension. “It’s a sad moment for the Syrian people. What we have just witnessed, what the world has just witnessed, was an act of utter cruelty," said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN. "Russia owns this failure. And it’s up to them to come to the negotiating table in good faith. The United States will continue to work with all Council members to renew the cross-border mechanism," she added. WATCH | Tense Russia-US encounter over the skies of Eastern Syria × Why Moscow wants to gut the deal For years, Moscow has attempted to gut the deal. It argues that the deal 'disregards' the will of the Syrian people. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been ferociously against the deliveries saying it is a violation of sovereignty as Damascus never approved of them. Notably, hundreds of trucks, lorries and other forms of transport pass through Bab al-Hawa to provide aid to 2.7 million civilians, who rely on it for food, shelter and healthcare. The decision to pull the plug could not have come at a worse time. The region is still reeling from the devastating effects of the earthquake that struck in February, earlier this year, More than 4,500 people were killed while over 50,000 families were displaced. Also read | Turkey-Syria earthquake aftermath: Survivors experience ‘crush syndrome’. What is it? Although two more crossings were opened in the aftermath of the earthquake, the Bab al-Hawa crossing was responsible was nearly 80 per cent of the aid reaching the troubled area. The two crossings that remain open are scheduled to close in a little over one month's time which could doom for the people living there. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia blocks delivery of aid to rebel-held regions of Syria after vetoing UN vote

Russia vetoed the United Nations security council's aid work in rebel-held areas of Syria. This comes at a time when the aid services to the conflicted region were due for renewal.

Deadly earthquake prompted Syria to open routes for aid work

syria

Syria, News on Syria, stories on Syria, articles on Syria, Syria stories at Wion, Syria news, Syria latest news