Tens of thousands said to flee Russian strikes, new offensive in Syria

Tens of thousands said to flee Russian strikes, new offensive in Syria

Special to WorldTribune.com A new report said tens of thousands of Syrians have fled a new Assad regime offensive that is supported by Russian air strikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said up to 100,000 Syrians left their homes in Hama, Aleppo and Latakia provinces amid a ground offensive by Syrian, Iranian and Hizbullah […]

Kurdish fighters, Syrian troops expel ISIL from Hasakh after month-long battle

Kurdish fighters, Syrian troops expel ISIL from Hasakh after month-long battle

Special to WorldTribune.com Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) was driven out of the capital of Syria’s Hasakah province on July 28 after a month-long battle with Kurdish fighters and Syrian government troops. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 285 ISIL fighters, including 26 minors, were killed in the battle […]

Latest ISIL massacre: 146 civilians dead in Kobane, including women and children,

Latest ISIL massacre: 146 civilians dead in Kobane, including women and children,

Special to WorldTribune.com In a move seen as retribution for recent defeats at the hands of Kurdish fighters, Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) massacred 146 civilians in and around the Syria city of Kobane. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 120 civilians were killed in a 24-hour period that began on […]

ISIL crucifies two children for violating fast, orders ‘calamity for infidels’ during Ramadan

ISIL crucifies two children for violating fast, orders ‘calamity for infidels’ during Ramadan

Special to WorldTribune.com Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) is said to have crucified two boys for “not fasting on Ramadan” and has called for escalated attacks during the Muslim holy month on Christians, Shi’ites and Sunnis who are part of the U.S.-coalition. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the two boys, […]

‘Dangerous’: ISIL said to plant mines, bombs at Palmyra historic site

‘Dangerous’: ISIL said to plant mines, bombs at Palmyra historic site

Special to WorldTribune.com Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) has reportedly put down mines and placed bombs around historical sites at the Syrian city of Palmyra. It was not clear if ISIL planted the mines to destroy the ancient ruins at Palmyra or to keep Syrian government forces from advancing on the city controlled […]

ISIL now said to control 50 percent of Syria’s landmass

Special to WorldTribune.com After seizing Palmyra on May 20, Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) now controls 50 percent of Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “There are no forces to stop them [entering the ruins],” Observatory director Rami Abdurrahman said. “But the important thing also is they now control 50 […]

U.S. hit ISIL refineries producing $2 million per day

U.S. hit ISIL refineries producing $2 million per day

Special to WorldTribune.com from WASHINGTON — The United States has targeted crude oil refineries in Syria held by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Officials said the U.S. Air Force and Arab allies attacked 12 mobile oil refineries operated by ISIL in northern Syria. The officials said the refineries were earning revenues of up […]

ISIL, in first, shoots down Syrian fighter jet

ISIL, in first, shoots down Syrian fighter jet

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has demonstrated anti-aircraft capabilities in Syria. The Syrian opposition said ISIL shot down a Syrian fighter jet over the northern city of Raqqa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights did not identify either the warplane or the anti-aircraft battery deployed by ISIL. […]

ISIL’s conquests make it a magnet for foreign jihadists, from China to Russia

ISIL’s conquests make it a magnet for foreign jihadists, from China to Russia

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has succeeded in recruiting thousands of fighters over the last two months. The Syrian opposition asserted that ISIL has nearly doubled its foreign fighters contingent since the capture of northern Iraq in June 2014. The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a […]

CIA-trained rebels among Islamists holding off Syrian forces near Golan Heights

CIA-trained rebels among Islamists holding off Syrian forces near Golan Heights

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — Islamist rebel militias have been advancing in Syria’s Golan Heights. Rebel militias are said to have defied Syrian air strikes and advanced in the Quneitra province near Israel. In heavy fighting, the rebels, led by Al Qaida’s Nusra Front for the Defense of the Levant, repulsed a Syrian Army operation […]