Unidentified Persons Burn Khomeini Poster in Syria’s Deir Ezzor

Iranian militias in Syria (Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)
Iranian militias in Syria (Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)
TT
20

Unidentified Persons Burn Khomeini Poster in Syria’s Deir Ezzor

Iranian militias in Syria (Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)
Iranian militias in Syria (Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)

A group that goes by “Ashbal al-Qadisiyah” burned a Khomeini poster hanging on a lamppost in the Euphrates Basin area in the east Syria city of Deir Ezzor. They later fled the scene to an unknown destination.

Earlier, activists speaking to a UK-based war monitor reported that an IED explosion had targeted a vehicle carrying militiamen affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the southern Deir Ezzor Desert. However, no casualties have been reported yet.

Moreover, activists from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the injury of regime-backed Al-Qatarji militiamen in the explosion of an old landmine.

The landmine detonated while the group was leading an inspection tour and a combing operation near Al-Taym oil field in Deir Ezzor’s countryside on the Damascus highway.

Observatory sources also revealed the identity of the deaths in an attack waged by ISIS fighters that targeted a bus in Al-Shula desert in the southern countryside of Deir Ezzor.

The fatalities were as follows: Three soldiers who work with Iranian-backed militias and carry personal cards issued by the regime’s security services “as a camouflage”, and a civilian who was on the bus.

According to Observatory sources, the fighters are from Hama, Homs and Raqqah provinces and they were in civilian clothes on the bus heading home to spend their vacation when ISIS fighters attacked the bus carrying civilians and fighters.

Moreover, the Observatory released a report documenting the growing Iranian influence in Syria.

“Iran and its proxy militias have unprecedented influence in most areas under the “symbolic” regime control, as neither attacks by Israel and the International Coalition, nor the “cold war” with Russia could hinder the alarming entrenchment and expansion of these forces across Syria,” said the report.

“Strengthening their presence and promoting their ideology, the Iranians are still carrying on with their systematic plan to change the demography of different areas throughout Syria’s geography,” it added.



Berlin Says Situation in Gaza ‘Unbearable’, Calls for Ceasefire

 Newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gestures during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP)
Newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gestures during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP)
TT
20

Berlin Says Situation in Gaza ‘Unbearable’, Calls for Ceasefire

 Newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gestures during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP)
Newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gestures during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP)

Germany's new top diplomat Johann Wadephul called on Saturday for "serious discussions for a ceasefire" in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation "is now unbearable".

Ahead of a visit to Israel, Wadephul said it was "imperative to start" talks "to free all hostages and to ensure that supplies reach the population of Gaza", according to comments reported by his ministry.

While reaffirming Germany's unwavering support for Israel, the official said he would "inquire about the strategic objective of the fighting that has intensified since March".

In Israel, Wadephul is expected to meet his counterpart Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.

Israel's military resumed its offensive on the Gaza Strip on March 18, ending a two-month truce that saw a surge in aid into the war-ravaged territory and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

On Tuesday, new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced "considerable concern" about the Gaza conflict and demanded that Israel "respect its humanitarian obligations".

The Gaza Strip, where nearly all 2.4 million inhabitants have been displaced at least once during the war sparked by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, has been subjected to a strict blockade since March 2 and is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis.

Israeli authorities claim that the blockade aims to compel Hamas to release hostages.

"In the West Bank as well, Palestinians need political and economic future prospects so that hatred and extremism no longer find fertile grounds," Wadephul said.

His visit comes at a time when Israel and Germany are preparing to celebrate 60 years of joint diplomatic relations.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected in Berlin on Monday, while his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Israel on Tuesday.