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Assad Meets Iran Supreme Leader in Tehran

Syrian regime head Bashar Assad meets with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran in this handout released by SANA on February 25, 2019. (Reuters)
Syrian regime head Bashar Assad meets with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran in this handout released by SANA on February 25, 2019. (Reuters)
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Assad Meets Iran Supreme Leader in Tehran

Syrian regime head Bashar Assad meets with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran in this handout released by SANA on February 25, 2019. (Reuters)
Syrian regime head Bashar Assad meets with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran in this handout released by SANA on February 25, 2019. (Reuters)

Head of the Syrian regime Bashar Assad held talks in Tehran on Monday with Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

It marked Assad’s first visit since the eruption of the Syrian war.

The leaders "reviewed the fraternal and strong relations between their two peoples, which have been the main factor in maintaining Syria and Iran in the face of plots by enemy countries", the presidency said.

Syrian and Iranian state television showed footage of Assad and Khamenei smiling and embracing, and Syrian TV said the two leaders agreed “to continue cooperation at all levels for the interests of the two friendly nations”.

Assad also met with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani during his trip.

Iran “as before will be alongside the people and government of Syria," Iran government's official website quoted Rouhani as saying.

It was Assad’s first known foreign visit other than to Russia since the war began, and his first to Tehran since 2010.

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Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
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Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)

More than 60 people have been killed and over 250 injured in airstrikes by the Sudanese military on the town of Kouma in North Darfur. This incident is being described by observers as one of the “largest massacres” of civilians since the conflict began.

Dozens more have died in separate attacks targeting the areas of Meilit, Wad Abu Saleh, and Um Duwain in Khartoum, with increasing calls for a ban on military flights by the Sudanese army.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military targeted Kouma’s market on Friday morning, dropping explosive barrels that caused widespread destruction. Many victims were shopping at the bustling “Friday market,” and the death toll is expected to rise due to a lack of medical care for the injured.

The attacks are viewed as deliberate assaults on civilians, particularly since there were no Rapid Support Forces (RSF) present in the crowded market. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered throughout the area.

In Meilit, airstrikes also targeted a wedding celebration, killing about 13 people and injuring others. Activists and eyewitnesses deny the presence of the RSF in these locations, despite military claims that air operations are directed at them.

Political and human rights groups have condemned the escalating airstrikes and called for an immediate ban on military flights in Darfur.

The Civil Democratic Forces Coordination (Tagadum) stated that the Kouma market attack was a severe violation against civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

The group expressed concern about ongoing violations against civilians in Sudan and highlighted the need for international attention to protect innocent lives. They urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the conflict.