Iran has vowed to retaliate after it accused Israel of bombing its embassy complex in Syrian capital Damascus on Monday. Hezbollah group warned Tuesday that Israel will pay for killing high-level Iran Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in the strike.

Has Israel irked Hezbollah and Iran?

Tensions are escalating in West Asia according to reports that suspected Israeli war planes have bombed Iran's Embassy in Syria. Iran says the bombing killed seven of its military advisers including three of its senior commanders.

Iran's consulate attack in Syria: Iran vows revenge on Israel

Iran's consulate attack in Syria: Strike fuels fears of a wider conflict

Iran, Hezbollah issue warning to Israel after airstrike on Iranian consulate

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold an emergency meeting following a deadly Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Watch in for more details!

UNSC meet on suspected Israeli strikes on April 2: Russian mission

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also called Sepah or Pasdaran, is a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces. Watch to know more.

Iran consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus under attack

Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus under attack

UNSC to meet over Israel's attack on Iranian consulate in Syria

UNSC to hold emergency meeting on Israeli strike on Iran's Syria consulate

Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus was flattened on Monday in what Syrian and Iranian media described as an Israeli air strike. The strike killed a top Revolutionary Guards commander and several diplomats.

Iranian consulate in Damascus flattened in suspected Israeli air strike

An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus. A commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force in Lebanon, was killed in the strike. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Iranian IRGC commander killed in air strike on Syria embassy compound

An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Israeli air strike destroys Iranian consulate in Damascus

Islamic State (IS) group jihadists have “executed” eight Syrian soldiers after an ambush a war monitor said on Sunday, as it reported that the jihadists had killed 14 troops in recent days.

Islamic State executes eight Syrian soldiers

Islamic State jihadists 'execute' eight Syrian soldiers after desert ambush

Islamic State terrorists have "executed" eight Syrian soldiers after an ambush, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday (March 31). WION could not immediately ascertain the nature of this ambush.&nbsp;

The war monitor also reported that the jihadists had killed 14 troops in recent days.

The Islamic State took over large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 and proclaimed a "caliphate" in the region&nbsp;that led to a reign of terror.&nbsp;

The territorial defeat of the ISIS was complete in 2019. But its remnants continue to execute deadly attacks and their influence runs deep in the vast Badia desert, from the outskirts of Damascus to the Iraqi border.&nbsp;

These IS cells have been targeting pro-government forces and Kurdish-led fighters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-isis-deploys-cryptocurrency-nato-grade-weapons-to-revive-its-reign-of-terror-625052">Explained: ISIS deploys cryptocurrency, NATO-grade weapons to revive its reign of terror</a>

IS cells "executed eight members of the regime forces... including an officer" after the ambush this week in the desert in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Meanwhile, a bomb exploded in a shopping area in a northern Syrian city held by pro-Turkish forces on Sunday, killing eight people and wounding about two dozen people.&nbsp;

The Observatory said that "eight people were killed and 23 others wounded" when "a car bomb exploded in the middle of a popular market".

Also watch |&nbsp;ISIS' Afghanistan-based affiliate emerging as a global menace

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Islamic State jihadists also killed six other soldiers "after they were taken prisoner" in a separate ambush along Sukhna and Palmyra in Homs province.

<h2>Over 200 soldiers, affiliated fighters killed in ISIS attacks</h2>

According to the observatory, more than 200 soldiers and affiliated fighters have ben killed since the start of this year in the ambushes in the Syrian desert including in Deir Ezzor, Homs and Raqqa provinces, the observatory said.

These attacks have killed at least 37 civilians during the same period. The government forces have killed 24 IS members, according to the observatory.

The observatory said that with the recent escalation, the Islamic State is seeking to "show it is able to launch attacks despite having lost" its territorial control five years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State terrorists have "executed" eight Syrian soldiers after an ambush, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday (March 31). WION could not immediately ascertain the nature of this ambush.

Islamic State terrorists have "executed" eight Syrian soldiers after an ambush, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday (March 31). WION could not immediately ascertain the nature of this ambush. The war monitor also reported that the jihadists had killed 14 troops in recent days. The Islamic State took over large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 and proclaimed a "caliphate" in the region that led to a reign of terror. The territorial defeat of the ISIS was complete in 2019. But its remnants continue to execute deadly attacks and their influence runs deep in the vast Badia desert, from the outskirts of Damascus to the Iraqi border. These IS cells have been targeting pro-government forces and Kurdish-led fighters. Also read | Explained: ISIS deploys cryptocurrency, NATO-grade weapons to revive its reign of terror IS cells "executed eight members of the regime forces... including an officer" after the ambush this week in the desert in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Meanwhile, a bomb exploded in a shopping area in a northern Syrian city held by pro-Turkish forces on Sunday, killing eight people and wounding about two dozen people. The Observatory said that "eight people were killed and 23 others wounded" when "a car bomb exploded in the middle of a popular market". Also watch | ISIS' Afghanistan-based affiliate emerging as a global menace × Islamic State jihadists also killed six other soldiers "after they were taken prisoner" in a separate ambush along Sukhna and Palmyra in Homs province. Over 200 soldiers, affiliated fighters killed in ISIS attacks According to the observatory, more than 200 soldiers and affiliated fighters have ben killed since the start of this year in the ambushes in the Syrian desert including in Deir Ezzor, Homs and Raqqa provinces, the observatory said. These attacks have killed at least 37 civilians during the same period. The government forces have killed 24 IS members, according to the observatory. The observatory said that with the recent escalation, the Islamic State is seeking to "show it is able to launch attacks despite having lost" its territorial control five years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State 'executes' eight Syrian soldiers in desert ambush, reports war monitor

At least seven people were killed and 30 others were injured in a car blast in the rebel-held Syrian town of Azaz near the Turkish border, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday (Mar 31) citing residents and rescuers. The blast occurred late Saturday night at a popular market after the breaking of the&nbsp;Ramadan fast.

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion so far. Among the injured, some were serious and&nbsp;were transferred to local hospitals for treatment, civil defence forces said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-insurgent-groups-launch-airstrikes-near-aleppo-causing-casualties-syrian-army-705384">Israel airstrikes near Aleppo 'kill 42 Syrian soldiers' as fighting intensifies</a>

Speaking to Reuters, Yaseen Shalabi, who was near the incident site shopping with his family, said, "It's (the explosion's) timing comes with heavy congestion by shoppers."

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the blast caused significant damage in the area and sparked a fire. Ambulances and rescue personnel were present at the scene.

Also watch | The West Asia Post:&nbsp;Massive power outages plague Syria, people turn to cafes for reliable source of energy

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Azaz is run by Syrian rebel groups backed by Turkey opposing Syrian President Bashar al Assad. The town has seen relative calm after it was hit by a car blast over two years ago.

Main towns in the northwestern border area have in recent years been frequently hit by bombings detonated in crowded civilian areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least seven people were killed and 30 others were injured in a car blast in the rebel-held Syrian town of Azaz near the Turkish border, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday (Mar 31) citing residents and rescuers.

At least seven people were killed and 30 others were injured in a car blast in the rebel-held Syrian town of Azaz near the Turkish border, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday (Mar 31) citing residents and rescuers. The blast occurred late Saturday night at a popular market after the breaking of the Ramadan fast. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion so far. Among the injured, some were serious and were transferred to local hospitals for treatment, civil defence forces said. Also read | Israel airstrikes near Aleppo 'kill 42 Syrian soldiers' as fighting intensifies Speaking to Reuters, Yaseen Shalabi, who was near the incident site shopping with his family, said, "It's (the explosion's) timing comes with heavy congestion by shoppers." According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the blast caused significant damage in the area and sparked a fire. Ambulances and rescue personnel were present at the scene. Also watch | The West Asia Post: Massive power outages plague Syria, people turn to cafes for reliable source of energy × Azaz is run by Syrian rebel groups backed by Turkey opposing Syrian President Bashar al Assad. The town has seen relative calm after it was hit by a car blast over two years ago. Main towns in the northwestern border area have in recent years been frequently hit by bombings detonated in crowded civilian areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Seven killed, 30 injured in car blast in Syria's Azaz town near Turkish border

Israeli airstrikes on Syria's have killed more than 40 people, including members of Hezbollah and a large number of Syrian soldiers. Watch in for more details!

Israeli airstrike in Syria kills more than 40 people

Gunmen thought to be linked to the Islamic State group in Syria killed 18 people searching for truffles in the desert Wednesday, a war monitor said.

More than 50 people remained missing after the attack that saw heavy clashes with pro-government forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Eighteen people were confirmed killed, including four pro-government fighters ... while more than 50 are still missing, after an attack launched by gunmen likely affiliated with IS," it said.

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The jihadists attacked the group with machine guns, said the Britain-based monitoring group with a network of sources inside Syria. The clashes left about a dozen cars burnt, it added.

The Syrian desert is renowned for producing some of the world's best quality truffles, which fetch high prices in a country battered by 13 years of war and a crushing economic crisis.

Every year between February and April, foragers risk their lives, defying official warnings, to collect the delicacies in the vast northern Syrian desert, or Badia – a known hideout for jihadists that is also littered with landmines.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-declares-last-year-as-the-most-fatal-for-migrants-697298">UN agency for migration declares 2023 as the most fatal year for migrants</a>

Last month, a blast from a landmine left by the IS group killed 14 people foraging for desert truffles, state media said.

IS lost its last scraps of territory&nbsp;in Syria in March 2019, following a military campaign backed by a US-led coalition, but jihadist remnants continue to hide in the desert and launch deadly attacks.

They have ambushed civilians as well as Kurdish-led forces, Syrian government troops and pro-Iran fighters, while also mounting attacks in neighbouring Iraq.

Syria's war has killed more than half a million people and displaced millions more since it broke out in March 2011 with Damascus's brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Gunmen thought to be linked to the Islamic State group in Syria killed 18 people searching for truffles in the desert Wednesday, a war monitor said. More than 50 people remained missing after the attack that saw heavy clashes with pro-government forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Gunmen thought to be linked to the Islamic State group in Syria killed 18 people searching for truffles in the desert Wednesday, a war monitor said. More than 50 people remained missing after the attack that saw heavy clashes with pro-government forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Eighteen people were confirmed killed, including four pro-government fighters ... while more than 50 are still missing, after an attack launched by gunmen likely affiliated with IS," it said. Also Read | US destroyer successfully intercepts Houthi drone attack in Red Sea The jihadists attacked the group with machine guns, said the Britain-based monitoring group with a network of sources inside Syria. The clashes left about a dozen cars burnt, it added. The Syrian desert is renowned for producing some of the world's best quality truffles, which fetch high prices in a country battered by 13 years of war and a crushing economic crisis. Every year between February and April, foragers risk their lives, defying official warnings, to collect the delicacies in the vast northern Syrian desert, or Badia – a known hideout for jihadists that is also littered with landmines. Also Read | UN agency for migration declares 2023 as the most fatal year for migrants Last month, a blast from a landmine left by the IS group killed 14 people foraging for desert truffles, state media said. IS lost its last scraps of territory in Syria in March 2019, following a military campaign backed by a US-led coalition, but jihadist remnants continue to hide in the desert and launch deadly attacks. They have ambushed civilians as well as Kurdish-led forces, Syrian government troops and pro-Iran fighters, while also mounting attacks in neighbouring Iraq. Syria's war has killed more than half a million people and displaced millions more since it broke out in March 2011 with Damascus's brutal repression of anti-government protests.

At least 18 killed, over 50 missing in suspected IS attack on Syria truffle hunters: Report

Five members of the Special Air Service (SAS) have been arrested by British military police on suspicion of allegedly committing war crimes during operations in Syria. The Ministry of Defence, while refraining from direct comments on the investigation, acknowledged the accuracy of reports circulating within military circles.

This is in addition to the SAS's activities in Afghanistan that are separately under scrutiny in a public inquiry. The members of the British Special Air Service are accused of summarily killing 80 Afghans over the years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uks-broken-promises-afghan-special-forces-left-in-limbo-as-taliban-threat-looms-668495">UK's broken promises: Afghan Special Forces left in limbo, face threat of return to Taliban</a>

A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence said: "We hold our personnel to the highest standards, and any allegations of wrongdoing are taken seriously."&nbsp;

<h2>What are the 'war crime' accusations?</h2>

The accused SAS members have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of a suspected jihadist in Syria two years ago.&nbsp;

Case files recommending murder charges have been forwarded to the Service Prosecuting Authority, the military equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service, The Guardian reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-afghanistan-to-ukraine-is-us-provided-atacms-leading-to-russias-stinger-missile-moment-in-2023-649452">From Afghanistan to Ukraine: Is US-provided ATACMS leading to Russia's ‘Stinger-missile-moment’ in 2023?</a>

The allegations centre around claims of excessive force used in the incident. The soldiers reportedly maintained they perceived the deceased as a legitimate threat.&nbsp;

The SAS has been actively engaged in covert operations against the Islamic State in Syria, supporting Kurdish allies of the West.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: UK troops killed civilians in Mosul airstrikes | 20 years of the Iraq War

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The identity of the accused soldiers remains undisclosed.

The SAS, headquartered in Hereford, operates in utmost secrecy and conducts high-risk missions in locations where the UK officially denies military presence.&nbsp;

The accused soldiers may maintain their anonymity if court martial proceedings ensue, similar to the SAS's secretive nature.&nbsp;

The director of special forces, the SAS's highest-ranking officer, remains solely accountable to the defence secretary and the prime minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

Five members of the Special Air Service (SAS) have been arrested by British military police on suspicion of allegedly committing war crimes during operations in Syria.

Five members of the Special Air Service (SAS) have been arrested by British military police on suspicion of allegedly committing war crimes during operations in Syria. The Ministry of Defence, while refraining from direct comments on the investigation, acknowledged the accuracy of reports circulating within military circles. This is in addition to the SAS's activities in Afghanistan that are separately under scrutiny in a public inquiry. The members of the British Special Air Service are accused of summarily killing 80 Afghans over the years. Also read | UK's broken promises: Afghan Special Forces left in limbo, face threat of return to Taliban A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence said: "We hold our personnel to the highest standards, and any allegations of wrongdoing are taken seriously." What are the 'war crime' accusations? The accused SAS members have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of a suspected jihadist in Syria two years ago. Case files recommending murder charges have been forwarded to the Service Prosecuting Authority, the military equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service, The Guardian reported. Also read | From Afghanistan to Ukraine: Is US-provided ATACMS leading to Russia's ‘Stinger-missile-moment’ in 2023? The allegations centre around claims of excessive force used in the incident. The soldiers reportedly maintained they perceived the deceased as a legitimate threat. The SAS has been actively engaged in covert operations against the Islamic State in Syria, supporting Kurdish allies of the West. Also watch | Gravitas: UK troops killed civilians in Mosul airstrikes | 20 years of the Iraq War × The identity of the accused soldiers remains undisclosed. The SAS, headquartered in Hereford, operates in utmost secrecy and conducts high-risk missions in locations where the UK officially denies military presence. The accused soldiers may maintain their anonymity if court martial proceedings ensue, similar to the SAS's secretive nature. The director of special forces, the SAS's highest-ranking officer, remains solely accountable to the defence secretary and the prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Five British soldiers arrested for alleged war crimes in Syria

London-born woman Shamima Begum who went to Syria as a schoolgirl to join the Islamic State terror group, on Friday (Feb 23) lost her latest appeal over the revocation of her British citizenship. Shamima Begum's citizenship was taken away by the British government on grounds of national security in 2019, weeks after she was found in a detention camp in north-eastern Syria.

Former ‘ISIS bride’ Shamima Begum loses battle over regaining UK citizenship

The Civil War in Syria has made electricity a scare commodity. Long power cuts are now driving the country’s working class to work in cafes. Ghadi Francis tells you how an unfortunate circumstance has made the café culture more popular in Syria.

Massive power outages plague Syria, people turn to cafes for reliable source of energy

Just a few days back an American drone blew up a car in Bagdad killing what Americans claimed was a high-ranking commander of the Kata'ib Hezbollah group. The American Military said that the strike killed Abu Baqir al-Saadi. Washington further claims that he was responsible for directly planning and also participating in attacks on American troops. Here's how the American Military killed the Kata'ib Hezbollah leader with a secret missile that it claims is designed only to kill terrorists and not other nearby civilians.

Explained: How does the R9X missile reach its target?

The Syrian air defences, as per state media reports&nbsp;on Friday responded to an attack near the capital. According to&nbsp;the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports, a military airport west of Damascus came under attack. The war monitor said that "the area of the Mazzeh military airport west of the capital Damascus was targeted".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-attacks-disrupt-red-sea-shipping-houthi-leader-claims-real-victory-688428">As attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping, Houthi leader claims 'real victory'</a>

"Positions belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah and other pro-Iran groups are present" it added.

<h2>Is Israel to blame?</h2>

The Defence Ministry, as per AFP, said that drones entered the Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

A statement from the defence ministry meanwhile said that "two drones violated Syrian air space from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan". It said that the attack happened around 2:10 pm (1110 GMT).

"Air defence systems confronted them, and they were shot down west of Damascus," added the statement.

While the source of the attack was not immediately specified, Syria's official news agency, SANA (Syrian Arab News Agency)&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;Israel in its initial reports for "hostile" strikes.

Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria. But after&nbsp;Hamas' attack on October 7, Israel&nbsp;has intensified its efforts against Iran-backed forces in Syria, according to AFP.

Israel typically refrains from commenting on individual strikes in Syria but has consistently stated its opposition to Iran's expanding presence in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Syrian air defences, as per state media reports on Friday responded to an attack near the capital. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports, a military airport west of Damascus came under attack.

The Syrian air defences, as per state media reports on Friday responded to an attack near the capital. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports, a military airport west of Damascus came under attack. The war monitor said that "the area of the Mazzeh military airport west of the capital Damascus was targeted". Also read | As attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping, Houthi leader claims 'real victory' "Positions belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah and other pro-Iran groups are present" it added. Is Israel to blame? The Defence Ministry, as per AFP, said that drones entered the Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. A statement from the defence ministry meanwhile said that "two drones violated Syrian air space from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan". It said that the attack happened around 2:10 pm (1110 GMT). "Air defence systems confronted them, and they were shot down west of Damascus," added the statement. While the source of the attack was not immediately specified, Syria's official news agency, SANA (Syrian Arab News Agency) blamed Israel in its initial reports for "hostile" strikes. Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria. But after Hamas' attack on October 7, Israel has intensified its efforts against Iran-backed forces in Syria, according to AFP. Israel typically refrains from commenting on individual strikes in Syria but has consistently stated its opposition to Iran's expanding presence in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian air defences 'engage hostile targets' near Damascus, source of attack unclear

Iranian foreign minister is visiting Ally countries in West Asia trying to ramp up support against Israeli actions in Gaza. On Sunday Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. Speaking to the Press, the Iranian foreign minister said that the Israeli actions won't go without a response. Watch to know more!

Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

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