4 Members of Security Detachment Detained After Israeli Strike on Iran Revolutionary Guards in Damascus

Syrian security and emergency personnel search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a meeting of leaders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. (AFP)
Syrian security and emergency personnel search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a meeting of leaders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. (AFP)
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4 Members of Security Detachment Detained After Israeli Strike on Iran Revolutionary Guards in Damascus

Syrian security and emergency personnel search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a meeting of leaders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. (AFP)
Syrian security and emergency personnel search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a meeting of leaders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. (AFP)

Military intelligence authorities in the Damascus government arrested four members of a security detachment in wake of the Israeli attack on the Mezzeh area in the Syrian capital last week.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the attack left 12 people dead, including five Iranians, including three leaders in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, four Syrian member of factions loyal to Iran, two Lebanese, and an Iraqi.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Rami Abdulrahman, director of the UK-based monitor, confirmed that a colonel, his assistant, a non-commissioned officer, and a civilian have been arrested.

Mezzeh is considered “almost completely secure” due to the presence of high-ranking military, political figures, and embassies in the area. Residents of the area include members of the Revolutionary Guards, “Islamic Jihad” and Lebanese Hezbollah.

The building struck by Israel was being used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Blaming Israel for the strike, Iran vowed to retaliate at the “right time and place.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed that Iranian advisors in Syria will continue to “strongly” carry out their duties.

The latest attack has raised to at least 90 the death toll from 14 Israeli strikes on Syria since Israel launched its war against Gaza in October, revealed the Observatory.

This count includes 74 members linked to Hezbollah and Iranian militias, Syrians working with them, two unidentified individuals, and 14 casualties from government forces.

Fifty-six of the casualties were affiliated with Iranian militias, including key figures like Reza Mousavi and Brigadier General Haj Sadiq.



Libya's Factions Make Progress in Central Bank Crisis Talks, Says UN Libya Mission

A view of the Central Bank of Libya in Tripoli, Libya, August 26, 2024. REUTERS/Aymen Sahli/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A view of the Central Bank of Libya in Tripoli, Libya, August 26, 2024. REUTERS/Aymen Sahli/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Libya's Factions Make Progress in Central Bank Crisis Talks, Says UN Libya Mission

A view of the Central Bank of Libya in Tripoli, Libya, August 26, 2024. REUTERS/Aymen Sahli/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A view of the Central Bank of Libya in Tripoli, Libya, August 26, 2024. REUTERS/Aymen Sahli/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Libya's rival factions made progress on talks over the central bank crisis and will continue discussions on Thursday to reach a final agreement, the UN Libya mission said on Wednesday, in a bid to defuse a crisis that has slashed oil output and exports.

"The participants of the two (legislative) chambers made progress in agreeing on the general principles governing the interim period leading to the appointment of a new governor and board of directors for the Central Bank," the United Nations Libya mission (UNSMIL) said in a statement.

According to Reuters, the meeting hosted by UNSMIL featured representatives from the Benghazi-based House of Representatives, the High Council of State and the Presidential Council, which are both based in Tripoli.

The standoff began last month when western Libyan factions moved to oust a veteran central bank governor, prompting eastern factions to declare a shutdown to all oil output.

Although Libya's two legislative bodies said last week they agreed to jointly appoint a central bank governor within 30 days, the situation remains fluid and uncertain.

Libyan oil exports fell around 81% last week, Kpler data showed on Wednesday, as the National Oil Corporation cancelled cargoes amid a crisis over control of Libya's central bank and oil revenue.