Latest in Tag: Syria Highlight
Latest in Tag: Syria
German FM Steinmeier calls for hostilities to cease in Syria’s Aleppo
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has decried Russia’s “high level of responsibility” for the “catastrophic situation in Aleppo.” Humanitarian access has to be assured by the UN, the minister said.
‘Islamic State’ abducts 2,000 civilians in northern Syria
An alliance of Kurdish and Arab forces have liberated the city of Manbij from the militant group. But some “IS” fighters fled the city, reportedly using hundreds of kidnapped civilians as “human shields.”
Syria, Iraq and the future of jihad
The terror organization ‘Islamic State’ (IS) has suffered serious losses in Syria, and even more in Iraq. It can no longer count on public support. Yet, it still has a few aces up its sleeve.
Eastern Europe and the lucrative Middle East arms trade
Many eastern European countries supply arms to the Middle East. The trade is said to be worth more than a billion euros, with the majority of goods going to Saudi Arabia. But the weapons don’t stay there.
Report: MSF-supported hospital bombed in Idlib, Syria
Weekend airstrikes by unspecified belligerents have destroyed a hospital in northern Syria, Doctors Without Borders reports. Elsewhere, recent attacks by Russia have flattened opposition areas of Aleppo.
Egyptian member of YPG killed in fight against IS in Syria
El-Imam was the first Egyptian in the YPG to be killed in the fight against IS
UN extends new Syria peace talks invitation to Damascus
The Syrian government has confirmed its participation in the latest talks aimed at a political solution to the conflict. A UN official said he spoke with Damascus about the need for a UN-backed transition.
Syria’s Nusra Front splits with al-Qaeda
A senior al-Qaeda figure has urged the group to do what is necessary to protect the “holy struggle of the Syrian people.” Washington voiced skepticism over the split, saying it could be an exercise in rebranding.
Faia Younan’s first concert in Egypt turns into a national craze
Her black hair and captivating eyes are nothing compared to her enchanting voice. From old Arabic poems to traditional songs, Faia Younan is a Syrian talent who has managed to take the world by storm in a relatively short period of time. This charming talent spent the majority of her life in Sweden and, accordingly, …
US-backed rebel group in Syria condemns beheading of boy
Activists have accused a supposedly moderate rebel group of beheading a boy on camera. Secretary of State John Kerry said the US is “very concerned” about the report.
Rebel-held areas of Aleppo ‘completely besieged’
A UK-based observer group says Syrian regime fighters have seized the only road into the rebel-held area of Aleppo. More than 30 civilians were killed in the besieged city on Saturday.
Kerry meets Putin in bid to rescue Syria peace plan
US Secretary of State John Kerry has met Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of an effort to salvage the stalled Syria peace process. The pair discussed cooperation against Islamic State and other militant groups.
In support of Egypt’s Syrian community, an NGO holds an Eid celebration
We aim to help people overcoming their everyday struggles, says organiser
Syria extends ceasefire despite heavy fighting in Aleppo
Damascus has extended a ceasefire for 72 hours, marking the second of its kind since the end of Ramadan. The US’ top diplomat is expected in Moscow as the international community pushes to revive stalled peace talks.
Jihad v soccer: the Islamic State’s convoluted love-hate relationship
If Islamic State (IS) was serious about attacking Euro 2016, its plans clearly never materialised. Leaked transcripts of the interrogation of one of the attackers of Brussels Airport in March leave little doubt however that soccer is featured prominently on the group’s target list. So does this month’s beheading of four Syrian players in Raqqa. …
Two Russian helicopter pilots killed by ‘Islamic State’ in Syria
Helicopter pilots called in action by the Syrian allies were shot down by “IS” militants. The aircraft ran out of ammunition while flying near Palmyra.
Syrian army extends truce, but fighting rages on
The Syrian army has extended a nationwide ceasefire for three days as pro-Assad forces continue to advance against rebels in the north. Observers have called the truce mostly ineffective since its declaration last week.
UNESCO meets to expand World Heritage
UN cultural agency UNESCO will gather in Istanbul on Sunday to review candidates to join its prestigious World Heritage List, ranging from 350-million-year old fossils to works by Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier.
Syrian army declares 72-hour halt in fighting
The Syrian regime troops have announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire coinciding with the end of Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The truce applies to the whole country, according to the army’s statement.
Udo Steinbach: ‘The physical end of ‘Islamic State’ is approaching’
In Syria and Iraq, the ‘Islamic State’ group has been losing ground for months, but worldwide, its attacks are becoming more effective. Middle East expert Udo Steinbach detects change within the terrorist militia.
US and Russia discuss possibility of increased cooperation in Syria
“The discussion was about the options for settling the Syrian conflict, including the possibility of Russian-US cooperation in the fight against terrorist groups active in Syria,” the Russian statement read
Russia, Turkey foreign ministers hold first meeting to thaw ties
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, has met with Turkey’s Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss ties after Turkey downed a Russian jet at the Syrian border last year.
Two dozen children killed in Syria airstrikes, says UNICEF
Attacks on children in Syria have become “commonplace,” the UN body said. It called for the conflicts’ parties to protect children, saying at least 6 million of them were in dire need of assistance.
Russian airstrikes hit rebel-held Aleppo as battle rages
Russian and Syrian government planes have targeted rebel-held areas of Aleppo in a bid for the rebel’s last supply line. Meanwhile, hundreds have fled “Islamic State”-held areas of northern Syria amidst mass abductions.
Why are some people attracted to Jihad?
Hundreds of young people choose to go to Syria, despite their vastly more comfortable lives in Europe. But why does “Islamic State” attract so many Europeans? Radicalization expert Maarten van de Donk explains.
Egypt condemns attack killing 6 Jordanian army personnel on Syria border
The Jordanian army said that a car bomb targeting a military location early on Tuesday came from the refugee camp in Al Rakban area.
Hundreds flee besieged IS bastion in Syria
Hundreds of civilians have reportedly escaped from a besieged jihadi stronghold in northern Syria. In a blow to “Islamic State” militants, a US-backed alliance has surrounded the town and cut off a main supply route.
Egyptian Embassy in Damascus delivers aid to Syrian town of Douma
This is the first humanitarian aid that Egypt deliverd “but it won’t be the last”, says embassy’s chargé d’affaires
Several people killed in Damascus Shiite shrine bombing
Two bombs have exploded in the Syrian capital, killing and injuring dozens of people. The suspected terror attacks took place near the country’s holiest Shiite shrine, the Sayeda Zeinab mosque.
Saudis exerted ‘undue pressure,’ over UN blacklist removal says chief Ban Ki-moon
UN chief Ban Ki-moon has accused Riyadh of exerting “undue pressure” to get the Saudi-led battle group in Yemen deleted from a UN child violator blacklist. He says Saudi funding for millions of children was at stake.