At least 16 people, including children, lost their lives after a building collapsed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo early on Sunday (January 22), the state news agency SANA quoting an interior ministry statement.&nbsp;The report mentioned that the five-story building, housing about 30 people, collapsed overnight in the Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood.&nbsp;

As per the state media, search and rescue efforts were ongoing. The building was apparently under the control of the US-backed group YPG.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that water leakages had weakened the structure's foundation and were the reason apparently for the tragic collapse. However, there's no official statement regarding the reason.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-unrest-police-raid-university-in-lima-arrest-over-200-protesters-554913">Peru unrest: Police raid university in Lima, arrest over 200 protesters&nbsp;</a>

Watch this report:&nbsp;

<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/syria-five-storey-building-collapses-in-the-city-of-aleppo-554919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-in-california-leaves-multiple-fatalities-many-injured-554870">US: 10 killed, 10 injured in mass shooting at Lunar New Year event near Los Angeles, suspect at large</a>&nbsp;

Photos from the site showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency services present there. Residents were also helping the rescuers to search through the rubble for any survivors.&nbsp;

The news agency The Associated Press reported that those who received injuries were rushed to the hospitals and many were seen mourning at the entrance of a nearby hospital as the bodies arrived in ambulances and on the back of trucks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

At least 16 people, including children, lost their lives after a building collapsed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo early on Sunday (January 22), the state news agency SANA quoting an interior ministry statement.

At least 16 people, including children, lost their lives after a building collapsed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo early on Sunday (January 22), the state news agency SANA quoting an interior ministry statement. The report mentioned that the five-story building, housing about 30 people, collapsed overnight in the Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood. As per the state media, search and rescue efforts were ongoing. The building was apparently under the control of the US-backed group YPG. Reports have mentioned that water leakages had weakened the structure's foundation and were the reason apparently for the tragic collapse. However, there's no official statement regarding the reason. ALSO READ | Peru unrest: Police raid university in Lima, arrest over 200 protesters Watch this report: × ALSO READ | US: 10 killed, 10 injured in mass shooting at Lunar New Year event near Los Angeles, suspect at large Photos from the site showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency services present there. Residents were also helping the rescuers to search through the rubble for any survivors. The news agency The Associated Press reported that those who received injuries were rushed to the hospitals and many were seen mourning at the entrance of a nearby hospital as the bodies arrived in ambulances and on the back of trucks. (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.

Syria: At least 16 killed, including children, as building collapses in Aleppo

Syrian President Al-Assad has issued Decree No. 2 that protects children of unknown parentage. Catch all the details with Ghadi Francis on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Syria's new law for children of unknown parentage

Iran's top diplomat says Tehran welcomes steps toward a reconciliation between Turkey and Syria and is ready to help move the efforts forward. Watch this report to know further.

Iran welcomes steps toward Turkiye-Syria reconciliation

Syrian government writes letters to UN Secretary-General and Security Council's president condemning alleged Israeli strikes at Damascus International Airport.

The West Asia Post: Syria opposes Damascus Airport strike

Israel's military fired missiles toward the international airport of Syria's capital on Monday, putting it out of service and killing two soldiers, the Syrian army said.

Israeli missile strikes put Damascus airport out of service, claims Syria

A terrorist attack blamed on Islamic State in eastern Syria killed at least 10 oil field workers, a day after the Syrian Kurdish-led forces warned of an assault on the terrorists.&nbsp;The attack targeting three buses transporting workers from the al-Taim oil field in Deir Ezzor province killed nearly a dozen people and injured two others, the SANA news agency reported.

The nature of the attack in the Kurdish-held area remains unknown. However, a British-based war monitor said Islamic State group cells attacked the oil field workers.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/middle-east/kurdish-fighters-launch-offensive-mission-against-islamic-state-in-syria-547707">Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria</a>

"The episode began with explosive devices that went off as the buses drove by, and then the group's militants opened fire at them," mentioned Rami Abdel Rahman, Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, in a bid to free their fighters, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Daesh) attacked a prison in Raqqa, killing six Kurdish soldiers. Later, on Thursday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive against the Islamic State group fighters.&nbsp;

According to the SDF, Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt&nbsp;aims to eradicate IS terrorists from regions under recent attack. They also mentioned that the operation was in alliance&nbsp;with the U.S. However, the international force has not confirmed its involvement.

Watch|&nbsp;Economic crisis worsens in Pakistan, Forex reserves fall to $5.8 billion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economic-crisis-worsens-in-pakistan-forex-reserves-fall-to-58-billion-547992/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The IS terrorists have lately conducted eight assaults on the Deir Ezzor region, Hasakeh, and Al-Hol camp for displaced people, said an SDF statement.

SDF referred to the recent Turkish airstrikes in northeast Syria and alleged that IS has been trying to take advantage of the situation. In 2019, the SDF drove the IS from its last stronghold.&nbsp;

However, even though IS collapsed, its remaining fighters have continued attacking Iraq and Syria. According to IS, Monday's attack on Raqqa was to avenge the Muslim prisoners and the deaths of female relatives of terrorists living in the Al-Hol camp. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

A terrorist attack blamed on Islamic State in eastern Syria killed at least 10 oil field workers, a day after the Syrian Kurdish-led forces warned of an assault on the terrorists.

A terrorist attack blamed on Islamic State in eastern Syria killed at least 10 oil field workers, a day after the Syrian Kurdish-led forces warned of an assault on the terrorists. The attack targeting three buses transporting workers from the al-Taim oil field in Deir Ezzor province killed nearly a dozen people and injured two others, the SANA news agency reported. The nature of the attack in the Kurdish-held area remains unknown. However, a British-based war monitor said Islamic State group cells attacked the oil field workers. Also read| Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria "The episode began with explosive devices that went off as the buses drove by, and then the group's militants opened fire at them," mentioned Rami Abdel Rahman, Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Earlier this week, in a bid to free their fighters, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Daesh) attacked a prison in Raqqa, killing six Kurdish soldiers. Later, on Thursday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive against the Islamic State group fighters. According to the SDF, Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt aims to eradicate IS terrorists from regions under recent attack. They also mentioned that the operation was in alliance with the U.S. However, the international force has not confirmed its involvement. Watch| Economic crisis worsens in Pakistan, Forex reserves fall to $5.8 billion The IS terrorists have lately conducted eight assaults on the Deir Ezzor region, Hasakeh, and Al-Hol camp for displaced people, said an SDF statement. SDF referred to the recent Turkish airstrikes in northeast Syria and alleged that IS has been trying to take advantage of the situation. In 2019, the SDF drove the IS from its last stronghold. However, even though IS collapsed, its remaining fighters have continued attacking Iraq and Syria. According to IS, Monday's attack on Raqqa was to avenge the Muslim prisoners and the deaths of female relatives of terrorists living in the Al-Hol camp. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Terror attack in eastern Syria kills at least 10 oil field workers, Islamic State blamed

Syrian Kurdish-led forces launched an all-out attack against Islamic State fighters after the militant group tried to rescue some of its members from a prison in Raqa. According to AFP, the IS attacked the prison complex on Monday and the fight between the two groups resulted in the death of six Kurdish fighters. According to the official statement, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces called the offensive "Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt" and said that the main aim behind it is to "eliminate" IS gunmen from the region which has&nbsp;turned into "the source of the recent terrorist attacks".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-per-cent-of-kyiv-population-left-without-power-after-russian-strikes-547670">Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes</a>

The SDF has received support from the United States-backed coalition in this mission. Since the attack on the prison in Raqa, the IS fighters have carried out eight other attacks in the northern Syrian regions of Deir Ezzor, Hasakeh and the Al-Hol camp for displaced people.

The IS fighters have been gaining power in the region since 2014 and the SDF said that the recent attacks are being fuelled by the recent Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish establishments in Syria.

The US has been supporting the Kurdish forces in their fight against IS since 2019 and since that time, the number of clashes between the two sides have gone up considerably.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-ready-for-conflict-if-red-lines-in-jerusalem-are-crossed-warns-king-abdullah-547573">Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem crossed: King Abdullah</a>

Earlier, the Islamic State took full responsibility for the attack on the prison complex in Raqa and said that it wanted to avenge “Muslim prisoners” and female relatives of jihadists living in Al-Hol camp.

Al-Hol has been a controversial region recently with Kurdish fighters detaining over 200 people.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Syrian Kurdish-led forces launched an all-out attack against Islamic State fighters after the militant group tried to rescue some of its members from a prison in Raqa.

Syrian Kurdish-led forces launched an all-out attack against Islamic State fighters after the militant group tried to rescue some of its members from a prison in Raqa. According to AFP, the IS attacked the prison complex on Monday and the fight between the two groups resulted in the death of six Kurdish fighters. According to the official statement, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces called the offensive "Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt" and said that the main aim behind it is to "eliminate" IS gunmen from the region which has turned into "the source of the recent terrorist attacks". Also read | Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes The SDF has received support from the United States-backed coalition in this mission. Since the attack on the prison in Raqa, the IS fighters have carried out eight other attacks in the northern Syrian regions of Deir Ezzor, Hasakeh and the Al-Hol camp for displaced people. The IS fighters have been gaining power in the region since 2014 and the SDF said that the recent attacks are being fuelled by the recent Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish establishments in Syria. The US has been supporting the Kurdish forces in their fight against IS since 2019 and since that time, the number of clashes between the two sides have gone up considerably. Also read | Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem crossed: King Abdullah Earlier, the Islamic State took full responsibility for the attack on the prison complex in Raqa and said that it wanted to avenge “Muslim prisoners” and female relatives of jihadists living in Al-Hol camp. Al-Hol has been a controversial region recently with Kurdish fighters detaining over 200 people.

Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between&nbsp;Turkish and Syrian 
ministers&nbsp;since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.&nbsp;Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. 
 
The talks assume importance as both&nbsp;Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels.

Watch |&nbsp;Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkiye-syria-russia-defense-ministers-meet-for-first-talks-since-2011-547556/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hit-by-massive-russian-strike-involving-more-than-100-missiles-547591">Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv</a>

This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria.

As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels.

This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. The talks assume importance as both Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels. Watch | Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011 As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive". Also read | Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria. As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels. This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021. (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.

Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow

The defence ministers of Russia, Turkiye and Syria met in Moscow on Wednesday, the first such talks since war broke out in Syria. It was also the first meeting between Turkish and Syrian defence ministers since the start of the war in 2011.

Defence Minister of Russia, Turkiye and Syria meets for talk after a decade

The defence ministers of Russia, Turkiye and Syria met in Moscow on Wednesday, the first such talks since a war broke out in Syria. It was also the first meeting between Turkish and Syrian defence ministers since the start of the war in 2011.

Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011

Jordan officials have found six million pills of Captagon, also known as the cocaine of the poor, inside two refrigerator lorries at the Iraq border. It was the most extensive drug haul the Jordanian Customs Department has ever intercepted.

Jordan officials seized the most recent batch of the amphetamine pills at the Al-Karamah border crossing between Iraq and Jordan, BBC reported.

Syria produces Captagon, the amphetamine pill, in large quantities. Currently, the decade-long war has turned into a narcotic state. When the conflict was at its peak, militant groups supplied the drug to fighters to boost their courage because it had large quantities of caffeine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-alarming-increase-in-drug-abuse-among-students-546527">Sri Lanka: Alarming increase in drug abuse among students</a>

The trade is now far more worth than legal exports, due to which many poor Syrians work in the manufacture of such drugs. Although the Syrian government has denied such allegations, some reports link famous names in trade and the army to the manufacturing and allocation of Captagon.&nbsp;

Drug dealers of Captagon smuggle the pills into neighbouring countries like Jordan and Lebanon. However, most sales are in the Gulf states due to the presence of a big market.&nbsp;

However, little or no information is available about the number of arrests made after the haul or the number of pills meant for sale.

Watch|&nbsp;China property slumps further in November

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-china-property-slumps-further-in-november-546581/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

On December 15, the state security court of Jordan convicted a Syrian national to 20 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 2 million Captagon pills into the nation from Syria.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Cyprus-based think tank, Captagon has a market value of about $3.5 billion in the previous year.&nbsp;

Due to the increase in raids, the altercations between the Jordanian military and drug traffickers are also growing. Due to the current scenarios, soldiers have opted for a shoot-to-kill policy. In January, the Jordanian army shot 27 traffickers attempting to cross the border illegally.&nbsp;

Jordan authorities have tensed up things at the border and elevated their efforts to fight the problem of drug trafficking in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Jordan officials have found six million pills of Captagon, also known as the cocaine of the poor, inside two refrigerator lorries at the Iraq border. It was the most extensive drug haul the Jordanian Customs Department has ever intercepted.

Jordan officials have found six million pills of Captagon, also known as the cocaine of the poor, inside two refrigerator lorries at the Iraq border. It was the most extensive drug haul the Jordanian Customs Department has ever intercepted. Jordan officials seized the most recent batch of the amphetamine pills at the Al-Karamah border crossing between Iraq and Jordan, BBC reported. Syria produces Captagon, the amphetamine pill, in large quantities. Currently, the decade-long war has turned into a narcotic state. When the conflict was at its peak, militant groups supplied the drug to fighters to boost their courage because it had large quantities of caffeine. Also read | Sri Lanka: Alarming increase in drug abuse among students The trade is now far more worth than legal exports, due to which many poor Syrians work in the manufacture of such drugs. Although the Syrian government has denied such allegations, some reports link famous names in trade and the army to the manufacturing and allocation of Captagon. Drug dealers of Captagon smuggle the pills into neighbouring countries like Jordan and Lebanon. However, most sales are in the Gulf states due to the presence of a big market. However, little or no information is available about the number of arrests made after the haul or the number of pills meant for sale. Watch| China property slumps further in November On December 15, the state security court of Jordan convicted a Syrian national to 20 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 2 million Captagon pills into the nation from Syria. According to a report by the Cyprus-based think tank, Captagon has a market value of about $3.5 billion in the previous year. Due to the increase in raids, the altercations between the Jordanian military and drug traffickers are also growing. Due to the current scenarios, soldiers have opted for a shoot-to-kill policy. In January, the Jordanian army shot 27 traffickers attempting to cross the border illegally. Jordan authorities have tensed up things at the border and elevated their efforts to fight the problem of drug trafficking in recent years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jordanian Customs Department seizes 6 million amphetamine pills from Iraq border

Hundreds of Syrian Kurds gathered in Hasakeh in northern Syria on Sunday (December 25) to protest against a deadly gun attack in Paris that targeted the local Kurdish community.

A gunman opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre and a hairdressing salon in Paris on Friday, killing three Kurds.

The suspected gunman, a 69-year-old Frenchman, was arrested and later confessed to a "pathological" hatred for foreigners, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said.

The semi-autonomous Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria called for the Sunday protest in Hasakeh, which drew hundreds of people brandishing photos of the three victims and calling for accountability.

"Kurds are fighting against oppression and they are massacred everywhere, even in Paris, the city of love and freedom," said feminist activist Evin Basho, 33, demanding that the killer be brought to justice.

The protesters marched through the city chanting "the martyrs of Paris are forever in our hearts" and repeating slogans against "the extermination" of the Kurdish people.

The Kurdish diaspora is often described as the world's largest ethnic group without a state. Kurdish people are spread across Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran.

Protester Azad Suleiman, 55, told AFP he felt Kurds were being targeted in the diaspora and at home.

"This is a war against our people, targeting us in the four parts of Kurdistan and even in Europe," he said, adding he had high hopes that the French authorities would bring the perpetrator to justice.

"We will not concede to the enemies in Kurdistan and we will not abandon our revolution," Suleiman said.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hundreds of Syrian Kurds gathered in Hasakeh in northern Syria on Sunday (December 25) to protest against a deadly gun attack in Paris that targeted the local Kurdish community.

Hundreds of Syrian Kurds gathered in Hasakeh in northern Syria on Sunday (December 25) to protest against a deadly gun attack in Paris that targeted the local Kurdish community. A gunman opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre and a hairdressing salon in Paris on Friday, killing three Kurds. The suspected gunman, a 69-year-old Frenchman, was arrested and later confessed to a "pathological" hatred for foreigners, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said. The semi-autonomous Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria called for the Sunday protest in Hasakeh, which drew hundreds of people brandishing photos of the three victims and calling for accountability. "Kurds are fighting against oppression and they are massacred everywhere, even in Paris, the city of love and freedom," said feminist activist Evin Basho, 33, demanding that the killer be brought to justice. The protesters marched through the city chanting "the martyrs of Paris are forever in our hearts" and repeating slogans against "the extermination" of the Kurdish people. The Kurdish diaspora is often described as the world's largest ethnic group without a state. Kurdish people are spread across Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran. Protester Azad Suleiman, 55, told AFP he felt Kurds were being targeted in the diaspora and at home. "This is a war against our people, targeting us in the four parts of Kurdistan and even in Europe," he said, adding he had high hopes that the French authorities would bring the perpetrator to justice. "We will not concede to the enemies in Kurdistan and we will not abandon our revolution," Suleiman said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kurdish people protest in Syria against Paris gun attack that killed three from community

How did a country left in ruins turned into a narco state. Ghadi Francis tells about Syria's drug trade tale on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: How Syria became Narco state?

In an attack on Sunday near Kirkuk in the north of the nation, where jihadists from the Islamic State group are still active, at least seven personnel of the federal police of Iraq were killed, according to police and government sources. A truck carrying the men was initially the target of a bomb attack. On condition of anonymity, a federal police official who linked the assault to IS told AFP that it was followed by "a frontal attack with small arms" close to the town of Chalal al-Matar. The attack's perpetrators were not immediately identified by any organisation.

"An assailant has been killed and we are looking for the others," the officer said, adding that two policemen were also wounded in the attack.

Seven police, including one officer, were killed in the incident, according to a Ministry of Interior spokesman in Baghdad.

IS took huge portions of Iraqi and Syrian territory starting in 2014, establishing a barbaric "caliphate," which they ruled until they were routed by Iraqi forces supported by a US-led military coalition in late 2017.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-patriot-missile-defence-system-to-ukraine-all-you-need-to-know-543385">US to send Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine: All you need to know</a>

Near the Iraqi border, IS lost their final stronghold in Syria in 2019.

Up until December of last year, the US-led anti-IS coalition retained a combat presence in Iraq, but some 2,500 American soldiers are still stationed there as trainers.

But there are still active IS relics across Iraq.

Security forces in Baghdad are still engaged in counterterrorism operations against the organisation, and news of the deaths of IS fighters in bombings and raids is frequently released.

Also watch |&nbsp;NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-russias-president-putin-is-planning-for-long-war-putin-meets-top-military-brass-544150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite the losses that have reduced IS to a shell of its former self, a UN study published earlier this year stated that the organisation can still depend on an underground network of between 6,000 and 10,000 militants to carry out assaults on both sides of the porous Iraqi-Syrian border.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In an attack on Sunday near Kirkuk in the north of the nation, where jihadists from the Islamic State group are still active, at least seven personnel of the federal police of Iraq were killed, according to police and government sources.

In an attack on Sunday near Kirkuk in the north of the nation, where jihadists from the Islamic State group are still active, at least seven personnel of the federal police of Iraq were killed, according to police and government sources. A truck carrying the men was initially the target of a bomb attack. On condition of anonymity, a federal police official who linked the assault to IS told AFP that it was followed by "a frontal attack with small arms" close to the town of Chalal al-Matar. The attack's perpetrators were not immediately identified by any organisation. "An assailant has been killed and we are looking for the others," the officer said, adding that two policemen were also wounded in the attack. Seven police, including one officer, were killed in the incident, according to a Ministry of Interior spokesman in Baghdad. IS took huge portions of Iraqi and Syrian territory starting in 2014, establishing a barbaric "caliphate," which they ruled until they were routed by Iraqi forces supported by a US-led military coalition in late 2017. Also read | US to send Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine: All you need to know Near the Iraqi border, IS lost their final stronghold in Syria in 2019. Up until December of last year, the US-led anti-IS coalition retained a combat presence in Iraq, but some 2,500 American soldiers are still stationed there as trainers. But there are still active IS relics across Iraq. Security forces in Baghdad are still engaged in counterterrorism operations against the organisation, and news of the deaths of IS fighters in bombings and raids is frequently released. Also watch | NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass Despite the losses that have reduced IS to a shell of its former self, a UN study published earlier this year stated that the organisation can still depend on an underground network of between 6,000 and 10,000 militants to carry out assaults on both sides of the porous Iraqi-Syrian border. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iraq: At least seven police officials killed near Kirkuk in suspected IS attacks

In an early Sunday morning helicopter assault in eastern Syria, the US killed two ISIS leaders, according to a statement from US Central Command.

According to CENTCOM, the attack was a unilateral US action that had "considerable preparation," and the first findings indicated that no civilians were killed or hurt.

"Anas," a local ISIS leader active in organising activities in eastern Syria, was one of the officials killed.

“The death of these ISIS officials will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to further plot and carry out destabilizing attacks in the Middle East,” said Central Command spokesman Col. Joe Buccino.

The US reaffirmed that it was dedicated to the fight against ISIS "in conjunction with local forces," notwithstanding recent Turkish operations in northern Syria that targeted Kurdish troops, putting US people at danger and posing a destabilisation threat.

The death of ISIS commander Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al- Qurayshi was praised by the US two weeks ago. Unlike the previous commander, Hajji Abdullah, who died in a US raid in February, he was not assassinated by American forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In an early Sunday morning helicopter assault in eastern Syria, the US killed two ISIS leaders, according to a statement from US Central Command. According to CENTCOM, the attack was a unilateral US action that had "considerable preparation," and the first findings indicated that no civilians were killed or hurt.

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

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

In Syria, after more than a decade of civil war, the narcotics business had taken place to thrive in the country already struggling. The Captagon drug has turned Syria into the world's latest narco state. Watch this video to know more.

How Captagon is turning Syria into a 'narco-state'?

Captagon is an amphetamine drug which was once prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention disorder. However, the once–legal drug has now turned into one of the major exports of Syria and according to AFP, the narcotics industry in the war-torn country is currently worth more than $10 billion. In the past decade, the nerve stimulant became quite popular among the Islamic State (IS) fighters and with the government possibly involved in its trade, Captagon is drug of choice for Syria.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-second-protester-in-less-than-a-week-rights-group-claim-450-killed-in-protests-542169">Iran executes second protester in less than a week</a>

&nbsp;The drug, which has earned the nickname "Abu al-hilalain" (two crescent moons) due to its trademark logo, is available for a few dollars in the market. While the premium products can command a price in excess of $25, the normal quality tablets can be found easily for anything between $5 and $10.&nbsp;

Syria has been the center of a major civil war for the past decade and with labour-intensive jobs dominating the market, the demand for the pill has also gone up. Most users of Captagon told AFP that they used to battle exhaustion and to increase their stamina in order to work for more hours in a day.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hits-hotel-housing-wagner-military-group-ukrainian-regional-official-says-542138">Wagner headquarters hit by Ukrainian strike, regional official claims</a>

When it comes to the distribution of Captagon, the fingers are mainly pointed towards the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad. Sources once close to the government said that Assad’s brother Maher as well as the Iran-backed Hezbollah group play major roles in carrying out the trade.&nbsp;

Similar accusations were also levelled by the British Army-linked CHACR think tank and the independent Center for Operations Analysis and Research (COAR). However, with nearly all parties enjoying the profits from the drug trade, it has grown exponentially in the past decade in Syria.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Captagon is an amphetamine drug which was once prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention disorder. However, the once–legal drug has now turned into one of the major exports of Syria and according to AFP, the narcotics industry in the war-torn country is currently worth more than $10 billion.

Captagon is an amphetamine drug which was once prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention disorder. However, the once–legal drug has now turned into one of the major exports of Syria and according to AFP, the narcotics industry in the war-torn country is currently worth more than $10 billion. In the past decade, the nerve stimulant became quite popular among the Islamic State (IS) fighters and with the government possibly involved in its trade, Captagon is drug of choice for Syria. Also read | Iran executes second protester in less than a week The drug, which has earned the nickname "Abu al-hilalain" (two crescent moons) due to its trademark logo, is available for a few dollars in the market. While the premium products can command a price in excess of $25, the normal quality tablets can be found easily for anything between $5 and $10. Syria has been the center of a major civil war for the past decade and with labour-intensive jobs dominating the market, the demand for the pill has also gone up. Most users of Captagon told AFP that they used to battle exhaustion and to increase their stamina in order to work for more hours in a day. Also read | Wagner headquarters hit by Ukrainian strike, regional official claims When it comes to the distribution of Captagon, the fingers are mainly pointed towards the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad. Sources once close to the government said that Assad’s brother Maher as well as the Iran-backed Hezbollah group play major roles in carrying out the trade. Similar accusations were also levelled by the British Army-linked CHACR think tank and the independent Center for Operations Analysis and Research (COAR). However, with nearly all parties enjoying the profits from the drug trade, it has grown exponentially in the past decade in Syria.

Captagon: The one drug turning war-torn Syria into a narco state

Syria continues to reel under worsening economic crisis. Angry protesters in Sweida city hit the streets and barge into Governor's office. Ghadi Francis tells us about the situation.

The West Asia Post: Anti-govt protests rock Syria

The economic hardships of the war-torn nation have stoked resentment in the southern metropolis. A big image of President Bashar Assad was pulled down from the exterior of a government building by protesters after they invaded the structure. In the southern Syrian city of Sweida, one protester and one policeman were murdered on Sunday when security forces put down a large-scale demonstration.

Syria: 2 dead as protesters clash with police, storm governor's office in Sweida

Dozens of protesters in Syria’s southern city of Sweida stormed the governor’s office, on Sunday, over worsening economic conditions in the country. Subsequently, the demonstration turned violent and led to the death of a protester and a police officer while at least seven others were injured, according to reports.&nbsp;

Notably, anti-government protests are rare in Syria since President Bashar Assad took over more than a decade ago. A report by Reuters citing witnesses said that more than 200 people had gathered around the building in the Druze-majority province calling to overthrow the Syrian president amid worsening economic conditions, food security and the energy crisis the country is witnessing.&nbsp;

Subsequently, some people broke into the Sweida governorate building and burnt files and official papers, reported the Syrian state media. Meanwhile, the country’s Interior Minister in a statement said that those who raided the building were armed, destroyed windows and looted files. He also confirmed that at least one officer was killed following an attack by the protesters at a police station.&nbsp;

Three witnesses told Reuters that the governor was not in the building at the time of the attack and was evacuated before the protesters stormed the office. Furthermore, citing hospital sources the report also confirmed the death of one civilian from gunshot wounds. It added that another person is being treated after being shot.&nbsp;

“There is a large deployment of security forces in the area, and you can still hear gunshots,” said Rayan Maalouf, the head of the Suwayda 24 collective to the Associated Press. The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also confirmed that the police had fired ammunition at the protesters gathered.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Dozens of protesters in Syria’s southern city of Sweida stormed the governor’s office, on Sunday, over worsening economic conditions in the country. Subsequently, the demonstration turned violent and led to the death of a protester and a police officer while at least seven others were injured, according to reports.

Dozens of protesters in Syria’s southern city of Sweida stormed the governor’s office, on Sunday, over worsening economic conditions in the country. Subsequently, the demonstration turned violent and led to the death of a protester and a police officer while at least seven others were injured, according to reports. Notably, anti-government protests are rare in Syria since President Bashar Assad took over more than a decade ago. A report by Reuters citing witnesses said that more than 200 people had gathered around the building in the Druze-majority province calling to overthrow the Syrian president amid worsening economic conditions, food security and the energy crisis the country is witnessing. Subsequently, some people broke into the Sweida governorate building and burnt files and official papers, reported the Syrian state media. Meanwhile, the country’s Interior Minister in a statement said that those who raided the building were armed, destroyed windows and looted files. He also confirmed that at least one officer was killed following an attack by the protesters at a police station. Three witnesses told Reuters that the governor was not in the building at the time of the attack and was evacuated before the protesters stormed the office. Furthermore, citing hospital sources the report also confirmed the death of one civilian from gunshot wounds. It added that another person is being treated after being shot. “There is a large deployment of security forces in the area, and you can still hear gunshots,” said Rayan Maalouf, the head of the Suwayda 24 collective to the Associated Press. The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also confirmed that the police had fired ammunition at the protesters gathered. (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.

At least two killed, seven injured in Syria after protesters storm governor’s office

The Pentagon has said that US defense secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Turkish counterpart and expressed opposition to Turkiye launching a new operation in Syria.

Washington warns against Syrian incursion, Pentagon chief cautions Turkiye on strikes

After relentless airstrikes against Kurdish groups, Turkiye is soon going to launch a ground offensive in Syria. Ghadi Francis tells us more.

The West Asia Post: Turkiye intensifies attacks on Kurdish groups

Why have Syria Kurds halted all joint counter-terrorism operations with the US-led coalition?

Turkiye's defence minister held a meeting with the commander-in-chief for the armed forces on Monday. According to the Turkiye's officials, Turkish army needs just a few days to be ready for ground operations into northern Syria.

Turkish forces nearly ready for a Syrian incursion -officials

syria

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