Bashar al-Assad is seeking to shore up support from his allies after a shock rebel offensive saw his forces lose control of Aleppo. Syrian and Russian air strikes pummeled areas of northern Syria as Iran's top diplomat visited Damascus in a show of support for the regime. Watch in for more details!

West Asia: Syrian Army Try To Take Back Control Of Aleppo, Other Towns

Syria's second largest city Aleppo has been seized by rebels for the first time since the country's conflict began more than a decade ago. The surprise advance by rebels has put the Assad government on the back foot. Iran and its proxies have accused the US and Israel for the fall of the second largest Syrian city of Aleppo. Watch in for more details!

Rebels Seize Control Of Syria's Second-Largest City: What Led To The Fall Of Aleppo?

West Asia: Syrian And Russian Airstrikes Hit Areas In Northern Syria

Syrian opposition forces seize control of large parts of Aleppo in a surprise attack. The rebel advance challenges President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to heavy casualties

Syria Rebels Take Control Of Aleppo After 8 Years, Government Forces Counterattack

As the air strikes by the Syrian government and Russia intensified, at least 25 people lost their lives in northwestern Syria, said the Syrian opposition-run rescue service known as the White Helmets early on Monday (Dec 2).

Russian and Syrian jets bombarded the rebel-held city of Idlib situated in the northern part of Syria, said military sources on Sunday (Dec 1).

The attacks come after President Bashar al-Assad pledged to defeat insurgents who recently gained control of Aleppo.

The military also said that it had seized multiple towns that the rebels had invaded.

One of the residents, as per news agency Reuters, said that the attack struck a crowded residential area in the heart of Idlib.

At least seven people lost their lives and dozens were wounded, said the rescuers.

The Syrian military and its ally Russia denied attacking civilians, saying they are only targeting the hideouts of the insurgent groups.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-the-syrian-rebel-faction-leading-the-offensive-on-aleppo-780686">Who are the Syrian rebels who have taken Aleppo after shock offensive?</a>

At least 10 children were among the ones who lost their lives in the air strikes in and around Idlib, said the White Helmets.

The group, in a post on X, said the death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since Wednesday (Nov 27) rose up to 56.

This includes 20 children.

<h2>Aleppo no longer under Assad govt's control&nbsp;</h2>

The Aleppo city of Syria is no longer under the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government, for the first time since the conflict began in the country, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Dec 1), citing a war monitor.

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP news agency that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied rebel factions "control Aleppo city, except the neighbourhoods controlled by the Kurdish forces."

"For the first time since the conflict started in 2012, Aleppo city is out of control of Syrian regime forces," Rahman added.

In the shock offensive, rebel factions breached Aleppo on Friday and clashed with government forces for the first time since 2016.

The advance on Aleppo followed a shock offensive by insurgents on Wednesday.

The surprise attack sent residents fleeing and added fresh uncertainty to a region reeling under multiple wars.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the air strikes by the Syrian government and Russia intensified, at least 25 people lost their lives in northwestern Syria, said the Syrian opposition-run rescue service known as the White Helmets early on Monday (Dec 2).

As the air strikes by the Syrian government and Russia intensified, at least 25 people lost their lives in northwestern Syria, said the Syrian opposition-run rescue service known as the White Helmets early on Monday (Dec 2). Russian and Syrian jets bombarded the rebel-held city of Idlib situated in the northern part of Syria, said military sources on Sunday (Dec 1). The attacks come after President Bashar al-Assad pledged to defeat insurgents who recently gained control of Aleppo. The military also said that it had seized multiple towns that the rebels had invaded. One of the residents, as per news agency Reuters, said that the attack struck a crowded residential area in the heart of Idlib. At least seven people lost their lives and dozens were wounded, said the rescuers. The Syrian military and its ally Russia denied attacking civilians, saying they are only targeting the hideouts of the insurgent groups. Also read: Who are the Syrian rebels who have taken Aleppo after shock offensive? At least 10 children were among the ones who lost their lives in the air strikes in and around Idlib, said the White Helmets. The group, in a post on X, said the death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since Wednesday (Nov 27) rose up to 56. This includes 20 children. Aleppo no longer under Assad govt's control The Aleppo city of Syria is no longer under the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government, for the first time since the conflict began in the country, the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Dec 1), citing a war monitor. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP news agency that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied rebel factions "control Aleppo city, except the neighbourhoods controlled by the Kurdish forces." "For the first time since the conflict started in 2012, Aleppo city is out of control of Syrian regime forces," Rahman added. In the shock offensive, rebel factions breached Aleppo on Friday and clashed with government forces for the first time since 2016. The advance on Aleppo followed a shock offensive by insurgents on Wednesday. The surprise attack sent residents fleeing and added fresh uncertainty to a region reeling under multiple wars. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian and Russian jets intensify strikes on opposition forces, at least 25 killed

Earlier this week, rebel factions in Syria launched a large-scale surprise attack on areas controlled by the government and seized territory in the country's northwestern region.

Earlier this week, rebel factions in Syria launched a large-scale surprise attack on areas controlled by the government and seized territory in the country's northwestern region. On Saturday (Nov 30), thousands of insurgents took over most of Aleppo, facing very little resistance from the government forces. A day later, the war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Aleppo was not under the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government for the first time since the civil war began in 2012. Also read | Aleppo no longer under Assad govt's control for first time since Syrian civil war From Aleppo, the rebels moved on, here too facing almost no opposition from government forces, to seize towns and villages in northern Hama, a province where they had a presence before being expelled by government troops in 2016. So who are the rebels leading the offensive on Aleppo and other parts of Syria? Here are the details: A look at Hayat Tahrir-al Sham The current offensive is being led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known by its initials HTS. The United States (US) and the United Nations (UN) have designated the HTS as a terrorist organisation. Abu Mohammad al-Julani is the leader of HTS. Citing researcher Aaron Zelin, a report by the news agency Associated Press said that Julani and the HTS have sought to remake themselves in recent years, focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action. Julani's group broke ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016. He had been the leader of the now-defunct Al-Nusra Front, the former Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. Also watch | World DNA: Aleppo falls to rebel forces × The Associated Press report said that Julani cracked down on some extremist groups in his territory and has increasingly portrayed himself as a protector of other religions. That includes last year allowing the first Christian Mass in the city of Idlib in years. The current offensive On Wednesday (Nov. 27), insurgents led by the HTS launched their shock offensive. They first staged a two-pronged attack in Aleppo and the Idlib countryside, entering Aleppo two days later and securing a strategic town that lies on the highway that links Syria’s largest city to the capital and the coast. By Saturday evening, they seized at least four towns in the central Hama province and claimed to have entered the provincial capital. The rebels also staged an attempt to reclaim areas they controlled in Hama in 2017 but failed. Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has been strongly backed by Russia and Iran since 2011, when civil war broke out after protests against his rule were suppressed. (With inputs from agencies)

Who are the Syrian rebels who have taken Aleppo after shock offensive?

Syrian rebels attacked the government forces in&nbsp;Aleppo on Friday (Nov 29). This was the first attack by the opposition forces since 2016 when they were ousted from the region after a military campaign.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the latest in the Ukraine war, energy workers in the war-torn country&nbsp;are carrying out repairs in the country's power facilities despite Russia targeting the country's power grid, according to a report by the news agency Associated Press.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Florida to meet Donald Trump and talk about the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods the latter has threatened to impose. Trudeau is hoping to fend off the problem during the talks.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-syrian-rebels-attack-aleppo-for-the-first-time-since-2016-dozens-killed-780363">West Asia Crisis: Syrian rebels attack Aleppo for the first time since 2016, dozens killed</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/30/468762-00036nq6l9.jpg?imwidth=400" />

For the first time since 2016, rebels breached Syria's largest city on Friday (Nov 29) and clashed with government forces. This came as a surprise attack in&nbsp;Aleppo that forced residents to flee the area and added to the uncertainty in the region, which is already facing other conflicts and wars. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-ukrainian-energy-workers-carry-out-repairs-despite-energy-grid-being-targeted-by-russia-780367">Ukraine war: Ukrainian energy workers carry out repairs despite power grid being targeted by Russia</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/30/468764-untitled-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Energy workers in war-torn Ukraine are carrying out repairs in the country's power facilities despite Russia targeting the country's power grid, a report by the news agency Associated Press late Friday (Nov 29) said.&nbsp;Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in late February 2022, repeated Russian strikes on&nbsp;infrastructure have seriously impacted Ukraine’s energy sector often resulting in rolling blackouts across the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-trudeau-in-florida-to-meet-trump-and-discuss-tariffs-threat-780359">Canadian PM Trudeau in Florida to discuss tariffs threat with Trump over dinner&nbsp;at&nbsp;Mar-a-Lago</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/30/468759-stories-2024-11-30t083527822.png?imwidth=400" />

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Florida to meet Donald Trump and talk about the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods the latter has threatened to impose. Trudeau is hoping to fend off the problem during the talks.&nbsp;Canadian media reports suggest that the PM landed in Palm Beach International Airport on Friday evening to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-damages-canal-feeding-kosovos-main-power-plants-pm-calls-explosion-terrorist-attack-780357">Blast damages canal feeding Kosovo's main power plants, PM calls explosion 'terrorist attack'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/30/468758-untitled.png?imwidth=400" />

A blast on Friday (Nov 29) evening damaged a canal supplying water to Kosovo's two main coal-fired power plants, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said. Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister Kurti said, "This is a criminal and terrorist attack aimed at damaging our critical infrastructure."

Watch |&nbsp;Iran Plans To Install 6,000 Centrifuges To Enrich Uranium: IAEA

<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/iran-plans-to-install-6000-centrifuges-to-enrich-uranium-iaea-780364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Syrian rebels attacked the government forces in Aleppo on Friday (Nov 29). This was the first attack by the opposition forces since 2016 when they were ousted from the region after a military campaign.

Syrian rebels attacked the government forces in Aleppo on Friday (Nov 29). This was the first attack by the opposition forces since 2016 when they were ousted from the region after a military campaign. Meanwhile, in the latest in the Ukraine war, energy workers in the war-torn country are carrying out repairs in the country's power facilities despite Russia targeting the country's power grid, according to a report by the news agency Associated Press. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Florida to meet Donald Trump and talk about the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods the latter has threatened to impose. Trudeau is hoping to fend off the problem during the talks. Click on the headlines to read more West Asia Crisis: Syrian rebels attack Aleppo for the first time since 2016, dozens killed For the first time since 2016, rebels breached Syria's largest city on Friday (Nov 29) and clashed with government forces. This came as a surprise attack in Aleppo that forced residents to flee the area and added to the uncertainty in the region, which is already facing other conflicts and wars. Ukraine war: Ukrainian energy workers carry out repairs despite power grid being targeted by Russia Energy workers in war-torn Ukraine are carrying out repairs in the country's power facilities despite Russia targeting the country's power grid, a report by the news agency Associated Press late Friday (Nov 29) said. Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in late February 2022, repeated Russian strikes on infrastructure have seriously impacted Ukraine’s energy sector often resulting in rolling blackouts across the country. Canadian PM Trudeau in Florida to discuss tariffs threat with Trump over dinner at Mar-a-Lago Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Florida to meet Donald Trump and talk about the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods the latter has threatened to impose. Trudeau is hoping to fend off the problem during the talks. Canadian media reports suggest that the PM landed in Palm Beach International Airport on Friday evening to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Blast damages canal feeding Kosovo's main power plants, PM calls explosion 'terrorist attack' A blast on Friday (Nov 29) evening damaged a canal supplying water to Kosovo's two main coal-fired power plants, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said. Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister Kurti said, "This is a criminal and terrorist attack aimed at damaging our critical infrastructure." Watch | Iran Plans To Install 6,000 Centrifuges To Enrich Uranium: IAEA ×

Morning brief: Trudeau-Trump to meet to discuss tariffs; West Asia crisis updates, and more

Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies breached Syria's second city of Aleppo as they pressed a lightning offensive against forces of the Iranian and Russian-backed Assad government. The rebels wrested the key Syrian town of Saraqib from government forces on Friday as the two sides battle for control of the northwest of the country. Watch in for more details!

Syrian Rebels Enter Aleppo In Surprise Offensive

For the first time since 2016, rebels breached Syria's largest city on Friday (Nov 29) and clashed with government forces as&nbsp;Russian air strikes hit Aleppo.&nbsp;This came as a surprise attack&nbsp;that forced residents of the city to flee and added to the uncertainty in the region, which is already facing other conflicts and wars. &nbsp;

Witnesses told the Associate Press news agency that residents left the area and fled to neighbouring regions after missiles and gunfire in the clash between government forces and insurgents.&nbsp;

It was further reported that at least dozens of fighters were killed from both sides. The attack came as an addition to the region's already struggling condition as it is facing dual wars in Gaza and Lebanon involving Israel. Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, is also part of the list of conflicts the region is facing.&nbsp;

Watch | Iran Injects Gas Into New Centrifuges Ahead of Nuke Talks with European Powers

<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/iran-injects-gas-into-new-centrifuges-ahead-of-nuke-talks-with-european-powers-780341/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In 2016, the opposition forces were ousted by the Syrian government from the eastern regions after a military campaign supported by Russia, Iran and its allies. Aleppo has not been attacked since then.&nbsp;

But this time, the government forces or its allied forces have not seen any pushback. In fact, insurgents seemed confident in their approach, reportedly posting on social media asking the government forces to surrender.&nbsp;

Talking to AP, Robert Ford, who was the last US Ambassador to Syria, called the Syrian government forces "extremely weak." &nbsp;

The advances of this week were among the largest attacks by the opposition forces in the region in recent years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-warns-lebanese-civilians-to-not-return-to-over-60-southern-villages-780308">Israel warns Lebanese civilians to not return to over 60 southern villages</a>

Opposition forces like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) represent the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020. That was the year when government forces seized the areas that were controlled by the opposition forces.&nbsp;

This came as the Iran-linked group, especially Lebanon-based Hezbollah have been busy with its battles at home. Hezbollah is said to be supporting the Syrian government in pushing back the opposition forces. But since the announcement of the Lebanon ceasefire with Israel, it's occupied with handling situations back home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time since 2016, rebels breached Syria's largest city on Friday (Nov 29) and clashed with government forces as Russian air strikes hit Aleppo. This came as a surprise attack that forced residents of the city to flee and added to the uncertainty in the region, which is already facing other conflicts and wars.

For the first time since 2016, rebels breached Syria's largest city on Friday (Nov 29) and clashed with government forces as Russian air strikes hit Aleppo. This came as a surprise attack that forced residents of the city to flee and added to the uncertainty in the region, which is already facing other conflicts and wars. Witnesses told the Associate Press news agency that residents left the area and fled to neighbouring regions after missiles and gunfire in the clash between government forces and insurgents. It was further reported that at least dozens of fighters were killed from both sides. The attack came as an addition to the region's already struggling condition as it is facing dual wars in Gaza and Lebanon involving Israel. Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, is also part of the list of conflicts the region is facing. Watch | Iran Injects Gas Into New Centrifuges Ahead of Nuke Talks with European Powers × In 2016, the opposition forces were ousted by the Syrian government from the eastern regions after a military campaign supported by Russia, Iran and its allies. Aleppo has not been attacked since then. But this time, the government forces or its allied forces have not seen any pushback. In fact, insurgents seemed confident in their approach, reportedly posting on social media asking the government forces to surrender. Talking to AP, Robert Ford, who was the last US Ambassador to Syria, called the Syrian government forces "extremely weak." The advances of this week were among the largest attacks by the opposition forces in the region in recent years. Also read | Israel warns Lebanese civilians to not return to over 60 southern villages Opposition forces like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) represent the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020. That was the year when government forces seized the areas that were controlled by the opposition forces. This came as the Iran-linked group, especially Lebanon-based Hezbollah have been busy with its battles at home. Hezbollah is said to be supporting the Syrian government in pushing back the opposition forces. But since the announcement of the Lebanon ceasefire with Israel, it's occupied with handling situations back home. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria war monitor: Russian air strikes hit Aleppo for the first time since 2016

Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies shelled Syria's second city Aleppo on Friday, in a major offensive against government troops that has sparked some of the deadliest fighting the country has seen in years.

The violence has killed 255 people, according to a Syrian war monitor, most of them combatants on both sides but also including civilians. The toll also includes 24 civilians, most killed in Russian air strikes.

The offensive began at a sensitive time for Syria and the region, with a fragile ceasefire between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel taking effect earlier this week in neighbouring Lebanon.

By Friday, they had wrested more than 50 towns and villages in north and northwestern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the biggest advances that anti-government factions had made in years.

Army reinforcements have arrived in Aleppo, a Syrian government security official told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. The official added that "there are fierce battles and clashes west of Aleppo, but they have not reached the city".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-critical-ceasefire-needed-to-stop-syria-from-entering-war-zone-778866">Also read:&nbsp;UN says ‘critical’ ceasefire needed to stop Syria from entering war zone</a>

This week, jihadists and factions backed by Turkey, which neighbours Syria and supported the rebellion against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, launched a major surprise offensive against government forces.

They shelled a university student residence on Friday in government-held Aleppo, northern Syria's main city, killing four civilians according to state media.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said "more than 14,000 people –- nearly half are children -- have been displaced" by the violence.

Aleppo resident Sarmad, 51, told AFP he could hear "the sounds of missiles and artillery shelling around the clock".

Watch |&nbsp;Syrian And Russian Forces Launch Airstrikes In Rebel-Held Northwestern Syria | World DNA | WION

<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/syrian-and-russian-forces-launch-airstrikes-in-rebel-held-northwestern-syria-world-dna-wion-780076/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We're scared that war will break out and we'll be displaced from our homes again," he said.

Nasser Hamdo, 36, who works in a pastry shop, said he had been glued to the news since hostilities began.

The fighters had on Thursday cut the highway linking Aleppo to Syria's capital Damascus, about 300 kilometres (185 miles) south, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

"We're worried that roads getting blocked could cause fuel prices to soar and prevent goods from reaching the city," Hamdo said.

Syria's civil war began when Assad's forces cracked down in 2011 on pro-democracy protests.

Since then, the conflict has killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions, and morphed into a complex war drawing in jihadists and foreign powers, including Assad's allies Russia, Iran and Hezbollah.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday described the situation in Aleppo as "an infringement on the sovereignty of Syria."

He expressed support for "the government of Syria to quickly restore order in this district and restore the constitutional order."

At a press conference earlier this week, Mohamed Bashir of the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) said: "This operation aims to repel the sources of fire of the criminal enemy from the frontlines."

HTS, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, controls swathes of the Idlib region as well as small parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces.

The Idlib area where the jihadists are based has been subject to a Turkey and Russia-brokered truce since 2020. The ceasefire has been repeatedly violated but has largely been holding.

An AFP correspondent based in rebel-held areas saw jihadists advancing in tanks as intense exchanges of fire took place in an area just seven kilometres from the city of Aleppo.

AFP images showed damaged and abandoned Syrian army tanks and other military vehicles in the region.

The correspondent said the jihadists and their Turkey-backed allies took orders from a joint military operations command.

Analyst Nick Heras, of the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said the fighters were "trying to preempt the possibility of a Syrian military campaign in the region of Aleppo".

According to Heras, the Syrian government and its key backer Russia had been preparing for such a campaign.

Russia intervened in Syria's civil war in 2015, turning the momentum of the conflict in favour of the president, whose forces at the time had lost control of most of the country.

Turkey, Heras said, maybe "sending a message to both Damascus and Moscow to back down from their military efforts in northwest Syria".

Other interests are also at stake.

As well as Russia, Assad has been propped up by Iran and allied militant groups, including Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah.

Iran-backed militias have a heavy presence in the Aleppo region after providing crucial ground support to the army in its recapture of rebel-held districts of the city in 2016.

Anti-government forces are, according to Heras, "in a better position to take and seize villages than Russian-backed Syrian government forces, while the Iranians are focused on Lebanon".

During its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel intensified its strikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria including Hezbollah.

Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Observatory, said Assad's forces "were totally unprepared" for the attack.

"It is strange to see regime forces being dealt such big blows despite Russian air cover and early signs that HTS was going to launch this operation," Abdel Rahman said.

"Were they depending on Hezbollah, which is now busy in Lebanon?"

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies shelled Syria's second city Aleppo on Friday, in a major offensive against government troops that has sparked some of the deadliest fighting the country has seen in years.

Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies shelled Syria's second city Aleppo on Friday, in a major offensive against government troops that has sparked some of the deadliest fighting the country has seen in years. The violence has killed 255 people, according to a Syrian war monitor, most of them combatants on both sides but also including civilians. The toll also includes 24 civilians, most killed in Russian air strikes. The offensive began at a sensitive time for Syria and the region, with a fragile ceasefire between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel taking effect earlier this week in neighbouring Lebanon. By Friday, they had wrested more than 50 towns and villages in north and northwestern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the biggest advances that anti-government factions had made in years. Army reinforcements have arrived in Aleppo, a Syrian government security official told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. The official added that "there are fierce battles and clashes west of Aleppo, but they have not reached the city". Also read: UN says ‘critical’ ceasefire needed to stop Syria from entering war zone This week, jihadists and factions backed by Turkey, which neighbours Syria and supported the rebellion against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, launched a major surprise offensive against government forces. They shelled a university student residence on Friday in government-held Aleppo, northern Syria's main city, killing four civilians according to state media. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said "more than 14,000 people –- nearly half are children -- have been displaced" by the violence. Aleppo resident Sarmad, 51, told AFP he could hear "the sounds of missiles and artillery shelling around the clock". Watch | Syrian And Russian Forces Launch Airstrikes In Rebel-Held Northwestern Syria | World DNA | WION × "We're scared that war will break out and we'll be displaced from our homes again," he said. Nasser Hamdo, 36, who works in a pastry shop, said he had been glued to the news since hostilities began. The fighters had on Thursday cut the highway linking Aleppo to Syria's capital Damascus, about 300 kilometres (185 miles) south, according to the Britain-based Observatory. "We're worried that roads getting blocked could cause fuel prices to soar and prevent goods from reaching the city," Hamdo said. Syria's civil war began when Assad's forces cracked down in 2011 on pro-democracy protests. Since then, the conflict has killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions, and morphed into a complex war drawing in jihadists and foreign powers, including Assad's allies Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday described the situation in Aleppo as "an infringement on the sovereignty of Syria." He expressed support for "the government of Syria to quickly restore order in this district and restore the constitutional order." At a press conference earlier this week, Mohamed Bashir of the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) said: "This operation aims to repel the sources of fire of the criminal enemy from the frontlines." HTS, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, controls swathes of the Idlib region as well as small parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces. The Idlib area where the jihadists are based has been subject to a Turkey and Russia-brokered truce since 2020. The ceasefire has been repeatedly violated but has largely been holding. An AFP correspondent based in rebel-held areas saw jihadists advancing in tanks as intense exchanges of fire took place in an area just seven kilometres from the city of Aleppo. AFP images showed damaged and abandoned Syrian army tanks and other military vehicles in the region. The correspondent said the jihadists and their Turkey-backed allies took orders from a joint military operations command. Analyst Nick Heras, of the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said the fighters were "trying to preempt the possibility of a Syrian military campaign in the region of Aleppo". According to Heras, the Syrian government and its key backer Russia had been preparing for such a campaign. Russia intervened in Syria's civil war in 2015, turning the momentum of the conflict in favour of the president, whose forces at the time had lost control of most of the country. Turkey, Heras said, maybe "sending a message to both Damascus and Moscow to back down from their military efforts in northwest Syria". Other interests are also at stake. As well as Russia, Assad has been propped up by Iran and allied militant groups, including Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah. Iran-backed militias have a heavy presence in the Aleppo region after providing crucial ground support to the army in its recapture of rebel-held districts of the city in 2016. Anti-government forces are, according to Heras, "in a better position to take and seize villages than Russian-backed Syrian government forces, while the Iranians are focused on Lebanon". During its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel intensified its strikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria including Hezbollah. Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Observatory, said Assad's forces "were totally unprepared" for the attack. "It is strange to see regime forces being dealt such big blows despite Russian air cover and early signs that HTS was going to launch this operation," Abdel Rahman said. "Were they depending on Hezbollah, which is now busy in Lebanon?" Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria jihadists and Turkish-based allies launch major offensive in Aleppo city

Russian and Syrian air forces conducted airstrikes in northwest Syria, near the Turkish border, targeting rebel-held areas to counter a rare territorial advance by insurgents, according to Syrian army and rebel sources. Watch to know more!

Syrian And Russian Forces Launch Airstrikes In Rebel-Held Northwestern Syria | World DNA | WION

Archaeologists made a stunning discovery of the world's oldest known alphabetic writing etched on the finger-length&nbsp;clay cylinders found in excavation of a tomb in&nbsp;Syria.

The writing was found to be dated to around 2400 BC by researchers at <a href="https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/11/21/ancient-alphabet-discovered-syria/">Johns Hopkins University</a> in the United States.

The findings were presented at the American Society of Overseas Research's annual meeting. “Alphabetic writing changed the way people lived, how they thought, how they communicated,” said archaeologist Glenn Schwartz, who was behind the discovery of the clay cylinder.

<h2>Alphabets revolutionised language, say experts</h2>

According to the experts, this form of writing is likely to have revolutionised language because it was accessible to people who were beyond the social elite and royalty.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archaeologists-find-1600-year-old-amulet-with-depiction-of-king-solomon-killing-devil-in-turkey-777748">&nbsp;Archaeologists find 1,600-year-old amulet with depiction of King Solomon killing devil in Turkey</a>

"Alphabets revolutionised writing by making it accessible to people beyond royalty and the social elite. Alphabetic writing changed the way people lived, how they thought, how they communicated," said Schwartz in a press release.&nbsp;

"And this new discovery shows that people were experimenting with new communication technologies much earlier and in a different location than we had imagined before now," he added.&nbsp;

Speaking about the lightly baked clay cylinders, on which alphabetic writing was etched, Dr Schwartz said, “And this new discovery shows that people were experimenting with new communication technologies much earlier and in a different location than we had imagined before now."

Based on small perforations that were on the clay cylinders, scientists said that it most probably tethered to another object.

Watch:&nbsp;RWA Illegally Occupies Lodhi Era Tomb 'Gumti Of Shaikh Ali', SC Expresses Displeasure

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rwa-illegally-occupies-lodhi-era-tomb-gumti-of-shaikh-ali-sc-expresses-displeasure-776544/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Maybe they detail the contents of a vessel, or maybe where the vessel came from, or who it belonged to,” explained Dr Schwartz.

“Without a means to translate the writing, we can only speculate," he added. The researchers used carbon dating techniques to confirm that the tombs, the artefacts, and the writing all dated back to 2400 BC.

“Previously, scholars thought the&nbsp;alphabet&nbsp;was invented in or around Egypt sometime after 1900 BCE,” said Dr Schwartz.&nbsp;

“But our artefacts are older and from a different area on the map, suggesting the alphabet may have an entirely different origin story than we thought," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists made a stunning discovery of the world's oldest known alphabetic writing etched on the finger-length clay cylinders found in excavation of a tomb in Syria.

Archaeologists made a stunning discovery of the world's oldest known alphabetic writing etched on the finger-length clay cylinders found in excavation of a tomb in Syria. The writing was found to be dated to around 2400 BC by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. The findings were presented at the American Society of Overseas Research's annual meeting. “Alphabetic writing changed the way people lived, how they thought, how they communicated,” said archaeologist Glenn Schwartz, who was behind the discovery of the clay cylinder. Alphabets revolutionised language, say experts According to the experts, this form of writing is likely to have revolutionised language because it was accessible to people who were beyond the social elite and royalty. Also Read: Archaeologists find 1,600-year-old amulet with depiction of King Solomon killing devil in Turkey "Alphabets revolutionised writing by making it accessible to people beyond royalty and the social elite. Alphabetic writing changed the way people lived, how they thought, how they communicated," said Schwartz in a press release. "And this new discovery shows that people were experimenting with new communication technologies much earlier and in a different location than we had imagined before now," he added. Speaking about the lightly baked clay cylinders, on which alphabetic writing was etched, Dr Schwartz said, “And this new discovery shows that people were experimenting with new communication technologies much earlier and in a different location than we had imagined before now." Based on small perforations that were on the clay cylinders, scientists said that it most probably tethered to another object. Watch: RWA Illegally Occupies Lodhi Era Tomb 'Gumti Of Shaikh Ali', SC Expresses Displeasure “Maybe they detail the contents of a vessel, or maybe where the vessel came from, or who it belonged to,” explained Dr Schwartz. “Without a means to translate the writing, we can only speculate," he added. The researchers used carbon dating techniques to confirm that the tombs, the artefacts, and the writing all dated back to 2400 BC. “Previously, scholars thought the alphabet was invented in or around Egypt sometime after 1900 BCE,” said Dr Schwartz. “But our artefacts are older and from a different area on the map, suggesting the alphabet may have an entirely different origin story than we thought," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

World's oldest alphabet, dating back to 4,000 years, found on clay cylinders in Syria

The UN special envoy for Syria said on Sunday that it was "extremely critical" to end the fighting in Lebanon and Gaza to avoid the country being pulled into a regional war.

The UN special envoy for Syria said on Sunday that it was "extremely critical" to end the fighting in Lebanon and Gaza to avoid the country being pulled into a regional war. "We need now to make sure that we have immediately a ceasefire in Gaza, that we have a ceasefire in Lebanon, and that we avoid Syria being dragged even further into the conflict," said Geir Pedersen ahead of a meeting with the Syrian foreign minister in Damascus. "We agree that it is extremely critical that we de-escalate so that Syria is not further dragged into this," he said. Also read: 'Shooting near Israeli embassy in Jordan was terror attack targeting forces' Since Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups. The Israeli military has intensified its strikes on targets in Syria since its conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated into full-scale war in late September after almost a year of cross-border hostilities. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Israeli strikes on the city of Palmyra earlier in the week killed 105 people, the vast majority of them pro-Iran fighters, in the deadliest such attack on Tehran-backed groups to date. Also read: US SEC summons Gautam Adani, nephew Sagar Adani in $265 million bribery case Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN says ‘critical’ ceasefire needed to stop Syria from entering war zone

Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria on Thursday (Nov 14), targeting several buildings and command centres belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said.&nbsp;

The military said that the strikes are a "significant blow" to the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian group and its operatives.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
מוקדם יותר היום, מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר, בהכוונת פיקוד הצפון תקפו מספר מבנים צבאיים ומפקדות של ארגון הטרור הג׳יהאד האיסלאמי בסוריה&gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/8XjXqleY2C">pic.twitter.com/8XjXqleY2C</a>
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1857070047446896949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Syria's Defence Ministry said that the strikes killed 15 people in the upscale Mazzeh district of Damascus and on the outskirts of the capital.&nbsp;

“The Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan [Heights], targeting residential buildings in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus and the Qudsaya area in the Damascus countryside, killing 15 people and injuring 16 others,” the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iranian-backed-groups-in-syria-in-response-to-attacks-on-american-troops-775418">Also read:&nbsp;US strikes Iranian-backed groups in Syria in response to attacks on American troops</a>

Israeli warplanes have been silently launching attacks in Syria for years now to prevent Iranian proxies like Lebanon-based group Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who are operating from there.&nbsp;

“We are conducting deep strikes and striking frequently in Syria and along the Syria-Lebanon border to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah,” Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military chief of staff, said on Tuesday.

<h2>Lebanese response to ceasefire could arrive in a day</h2>

Lebanon could respond to the ceasefire proposal sent to Beirut from the US in the next 24 hours, Channel 12 reported.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria

<main role="main">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="http://13.235.153.162/admin/structure/videoembed" data-drupal-selector="video-embed-form" id="video-embed-form" method="post">
<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/israels-hidden-war-iranian-facility-attacked-in-syria-758555/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier this week, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was in the US to meet with President Joe Biden's administration officials on the final touches to the proposal.&nbsp;
</form>
</main>

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria on Thursday (Nov 14), targeting several buildings and command centres belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said.

Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria on Thursday (Nov 14), targeting several buildings and command centres belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said. The military said that the strikes are a "significant blow" to the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian group and its operatives. מוקדם יותר היום, מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר, בהכוונת פיקוד הצפון תקפו מספר מבנים צבאיים ומפקדות של ארגון הטרור הג׳יהאד האיסלאמי בסוריה>> pic.twitter.com/8XjXqleY2C — צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) November 14, 2024 × Syria's Defence Ministry said that the strikes killed 15 people in the upscale Mazzeh district of Damascus and on the outskirts of the capital. “The Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan [Heights], targeting residential buildings in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus and the Qudsaya area in the Damascus countryside, killing 15 people and injuring 16 others,” the ministry said. Also read: US strikes Iranian-backed groups in Syria in response to attacks on American troops Israeli warplanes have been silently launching attacks in Syria for years now to prevent Iranian proxies like Lebanon-based group Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who are operating from there. “We are conducting deep strikes and striking frequently in Syria and along the Syria-Lebanon border to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah,” Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military chief of staff, said on Tuesday. Lebanese response to ceasefire could arrive in a day Lebanon could respond to the ceasefire proposal sent to Beirut from the US in the next 24 hours, Channel 12 reported. Watch | Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria × Earlier this week, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was in the US to meet with President Joe Biden's administration officials on the final touches to the proposal. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches attacks on Syria's Damascus, at least 15 killed

American forces carried out strikes Monday against nine targets associated with Iranian-backed groups in Syria in response to attacks on Washington's troops in that country, the US military said.

“These strikes will degrade the Iranian-backed groups' ability to plan and launch future attacks on US and coalition forces,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM)said on social media, referring to the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/Hnw4dW6LEe">pic.twitter.com/Hnw4dW6LEe</a>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1856088134028558467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-israeli-defence-minister-warns-iran-nuclear-sites-more-exposed-than-ever-to-strikes-775380">Middle East crisis: Israeli defence minister warns Iran nuclear sites 'more exposed than ever' to strikes</a>

CENTCOM did not say which groups were targeted or whether they were thought to have resulted in casualties.

But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said the strikes killed four members of groups loyal to Iran.

The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the anti-IS coalition that was established in 2014 to help combat the jihadists.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-condemns-israels-occupation-in-gaza-calls-it-genocide-775375">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemns Israel's occupation in Gaza, calls it 'genocide'</a>

Since war broke out in the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, pro-Iran groups have repeatedly targeted US forces in Iraq and Syria in response to Washington's support for Israel.

The United States has repeatedly responded to such attacks with strikes on Iran-backed groups.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

American forces carried out strikes Monday against nine targets associated with Iranian-backed groups in Syria in response to attacks on Washington's troops in that country, the US military said.

American forces carried out strikes Monday against nine targets associated with Iranian-backed groups in Syria in response to attacks on Washington's troops in that country, the US military said. “These strikes will degrade the Iranian-backed groups' ability to plan and launch future attacks on US and coalition forces,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM)said on social media, referring to the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. pic.twitter.com/Hnw4dW6LEe — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 11, 2024 × Also read | Middle East crisis: Israeli defence minister warns Iran nuclear sites 'more exposed than ever' to strikes CENTCOM did not say which groups were targeted or whether they were thought to have resulted in casualties. But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said the strikes killed four members of groups loyal to Iran. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the anti-IS coalition that was established in 2014 to help combat the jihadists. Also read | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemns Israel's occupation in Gaza, calls it 'genocide' Since war broke out in the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, pro-Iran groups have repeatedly targeted US forces in Iraq and Syria in response to Washington's support for Israel. The United States has repeatedly responded to such attacks with strikes on Iran-backed groups. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US strikes Iranian-backed groups in Syria in response to attacks on American troops

Israel's military announced on Sunday (Nov 3) that it has detained a Syrian national allegedly acting as an operative for Iranian intelligence, during an operation that reportedly took place earlier this year.&nbsp;

This is the first time in the current war that Israel has announced sending troops into&nbsp;Syria.

<h2>"Iranian terror network operative"</h2>

The military said that the man identified as Ali Soleiman al-Assi was an "Iranian terror network operative", and had been collecting information on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) movements near the Israeli-Syrian border. This, Israel claims, was tied to an Iranian network orchestrating operations within southern Syria.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-fart-spray-columbia-university-pays-400000-settlement-to-jewish-student-heres-why-772903">Israel-Hamas war: 'Fart spray' ? Columbia University pays $400,000 settlement to Jewish student. Here's why</a>

Al-Assi's capture, Israel says, pre-empted potential attacks.

"The operation by Israel Defense Forces troops to detain al-Assi prevented a future attack and led to the exposure of the operational methods of Iranian terror networks located near the Golan Heights," said the Israeli military in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
During an intelligence-based, special IDF operation, IDF soldiers detained an Iranian terror network operative in Syria named Ali Soleiman al-Assi. 
 
Al-Assi, a Syrian citizen who lives in the area of Saida in southern Syria, was under IDF surveillance and was found to be a… <a href="https://t.co/Q2yAGIliiC">pic.twitter.com/Q2yAGIliiC</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1853121189851598888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>When did the arrest happen?</h2>

Al-Assi, reportedly from Saida in southern Syria, is now being held in Israel for interrogation.&nbsp;

Israeli authorities have shared few specific details regarding the exact timeline of al-Assi's detention, but said, "His activities included gathering intelligence on IDF (Israeli military) troops in the border area for future terror activity of the network."

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based watchdog, had reported in July about an incident in which Israeli forces seized a Syrian man near the village of Al-Razatiya, close to the Golan Heights. The Observatory stated that the man, who worked as a driver, was reportedly taken by Israeli forces who crossed the border to detain him, then transported to Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-captures-senior-hezbollah-operative-in-north-lebanon-772872">West Asia crisis: Israel captures senior Hezbollah operative in North Lebanon</a>

"An Israeli military force of three cars and an armoured vehicle crossed the border, entered the village and took the man to the occupied Golan Heights," the war monitor said.

Israel has recently been in an escalated, full-scale war with Iran-backed Hezbollah. This comes after Hezbollah intensified its cross-border actions that it claims are in support of Hamas. Hezbollah launched an extensive series of attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel last year, with activity increasing after Hamas'&nbsp;major assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's military announced on Sunday (Nov 3) that it has detained a Syrian national allegedly acting as an operative for Iranian intelligence, during an operation that reportedly took place earlier this year.

Israel's military announced on Sunday (Nov 3) that it has detained a Syrian national allegedly acting as an operative for Iranian intelligence, during an operation that reportedly took place earlier this year. This is the first time in the current war that Israel has announced sending troops into Syria. "Iranian terror network operative" The military said that the man identified as Ali Soleiman al-Assi was an "Iranian terror network operative", and had been collecting information on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) movements near the Israeli-Syrian border. This, Israel claims, was tied to an Iranian network orchestrating operations within southern Syria. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 'Fart spray' ? Columbia University pays $400,000 settlement to Jewish student. Here's why Al-Assi's capture, Israel says, pre-empted potential attacks. "The operation by Israel Defense Forces troops to detain al-Assi prevented a future attack and led to the exposure of the operational methods of Iranian terror networks located near the Golan Heights," said the Israeli military in a statement. During an intelligence-based, special IDF operation, IDF soldiers detained an Iranian terror network operative in Syria named Ali Soleiman al-Assi. Al-Assi, a Syrian citizen who lives in the area of Saida in southern Syria, was under IDF surveillance and was found to be a… pic.twitter.com/Q2yAGIliiC — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 3, 2024 × When did the arrest happen? Al-Assi, reportedly from Saida in southern Syria, is now being held in Israel for interrogation. Israeli authorities have shared few specific details regarding the exact timeline of al-Assi's detention, but said, "His activities included gathering intelligence on IDF (Israeli military) troops in the border area for future terror activity of the network." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based watchdog, had reported in July about an incident in which Israeli forces seized a Syrian man near the village of Al-Razatiya, close to the Golan Heights. The Observatory stated that the man, who worked as a driver, was reportedly taken by Israeli forces who crossed the border to detain him, then transported to Israel. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel captures senior Hezbollah operative in North Lebanon "An Israeli military force of three cars and an armoured vehicle crossed the border, entered the village and took the man to the occupied Golan Heights," the war monitor said. Israel has recently been in an escalated, full-scale war with Iran-backed Hezbollah. This comes after Hezbollah intensified its cross-border actions that it claims are in support of Hamas. Hezbollah launched an extensive series of attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel last year, with activity increasing after Hamas' major assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel sends troops into Syria, detains alleged 'Iranian terror network operative'

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry.

This potent drug, as per the Wall Street Journal, is used by everyone, from students to fighters. The drug has entrenched itself in everyday life, cutting across social and economic classes.

<h2>A massive trade</h2>

According to the WSJ report, smugglers find creative methods to move the drug across borders, from drones and homing pigeons to catapults and child couriers.

The multi-billion dollar drug trade is reportedly fuelling a massive trade that has lined the pockets of Iran-backed militias, including the Hezbollah, which allegedly funnels drug profits into arms procurement to fuel the war against Israel.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-warns-of-potential-ethnic-cleansing-in-gaza-calls-for-global-intervention-772154">UN Chief António Guterres warns of potential 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza, calls for global intervention</a>

Captagon isn't just a street-level problem; it has powerful patrons. Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime is accused of industrialising captagon production to offset the crushing toll of international sanctions.

Syrian and Lebanese operations, often linked with Iran-backed factions, allegedly control vast networks in production, trafficking, and profit, driving the drug's rapid proliferation in the region.

Syria, however, denies any role in the drug trade, despite reports that the Assad regime fetches billions annually from captagon.

According to the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Syrian and Arab research organisation that tracks the captagon trade, the regime fetched an annual average of about $2.4 billion between 2020 to 2022 — roughly one-fourth of Syria's GDP.

<h2>US and Captagon</h2>

The US sees captagon as a looming threat to stability in allied nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

In 2022, President Biden signed the Captagon Act, demanding a US strategy to disrupt smuggling and build law-enforcement partnerships in the Middle East against captagon networks.

Jordan, which has deployed a third of its army along the border to curb the flow of drugs across its border with Syria, is cracking down hard on smuggling.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-demands-un-rapporteur-francesca-albaneses-resignation-over-genocidal-campaign-claims-772168">Israel demands UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's resignation over 'genocidal campaign' claims</a>

The nation's soldiers have even adopted shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the smugglers.

US satellite-guided bombs and intelligence sharing have bolstered Jordan’s operations, yet the drug trade remains rampant.

According to the New Lines Institute, since the start of Gaza conflict, seizures of captagon in Jordan have spiked fourfold and are often accompanied by illicit arms shipment.

Jordan’s antidrug department last year arrested about 35,000 people on drug charges, a 24% increase from the year before. In June, Jordanian authorities foiled two smuggling operations involving nearly 10 million illicit pills, worth up to $200 million, destined for Saudi Arabia.

<h2>What is Captagon?</h2>

Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions like ADHD.

Its main ingredient as per the report is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and flu medication. The drug itself is versatile and dangerous, often laced with sedatives, stimulants, and even heavy metals—enhancements that increase dependency but heighten health risks.

Captagon was outlawed in the 80s, but Syrian and Lebanese traffickers saw opportunity in its potency and high demand. Production exploded during the Syrian civil war, transforming Syria into a captagon powerhouse.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Middle East involving both state and non-state actors. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry.

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry. This potent drug, as per the Wall Street Journal, is used by everyone, from students to fighters. The drug has entrenched itself in everyday life, cutting across social and economic classes. A massive trade According to the WSJ report, smugglers find creative methods to move the drug across borders, from drones and homing pigeons to catapults and child couriers. The multi-billion dollar drug trade is reportedly fuelling a massive trade that has lined the pockets of Iran-backed militias, including the Hezbollah, which allegedly funnels drug profits into arms procurement to fuel the war against Israel. Also read | UN Chief António Guterres warns of potential 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza, calls for global intervention Captagon isn't just a street-level problem; it has powerful patrons. Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime is accused of industrialising captagon production to offset the crushing toll of international sanctions. Syrian and Lebanese operations, often linked with Iran-backed factions, allegedly control vast networks in production, trafficking, and profit, driving the drug's rapid proliferation in the region. Syria, however, denies any role in the drug trade, despite reports that the Assad regime fetches billions annually from captagon. According to the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Syrian and Arab research organisation that tracks the captagon trade, the regime fetched an annual average of about $2.4 billion between 2020 to 2022 — roughly one-fourth of Syria's GDP. US and Captagon The US sees captagon as a looming threat to stability in allied nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, President Biden signed the Captagon Act, demanding a US strategy to disrupt smuggling and build law-enforcement partnerships in the Middle East against captagon networks. Jordan, which has deployed a third of its army along the border to curb the flow of drugs across its border with Syria, is cracking down hard on smuggling. Also read | Israel demands UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's resignation over 'genocidal campaign' claims The nation's soldiers have even adopted shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the smugglers. US satellite-guided bombs and intelligence sharing have bolstered Jordan’s operations, yet the drug trade remains rampant. According to the New Lines Institute, since the start of Gaza conflict, seizures of captagon in Jordan have spiked fourfold and are often accompanied by illicit arms shipment. Jordan’s antidrug department last year arrested about 35,000 people on drug charges, a 24% increase from the year before. In June, Jordanian authorities foiled two smuggling operations involving nearly 10 million illicit pills, worth up to $200 million, destined for Saudi Arabia. What is Captagon? Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions like ADHD. Its main ingredient as per the report is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and flu medication. The drug itself is versatile and dangerous, often laced with sedatives, stimulants, and even heavy metals—enhancements that increase dependency but heighten health risks. Captagon was outlawed in the 80s, but Syrian and Lebanese traffickers saw opportunity in its potency and high demand. Production exploded during the Syrian civil war, transforming Syria into a captagon powerhouse. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Middle East involving both state and non-state actors. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Potent drug 'captagon' fueling conflict, crime, and party scenes across the Middle East: Report

Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said on&nbsp;Wednesday (23&nbsp;Oct) that Turkish jets launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria following an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters. According to the ministry’s statement, cited by the state-run Anadolu Agency, over 30 targets were "destroyed" in the aerial assault.

"A total of 32 targets belonging to the terrorists were successfully destroyed," it said.

The strikes come on the heels of an incident on Wednesday where suspected Kurdish militants detonated explosives and opened fire at TUSAS, Turkey's state-run aerospace and defence firm. The attack left five people dead and more than a dozen injured, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-attack-at-turkish-aerospace-industries-in-ankara-several-dead-and-injured-770117">Terror attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara; 4 killed, 14 injured</a>

Yerlikaya added that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is believed to be behind the attack, though investigations to confirm the identities of the attackers are still ongoing. Defence Minister Yasar Guler also held the PKK responsible, saying, “We give these PKK scoundrels the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous terrorist act" during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a BRICS event in Russia. The United States Embassy in Turkey also released a statement, strongly condemning the incident.

<h2>What is&nbsp;TUSAS?</h2>

TUSAS plays a key role in Turkey’s defence sector, as it makes both civilian and military aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs have been instrumental in Turkey’s fight against Kurdish militants within its borders and in neighbouring Iraq.

This attack comes just one day after the leader of Turkey's far-right nationalist party, which is aligned with Erdogan, hinted at the possibility of parole for the imprisoned leader of the PKK, provided he renounces violence and dissolves the group.

In response to the attack, the Iraqi embassy in Ankara issued a statement condemning the violence. The embassy affirmed "Iraq's firm position in rejecting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and expresses the solidarity of Iraq's government and people, with the government and people of the Republic of Turkey." Earlier this year, Iraq imposed a ban on the PKK.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday (23 Oct) that Turkish jets launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria following an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters.

Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday (23 Oct) that Turkish jets launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria following an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters. According to the ministry’s statement, cited by the state-run Anadolu Agency, over 30 targets were "destroyed" in the aerial assault. "A total of 32 targets belonging to the terrorists were successfully destroyed," it said. The strikes come on the heels of an incident on Wednesday where suspected Kurdish militants detonated explosives and opened fire at TUSAS, Turkey's state-run aerospace and defence firm. The attack left five people dead and more than a dozen injured, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Also read: Terror attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara; 4 killed, 14 injured Yerlikaya added that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is believed to be behind the attack, though investigations to confirm the identities of the attackers are still ongoing. Defence Minister Yasar Guler also held the PKK responsible, saying, “We give these PKK scoundrels the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous terrorist act" during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a BRICS event in Russia. The United States Embassy in Turkey also released a statement, strongly condemning the incident. What is TUSAS? TUSAS plays a key role in Turkey’s defence sector, as it makes both civilian and military aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs have been instrumental in Turkey’s fight against Kurdish militants within its borders and in neighbouring Iraq. This attack comes just one day after the leader of Turkey's far-right nationalist party, which is aligned with Erdogan, hinted at the possibility of parole for the imprisoned leader of the PKK, provided he renounces violence and dissolves the group. In response to the attack, the Iraqi embassy in Ankara issued a statement condemning the violence. The embassy affirmed "Iraq's firm position in rejecting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and expresses the solidarity of Iraq's government and people, with the government and people of the Republic of Turkey." Earlier this year, Iraq imposed a ban on the PKK. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey retaliates with airstrikes on 32 PKK targets in Iraq, Syria after deadly terror attack on TUSAS

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calls for better relations with the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad to 'help Syrian refugees return home'. Watch in for more details!

'Better Ties With Assad Will Help Syrian Refugees Return Home', Says Meloni

United States has launched a series of bombings and what it describes as ISIS camps in Syria. In an attempt to disrupt the group's ability to carry out attacks in the region. These air strikes have hit multiple camps in Syria, the US Central Command confirmed that these bombings in fact took place but is not specified the exact locations. Watch to know more.

Amid Israel-Hamas War, US Strikes Syria

A group of unidentified men in the Indian capital, Delhi's&nbsp;Vikaspuri allegedly threw some corrosive substance on a Syrian refugee and his 11-month-old son.&nbsp;

The father and son are currently receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.&nbsp;

An FIR about&nbsp;the case was registered&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;after they received the treatment at the hospital.&nbsp;

The alleged incident took place on September 30 in West Delhi's Vikaspuri. Rafat, his wife Marisa, 26, and their 11-month-old son have been living on the road, outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).&nbsp;

Rafat contacted the UNHCR after he lost his job at the call centre. “However, the official denied us all help and we had no choice but to live on the road,” he said.

The locals, however, used to oppose their stay there.&nbsp;

"But the locals had problems with us staying there and kept mistreating us," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-in-syria-eliminate-37-militants-including-top-isis-al-qaeda-affiliate-leaders-762975">Also read:&nbsp;US airstrikes in Syria eliminate 37 militants including top ISIS, Al Qaeda affiliate leaders</a>

Rafat described the incident to The Times of India, saying that he saw the perpetrators from afar and they&nbsp;were holding a can and he sensed danger.&nbsp;

“I tried to run away but couldn’t get too far away before they threw something on me and my son. My skin started to burn and I sensed a chemical smell on me,” he said.&nbsp;

The Syrian national said that he begged many auto rickshaws to take him and his son to the hospital. However, nobody came to help.&nbsp;

Later, a man helped him and dropped him at the hospital on a motorcycle, according to the newspaper.&nbsp;

Rafat’s wife Marisa said, “When I reached the hospital, my son had burn injuries on his face, especially the eyes, neck and chest. I thought I would lose him. How can someone do this to a baby? Do they not have children?”

Rafat then explained that he came to India to study in 2015 and while studying in a Bengaluru college, he met Marisa and fell in love with her. "We fell in love and got married. However, our families did not approve of our relationship and cut us off," he said.&nbsp;

Watch | Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria

<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/israels-hidden-war-iranian-facility-attacked-in-syria-758555/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He continued that both of them dropped out of college and took odd jobs, hoping to start a new life for themselves.&nbsp;

"Soon the war started in Syria and so, I could not think of taking my family back to Syria," the Syrian national said, adding, "We moved to Delhi almost two years ago and started doing odd jobs. But recently, the financial burden became too much, and so we reached out to the commission."

After getting to know about the attack, Rafat was contacted by the Brave Souls Foundation, which works for acid attack survivors. The NGO also assisted Rafat and his family with legal aid.&nbsp;

Talking about the civic rights of the family, advocate Ali Zia Kabir of the NGO said, "The law should not, and does not, differentiate between a refugee and a citizen when they are victims of an acid attack. Both are equally entitled to protection, justice, treatment, and compensation."

Shaheen, the founder of the NGO, added, "This is a highly shocking incident in which an acidic substance was thrown on a man and an infant. It seems it is still so easy for people to procure acid in the capital. Availability of corrosive substances can so easily ruin the lives of people."

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of unidentified men in the Indian capital, Delhi's Vikaspuri allegedly threw some corrosive substance on a Syrian refugee and his 11-month-old son. The father and son are currently receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.

A group of unidentified men in the Indian capital, Delhi's Vikaspuri allegedly threw some corrosive substance on a Syrian refugee and his 11-month-old son. The father and son are currently receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. An FIR about the case was registered on Monday after they received the treatment at the hospital. The alleged incident took place on September 30 in West Delhi's Vikaspuri. Rafat, his wife Marisa, 26, and their 11-month-old son have been living on the road, outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Rafat contacted the UNHCR after he lost his job at the call centre. “However, the official denied us all help and we had no choice but to live on the road,” he said. The locals, however, used to oppose their stay there. "But the locals had problems with us staying there and kept mistreating us," he said. Also read: US airstrikes in Syria eliminate 37 militants including top ISIS, Al Qaeda affiliate leaders Rafat described the incident to The Times of India, saying that he saw the perpetrators from afar and they were holding a can and he sensed danger. “I tried to run away but couldn’t get too far away before they threw something on me and my son. My skin started to burn and I sensed a chemical smell on me,” he said. The Syrian national said that he begged many auto rickshaws to take him and his son to the hospital. However, nobody came to help. Later, a man helped him and dropped him at the hospital on a motorcycle, according to the newspaper. Rafat’s wife Marisa said, “When I reached the hospital, my son had burn injuries on his face, especially the eyes, neck and chest. I thought I would lose him. How can someone do this to a baby? Do they not have children?” Rafat then explained that he came to India to study in 2015 and while studying in a Bengaluru college, he met Marisa and fell in love with her. "We fell in love and got married. However, our families did not approve of our relationship and cut us off," he said. Watch | Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria × He continued that both of them dropped out of college and took odd jobs, hoping to start a new life for themselves. "Soon the war started in Syria and so, I could not think of taking my family back to Syria," the Syrian national said, adding, "We moved to Delhi almost two years ago and started doing odd jobs. But recently, the financial burden became too much, and so we reached out to the commission." After getting to know about the attack, Rafat was contacted by the Brave Souls Foundation, which works for acid attack survivors. The NGO also assisted Rafat and his family with legal aid. Talking about the civic rights of the family, advocate Ali Zia Kabir of the NGO said, "The law should not, and does not, differentiate between a refugee and a citizen when they are victims of an acid attack. Both are equally entitled to protection, justice, treatment, and compensation." Shaheen, the founder of the NGO, added, "This is a highly shocking incident in which an acidic substance was thrown on a man and an infant. It seems it is still so easy for people to procure acid in the capital. Availability of corrosive substances can so easily ruin the lives of people." (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian refugee, his 11-month-old son attacked with acid outside Delhi's UNHC office

West Asia Country of Syria is also facing Israeli strikes. In the latest spate of attacks, 3 civilians lost their lives in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The Syrian media reported that Israeli strikes killed a television presenter and wounded 9 others in the country. Watch in for more details!

Damascus Attack: 3 Civilians Killed In Israeli Airstrike On Syria's Damascus, State Media says

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have caused thousands to flee into Syria, a nation already ravaged by years of conflict. Watch this report for more details!

An Israeli Bombing Intensifies Refugees From Lebanon Flock to Syria

US forces conducted two separate strikes in Syria, killing 37 "terrorist operatives," including members of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, the military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.

A September 24 strike in northwest Syria killed nine "terrorist operatives," including senior Hurras al-Din leader Marwan Bassam 'Abd-al-Ra'uf, the US military said.

A September 16 strike in central Syria targeted an IS training camp and killed at least 28 people, including four senior leaders, the statement said. It did not identify the leaders.&nbsp;

The US military has around 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. The coalition was established in 2014 to help combat the armed group, which had taken over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallah-death-netanyahu-reveals-he-gave-the-order-to-kill-hezbollah-chief-he-would-have-quickly-762857">Netanyahu reveals he issued the ‘order’ to kill Hezbollah chief Nasrallah</a>

"These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM's commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM's commander.

Anti-IS coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since last year has drawn in armed groups across the Middle East.&nbsp;

US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against militant factions in both countries.

In August, US forces killed another Hurras al-Din leader, Abu Abdul Rahman al-Makki, in a strike in Syria.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

US forces conducted two separate strikes in Syria, killing 37 "terrorist operatives," including members of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, the military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.

US forces conducted two separate strikes in Syria, killing 37 "terrorist operatives," including members of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, the military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday. A September 24 strike in northwest Syria killed nine "terrorist operatives," including senior Hurras al-Din leader Marwan Bassam 'Abd-al-Ra'uf, the US military said. A September 16 strike in central Syria targeted an IS training camp and killed at least 28 people, including four senior leaders, the statement said. It did not identify the leaders. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. The coalition was established in 2014 to help combat the armed group, which had taken over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria. Also read: Netanyahu reveals he issued the ‘order’ to kill Hezbollah chief Nasrallah "These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM's commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM's commander. Anti-IS coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since last year has drawn in armed groups across the Middle East. US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against militant factions in both countries. In August, US forces killed another Hurras al-Din leader, Abu Abdul Rahman al-Makki, in a strike in Syria. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US airstrikes in Syria eliminate 37 militants including top ISIS, Al Qaeda affiliate leaders

syria

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