US F-16 warplanes on Thursday shot down a drone belonging to NATO ally Turkey that was deemed a potential threat to American forces in Syria, the Pentagon said.

Pentagon: Drone operating system near US troops

More than 100&nbsp;people were killed on Thursday (Oct 5) after a drone attack on a military academy in Syria’s Homs, according to the Britain-based war monitor. This comes after the Syrian defence ministry, in a statement said a drone attack on a military college during a graduation ceremony has left civilians and military personnel dead and wounded dozens more people.&nbsp;

Separately, United States-led forces in northern Syria, on Thursday reportedly shot down a drone after US-allied Syrian Kurdish forces said Turkish attacks had killed at least eight people. The escalation in violence in northeastern Syria has been attributed to the recent bomb attack near the Turkish parliament, the responsibility for which was claimed by Kurdish militants.

<h2>What happened in Syria’s Homs?</h2>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a United Kingdom-based war monitor, in an update said that more than&nbsp;100 people including at least 14 civilians have been killed and "around half of them (were)&nbsp;military graduates," adding that over&nbsp;125 others have been wounded.&nbsp;

The war monitor had previously&nbsp;reported the death of 60 people&nbsp;including army officers. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

The Syrian military statement, as per the official news agency SANA attributed the attack to “armed terrorist organisations” who targeted “the graduation ceremony for officers of the military academy in Homs,” a government-held city in central Syria.&nbsp;

According to the Syrian military, the attack with “explosive-laden drones” took place “immediately after the ceremony ended”. The general command of the army and the armed forces decried the “cowardly” and “unprecedented” attack vowing to “respond with full force”.&nbsp;

<h2>At least eight killed in northeastern Syria</h2>

A report by Reuters citing the SOHR and a local security source said that the US-led coalition had shot down a Turkish drone near a base in northeastern Syria. However, the Turkish defence ministry said that the drone in question did not belong to the Turkish armed forces.&nbsp;

The alleged attack against the US-supported Kurdish forces in northern Syria – which has been a point of contention between the two NATO allies as Ankara views them as a part of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) – has reportedly killed six members of the internal security forces and two civilians, in two separate strikes.

Reuters citing security forces in northeastern Syria said Turkey had launched a series of attacks on Thursday with as many as 15 drones entering their airspace and hitting multiple targets, including infrastructure and gas and oil stations.

<h2>What has Ankara said about the ‘attack’?</h2>

The PKK claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack in Ankara which killed both attackers and wounded two police officers. The attack in northeastern Syria also comes a day after Turkey said that two attackers had come from Syria.&nbsp;

However, Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish-led force backed by the US has denied the bombers passing through their territory.&nbsp;

“Our only goal is to eliminate the terrorist organisations that pose a threat to Turkey,” said a Turkish official, adding that they would consider a ground operation into Syria as one of the options.&nbsp;

Ankara has previously also said that any infrastructure and energy facilities in Iraq and Syria controlled by the PKK and People’s Protection Units (YPG) are legitimate military targets.&nbsp;

“The PKK and the YPG are the same terrorist organisation, they are our legitimate target everywhere,” said the defence ministry official. The YPG is said to be the spearhead of the main ally of the US-led coalition against the Islamic state, which has soured Washington’s relations with Ankara as well as Paris.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
&nbsp;

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More than 100 people were killed on Thursday (Oct 5) after a drone attack on a military academy in Syria’s Homs, according to the Britain-based war monitor. This comes after the Syrian defence ministry, in a statement said a drone attack on a military college during a graduation ceremony has left civilians and military personnel dead and wounded dozens more people.

More than 100 people were killed on Thursday (Oct 5) after a drone attack on a military academy in Syria’s Homs, according to the Britain-based war monitor. This comes after the Syrian defence ministry, in a statement said a drone attack on a military college during a graduation ceremony has left civilians and military personnel dead and wounded dozens more people. Separately, United States-led forces in northern Syria, on Thursday reportedly shot down a drone after US-allied Syrian Kurdish forces said Turkish attacks had killed at least eight people. The escalation in violence in northeastern Syria has been attributed to the recent bomb attack near the Turkish parliament, the responsibility for which was claimed by Kurdish militants. What happened in Syria’s Homs? The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a United Kingdom-based war monitor, in an update said that more than 100 people including at least 14 civilians have been killed and "around half of them (were) military graduates," adding that over 125 others have been wounded. The war monitor had previously reported the death of 60 people including army officers. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Syrian military statement, as per the official news agency SANA attributed the attack to “armed terrorist organisations” who targeted “the graduation ceremony for officers of the military academy in Homs,” a government-held city in central Syria. According to the Syrian military, the attack with “explosive-laden drones” took place “immediately after the ceremony ended”. The general command of the army and the armed forces decried the “cowardly” and “unprecedented” attack vowing to “respond with full force”. At least eight killed in northeastern Syria A report by Reuters citing the SOHR and a local security source said that the US-led coalition had shot down a Turkish drone near a base in northeastern Syria. However, the Turkish defence ministry said that the drone in question did not belong to the Turkish armed forces. The alleged attack against the US-supported Kurdish forces in northern Syria – which has been a point of contention between the two NATO allies as Ankara views them as a part of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) – has reportedly killed six members of the internal security forces and two civilians, in two separate strikes. Reuters citing security forces in northeastern Syria said Turkey had launched a series of attacks on Thursday with as many as 15 drones entering their airspace and hitting multiple targets, including infrastructure and gas and oil stations. What has Ankara said about the ‘attack’? The PKK claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack in Ankara which killed both attackers and wounded two police officers. The attack in northeastern Syria also comes a day after Turkey said that two attackers had come from Syria. However, Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish-led force backed by the US has denied the bombers passing through their territory. “Our only goal is to eliminate the terrorist organisations that pose a threat to Turkey,” said a Turkish official, adding that they would consider a ground operation into Syria as one of the options. Ankara has previously also said that any infrastructure and energy facilities in Iraq and Syria controlled by the PKK and People’s Protection Units (YPG) are legitimate military targets. “The PKK and the YPG are the same terrorist organisation, they are our legitimate target everywhere,” said the defence ministry official. The YPG is said to be the spearhead of the main ally of the US-led coalition against the Islamic state, which has soured Washington’s relations with Ankara as well as Paris. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor

The Arab League ministerial committee which was formed to oversee normalisation with the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has suspended meetings with regime representatives.

Arab League 'suspends talks' with Syrian regime

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

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad visits China

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

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

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

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

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

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

Syria's efforts to boost commercial ties

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than 100 Syrians dead in Libya flood: monitor

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

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

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

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

Hundreds rally in southern Syria's biggest protest in weeks

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

Iranian foreign minister condemns Israeli strike on Syrian airport

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

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

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

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

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

At least two civilians have been&nbsp;killed in Russian air strikes on an abandoned water pumping station in Syria's rebel-held northwest.

As per&nbsp;an AFP report, late on Tuesday, the two strikes&nbsp;hit at the facility near Ain Shib, west of the city of Idlib, where displaced Syrians had been living. This comes&nbsp;amid a recent increase in attacks by the Syrian government's ally, Moscow.

Other late-night air strikes reportedly targeted the town of Ariha, located south of Idlib city in Syria.&nbsp;

<h2>Casualties</h2>

Quoting first responders, AFP reports that at least&nbsp;two civilians had been killed. Several inhabitants&nbsp;of the building remain unaccounted for.

As per the monitoring&nbsp;group,&nbsp;the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strikes near Ain Shib had targeted "military bases belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)".

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Just hours before the Ariha strikes, Russian air attacks targeted a rebel base to the north of Idlib city killing three, and injuring seven HTS members. Five civilians were also wounded in the strike, reports UK-based monitoring group.

HTS is a&nbsp;jihadist group that controls the bastion. The group routinely&nbsp;carries out deadly attacks on soldiers and pro-government forces. In recent days,&nbsp;Russian forces have repeatedly targeted the Idlib area. Some of Moscow's previous strikes also resulted in some civilian casualties.

On Monday, Russian air strikes on the periphery of Idlib City&nbsp;resulted in the death&nbsp;of 13 HTS fighters and while several others were reportedly injured.

Earlier on August 5, a Russian air strike&nbsp;directed at a former HTS&nbsp;base that the militant group had vacated a few weeks prior killed three civilians&nbsp;— members of the&nbsp;same family on the outskirts of Idlib.&nbsp;

Another strike in the Idlib province,&nbsp;on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, including nine civilians.

As per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Russian strikes&nbsp;have wounded around 30 civilians in the Idlib province.&nbsp;Among the casualties of these air strikes, was a member of the Turkistan Islamic Party, an organisation primarily composed of Uyghur fighters, reports AFP.

<h2>Moscow intervention</h2>

The strikes are part of Russia's intervention in Syria's ongoing civil conflict. Since 2015, Moscow has aided the Syrian government's efforts to regain control over territories that were previously lost to rebel forces during the nation's 12-year civil conflict.

HTS group, which formerly had linkages to Al-Qaeda, holds control over significant areas within Idlib province, along with portions of adjacent Latakia, Hama, and Aleppo provinces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least two civilians have been killed in Russian air strikes on an abandoned water pumping station in Syria's rebel-held northwest. As per an AFP report, late on Tuesday, the two strikes hit at the facility near Ain Shib, west of the city of Idlib, where displaced Syrians had been living.

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

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

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

Syria's PUBG inspired make-believe battlefield

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

Syria: Blasts target weapons warehouse in Iran-backed militia

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

'Forgotten' Syrian refugee camps | The West Asia Post

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

Syria battles 'Climate War'

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

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

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

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

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

Russian strikes on Syria claim lives of three civilians

Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the leader of the Islamic State group, has died in clashes in northwestern Syria, announced the group on Thursday.

<h2>Leader has fallen</h2>

In a recorded statement on its channels on the Telegram messaging app, the group said that its leader Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi "was killed after direct clashes" with the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib province.&nbsp;

The spokesperson, as per news agency AFP, also announced Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as al-Qurashi's successor and the Islamic State's new leader.&nbsp; 
 
Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi,&nbsp;will be the group's fifth leader.

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<h2>Previous leadership</h2>

Before, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the last leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as per the group's announcement, died in November of 2022. His predecessor, Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi was killed in February of the same year, during a US raid in Idlib province. The Islamic State group's first-ever "caliph", Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also killed in Idlib. He died in October 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-facebook-youtube-pushing-harmful-misogynistic-trends-like-yoni-pearls-to-kenyan-women-622035">Facebook, Google, YouTube pushing harmful 'misogynistic' trends like 'yoni pearls' to Kenyan women</a>

The group saw a meteoric rise in Iraq and Syria in 2014. Back then; it conquered vast swathes of territory. However, the Islamic State soon saw its self-proclaimed "caliphate" collapse under a wave of offensives.

In 2017, it was defeated in Iraq and in 2019; it faced defeat in Syria. However, as per AFP, despite this, the sleeper cells of the group still carry out attacks in both countries. The Sunni Muslim extremist group's austere and terror-ridden rule, as per the France-based news agency, was marked by beheadings and mass shootings.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, the leader of the Islamic State group, has died in clashes in northwestern Syria, announced the group on Thursday. Leader has fallen In a recorded statement on its channels on the Telegram messaging app, the group said that its leader Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi "was killed after direct clashes" with the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib province.

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

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

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