The Syrian ministry of defence has said that Israeli surface-to-surface missiles killed three people near Damascus.

Syria's official news agency SANA quoted a military source as saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an aggression... that led to the death of three martyrs and some material losses."

The missiles, that were intercepted by the Syrian air defences, had come from the Israeli-occupied Golan heights.

Other than the three people who were killed in the attack, four members of the air defence crew were wounded according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-against-syria-after-missile-attack-451589">Also read |&nbsp;Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The Observatory said the Israeli strikes targeted Iranian positions and weapon depots near Damascus after which a fire broke out and ambulances were seen rushing to the site of the strikes.</div>

Previously, 10 combatants, including six soldiers were killed in an airstrike by Israel in central Syria on April 27, in the deadliest such raid since the start of 2022.&nbsp;

Israel's military has been mounting attacks on what it has described as Iranian-linked targets in Syria. Defending the strikes, the defence forces have called them necessary to prevent its arch-foe Iran from gaining a foothold on its doorstep.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-dam-in-syria-was-on-a-no-strike-list-us-bombed-it-anyway-446418">Also read |&nbsp;A dam in Syria was on a ‘no-strike’ list. US bombed it anyway</a>

Tehran-backed forces, including Lebanon's Shiite militant group Hezbollah, have put down a presence in Syria since deploying to help President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war which broke out in 2011.

The conflict in Syria, which forced around half of the country's pre-war population from their homes, has killed nearly half a million people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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The Syrian ministry of defence has said that Israeli surface-to-surface missiles killed three people near Damascus. Syria's official news agency SANA quoted a military source as saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an aggression.

The Syrian ministry of defence has said that Israeli surface-to-surface missiles killed three people near Damascus. Syria's official news agency SANA quoted a military source as saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an aggression... that led to the death of three martyrs and some material losses." The missiles, that were intercepted by the Syrian air defences, had come from the Israeli-occupied Golan heights. Other than the three people who were killed in the attack, four members of the air defence crew were wounded according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. Also read | Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack The Observatory said the Israeli strikes targeted Iranian positions and weapon depots near Damascus after which a fire broke out and ambulances were seen rushing to the site of the strikes. Previously, 10 combatants, including six soldiers were killed in an airstrike by Israel in central Syria on April 27, in the deadliest such raid since the start of 2022. Israel's military has been mounting attacks on what it has described as Iranian-linked targets in Syria. Defending the strikes, the defence forces have called them necessary to prevent its arch-foe Iran from gaining a foothold on its doorstep. Also read | A dam in Syria was on a ‘no-strike’ list. US bombed it anyway Tehran-backed forces, including Lebanon's Shiite militant group Hezbollah, have put down a presence in Syria since deploying to help President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war which broke out in 2011. The conflict in Syria, which forced around half of the country's pre-war population from their homes, has killed nearly half a million people. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Syria says three killed in Israeli missile strikes targeting Damascus

Israel has carried out an airstrike on Syrian facilities. This is the third Israeli airstrike in one week. 5 people have been reported dead.

Israel strikes Syrian facilities: Third Israeli airstrike in one week

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad held meetings with Iranian leaders and the country’s president during a surprise visit to Tehran, the leaders aim at strengthening ties between the two nations.

Syrian President Assad meets Iran's Khamenei in Tehran to bolster ties

Syrian President Bashar Assad met with Iranian leaders in Tehran, marking his second trip to major wartime ally Iran since Syria’s civil war erupted in 2011.

Syrian President Bashar Assad meets Iran leaders in rare visit to Tehran

Around 15,000 ceramic doves were suspended over the streets in Old City of Damascus. It was installed as part of an art exhibition that was set to debut before Syria’s war. The art installation in Old City of Damascus was crafted by Buthaina al-Ali. The doves were in a basement since the conflict in Syria in 2011.

Damascus: 15,000 doves are finally free!

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general on Wednesday said that the world treats “blacks and white lives” unequally.

The WHO chief said this in the context of Ukraine and the attention its ‘white’ population is receiving compared to other areas facing emergencies.

As per him the emergencies happening elsewhere are not being taken seriously, he added that he hopes that the international community "comes back to its senses".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-russias-tit-for-tat-move-slaps-sanctions-on-us-canada-470856" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move;&nbsp;slaps sanctions on US, Canada</a>

Speaking at a news conference, Tedros said: "I don't know if the world really gives equal attention to black and white lives."&nbsp;

"The whole attention to Ukraine is very important of course because it impacts the whole world."

"But even a fraction of it is not being given to Tigray, Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria and the rest. A fraction.”

He added that global attention was simply not being placed on humanitarian crises like the one in Ethiopia.

The United Nations had determined that the besieged northern region of Ethiopia on average needs 100 trucks of humanitarian supplies every day.&nbsp;

Since the declaration of truce till date 2000 trucks should’ve reached the suffering country, however, merely 20 have actually reached, said Tedros, adding that he was worried that these 20 trucks might also merely be a "diplomatic manoeuvre" by the Addis Ababa government.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Western media's racist reportage on Ukrainian refugees

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-western-medias-racist-reportage-on-ukrainian-refugees-457644/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Right now, apart from the crisis in Ukraine other nations too are in an emergency situation.

In Tigray, as per the UN thousands are at risk, facing starvation, fuel shortages, and lack of basic services for months.&nbsp;

Syria's civil war broke out in 2011 as a result of the government's harsh crackdown on anti-regime rallies. In the violence, which has wreaked havoc on the country's economy, nearly half a million people have been killed and millions have been displaced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sadists-rapists-russian-forces-using-rape-as-punishing-tactic-in-ukraine-un-womens-body-voices-concern-470378" hreflang="en">'Sadists, rapists': Russian forces using rape as punishing tactic in Ukraine, UN women's body voices concern</a>

Yemen, which the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis has around 23.7 people in need of assistance.&nbsp;

In northern Ethiopia, the 17-month conflict has displaced two million people and left nine million on the verge of starvation.

Afghanistan is on the verge of an economic collapse, with 24 million in desperate need of aid.

However, global attention was simply not being given to such&nbsp;humanitarian crises&nbsp;and instead is focused only on Ukraine.

"So we need to balance. We need to take every life seriously because every life is precious" said the WHO chief.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general on Wednesday said that the world treats “blacks and white lives” unequally. The WHO chief said this in the context of Ukraine and the attention its ‘white’ population is receiving compared to other areas facing emergencies.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general on Wednesday said that the world treats “blacks and white lives” unequally. The WHO chief said this in the context of Ukraine and the attention its ‘white’ population is receiving compared to other areas facing emergencies. As per him the emergencies happening elsewhere are not being taken seriously, he added that he hopes that the international community "comes back to its senses". Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move; slaps sanctions on US, Canada Speaking at a news conference, Tedros said: "I don't know if the world really gives equal attention to black and white lives." "The whole attention to Ukraine is very important of course because it impacts the whole world." "But even a fraction of it is not being given to Tigray, Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria and the rest. A fraction.” He added that global attention was simply not being placed on humanitarian crises like the one in Ethiopia. The United Nations had determined that the besieged northern region of Ethiopia on average needs 100 trucks of humanitarian supplies every day. Since the declaration of truce till date 2000 trucks should’ve reached the suffering country, however, merely 20 have actually reached, said Tedros, adding that he was worried that these 20 trucks might also merely be a "diplomatic manoeuvre" by the Addis Ababa government. Watch | Gravitas: Western media's racist reportage on Ukrainian refugees Right now, apart from the crisis in Ukraine other nations too are in an emergency situation. In Tigray, as per the UN thousands are at risk, facing starvation, fuel shortages, and lack of basic services for months. Syria's civil war broke out in 2011 as a result of the government's harsh crackdown on anti-regime rallies. In the violence, which has wreaked havoc on the country's economy, nearly half a million people have been killed and millions have been displaced. Also read | 'Sadists, rapists': Russian forces using rape as punishing tactic in Ukraine, UN women's body voices concern Yemen, which the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis has around 23.7 people in need of assistance. In northern Ethiopia, the 17-month conflict has displaced two million people and left nine million on the verge of starvation. Afghanistan is on the verge of an economic collapse, with 24 million in desperate need of aid. However, global attention was simply not being given to such humanitarian crises and instead is focused only on Ukraine. "So we need to balance. We need to take every life seriously because every life is precious" said the WHO chief. (With inputs from agencies)

'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a&nbsp;US court was told during a hearing.

Between 2012 and 2015, a group of three British men known as “the Beatles”, took more than 20 westerners hostage under IS’s reign of terror. Prosecutors allege that El Shafee Elshiekh, who currently is on trial in Virginia, US, was the member nicknamed as Ringo by the hostages.

Federico Motka, an Italian-born aid worker, who grew up in UK, told the federal courthouse that he and David Haines, a British fellow aid worker, were forced to fight John Cantlie, an American journalist James Foley and a British war correspondent and photographer, in a “royal rumble” organised by the militant group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-bashar-al-assad-visits-uae-in-first-trip-to-arab-state-since-2011-463729">Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011</a>

“They were super excited about it,” Motka, describing 14 months of brutality at the hands of his IS kidnappers, told the court on Thursday. “We were so weak and shattered we could barely lift our arms.”

He further added that the trio humiliated them even more by mocking their forced fight, the Daily Telegraph reported. According to the Associated Press, during the summer of 2013, the hostages were told that the losers of the fight were being held captive at a facility known as “the box” that would be waterboarded.

Motka, in 2013, was surveying the needs of refugee camps, when he and Haines were captured.

He is the first surveying captive to testify at Elsheikh’s trial.

“They said I was a posh wanker because I went to boarding school,” Motka testified. “They said I was arrogant, and they were going to take me down a peg.”

When the judge stepped in to ask what the phrase “posh wanker” meant, there was a moment of uncomfortable laughter, forcing Motka to explain the term’s meaning.

He further told all the things that happened with them, from playing games with them, to giving them dog names to which they were supposed to respond immediately, made them wear orange jumpsuits to replicate the “conditions to the detainees at Guantánamo Bay”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-promises-to-pay-syrian-army-fighters-1100-to-fight-in-ukraine-watchdog-462529">Russia promises to pay Syrian army fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog</a>

The United States and United Kingdom did not pay for the release of hostages, which further led to the execution of Haines, British aid worker Alan Henning and four other Americans named in Elsheikh’s indictment – Foley, Steven Sotloff, Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. He is accused of being involved in their murders.

In opening statements, the prosecutors mentioned three British citizens - Elsheikh, his long-term friend Alenxanda Kotey and Mohammed Emwazi, who is also known as “Jihadi John,” who frequently carried out the job of executioner.

Mohammed Emwazi was killed in a drone strike, while Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to Virginia to face trials.

Lat year, Kotey pleaded guilty in a plea bargain.

The trials still continue as Elshiekh’s defence lawyer Edward MacMahon said there was “no dispute” about the horror the hostages’ fate.

MacMahon&nbsp;further said, there was no doubt that Elsheikh has gone to Syria to fight the IS, and there is no evidence to support that he was one of the members of “Beatles.”

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-syrias-assad-returns-to-the-world-stage-466752/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a US court was told during a hearing.

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a US court was told during a hearing. Between 2012 and 2015, a group of three British men known as “the Beatles”, took more than 20 westerners hostage under IS’s reign of terror. Prosecutors allege that El Shafee Elshiekh, who currently is on trial in Virginia, US, was the member nicknamed as Ringo by the hostages. Federico Motka, an Italian-born aid worker, who grew up in UK, told the federal courthouse that he and David Haines, a British fellow aid worker, were forced to fight John Cantlie, an American journalist James Foley and a British war correspondent and photographer, in a “royal rumble” organised by the militant group. Also read | Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011 “They were super excited about it,” Motka, describing 14 months of brutality at the hands of his IS kidnappers, told the court on Thursday. “We were so weak and shattered we could barely lift our arms.” He further added that the trio humiliated them even more by mocking their forced fight, the Daily Telegraph reported. According to the Associated Press, during the summer of 2013, the hostages were told that the losers of the fight were being held captive at a facility known as “the box” that would be waterboarded. Motka, in 2013, was surveying the needs of refugee camps, when he and Haines were captured. He is the first surveying captive to testify at Elsheikh’s trial. “They said I was a posh wanker because I went to boarding school,” Motka testified. “They said I was arrogant, and they were going to take me down a peg.” When the judge stepped in to ask what the phrase “posh wanker” meant, there was a moment of uncomfortable laughter, forcing Motka to explain the term’s meaning. He further told all the things that happened with them, from playing games with them, to giving them dog names to which they were supposed to respond immediately, made them wear orange jumpsuits to replicate the “conditions to the detainees at Guantánamo Bay”. Also read | Russia promises to pay Syrian army fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog The United States and United Kingdom did not pay for the release of hostages, which further led to the execution of Haines, British aid worker Alan Henning and four other Americans named in Elsheikh’s indictment – Foley, Steven Sotloff, Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. He is accused of being involved in their murders. In opening statements, the prosecutors mentioned three British citizens - Elsheikh, his long-term friend Alenxanda Kotey and Mohammed Emwazi, who is also known as “Jihadi John,” who frequently carried out the job of executioner. Mohammed Emwazi was killed in a drone strike, while Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to Virginia to face trials. Lat year, Kotey pleaded guilty in a plea bargain. The trials still continue as Elshiekh’s defence lawyer Edward MacMahon said there was “no dispute” about the horror the hostages’ fate. MacMahon further said, there was no doubt that Elsheikh has gone to Syria to fight the IS, and there is no evidence to support that he was one of the members of “Beatles.” Watch | The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

Islamic States captives were forced to fight each other until they passed out, trial told

For years, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was an international pariah. But it looks like the leader is slowly returning to the world stage. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you how Assad is making a comeback.

The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

Syrian President embarked to the UAE, making it a first visit by a Syrian President to an Arab nation in 11 years. Meanwhile, the US says it is disappointed by Assad's visit.

Syrian President visits the UAE, making it a first visit to an Arab nation in 11 years

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his first trip to an Arab country since the beginning of the civil war 11 years ago when he arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. According to a number of experts, this marks a potential boost in Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbouring countries.<o:p></o:p>

In a statement posted on its social media pages, the office of the Syrian president said that he met Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai to discuss expanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-covid-19-deaths-in-more-than-a-year-463705">China reports first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year</a>

Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League around 11 years ago and it led to a boycott from the Arab neighbours. Since then, the civil war has claimed a huge number of lives and it has also displaced almost half of Syria’s population who have fled to various different countries.<o:p></o:p>

However, against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the visit is a clear indication that the Arab countries are ready to re-engage with Syria. Assad, earlier, extended his complete support to Russian president Vladimir Putin regarding his invasion of Ukrainian cities.<o:p></o:p>

The UAE reopened its official embassy in Syria back in 2018 and that was considered as a positive sign from the Arab nation. In 2021, UAE foreign minister flew to Damascus for a private meeting with Assad and it was the first time that the country’s top diplomat has visited Syria since 2011.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

The official report further stated that Sheikh Mohammed expressed his hope “this visit would be the beginning of peace and stability for Syria and the entire region”.

It also said that Assad briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the latest developments in Syria and the two leaders discussed mutual interests in the Arab world. Assad was reported to have left the UAE later on Friday from Abu Dhabi.<o:p></o:p>

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his first trip to an Arab country since the beginning of the civil war 11 years ago when he arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his first trip to an Arab country since the beginning of the civil war 11 years ago when he arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. According to a number of experts, this marks a potential boost in Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbouring countries. In a statement posted on its social media pages, the office of the Syrian president said that he met Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai to discuss expanding bilateral relations between the two countries. Also read | China reports first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League around 11 years ago and it led to a boycott from the Arab neighbours. Since then, the civil war has claimed a huge number of lives and it has also displaced almost half of Syria’s population who have fled to various different countries. However, against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the visit is a clear indication that the Arab countries are ready to re-engage with Syria. Assad, earlier, extended his complete support to Russian president Vladimir Putin regarding his invasion of Ukrainian cities. The UAE reopened its official embassy in Syria back in 2018 and that was considered as a positive sign from the Arab nation. In 2021, UAE foreign minister flew to Damascus for a private meeting with Assad and it was the first time that the country’s top diplomat has visited Syria since 2011. Also read | Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky The official report further stated that Sheikh Mohammed expressed his hope “this visit would be the beginning of peace and stability for Syria and the entire region”. It also said that Assad briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the latest developments in Syria and the two leaders discussed mutual interests in the Arab world. Assad was reported to have left the UAE later on Friday from Abu Dhabi.

Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011

On Thursday, the Islamic State organisation revealed for the first time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US strike in northern Syria last month and designated his successor.

It was the extremist group's first formal statement on its commander, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, since American officials reported he blew himself up along with members of his family during a raid on his hideout in the northern Syrian town of Atmeh, near the Turkish border, on February 3.&nbsp;

IS spokesman Abu Omar al-Muhajer confirmed the leader's death, as well as that of the group's former spokesman, Abu Hamza al-Qurayshi, in an audio recording broadcast Thursday.

IS has picked a successor to the former leader, according to Al-Muhajer, who identified him as Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi and said the late IS head chose him to be the future caliph.

There was no immediate information about the new commander, and it was unclear whether he, like his two predecessors, was an Iraqi. Both were murdered in rebel-held areas of Syria.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: The Islamic State has China on its hit list

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The US strike last month was the second time in three years that the US has killed a prominent IS leader.

There is no evidence that any of the al-Qurayshis are related.

Al-Qurayshi is not their genuine name, but it is derived from Quraish, the tribe of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

IS claims to have leaders from this tribe, and "al-Qurayshi" is part of an IS leader's surname.

"He has embraced the leadership," al-Muhajer stated of the new IS commander, who remained anonymous.&nbsp;

In the US raid, about 50 U.S. special operations forces landed in helicopters and attacked a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen. In all, 13 people were killed, including six children and four women. Residents described continuous gunfire and explosions that jolted Atmeh near the Turkish border, an area dotted with camps for internally displaced from Syria’s civil war.

At the height of its power, after declaring an Islamic caliphate in 2014, IS controlled a third of both Syria and Iraq and ruled over 8 million people.

Since their defeat in 2019, the militants have struggled to mount a resurgence, staging deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq. In January, IS launched a complex assault on a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees and setting off 10 days of clashes with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish-led fighters. The battles killed more than 120 Syrian Kurdish fighters and prison workers, along with 374 militants.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, the Islamic State organisation revealed for the first time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US strike in northern Syria last month and designated his successor.

On Thursday, the Islamic State organisation revealed for the first time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US strike in northern Syria last month and designated his successor. It was the extremist group's first formal statement on its commander, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, since American officials reported he blew himself up along with members of his family during a raid on his hideout in the northern Syrian town of Atmeh, near the Turkish border, on February 3. IS spokesman Abu Omar al-Muhajer confirmed the leader's death, as well as that of the group's former spokesman, Abu Hamza al-Qurayshi, in an audio recording broadcast Thursday. IS has picked a successor to the former leader, according to Al-Muhajer, who identified him as Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi and said the late IS head chose him to be the future caliph. There was no immediate information about the new commander, and it was unclear whether he, like his two predecessors, was an Iraqi. Both were murdered in rebel-held areas of Syria. Watch | Gravitas: The Islamic State has China on its hit list The US strike last month was the second time in three years that the US has killed a prominent IS leader. There is no evidence that any of the al-Qurayshis are related. Al-Qurayshi is not their genuine name, but it is derived from Quraish, the tribe of Islam's Prophet Muhammad. IS claims to have leaders from this tribe, and "al-Qurayshi" is part of an IS leader's surname. "He has embraced the leadership," al-Muhajer stated of the new IS commander, who remained anonymous. In the US raid, about 50 U.S. special operations forces landed in helicopters and attacked a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen. In all, 13 people were killed, including six children and four women. Residents described continuous gunfire and explosions that jolted Atmeh near the Turkish border, an area dotted with camps for internally displaced from Syria’s civil war. At the height of its power, after declaring an Islamic caliphate in 2014, IS controlled a third of both Syria and Iraq and ruled over 8 million people. Since their defeat in 2019, the militants have struggled to mount a resurgence, staging deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq. In January, IS launched a complex assault on a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees and setting off 10 days of clashes with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish-led fighters. The battles killed more than 120 Syrian Kurdish fighters and prison workers, along with 374 militants. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State confirms its leader was killed in Syria, names new chief

Amidst Russia-Ukraine conflict, Syrians came in support of Ukrainian citizens. Few of the Syrian rebels have also shared their stories of struggle.

Syrians empathise with Ukraine: Rebels share their stories of struggle amid Russia-Ukraine war

A court in&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;on Friday sentenced a&nbsp;mother&nbsp;to six years in jail for allowing her&nbsp;son&nbsp;to&nbsp;fight&nbsp;for the Islamic State (IS) group as a child soldier in Syria.

The 49-year-old was convicted of &nbsp;aggravated of war crimes, violations of international law and for "not stopping her&nbsp;son, then aged 12 to 15, from being recruited and used as a child soldier for IS in the armed conflict in Syria," the Stockholm district court said in a statement.

The woman and her husband had been part of a "cult-like" Islamist environment and in April 2013 she brought her&nbsp;son&nbsp;to join his father and an older&nbsp;son&nbsp;in Syria.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/52-year-old-drunk-airline-pilot-removed-from-cockpit-of-flight-in-us-458917">&nbsp;52-year-old drunk airline pilot removed from cockpit of flight in US</a>

The court found that she must have understood that her&nbsp;son&nbsp;was used as a child soldier.

"She has not taken adequate steps to stop this, neither has she wanted to stop it, but his role as a child soldier had been in accordance with her convictions," the court said.

When she was charged in January, the prosecution authority said it was "the first time charges are being brought in&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;for the war crime of using a child soldier".

It also said that from August 2013 and to May of 2016 the boy allegedly&nbsp;took&nbsp;part "in hostilities performed by armed groups, including the terrorist organisation IS".

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The authority added that he died in 2017, without providing the cause of death.

Around 300 Swedes or Swedish residents, a quarter of whom are women, joined IS in Syria and Iraq, mostly in 2013 and 2014, according to the Sapo intelligence service.

Sweden&nbsp;did not have existing legislation at the time to prosecute people for membership in a terrorist organisation, so prosecutors instead sought other crimes with which to charge returnees.

A court in Sweden on Friday sentenced a mother to six years in jail for allowing her son to fight for the Islamic State (IS) group as a child soldier in Syria. The 49-year-old was convicted of aggravated of war crimes, violations of international law and for "not stopping her son, then aged 12 to 15, from being recruited and used as a child soldier for IS in the armed conflict in Syria," the Stockholm district court said in a statement.

A court in Sweden on Friday sentenced a mother to six years in jail for allowing her son to fight for the Islamic State (IS) group as a child soldier in Syria. The 49-year-old was convicted of aggravated of war crimes, violations of international law and for "not stopping her son, then aged 12 to 15, from being recruited and used as a child soldier for IS in the armed conflict in Syria," the Stockholm district court said in a statement. The woman and her husband had been part of a "cult-like" Islamist environment and in April 2013 she brought her son to join his father and an older son in Syria. Also read | 52-year-old drunk airline pilot removed from cockpit of flight in US The court found that she must have understood that her son was used as a child soldier. "She has not taken adequate steps to stop this, neither has she wanted to stop it, but his role as a child soldier had been in accordance with her convictions," the court said. When she was charged in January, the prosecution authority said it was "the first time charges are being brought in Sweden for the war crime of using a child soldier". It also said that from August 2013 and to May of 2016 the boy allegedly took part "in hostilities performed by armed groups, including the terrorist organisation IS". Also read | Florida lawmakers vote to ban abortions after 15 weeks The authority added that he died in 2017, without providing the cause of death. Around 300 Swedes or Swedish residents, a quarter of whom are women, joined IS in Syria and Iraq, mostly in 2013 and 2014, according to the Sapo intelligence service. Sweden did not have existing legislation at the time to prosecute people for membership in a terrorist organisation, so prosecutors instead sought other crimes with which to charge returnees.

Sweden jails mother who took son to fight for IS

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has displaced some one million people with millions more at risk. The European Union nations have been swift in their response to the Ukrainians crossing over this reaction of the European countries is now pushing millions of West-Asian refugees who are still waiting for protection and asylum for over a decade.

Europe's contradictory approach to Ukrainian and Syrian refugees?

&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in a&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;centre in the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;capital Damascus&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years.

Many of those&nbsp;killed&nbsp;were security guards or other staff on duty overnight in the six-storey building, civil defence director Ahmad Abbas said.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-dead-as-man-kills-three-children-and-himself-in-california-church-457707">Five dead as man kills three children and himself in California church</a>

"Eleven&nbsp;people have died as a result of the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in the La Mirada&nbsp;mall, and two people have been rescued," the interior ministry said.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;caused "extensive material damage", it added, ripping&nbsp;through&nbsp;stores that sold clothes, leather goods and cosmetics -- many of which were highly flammable.

"Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze," the ministry statement said.

Fires in the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;capital are relatively frequent, some caused by electrical short-circuits, others by unsafe heating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-israel-launches-strike-at-syria-pfizers-pandemic-profiteering-more-451598">Morning news brief: Israel launches strike at Syria, Pfizer's pandemic profiteering, &amp; more</a>

A 52-year-old witness, who asked to be identified only by his first name Hani, said the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;broke out at around 3:00 am (0100 GMT).

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;started on the top floor and started to spread quickly to other levels," he said.

Damascus police chief Hussein Jumaa said the cause of the blaze was likely "internal."

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;spread so fast that the people in the building couldn't save themselves," Jumaa told state television.&nbsp;

My livelihood is gone

Twenty&nbsp;fire&nbsp;engines helped douse the blaze, civil defence chief Abbas said.

"It took around four hours for us to bring the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;under control," he said, adding that the victims died either of suffocation or of severe burns.

They were all guards working at the&nbsp;mall, or workers on duty," Abbas added.

Ten of the 11 corpses recovered from the building were charred beyond recognition, the state SANA news agency reported.

It said seven people were wounded, including those who suffered smoke inhalation.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent saw&nbsp;fire&nbsp;trucks stationed outside the charred facade of the&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;mall, where dozens of businesses had been destroyed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-against-syria-after-missile-attack-451589">Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack</a>

"We have asked everyone to stay away from the area to facilitate civil defence operations," a&nbsp;fire&nbsp;department official told AFP on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Despite the security cordon, dozens flocked to the scene, including business owners eager to check on their shops.

One store owner collapsed when he saw the scale of the damage.

"My livelihood is gone... my money is gone," he wailed.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;comes a week after a blaze in a hospital in Syria's second city of Aleppo&nbsp;killed&nbsp;three people, sparked by an electrical short-circuit, according to SANA.

In September last year, a firefighter died and two civilians were injured in a blaze that destroyed a fabric warehouse in the Old City of Damascus.&nbsp;

fire in a shopping centre in the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years.

fire in a shopping centre in the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years. Many of those killed were security guards or other staff on duty overnight in the six-storey building, civil defence director Ahmad Abbas said. The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear. Also read | Five dead as man kills three children and himself in California church "Eleven people have died as a result of the fire in the La Mirada mall, and two people have been rescued," the interior ministry said. The fire caused "extensive material damage", it added, ripping through stores that sold clothes, leather goods and cosmetics -- many of which were highly flammable. "Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze," the ministry statement said. Fires in the Syrian capital are relatively frequent, some caused by electrical short-circuits, others by unsafe heating. Also read | Morning news brief: Israel launches strike at Syria, Pfizer's pandemic profiteering, & more A 52-year-old witness, who asked to be identified only by his first name Hani, said the fire broke out at around 3:00 am (0100 GMT). "The fire started on the top floor and started to spread quickly to other levels," he said. Damascus police chief Hussein Jumaa said the cause of the blaze was likely "internal." "The fire spread so fast that the people in the building couldn't save themselves," Jumaa told state television. My livelihood is gone Twenty fire engines helped douse the blaze, civil defence chief Abbas said. "It took around four hours for us to bring the fire under control," he said, adding that the victims died either of suffocation or of severe burns. They were all guards working at the mall, or workers on duty," Abbas added. Ten of the 11 corpses recovered from the building were charred beyond recognition, the state SANA news agency reported. It said seven people were wounded, including those who suffered smoke inhalation. An AFP correspondent saw fire trucks stationed outside the charred facade of the shopping mall, where dozens of businesses had been destroyed. Also read | Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack "We have asked everyone to stay away from the area to facilitate civil defence operations," a fire department official told AFP on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Despite the security cordon, dozens flocked to the scene, including business owners eager to check on their shops. One store owner collapsed when he saw the scale of the damage. "My livelihood is gone... my money is gone," he wailed. The fire comes a week after a blaze in a hospital in Syria's second city of Aleppo killed three people, sparked by an electrical short-circuit, according to SANA. In September last year, a firefighter died and two civilians were injured in a blaze that destroyed a fabric warehouse in the Old City of Damascus.

Eleven killed as fire rips through Syria shopping mall

Amid heightened tensions between the West in Moscow over Ukraine, Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu visited Syria and held talks with President Bashar Assad. He also inspected Russian air base in the country which has served at Russia's main outpost in Syria.

Russia’s defense chief arrives in Syria to inspect Russian airbase

According to the US Air Forces Central Command, Russian/Syrian aircraft crossed a de-confliction line into coalition airspace east of the Euphrates River 6-8 times a day in late November. “The greatest concern is that we could shoot down these aircraft because of their actions are seen as a threat” to coalition forces, the source claimed recently together with CNN.

In turn, Assad’s allies announced that most of the <a href="https://en.insidesyriamc.com/2017/01/18/rebellion-in-the-sky-over-syria/" rel="nofollow">rapprochement</a> between Russian/Syrian and U.S.-led coalition&nbsp;aircraft in the vicinity of the Euphrates River valley in Syria was associated with the attempts of the U.S. aircraft to interfere with the destruction of ISIS terrorists.

It needs to be mentioned is that while the Syrian AF accompanied by the Russian side were eliminating ISIS stronghold in the suburbs of the city of al-Mayadin during the <a href="https://en.insidesyriamc.com/?s=Deir+Ezzor" rel="nofollow">Deir-Ezzor</a> campaign, U.S. F-22 aircraft was carrying out ‘flare ejection altitude’ (were releasing several decoy flares) and speed brake deployment maneuvering in airspace and simulating an air fight.

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It seems a fight in the skies of Deir Ezzor is here to stay and the Memorandum on Flight Safety in Syria won’t help to pacify U.S. naked ambitions and ruthless determination to dominate in the skies over Syria. In the meantime, the legal basis for ‘coalition’ presence in Syria can’t be demonstrated. According to the international law, there is no U.S.-led coalition’s airspace in Syria. Apparently, the <a href="https://en.insidesyriamc.com/?s=Pentagon" rel="nofollow">Pentagon</a> had considered that there would be no point in following the international law regarding Syria’s airspace because the U.S. would be unable to benefit by its jets.

CNN statements have already raised a storm of indignation of common Syrians. Many of them try to ask what are these “coalition forces” really doing in Syria and call them “USA invasion forces.” Some people draw parallels between the U.S. and Israeli AF planes, protesting against their missiles regularly infringing sovereign Syrian airspace. Syrians are concerned that there is no reason and excuse justifying this violation.

A number of residents, according to the opinion poll made by Inside Syria Media Center via social media, even joked ‘Russia was too busy killing all those terrorists that the U.S. allowed to leave from Raqqa, that is why Russian/Syrian aircraft hadn’t notice U.S. F-22 aircraft.

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Recent events in the skies over Deir Ezzor should lead the international community to reflect further on that issue. Russia is legally invited in a sovereign country and operates within the framework of the international law. On the contrary, the U.S. army stays in Syria with no decision by the U.S. Congress which only has the power to declare war and without any mandate from the UN.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Russia is legally invited in a sovereign country and operates within the framework of the international law but the US army stays in Syria without any mandate from the UN

According to the US Air Forces Central Command, Russian/Syrian aircraft crossed a de-confliction line into coalition airspace east of the Euphrates River 6-8 times a day in late November. “The greatest concern is that we could shoot down these aircraft because of their actions are seen as a threat” to coalition forces, the source claimed recently together with CNN. In turn, Assad’s allies announced that most of the rapprochement between Russian/Syrian and U.S.-led coalition aircraft in the vicinity of the Euphrates River valley in Syria was associated with the attempts of the U.S. aircraft to interfere with the destruction of ISIS terrorists. It needs to be mentioned is that while the Syrian AF accompanied by the Russian side were eliminating ISIS stronghold in the suburbs of the city of al-Mayadin during the Deir-Ezzor campaign, U.S. F-22 aircraft was carrying out ‘flare ejection altitude’ (were releasing several decoy flares) and speed brake deployment maneuvering in airspace and simulating an air fight. The Pentagon had considered that there would be no point in following the international law regarding Syria’s airspace because the U.S. would be unable to benefit by its jets. × It seems a fight in the skies of Deir Ezzor is here to stay and the Memorandum on Flight Safety in Syria won’t help to pacify U.S. naked ambitions and ruthless determination to dominate in the skies over Syria. In the meantime, the legal basis for ‘coalition’ presence in Syria can’t be demonstrated. According to the international law, there is no U.S.-led coalition’s airspace in Syria. Apparently, the Pentagon had considered that there would be no point in following the international law regarding Syria’s airspace because the U.S. would be unable to benefit by its jets. CNN statements have already raised a storm of indignation of common Syrians. Many of them try to ask what are these “coalition forces” really doing in Syria and call them “USA invasion forces.” Some people draw parallels between the U.S. and Israeli AF planes, protesting against their missiles regularly infringing sovereign Syrian airspace. Syrians are concerned that there is no reason and excuse justifying this violation. A number of residents, according to the opinion poll made by Inside Syria Media Center via social media, even joked ‘Russia was too busy killing all those terrorists that the U.S. allowed to leave from Raqqa, that is why Russian/Syrian aircraft hadn’t notice U.S. F-22 aircraft. Russia is legally invited in a sovereign country and operates within the framework of the international law. × Recent events in the skies over Deir Ezzor should lead the international community to reflect further on that issue. Russia is legally invited in a sovereign country and operates within the framework of the international law. On the contrary, the U.S. army stays in Syria with no decision by the U.S. Congress which only has the power to declare war and without any mandate from the UN. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: US and Russia fight in the skies of Deir-Ezzor is wrong

A video&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/960125679294713857">showing</a>&nbsp;Nour al-Din al-Zenki militants hijacking a tanker and a truck with smuggled arms and weapons for YPG militia in Afrin emerged on Twitter on February 4, 2018.

A large number of Soviet-made ATGMs, and Fagot, Metis-M, Konkurs anti-tank missile systems were shown in the video.

According to&nbsp;Inside Syria Media Center&nbsp;sources, behind these weapons supply can be major German military companies, which a number of times have smuggled weapons to Syria from Eastern Europe since the beginning of the crisis. Despite the lack of import authorization several private German arms companies secretly purchased Soviet weapons in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Georgia, and Ukraine by hundreds of millions of dollars, for further transportation to the Kurdish units both in Iraq and Syria.

It’s worth noting that following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a huge amount of Soviet-made weapons was left at military warehouses of the Warsaw Treaty Organization counties and former Soviet Republics. Instead of recycling such weapons, Eastern European countries decided to make business on selling it to Germany.

As early as in 2014,&nbsp;Spiegel&nbsp;wrote about a deal between Germany and Ukraine on the purchase of Soviet-made weapons for further dissemination in Syria. For its part, American based Jamestown Foundation center claimed that these weapons had been supplied to Syrian militants for&nbsp;conducting&nbsp;secret operations.

It also becomes clear that Berlin has been providing Iraqi Kurds with weapons and ammunition for a long time. Germany delivered almost 28,000 items of small arms, ammunition, and grenade launchers to Peshmerga fighters from 2014 to 2016. Experts suppose that some part of the weapons was meant for the Syrian Kurds.

The German military instructors&nbsp;trained&nbsp;not only the Iraqi Peshmerga fighters but also the YPG militia in Syria. All this explains the existence of Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and 82 and 120 mm mortar rounds in the hands of the Syrian Kurds. Possession of these weapons allows them successfully repulse the attacks of the Turkish army.

Notably, since the beginning of the operation Olive Branch in Syria’s Afrin, Germany&nbsp;halted&nbsp;all arms exports to Turkey. It’s probably due to the pressure of the numerous Kurdish communities in Europe.

Moreover, according to&nbsp;Deutsche Welle, in total, since November 2016 till March 2017, the German government blocked 11 deals on the sale of small arms and ammunition to Turkey. German politicians say that despite the joint membership in NATO, Germany has put into effect a ban on the export of weapons to Turkey solely for political reasons. They also believe that weapons can be used not only for suppressing various uprisings inside Turkey, but also for combating Kurds in Syria.

There is no doubt that Germany actually stands behind for the recent Soviet weapons supply to Kurds. In the confrontation between the Turkish army and Syrian Kurds Germany has chosen the latter side.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

In the confrontation between the Turkish army and Syrian Kurds Germany has chosen the latter side.

A video showing Nour al-Din al-Zenki militants hijacking a tanker and a truck with smuggled arms and weapons for YPG militia in Afrin emerged on Twitter on February 4, 2018. A large number of Soviet-made ATGMs, and Fagot, Metis-M, Konkurs anti-tank missile systems were shown in the video. According to Inside Syria Media Center sources, behind these weapons supply can be major German military companies, which a number of times have smuggled weapons to Syria from Eastern Europe since the beginning of the crisis. Despite the lack of import authorization several private German arms companies secretly purchased Soviet weapons in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Georgia, and Ukraine by hundreds of millions of dollars, for further transportation to the Kurdish units both in Iraq and Syria. It’s worth noting that following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a huge amount of Soviet-made weapons was left at military warehouses of the Warsaw Treaty Organization counties and former Soviet Republics. Instead of recycling such weapons, Eastern European countries decided to make business on selling it to Germany. As early as in 2014, Spiegel wrote about a deal between Germany and Ukraine on the purchase of Soviet-made weapons for further dissemination in Syria. For its part, American based Jamestown Foundation center claimed that these weapons had been supplied to Syrian militants for conducting secret operations. It also becomes clear that Berlin has been providing Iraqi Kurds with weapons and ammunition for a long time. Germany delivered almost 28,000 items of small arms, ammunition, and grenade launchers to Peshmerga fighters from 2014 to 2016. Experts suppose that some part of the weapons was meant for the Syrian Kurds. The German military instructors trained not only the Iraqi Peshmerga fighters but also the YPG militia in Syria. All this explains the existence of Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and 82 and 120 mm mortar rounds in the hands of the Syrian Kurds. Possession of these weapons allows them successfully repulse the attacks of the Turkish army. Notably, since the beginning of the operation Olive Branch in Syria’s Afrin, Germany halted all arms exports to Turkey. It’s probably due to the pressure of the numerous Kurdish communities in Europe. Moreover, according to Deutsche Welle, in total, since November 2016 till March 2017, the German government blocked 11 deals on the sale of small arms and ammunition to Turkey. German politicians say that despite the joint membership in NATO, Germany has put into effect a ban on the export of weapons to Turkey solely for political reasons. They also believe that weapons can be used not only for suppressing various uprisings inside Turkey, but also for combating Kurds in Syria. There is no doubt that Germany actually stands behind for the recent Soviet weapons supply to Kurds. In the confrontation between the Turkish army and Syrian Kurds Germany has chosen the latter side. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Where did Syrian Kurds get Soviet Arms from?

Currently, the situation around Eastern Ghouta can only be described as drastic. Jaysh Al-Islam along with Faylaq al Rahman militants are blocking civilian evacuations via humanitarian corridors, preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid, and evacuating the wounded.

The humanitarian pause came into effect at 9 a.m. on Thursday upon the initiative of the Syrian Government and Russia. In the area of Vafidin, the government forces have already created block posts, and the medical staff is ready to provide the necessary medical care for the sick and injured. Moreover, special buses will evacuate civilians to safe areas.

Despite the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2401, demanding an immediate end to the fighting and the establishment of a humanitarian truce lasting at least 30 days, the militants of Eastern Ghouta violated ceasefire and have shelled civilians who tried to flee the area from mortars. And in that way, radicals undermine the efforts of the Syrian authorities and hinder the evacuation of the population. At the same time, the Syrian army units fully respect the truce and do not respond to provocations.

A number of Western media have already blamed the Syrian government for ceasefire violations, as well as for potential use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians.

According to the Syrian political observer Abdullah al-Ahmed, such kinds of reports are exclusively aimed at discrediting the legitimate government and the Syrian government forces.

Abdel Bari Atwan, a Middle East expert, holds the similar position. He believes that some Western media in the near future will try to deflect everyone’s attention from the initiatives of Bashar Assad in the form of humanitarian corridors and civilian evacuation from the besieged Eastern Ghouta. In addition, the media could once again say that the Syrian Army used chemical weapons in order to justify attacks.

Through these actions, the West tries to create a false perception of what’s happening in Eastern Ghouta, as it did during the liberation of Aleppo in 2016. The Syrian army doesn’t fight against Syrians. Only with the support of Russia, all the necessary conditions for the improvement of the humanitarian situation, and rescuing civilians, who are forcibly retained by extremists.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The situation around Eastern Ghouta can only be described as drastic. This does not mean that Syrian army using chemical weapons against its own innocent civilians.

Currently, the situation around Eastern Ghouta can only be described as drastic. Jaysh Al-Islam along with Faylaq al Rahman militants are blocking civilian evacuations via humanitarian corridors, preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid, and evacuating the wounded. The humanitarian pause came into effect at 9 a.m. on Thursday upon the initiative of the Syrian Government and Russia. In the area of Vafidin, the government forces have already created block posts, and the medical staff is ready to provide the necessary medical care for the sick and injured. Moreover, special buses will evacuate civilians to safe areas. Despite the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2401, demanding an immediate end to the fighting and the establishment of a humanitarian truce lasting at least 30 days, the militants of Eastern Ghouta violated ceasefire and have shelled civilians who tried to flee the area from mortars. And in that way, radicals undermine the efforts of the Syrian authorities and hinder the evacuation of the population. At the same time, the Syrian army units fully respect the truce and do not respond to provocations. A number of Western media have already blamed the Syrian government for ceasefire violations, as well as for potential use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians. According to the Syrian political observer Abdullah al-Ahmed, such kinds of reports are exclusively aimed at discrediting the legitimate government and the Syrian government forces. Abdel Bari Atwan, a Middle East expert, holds the similar position. He believes that some Western media in the near future will try to deflect everyone’s attention from the initiatives of Bashar Assad in the form of humanitarian corridors and civilian evacuation from the besieged Eastern Ghouta. In addition, the media could once again say that the Syrian Army used chemical weapons in order to justify attacks. Through these actions, the West tries to create a false perception of what’s happening in Eastern Ghouta, as it did during the liberation of Aleppo in 2016. The Syrian army doesn’t fight against Syrians. Only with the support of Russia, all the necessary conditions for the improvement of the humanitarian situation, and rescuing civilians, who are forcibly retained by extremists. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why media is wrong about Syrian forces' use of chemical weapons

The death of the Islamic State chief is being cast as a milestone in the 'War on Terror'. But the devil remains in the details. This time, ISIS has spread all over the region with its fragmented leadership. Ghadi Francis tells you why ISIS is far from being vanquished.

The West Asia Post: Death of ISIS chief raises questions

Israel's military said it conducted strikes after missiles were fired from Syria on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"In response to the anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria earlier tonight, we just struck surface-to-air missile targets in Syria, including radar &amp; anti-aircraft batteries," Israel's military said.

Syria activated its air defences around Damascus as Isreal launched attacks early on Wednesday. There were reports of rocket warning sirens in northern Israel as the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) carried out strikes against Syria.

Syria's SANA news agency claimed it had shot down some missiles, however, it hasn't been confirmed. Reports said at least one soldier was killed and five others wounded.

Syrian state TV said the missiles were fired from Golan Heights and Israel also carried out airstrikes.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes against targets in Syria against what it calls Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Israel's military said it conducted strikes after missiles were fired from Syria on Wednesday. "In response to the anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria earlier tonight, we just struck surface-to-air missile targets in Syria, including radar & anti-aircraft batteries," Israel's military said.

Israel's military said it conducted strikes after missiles were fired from Syria on Wednesday. "In response to the anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria earlier tonight, we just struck surface-to-air missile targets in Syria, including radar & anti-aircraft batteries," Israel's military said. Syria activated its air defences around Damascus as Isreal launched attacks early on Wednesday. There were reports of rocket warning sirens in northern Israel as the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) carried out strikes against Syria. Syria's SANA news agency claimed it had shot down some missiles, however, it hasn't been confirmed. Reports said at least one soldier was killed and five others wounded. Syrian state TV said the missiles were fired from Golan Heights and Israel also carried out airstrikes. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes against targets in Syria against what it calls Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack

Two children have died in Syria's refugee camps including a seven-day-old baby. Freezing cold weather over the past two weeks has swept across Idlib home to some two million displaced Syrians in freezing cold temperatures.

Two children dies in Syria's refugee camp

US President Joe Biden said that US forces had eliminated Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, a leader of ISIS in a raid in Syria. The raid was carried out under his direction, Biden said in a statement. He said that all Americans returned safely from the operation.

"Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in the northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place. Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. All Americans have returned safely from the operation. I will deliver remarks to the American people later this morning. May God protect our troops," Biden said in the statement.

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Reports of the operation were doing rounds in media before the official statement from the president. It was initially thought that an Al Qaeda terrorist was the target.&nbsp;It has been reported that At least 13 people, including six children and four women were killed in the clashes. &nbsp;The raid targetted a house in the Atmeh area near the Turkish border.

After the initial reports, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby had confirmed that such a raid had taken place. Biden's statement was released after this.&nbsp;

"US Special Operations forces under the control of US&nbsp;Central Command conducted a counter-terrorism mission this evening in northwest Syria. The mission was successful," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in the statement earlier.

A US official said that "at the beginning of the operation the terrorist target exploded a bomb that killed him and members of his own family, including women and children."

&nbsp;“We all remember the gut wrenching stories, mass slaughters that wiped out entire villages, thousands of women and young girls sold into slavery, rape used a weapon of war,” and that “this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said that US forces had eliminated Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, a leader of ISIS in a raid in Syria. The raid was carried out under his direction, Biden said in a statement.

US President Joe Biden said that US forces had eliminated Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, a leader of ISIS in a raid in Syria. The raid was carried out under his direction, Biden said in a statement. He said that all Americans returned safely from the operation. "Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in the northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place. Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. All Americans have returned safely from the operation. I will deliver remarks to the American people later this morning. May God protect our troops," Biden said in the statement. × Reports of the operation were doing rounds in media before the official statement from the president. It was initially thought that an Al Qaeda terrorist was the target. It has been reported that At least 13 people, including six children and four women were killed in the clashes. The raid targetted a house in the Atmeh area near the Turkish border. After the initial reports, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby had confirmed that such a raid had taken place. Biden's statement was released after this. "US Special Operations forces under the control of US Central Command conducted a counter-terrorism mission this evening in northwest Syria. The mission was successful," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in the statement earlier. A US official said that "at the beginning of the operation the terrorist target exploded a bomb that killed him and members of his own family, including women and children." “We all remember the gut wrenching stories, mass slaughters that wiped out entire villages, thousands of women and young girls sold into slavery, rape used a weapon of war,” and that “this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

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