ISIS Claims Responsibility for Two Attacks on Syrian Army Forces
The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS or Daesh, claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on Syrian army forces in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces.
In a statement published on Saturday, February 21, via its affiliated news agency Dabiq, ISIS said one government force member was targeted with a handgun in the city of Al-Mayadin, while two others were attacked in Raqqa city.
Syria's Ministry of Defense stated that one army soldier and one civilian were killed in an attack by unknown individuals. A military source told Reuters that the killed soldier was a member of the Syrian army.
ISIS simultaneously announced the start of a "new phase of operations" in Syria, vowing to target the country's leadership.
The incidents come amid reports that, since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, ISIS has conducted several sporadic attacks against government targets in eastern Syria, with ongoing security threats in those areas.
More in Security
Former Afghan local police commander killed in Paktika after return from Pakistan
Pakistan targets Barmal and Orgun districts of Paktika
Taliban say they seized 525 weapons at Torkham border crossing
Pravda: Afghanistan remains 'ticking bomb' for region
UnconfirmedFormer Afghan local police commander killed in Paktika after return from Pakistan
A former local police commander in Paktika province was killed after returning from Pakistan, amid ongoing deportations and targeted attacks on ex-security personnel. Relatives said he had Taliban amnesty but was shot in his car.
ReliablePakistan targets Barmal and Orgun districts of Paktika
Local sources in Afghanistan's Paktika province say Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Barmal and Orgun districts, targeting a Taliban-linked religious school with no casualties reported.
ReliableTaliban say they seized 525 weapons at Torkham border crossing
Taliban security forces seized 525 weapons and ammunition hidden in vehicles at the Torkham border from Pakistan, arresting two people. Pakistani officials have not responded, amid mutual accusations of cross-border arms smuggling.
ReliablePravda: Afghanistan remains 'ticking bomb' for region
Russia's Pravda newspaper describes Afghanistan as a 'ticking bomb' for the region due to persistent terrorist threats from groups like ISIS, despite Taliban denials, citing a recent Kabul attack on a Chinese restaurant.