Russia Carries out Dozens of Strikes against ISIS in Syria

A Syrian army soldier stands next to a Syrian flag in Umm al-Mayazen, in the countryside of Daraa, Syria, July 10, 2018. (Reuters)
A Syrian army soldier stands next to a Syrian flag in Umm al-Mayazen, in the countryside of Daraa, Syria, July 10, 2018. (Reuters)
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Russia Carries out Dozens of Strikes against ISIS in Syria

A Syrian army soldier stands next to a Syrian flag in Umm al-Mayazen, in the countryside of Daraa, Syria, July 10, 2018. (Reuters)
A Syrian army soldier stands next to a Syrian flag in Umm al-Mayazen, in the countryside of Daraa, Syria, July 10, 2018. (Reuters)

Russian jets carried out on Sunday a series of strikes against ISIS targets in Syria's desert Badia.

It launched over 30 strikes in the al-Rasafah area in Raqqa's western countryside, the Palmyra desert, al-Sukhna in Homs' eastern countryside, and the desert in Jabal al-Bishri in southwestern Deir Ezzor.

No human casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said ISIS has executed eight regime soldiers. Contact was lost with them in a desert region in Syria's east as they were headed to the al-Sukhna region on March 26.

The rights monitor did not say when they were killed.

Air raids against ISIS have been intensified after the terrorist group also increased its attacks in areas held by the government. It has also been carrying out more executions against its forces.

The Observatory confirmed the execution of 14 soldiers in the past 48 hours.

The Observatory has tallied the death of over 200 soldiers and pro-regime and Iran-backed fighters in various ambushes and attacks in the desert region stretching from Deir Ezzor, to Homs, Raqqa, Hama and Aleppo.

The attacks have also left 37 civilians dead. The government forces and their allies have killed 24 terrorists during that time.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.