Pro-Iranian Militias Enter Syria From Iraq To Fight Rebel Insurgents; UN Condemns Attack In Syria

Pro-Iranian Militias Enter Syria From Iraq To Fight Rebel Insurgents; UN Condemns Attack In Syria

Iranian-backed militias reportedly entered Syria from Iraq, heading towards northern Syria to support Syrian army forces engaged in battles with insurgents. Dozens of fighters from the Iran-aligned Iraqi Hashd al Shaabi crossed into Syria via a military route near the Al Bukamal crossing. Meanwhile, Syrian and Russian airstrikes in Idlib province in the northwest killed 11 civilians, including five children. The Syrian defense ministry stated that its troops were engaged in clashes with "terrorist organisations" in the northern Hama countryside. Islamist-led rebels also launched a rocket attack on the government-held city of Hama, killing six civilians. The United Nations has condemned the attacks, while the United States has called for de-escalation in the region.