Lafarge, a French cement major, has been fined&nbsp;$778 million for supporting terror groups, including the Islamic State, during the Syrian civil war.

The US Justice Department said that Lafarge SA paid “middlemen” $12.8 million to let its Syrian cement factory run between 2013 and 2014, when the country was torn apart by the civil war.

They further said that the cement company, which merged with Switzerland's Holcim in 2015, also paid another terror group, al Nusra Front, around $5.92m to protect staff at the plant.

"In the midst of a civil war, Lafarge made the unthinkable choice to put money into the hands of ISIS, one of the world's most barbaric terrorist organizations, so that it could continue selling cement," US Justice Department prosecutor Breon Peace said, reports AFP news agency.

In a statement, Larfage acknowledged its crime and "deeply regretted" the events, and "accepted responsibility for the individual executives involved".

"We have agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations in Syria," it said.

"Lafarge SA and Lafarge Cement Syria have accepted responsibility for the actions of the individual executives involved, whose behaviour was in flagrant violation of Lafarge's Code of Conduct."

"We deeply regret that this conduct occurred and have worked with the US Department of Justice to resolve this matter."

In 2010, Lafarge opened its subsidiary cement factory in Jalabiya near the Turkish border. It had invested $680 million.

But in 2014, the company seized its operations after the Islamic State took control of the town and the factory.

Apart from the company, eight Lafarge executives, including former CEO Bruno Laffont, are also charged with financing a terrorist group and/or endangering the lives of others.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lafarge, a French cement major, has been fined $778 million for supporting terror groups, including the Islamic State, during the Syrian civil war. The US Justice Department said that Lafarge SA paid “middlemen” $12.

Lafarge, a French cement major, has been fined $778 million for supporting terror groups, including the Islamic State, during the Syrian civil war. The US Justice Department said that Lafarge SA paid “middlemen” $12.8 million to let its Syrian cement factory run between 2013 and 2014, when the country was torn apart by the civil war. They further said that the cement company, which merged with Switzerland's Holcim in 2015, also paid another terror group, al Nusra Front, around $5.92m to protect staff at the plant. "In the midst of a civil war, Lafarge made the unthinkable choice to put money into the hands of ISIS, one of the world's most barbaric terrorist organizations, so that it could continue selling cement," US Justice Department prosecutor Breon Peace said, reports AFP news agency. In a statement, Larfage acknowledged its crime and "deeply regretted" the events, and "accepted responsibility for the individual executives involved". "We have agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations in Syria," it said. "Lafarge SA and Lafarge Cement Syria have accepted responsibility for the actions of the individual executives involved, whose behaviour was in flagrant violation of Lafarge's Code of Conduct." "We deeply regret that this conduct occurred and have worked with the US Department of Justice to resolve this matter." In 2010, Lafarge opened its subsidiary cement factory in Jalabiya near the Turkish border. It had invested $680 million. But in 2014, the company seized its operations after the Islamic State took control of the town and the factory. Apart from the company, eight Lafarge executives, including former CEO Bruno Laffont, are also charged with financing a terrorist group and/or endangering the lives of others. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French cement firm Lafarge fined $778 mn for funding Islamic State, other terror groups

French cement-maker Lafarge has pleaded guilty for supporting ISIS and other terror groups. The firm paid millions of dollars to the terrorist group to keep a plant operational in Syria.

World Business Watch: Lafarge fined $778 million for supporting terror groups in Syria

A Roman-era mosaic has been discovered in Syria. The mosaic was found in a town formerly held by rebels. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | Roman-era Mosaic discovered in Syria

A Britain-based war monitor on Tuesday (October 18), stated that nearly 58 individuals got killed, mostly fighters during inter clashes in Syria's Turkish north-held that gave a lead to Al-Qaeda to claim the grounds.&nbsp;

The clashes began on October 8 near the Turkish border in a violent clash that was regarded to be the deadliest in years. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 48 rebel fighters and 10 civilians were killed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-unearths-1600-years-old-unique-roman-era-mosaic-that-depicts-the-trojan-war-524972">Also read |&nbsp;Syria unearths 1,600-year-old 'unique' Roman-era mosaic depicting the Trojan war</a>

Among the 48 rebel fighters&nbsp;killed, 28 were members of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance (HTS), Al-Qaeda led.&nbsp;

The latest fighting began last month between two pro-Turkish groups in Al-Bab before spreading amongst different factions.

HTS is stated to be the strongest and most powerful group in the area that dominates the Idlib region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-take-upto-760-of-donations-displaced-families-in-syria-camps-beg-for-report-524718">Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;TikTok takes 70% of profits from videos of families begging in Syria refugee camps: Report</a>

The United States on Tuesday (October 18), condemned the HTS for its violence. The US embassy in its statement said, "We are alarmed by the recent incursion of HTS, a designated terrorist organisation, into northern Aleppo (province). HTS forces should be withdrawn from the area immediately," AFP reported.&nbsp;

The HTS has secured its control of a fair area in the region. It has also carried out severe and dangerous fights, in a move lit by Turkey. However, the latter has never publicly admitted it.&nbsp;

However, according to the Observatory chief, the group wouldn't have entered the area without Turkey's consent.&nbsp;

Since the year 2011, the war in Syria has claimed the lives of nearly 500K people and forced million to flee the country to escape the situation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Britain-based war monitor on Tuesday (October 18), stated that nearly 58 individuals got killed, mostly fighters during inter clashes in Syria's Turkish north-held that gave a lead to Al-Qaeda to claim the grounds.

A Britain-based war monitor on Tuesday (October 18), stated that nearly 58 individuals got killed, mostly fighters during inter clashes in Syria's Turkish north-held that gave a lead to Al-Qaeda to claim the grounds. The clashes began on October 8 near the Turkish border in a violent clash that was regarded to be the deadliest in years. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 48 rebel fighters and 10 civilians were killed. Also read | Syria unearths 1,600-year-old 'unique' Roman-era mosaic depicting the Trojan war Among the 48 rebel fighters killed, 28 were members of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance (HTS), Al-Qaeda led. The latest fighting began last month between two pro-Turkish groups in Al-Bab before spreading amongst different factions. HTS is stated to be the strongest and most powerful group in the area that dominates the Idlib region. Also read | TikTok takes 70% of profits from videos of families begging in Syria refugee camps: Report The United States on Tuesday (October 18), condemned the HTS for its violence. The US embassy in its statement said, "We are alarmed by the recent incursion of HTS, a designated terrorist organisation, into northern Aleppo (province). HTS forces should be withdrawn from the area immediately," AFP reported. The HTS has secured its control of a fair area in the region. It has also carried out severe and dangerous fights, in a move lit by Turkey. However, the latter has never publicly admitted it. However, according to the Observatory chief, the group wouldn't have entered the area without Turkey's consent. Since the year 2011, the war in Syria has claimed the lives of nearly 500K people and forced million to flee the country to escape the situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Syria: 58 killed in 10 days in inter-rebel fighting, observatory chief blames Turkey 

One of the "rarest" mosaics ever discovered was unearthed in Syria on Wednesday. It is a 1,600-year-old Roman-era mosaic that features images of warriors from the Trojan War. The mosaic is the most recent to be discovered in the Homs district of northern Syria's Rastan, which the government retook from rebels in 2018 following years of conflict.

According to Hammam Saad, director of excavations and archaeological studies at Syria's General Directorate of Museums, soldiers are depicted wielding swords and shields bearing the names of Greek generals who participated in the Trojan War. Despite not being the oldest of its kind, Saad asserted that it was the most complete and unusual. There isn't a mosaic like that here.

Archaeologists have so far uncovered a mosaic that is about 20 metres (65 feet) long and six metres wide beneath a building, but it is anticipated that more mosaics will be found. Syria was a treasure trove for archaeologists, with some of the oldest and best-preserved artefacts from ancient civilizations, but more than 10 years of war have rendered portions of Syria's legendary past irreparably destroyed.

Many of Syria's most well-known archaeological buildings, such as the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, the Maarat al-Numan Museum in Idlib, and the floors and paintings of the ancient city of Palmyra, are decorated with mosaics. In 2015, the Islamic terror group captured Palmyra, converting it into a location for public executions, and demolishing the city's iconic Arch of Triumph and Baal Shamin shrine.

Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria all experienced some degree of damage. Ancient mosaics in Rastan were stolen, the Khalid Ibn al-Walid mosque was destroyed, and the Umm al-Zinar church was burned down in the Homs province. The antiquities illicit market helped transportable items like coins, statuettes, and mosaic fragments to be dispersed throughout the world during the chaos that overtook Syria at the height of the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

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One of the "rarest" mosaics ever discovered was unearthed in Syria on Wednesday. It is a 1,600-year-old Roman-era mosaic that features images of warriors from the Trojan War.

One of the "rarest" mosaics ever discovered was unearthed in Syria on Wednesday. It is a 1,600-year-old Roman-era mosaic that features images of warriors from the Trojan War. The mosaic is the most recent to be discovered in the Homs district of northern Syria's Rastan, which the government retook from rebels in 2018 following years of conflict. According to Hammam Saad, director of excavations and archaeological studies at Syria's General Directorate of Museums, soldiers are depicted wielding swords and shields bearing the names of Greek generals who participated in the Trojan War. Despite not being the oldest of its kind, Saad asserted that it was the most complete and unusual. There isn't a mosaic like that here. Archaeologists have so far uncovered a mosaic that is about 20 metres (65 feet) long and six metres wide beneath a building, but it is anticipated that more mosaics will be found. Syria was a treasure trove for archaeologists, with some of the oldest and best-preserved artefacts from ancient civilizations, but more than 10 years of war have rendered portions of Syria's legendary past irreparably destroyed. Many of Syria's most well-known archaeological buildings, such as the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, the Maarat al-Numan Museum in Idlib, and the floors and paintings of the ancient city of Palmyra, are decorated with mosaics. In 2015, the Islamic terror group captured Palmyra, converting it into a location for public executions, and demolishing the city's iconic Arch of Triumph and Baal Shamin shrine. Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria all experienced some degree of damage. Ancient mosaics in Rastan were stolen, the Khalid Ibn al-Walid mosque was destroyed, and the Umm al-Zinar church was burned down in the Homs province. The antiquities illicit market helped transportable items like coins, statuettes, and mosaic fragments to be dispersed throughout the world during the chaos that overtook Syria at the height of the conflict. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Syria unearths 1,600-year-old 'unique' Roman-era mosaic depicting the Trojan war

Very rare moment amid Ukraine war: Russian and US troops pose for pictures, exchange greetings on Syrian soil

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed.

The operation came just days after an ISIS smuggler was killed by the US forces. The United States has increased its operations in the area and has been targeting senior ISIS officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-power-plant-is-a-ukrainian-facility-says-head-of-un-nuclear-watchdog-523122" hreflang="en">Zaporizhzhia plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog</a>

“Last night, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in northeast Syria, near the village of Qamishli, targeting Rakkan Wahid al-Shammri, an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations. During the operation, the targeted individual was killed and one of his associates was wounded,” the Central Command said.

In the build-up to the operation on Thursday, the forces collected around 1000 hours of intelligence to minimise collateral damage and they were successful in keeping all the nearby civilians safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-requests-halt-on-legal-proceedings-in-twitter-dispute-case-523146">US judge halts Musk-Twitter lawsuit ahead of possible $44 billion takeover</a>

“USCENTCOM is committed to our allies and partners in the enduring defeat of ISIS,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Joe Buccino said in a statement while addressing the recent strikes.

The Biden administration has repeatedly made their intentions clear about shifting the military away gradually from the middle east. But, with the new operations, questioned have been asked about whether they can be looking to maintain control over a region which has recently seen interest from two of the world’s other superpowers – China and Russia.

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed.

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed. The operation came just days after an ISIS smuggler was killed by the US forces. The United States has increased its operations in the area and has been targeting senior ISIS officials. Also read | Zaporizhzhia plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog “Last night, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in northeast Syria, near the village of Qamishli, targeting Rakkan Wahid al-Shammri, an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations. During the operation, the targeted individual was killed and one of his associates was wounded,” the Central Command said. In the build-up to the operation on Thursday, the forces collected around 1000 hours of intelligence to minimise collateral damage and they were successful in keeping all the nearby civilians safe. Also read | US judge halts Musk-Twitter lawsuit ahead of possible $44 billion takeover “USCENTCOM is committed to our allies and partners in the enduring defeat of ISIS,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Joe Buccino said in a statement while addressing the recent strikes. The Biden administration has repeatedly made their intentions clear about shifting the military away gradually from the middle east. But, with the new operations, questioned have been asked about whether they can be looking to maintain control over a region which has recently seen interest from two of the world’s other superpowers – China and Russia.

Two top Islamic State terrorists killed in US air raids conducted in Syria

Salt rooms who are part of Syrian prisons during the war were used to store dead bodies as morgues ran out of space. Over a hundred thousand people have died in jails since 2011 which makes up for one-fifth of the fatalities in the war.

Syria: Two salt rooms present in Sednaya prison, former prisoners recount horrors

Syrian state TV said on Saturday that the death toll from a migrant boat that sank off the Syrian coast after sailing from Lebanon earlier this week has risen to 94.&nbsp;

The episode was the bloodiest thus far because an increasing number of Lebanese, Syrians, and Palestinians have been trying to exit crisis-torn Lebanon by sea in hopes of finding better lives in Europe. The value of the Lebanese pound has fallen more than 90%, causing tens of thousands of people to lose their employment, and thousands of families who were once middle class are now living in terrible poverty because they have no money to buy anything.

The relatives of the victims, according to Syrian authorities, have begun to enter into Syria from Lebanon to assist in recovering the bodies and identifying their loved ones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-president-accuses-israel-of-being-apartheid-regime-at-unga-in-ny-519113">Palestinian president accuses Israel of being 'apartheid regime' at UNGA</a>

According to Mohammed Hassan Ghabbash, the health minister for Syria, 20 individuals have been saved and are being treated at the al-Basel hospital in Tartus, a seaside city, in the country. With order to aid in the search operations, medical authorities have been on high alert since Thursday afternoon, the speaker noted.

With a population of 6 million people, including 1 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgarian-coastguard-rescues-38-migrants-from-black-sea-518873">Syrian</a> refugees, Lebanon has experienced a catastrophic economic downturn that has pushed more than three-quarters of the population into poverty as of late 2019.

It used to be a nation that took in refugees from wars and crises in the Middle East, but the current economic crisis, which is the result of years of mismanagement and corruption, has drastically changed that.

Hyperinflation has caused prices to soar, leading many people to sell their possessions to pay smugglers to convey them to Europe as the migration has increased recently.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Syrian state TV said on Saturday that the death toll from a migrant boat that sank off the Syrian coast after sailing from Lebanon earlier this week has risen to 94.

Syrian state TV said on Saturday that the death toll from a migrant boat that sank off the Syrian coast after sailing from Lebanon earlier this week has risen to 94. The episode was the bloodiest thus far because an increasing number of Lebanese, Syrians, and Palestinians have been trying to exit crisis-torn Lebanon by sea in hopes of finding better lives in Europe. The value of the Lebanese pound has fallen more than 90%, causing tens of thousands of people to lose their employment, and thousands of families who were once middle class are now living in terrible poverty because they have no money to buy anything. The relatives of the victims, according to Syrian authorities, have begun to enter into Syria from Lebanon to assist in recovering the bodies and identifying their loved ones. Also read | Palestinian president accuses Israel of being 'apartheid regime' at UNGA According to Mohammed Hassan Ghabbash, the health minister for Syria, 20 individuals have been saved and are being treated at the al-Basel hospital in Tartus, a seaside city, in the country. With order to aid in the search operations, medical authorities have been on high alert since Thursday afternoon, the speaker noted. With a population of 6 million people, including 1 million Syrian refugees, Lebanon has experienced a catastrophic economic downturn that has pushed more than three-quarters of the population into poverty as of late 2019. It used to be a nation that took in refugees from wars and crises in the Middle East, but the current economic crisis, which is the result of years of mismanagement and corruption, has drastically changed that. Hyperinflation has caused prices to soar, leading many people to sell their possessions to pay smugglers to convey them to Europe as the migration has increased recently. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Death toll of Lebanese migrants' boat capsize tragedy goes up to 94

The death toll from Thursday's migrant boat accident in Syria has reached 76. The migrants were mostly Lebanese people fleeing the country which is facing economic turmoil. There were reportedly 45 children on the boat none of whom have survived.

Lebanon: 76 dead as migrant boat capsizes near Syria

According to reports, Hakan Fidan, head of Turkiye's National Intelligence Organization, and Syrian intelligence chief Ali Mamlouk met as recently as this week in the Syrian capital.

Reports: Turkiye, Syrian intelligence agencies chiefs meet in Damascus

A flurry of diplomatic activity between Turkiye and Syria encouraged by Russia might ease the tensions between two sides. Sources claim that Russia is encouraging a thaw between Turkiye and Syria.

Russia encouraging a Turkiye-Syria thaw? An attempt to ease tensions?

Foreign armies in Syria and how they came to be there

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Monday (September 12) claimed that Iran is converting Syrian military sites into missile factories. Gantz added that Iran would be able to produce enough enriched uranium to make three nuclear warheads within a few weeks.&nbsp;

With the help of a map, Gantz detailed all 10 facilities in Syria that are allegedly being used to arm Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah.&nbsp;

He said that Iran has used more than 10 military facilities in Syria to produce advanced missiles and weapons.&nbsp;

"Iran is building terror industries in Syria for its needs. Recently it started building advanced industries in Yemen and Lebanon as well. This trend must be stopped," Gantz said in New York while speaking at a conference.&nbsp;

While presenting the map, Gantz said they were military sites of the Centre D'Etudes et de Recherches Scientifiques (CERS), that is a Syrian government agency, involved in manufacturing missiles and weapons for Iran.&nbsp;

"Iran transformed CERS into production facilities for mid and long-range, precise missiles and weapons, provided to Hezbollah and Iranian proxies. In other words, it became yet another Iranian front – a factory for advanced, strategic weapons," Gantz said.&nbsp;

Notably, Israel has been increasing attacks on allegedly Iranian-linked targets in Syria for many years now.&nbsp;

Israeli strikes have repeatedly targeted the Masyaf area, a zone in the western Hama district where Gantz said an underground weapons production facility threatens Israel and the region.&nbsp;

He said, "Masyaf, specifically, is used to produce advanced missiles."&nbsp;

So far, there have been no official comments from Iran and Syria related to the claims made by Gantz.&nbsp;

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Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Monday (September 12) claimed that Iran is converting Syrian military sites into missile factories. Gantz added that Iran would be able to produce enough enriched uranium to make three nuclear warheads within a few weeks.

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Monday (September 12) claimed that Iran is converting Syrian military sites into missile factories. Gantz added that Iran would be able to produce enough enriched uranium to make three nuclear warheads within a few weeks. With the help of a map, Gantz detailed all 10 facilities in Syria that are allegedly being used to arm Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah. He said that Iran has used more than 10 military facilities in Syria to produce advanced missiles and weapons. "Iran is building terror industries in Syria for its needs. Recently it started building advanced industries in Yemen and Lebanon as well. This trend must be stopped," Gantz said in New York while speaking at a conference. While presenting the map, Gantz said they were military sites of the Centre D'Etudes et de Recherches Scientifiques (CERS), that is a Syrian government agency, involved in manufacturing missiles and weapons for Iran. "Iran transformed CERS into production facilities for mid and long-range, precise missiles and weapons, provided to Hezbollah and Iranian proxies. In other words, it became yet another Iranian front – a factory for advanced, strategic weapons," Gantz said. Notably, Israel has been increasing attacks on allegedly Iranian-linked targets in Syria for many years now. Israeli strikes have repeatedly targeted the Masyaf area, a zone in the western Hama district where Gantz said an underground weapons production facility threatens Israel and the region. He said, "Masyaf, specifically, is used to produce advanced missiles." So far, there have been no official comments from Iran and Syria related to the claims made by Gantz. 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.

Israel claims Iran using more than 10 military facilities in Syria for weapons production

The Kurdish administration in northern and eastern Syria&nbsp;announced on Saturday that three people had died from cholera and appealed for outside assistance to stop the outbreak.

Health officials issued a warning about "a substantial number of cholera cases in Raqa province and the western countryside of Deir Ezzor province."

Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms of cholera, which is typically spread by tainted water or food. It can spread in residential areas without sufficient sewage systems or main water supplies.

The Kurdish government requested assistance from foreign organisations, "particularly the World Health Organization," to stop the spread of cholera.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Syrian health ministry also disclosed 15 cases of cholera in Aleppo province, which is largely under government control.

They are now receiving medical care in a hospital, it stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-aleppo-airport-reopens-after-israeli-strikes-514760">Syria: Aleppo airport reopens after Israeli strikes</a>

The disease had spread to western Deir Ezzor, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, after local officials stopped adding chlorine to water pumping stations.

The British monitoring group, which has a large network of sources in Syria, reported that hundreds of locals were reportedly experiencing headaches, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

The Deir Ezzor water authority has begun distributing 1,000 litres (264 gallons) of chlorine to water stations in rural areas of the province, the Kurdish administration said.

Syria's water supply and sewage facilities have been destroyed by a civil conflict that has lasted more than ten years.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the war has damaged two thirds of water treatment plants, half of pumping stations, and one third of water towers nationwide.

According to UNICEF, about 50% of the population relies on alternate, frequently dangerous water sources, and at least 70% of sewage is not treated.

For the first time since 2015, cholera outbreaks this summer in neighbouring Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kurdish administration in northern and eastern Syria announced on Saturday that three people had died from cholera and appealed for outside assistance to stop the outbreak.

The Kurdish administration in northern and eastern Syria announced on Saturday that three people had died from cholera and appealed for outside assistance to stop the outbreak. Health officials issued a warning about "a substantial number of cholera cases in Raqa province and the western countryside of Deir Ezzor province." Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms of cholera, which is typically spread by tainted water or food. It can spread in residential areas without sufficient sewage systems or main water supplies. The Kurdish government requested assistance from foreign organisations, "particularly the World Health Organization," to stop the spread of cholera. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Syrian health ministry also disclosed 15 cases of cholera in Aleppo province, which is largely under government control. They are now receiving medical care in a hospital, it stated. Also read | Syria: Aleppo airport reopens after Israeli strikes The disease had spread to western Deir Ezzor, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, after local officials stopped adding chlorine to water pumping stations. The British monitoring group, which has a large network of sources in Syria, reported that hundreds of locals were reportedly experiencing headaches, diarrhoea, and vomiting. The Deir Ezzor water authority has begun distributing 1,000 litres (264 gallons) of chlorine to water stations in rural areas of the province, the Kurdish administration said. Syria's water supply and sewage facilities have been destroyed by a civil conflict that has lasted more than ten years. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the war has damaged two thirds of water treatment plants, half of pumping stations, and one third of water towers nationwide. According to UNICEF, about 50% of the population relies on alternate, frequently dangerous water sources, and at least 70% of sewage is not treated. For the first time since 2015, cholera outbreaks this summer in neighbouring Iraq. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION live TV here:

Syria Kurds seek UN aid after three die of cholera

After repairs following an Israeli air strike earlier this week, Syria's Aleppo airport reopened on Friday with the first commercial flight to land in more than 72 hours.

The second-largest airport in the nation was rendered inoperable following damage to the main runway caused by the raid on Tuesday, but the transport ministry announced Friday that repairs had been finished.

The first aircraft to arrive, from Kuwait, touched down at 8:30 p.m. local time (1730 GMT), according to the monitoring organisation Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-saudi-arabia-becoming-the-drug-capital-of-the-middle-east-513257">Is Saudi Arabia becoming the drug capital of the Middle East?</a>

Air traffic would resume at noon, according to a statement from the ministry of transportation that state news agency SANA reported earlier.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havent-got-response-from-the-us-says-iran-over-nuclear-deal-513087">Israeli attack </a>was the second to hit the airport in a week, according to the Britain-based Observatory, and it targeted a storage used by rebels supported by Iran.

Israel has admitted to carrying out hundreds of strikes, despite rarely commenting on specific attacks. It claims that its aerial war is essential to prevent its longtime enemy Iran from establishing itself at its doorstep.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After repairs following an Israeli air strike earlier this week, Syria's Aleppo airport reopened on Friday with the first commercial flight to land in more than 72 hours.

After repairs following an Israeli air strike earlier this week, Syria's Aleppo airport reopened on Friday with the first commercial flight to land in more than 72 hours. The second-largest airport in the nation was rendered inoperable following damage to the main runway caused by the raid on Tuesday, but the transport ministry announced Friday that repairs had been finished. The first aircraft to arrive, from Kuwait, touched down at 8:30 p.m. local time (1730 GMT), according to the monitoring organisation Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Also read | Is Saudi Arabia becoming the drug capital of the Middle East? Air traffic would resume at noon, according to a statement from the ministry of transportation that state news agency SANA reported earlier. The Israeli attack was the second to hit the airport in a week, according to the Britain-based Observatory, and it targeted a storage used by rebels supported by Iran. Israel has admitted to carrying out hundreds of strikes, despite rarely commenting on specific attacks. It claims that its aerial war is essential to prevent its longtime enemy Iran from establishing itself at its doorstep. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION live Tv here:

Syria: Aleppo airport reopens after Israeli strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended large-scale military exercises on Tuesday taking place in Russia's Far East. Military exercise Vostok-2022 included the participation of China, Syria and India amongst other neighbouring countries and allies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends military exercises with Chinese forces

On The West Asia Post with Ghadi Francis: + Decoding the deadly violence in Iraq + What are Muqtada Al-Sadr's ambitions? + Why does US still have forces in Syria? + Ancient Iranian rug tradition gets a makeover Every Friday at 8.30 pm IST | 3 pm GMT

The West Asia Post: Decoding Iraq's deadly violence | How Erdogan controlled Turkish media

Following the revelation that an informant for the Canadian intelligence agency was acting as a double agent when he facilitated the 2015 passage of British teenager Shamima Begum to live among Islamic State in Syria, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a ''proper oversight''.

During a press conference on Thursday, Trudeau told reporters that agents observe rigorous rules in handling their informants.

Highlighting that intelligence work can be a messy business, Trudeau said it requires both flexibility and creativity on the part of covert government agents.

British teenagers Kadiza Sultana, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum, who were school friends, fled the country to join IS jihadists.

They were captured in security footage when they were passing through security barriers at Gatwick Airport to fly to Istanbul when they apparently met an interlocutor at a bus station.

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While maintaining separate activities to smuggle individuals to Islamic State, interlocutor Mohammed Al Rasheed was providing intelligence information to the Canadian government.

According to a book 'The Secret History of the Five Eyes' by Richard Kerbaj, two officials from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) met the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) head of counter-terrorism Richard Walton after Begum's disappearance.

During an interview for the book, Walton said “If you are running agents, you are acquiescing in what they are doing.”

In 2019, Britain revoked Begum's citizenship saying she was a danger to the country's public and that she had aligned with IS because she had remained on the group’s territory.

Arguing that Begum was trafficked out of the country, her family’s lawyer Tasnime Akunjee is due to make a fresh case at the special immigration appeals commission in November.

Citing its policy on “operational intelligence or security matters”, the British government has declined to comment on the CSIS revelations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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Following the revelation that an informant for the Canadian intelligence agency was acting as a double agent when he facilitated the 2015 passage of British teenager Shamima Begum to live among Islamic State in Syria, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a ''proper oversight''.

Following the revelation that an informant for the Canadian intelligence agency was acting as a double agent when he facilitated the 2015 passage of British teenager Shamima Begum to live among Islamic State in Syria, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a ''proper oversight''. During a press conference on Thursday, Trudeau told reporters that agents observe rigorous rules in handling their informants. Highlighting that intelligence work can be a messy business, Trudeau said it requires both flexibility and creativity on the part of covert government agents. British teenagers Kadiza Sultana, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum, who were school friends, fled the country to join IS jihadists. They were captured in security footage when they were passing through security barriers at Gatwick Airport to fly to Istanbul when they apparently met an interlocutor at a bus station. × While maintaining separate activities to smuggle individuals to Islamic State, interlocutor Mohammed Al Rasheed was providing intelligence information to the Canadian government. According to a book 'The Secret History of the Five Eyes' by Richard Kerbaj, two officials from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) met the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) head of counter-terrorism Richard Walton after Begum's disappearance. During an interview for the book, Walton said “If you are running agents, you are acquiescing in what they are doing.” In 2019, Britain revoked Begum's citizenship saying she was a danger to the country's public and that she had aligned with IS because she had remained on the group’s territory. Arguing that Begum was trafficked out of the country, her family’s lawyer Tasnime Akunjee is due to make a fresh case at the special immigration appeals commission in November. Citing its policy on “operational intelligence or security matters”, the British government has declined to comment on the CSIS revelations. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Canadian spy accused of smuggling Shamima Begum to Syria, Trudeau vows 'proper oversight'

The Aleppo airport in northern Syria was the target of several Israeli raids on Wednesday, according to the official SANA news agency, which also reported material damage.&nbsp;

According to the service, "the Israeli enemy targeted Aleppo International Airport with missile fire at around 2000 hours (1700 GMT), causing some material damage at the heart of the facility." &nbsp;No mention of casualties was done. Earlier, SANA had noted "the sound of explosions" nearby.&nbsp;

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BREAKING: Israel just bombed Aleppo International Airport in Syria. Aleppo is Syria's economic hub. 
 
This is after they bombed Damascus International Airport two months ago. 
 
Israel is an aggressive bully that exports terrorism then plays the victim. <a href="https://t.co/wMMmwzkZad">pic.twitter.com/wMMmwzkZad</a>
— Richard Medhurst (@richimedhurst) <a href="https://twitter.com/richimedhurst/status/1565045471336349700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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There was an attack, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is located in Britain and gets its information from a vast network of sources on the ground.

According to the report, four Israeli missiles were fired toward the airport's runway and depots thought to house Iranian-supplied missiles. The Observatory claimed the strikes had caused explosions and fires but did not disclose any injuries.&nbsp;

Additionally, SANA said on Wednesday that "enemy" missiles had been deflected above the capital of Damascus by anti-aircraft defences. Israeli rockets, according to state television, were used. SANA reported last Thursday that a series of Israeli airstrikes on the western Hama and Tartus districts resulted in the injuries of two civilians.

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They were among the heaviest Israeli raids against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria, according to the Observatory. Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes against its northern neighbour since the Syrian Civil War broke out in 2011, targeting both government forces as well as partner forces backed by Iran and Hezbollah fighters.&nbsp;

Israel has admitted to carrying out hundreds of strikes, despite rarely commenting on specific ones. The Israeli military has defended the move as being vital to stop Iran, Israel's archenemy, from establishing itself at its doorstep.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Aleppo airport in northern Syria was the target of several Israeli raids on Wednesday, according to the official SANA news agency, which also reported material damage.

The Aleppo airport in northern Syria was the target of several Israeli raids on Wednesday, according to the official SANA news agency, which also reported material damage. According to the service, "the Israeli enemy targeted Aleppo International Airport with missile fire at around 2000 hours (1700 GMT), causing some material damage at the heart of the facility." No mention of casualties was done. Earlier, SANA had noted "the sound of explosions" nearby. BREAKING: Israel just bombed Aleppo International Airport in Syria. Aleppo is Syria's economic hub. This is after they bombed Damascus International Airport two months ago. Israel is an aggressive bully that exports terrorism then plays the victim. pic.twitter.com/wMMmwzkZad — Richard Medhurst (@richimedhurst) August 31, 2022 × There was an attack, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is located in Britain and gets its information from a vast network of sources on the ground. According to the report, four Israeli missiles were fired toward the airport's runway and depots thought to house Iranian-supplied missiles. The Observatory claimed the strikes had caused explosions and fires but did not disclose any injuries. Additionally, SANA said on Wednesday that "enemy" missiles had been deflected above the capital of Damascus by anti-aircraft defences. Israeli rockets, according to state television, were used. SANA reported last Thursday that a series of Israeli airstrikes on the western Hama and Tartus districts resulted in the injuries of two civilians. Also Read: US approves Moderna and Pfizer shots targeting omicron variant of Covid They were among the heaviest Israeli raids against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria, according to the Observatory. Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes against its northern neighbour since the Syrian Civil War broke out in 2011, targeting both government forces as well as partner forces backed by Iran and Hezbollah fighters. Israel has admitted to carrying out hundreds of strikes, despite rarely commenting on specific ones. The Israeli military has defended the move as being vital to stop Iran, Israel's archenemy, from establishing itself at its doorstep. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Four Israeli missiles strike Aleppo airport triggering explosions and fires

According to an accusation made in a new book, Shamima Begum and two other schoolgirls were transported into Syria from the UK by a spy working for Canadian intelligence.

Book claims spy for Canada smuggled Shamima Begum, 2 other schoolgirls to Syria

A Crusader fortress on Syria’s Mediterranean coast that welcomed hordes of visitors before the war but now the custodian of a castle has a lonely job. Dayoub passes his time sipping tea or enjoying the view.

With few visitors, custodian of Syria's Al-Marqab castle has a lonely job

US President Joe Biden recently ordered his troops to conduct airstrikes against the Iranian-backed groups in Syria, a week after several rockets landed at a military base in Syria housing the American troops.

Col. Joe Buccino, a representative of Central Command said, "At President Biden's direction, US military forces conducted precision airstrikes in Deir ez-Zor Syria today." "These precision strikes are intended to defend and protect US forces from attacks like the ones on August 15 against US personnel by Iran-backed groups," he added as per CNN reports.

Biden directed these strikes in accordance with his Article II authority to safeguard and defend US personnel by disrupting or deterring attacks by Iran-backed forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-days-after-idlib-attack-syrian-church-bombardment-kills-two-500298">Two days after Idlib attack, Syrian church bombardment kills two</a>

Buccino&nbsp;said the US military conducted intensive surveillance on 13 bunkers in the same complex for 400 hours. Since the US wasn’t sure if the two bunkers were clear of people, the strike was intended for 11 targets. The strike struck out two more bunkers as a small group of people were nearby, so in total nine bunkers in the complex in eastern Syria were destroyed by the US military strikes. The initial assessment stated that no individual was killed.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, said, "The strike in eastern Syria was in response to attacks by Iran-backed groups against US forces in Syria on August 15th and demonstrates our resolve to defend US forces and equipment," CNN reported.

According to an official, a limited number of coalition personnel, including US service members, were stationed at the base when the assault had taken place.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-us-drone-strike-kills-islamic-state-syria-chief-maher-al-agal-496833">Pentagon says US drone strike kills Islamic State Syria chief Maher al-Agal</a>

From the US-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces, they were able to collect a number of rockets that were not able to take off. Earlier this week, a drone raid near the At-Tanf station in southern Syria saw multiple drones flying.

Local militias supported by Iran have been regularly attacking the&nbsp;US forces in Iran and Syria.

The US maintains nearly 900 troops in Syria, stationed between the At-Tanf base and the country’s eastern oil regions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden recently ordered his troops to conduct airstrikes against the Iranian-backed groups in Syria, a week after several rockets landed at a military base in Syria housing the American troops.

US President Joe Biden recently ordered his troops to conduct airstrikes against the Iranian-backed groups in Syria, a week after several rockets landed at a military base in Syria housing the American troops. Col. Joe Buccino, a representative of Central Command said, "At President Biden's direction, US military forces conducted precision airstrikes in Deir ez-Zor Syria today." "These precision strikes are intended to defend and protect US forces from attacks like the ones on August 15 against US personnel by Iran-backed groups," he added as per CNN reports. Biden directed these strikes in accordance with his Article II authority to safeguard and defend US personnel by disrupting or deterring attacks by Iran-backed forces. Also read | Two days after Idlib attack, Syrian church bombardment kills two Buccino said the US military conducted intensive surveillance on 13 bunkers in the same complex for 400 hours. Since the US wasn’t sure if the two bunkers were clear of people, the strike was intended for 11 targets. The strike struck out two more bunkers as a small group of people were nearby, so in total nine bunkers in the complex in eastern Syria were destroyed by the US military strikes. The initial assessment stated that no individual was killed. Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, said, "The strike in eastern Syria was in response to attacks by Iran-backed groups against US forces in Syria on August 15th and demonstrates our resolve to defend US forces and equipment," CNN reported. According to an official, a limited number of coalition personnel, including US service members, were stationed at the base when the assault had taken place. Also read | Pentagon says US drone strike kills Islamic State Syria chief Maher al-Agal From the US-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces, they were able to collect a number of rockets that were not able to take off. Earlier this week, a drone raid near the At-Tanf station in southern Syria saw multiple drones flying. Local militias supported by Iran have been regularly attacking the US forces in Iran and Syria. The US maintains nearly 900 troops in Syria, stationed between the At-Tanf base and the country’s eastern oil regions. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden orders airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Syria

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan flagged off a new drilling mission to the Mediterranean amid rising tensions with Greece. Erdogan also promised to carry out his much-hyped military operation in northern Syria. Palki Sharma decodes the Turkish president's two-front escalation.

Gravitas: Erdogan raises tensions in the Mediterranean and Syria

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