More than 200 killed in IS attacks in southern Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 July 2018 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, More than 200 killed in IS attacks in southern Syria, 25 July 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5bc0518aa.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 25, 2018 08:57 GMT
One of the attacks was a suicide bombing at a crowded market in the town of Sweida.
Islamic State (IS) militants have killed about 100 people in several attacks on government-held areas of southern Syria, including multiple suicide bombings in Sweida, a city located some 100 kilometers south of Damascus, a monitoring group and local officials said on July 25.
A local health official told a pro-Damascus radio station that the death toll climbed to 204 people killed and 180 wounded in total.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said 183 people were killed – 89 civilians and 94 local militiamen. It said another 45 IS militants were killed in the clashes. IS said in a statement that it had killed more than 100 people in the attacks.
One of the attacks was a suicide bombing at a crowded market, according to the state news agency SANA. At least two other would-be suicide bombers were killed by security forces before they were able to detonate their explosives.
Syrian state television also reported that Islamic State (IS) militants attacked three villages northeast of Sweida.
Troops loyal to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have recently retaken territory in the area that had been controlled by rebels and are currently attempting to clear the area of IS militants.
Based on reporting by dpa, Reuters, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
