TEHRAN: Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard stated through its website that two of its forces stationed in Syria were killed in an Israeli airstrike Saturday.
The report on the Guard’s news portal identified the two members as Mohammad Ali Ataei Shourcheh and Panah Taghizadeh, and said they were carrying out an advisory mission in Syria. It did not elaborate on their rank, or the area where they were killed.
Syrian state media, quoting an unnamed military official, said Israeli airstrikes hit several areas on the outskirts of the capital Damascus early Saturday. The strikes resulted in only “material losses,” the report added.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, said the strikes hit the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, where “there are military forces working with the Lebanese (militant group) Hezbollah.” It said the strike killed two Syrian citizens and two foreigners and wounded five others.
This latest development is likely to increase tensions between Israel and Iran, which has been a staunch supporter of the militant Palestinian group Hamas. Iranian officials have warned repeatedly that the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted on Oct.7, could spread to other parts of the region.
Iran’s military presence in Syria has been a major concern for Israel, which has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment along its northern border. Syria has accused Israel of carrying out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts in recent years — but Israel has rarely acknowledged such strikes.
Iran has been a main supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad during the country’s 12-year civil war. Thousands of Iran-backed fighters have been deployed in Syria where they helped tip the balance of power in Assad’s favor over the past years.
Scores of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members have been killed during the war in Syria though Tehran has long said it has only a military advisory role in Syria.
Since the Israel-Hamas began, Israel has carried out several strikes targeting Syria, putting the international airports of Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo out of commission for more than a month.
Iran says Israeli strike in Syria killed 2 IRGC members while on advisory mission
https://arab.news/znbpz
Iran says Israeli strike in Syria killed 2 IRGC members while on advisory mission
- The report on the Guard’s news portal identified the two members as Mohammad Ali Ataei Shourcheh and Panah Taghizadeh
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, said the strikes hit the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab
Jordanian king, Egyptian president discuss Gaza in Cairo meeting
- Talks emphasize need to enhance joint Arab efforts to restore stability in region, including Palestinian coastal enclave
- Jordan, Egypt firmly reject any attempts to displace Palestinians from West Bank, condemn Israeli violations
LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the importance of implementing the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip during their meeting at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.
The meeting stressed the need to enhance joint Arab efforts to restore stability in the region, including the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza, according to the Jordan News Agency.
The two leaders emphasized the need to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian aid, and accelerate recovery efforts in the territory.
Jordan and Egypt also firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from the West Bank and condemned all violations and arbitrary actions against them.
King Abdullah cautioned against the repeated attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem, both Muslim and Christian, which have reportedly been perpetrated by Israeli authorities or settlers.
The parties emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the peaceful resolution of regional crises while respecting national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, along with Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, also attended the meeting.
Israel announced on Sunday the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The crossing, which is considered a vital gateway for both civilians and aid, had remained closed since Israeli forces seized control of it in May 2024 during the conflict in Gaza, aside from a brief reopening in early 2025.
