Syrian army units in the town of Al Eis in south Aleppo province in 2020. AFP
Syrian army units in the town of Al Eis in south Aleppo province in 2020. AFP
Syrian army units in the town of Al Eis in south Aleppo province in 2020. AFP
Syrian army units in the town of Al Eis in south Aleppo province in 2020. AFP

At least 13 Syrian soldiers killed in former ISIS stronghold


  • English
  • Arabic

At least 13 soldiers were killed in an ambush on a desert road near Palmyra in eastern Syria on Sunday, government media service Sana reported.

The news agency said 18 soldiers were also wounded in the attack that involved a variety of weapons.

British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed ISIS for the attack and reported the death toll as 15.

Despite the fall of the self-proclaimed ISIS "caliphate" in 2019, the group continues to launch deadly attacks from hideouts in the Syrian desert, which extends from the outskirts of the capital Damascus to the Iraqi border.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources across the country, said the death toll could rise as most of the wounded soldiers were in a serious condition.

ISIS did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack.

Syrian soldiers are occasionally moved across country by bus, a high-risk mode of transport given the large concentration of men within a single unarmoured vehicle.

In January, ISIS militants fired rockets and an anti-aircraft gun at a bus travelling in the same area, killing five soldiers.

In October, 27 Syrian soldiers were killed when a bus in Damascus was blown up by two bombs. Two similar attacks in central Syria and in Damascus in January killed eight soldiers.

Palmyra, which has a Unesco World Heritage site that includes Roman ruins, was seized by ISIS in 2015 at the height of the country's civil war.

  • Palmyra, which means City of Palms, is known in Syria as Tadmor, or City of Dates. File photo from March 14, 2014, shows a sculpture in the ancient Syrian oasis city of Palmyra, 215 kilometres north-east of Damascus, displayed at the city’s museum. Joseph Eid / AFP Photo
    Palmyra, which means City of Palms, is known in Syria as Tadmor, or City of Dates. File photo from March 14, 2014, shows a sculpture in the ancient Syrian oasis city of Palmyra, 215 kilometres north-east of Damascus, displayed at the city’s museum. Joseph Eid / AFP Photo
  • Its name first appeared on a tablet in the 19th century BCE as a stopping point for caravans travelling on the Silk Road and between the Gulf and the Mediterranean. File photo from March 14, 2014 showing a partial view of the ancient oasis city. ISIL seized full control of Palmyra on May 21, 2015, putting the world heritage site at risk of destruction. Joseph Eid / AFP Photo
    Its name first appeared on a tablet in the 19th century BCE as a stopping point for caravans travelling on the Silk Road and between the Gulf and the Mediterranean. File photo from March 14, 2014 showing a partial view of the ancient oasis city. ISIL seized full control of Palmyra on May 21, 2015, putting the world heritage site at risk of destruction. Joseph Eid / AFP Photo
  • Palmyra rose to prominence during the Roman Empire. Photo from May 19, 2015 shows a road sign in Palmyra city. Reuters
    Palmyra rose to prominence during the Roman Empire. Photo from May 19, 2015 shows a road sign in Palmyra city. Reuters
  • Though surrounded by desert dunes, Palmyra developed into a luxurious metropolis thanks to the trade of spices, perfumes, silk and ivory from the east, and statues and glasswork from Phoenicia. Photo from May 19, 2015 shows residents walking in the city. Reuters
    Though surrounded by desert dunes, Palmyra developed into a luxurious metropolis thanks to the trade of spices, perfumes, silk and ivory from the east, and statues and glasswork from Phoenicia. Photo from May 19, 2015 shows residents walking in the city. Reuters
  • In the year 129AD, Roman emperor Hadrian declared Palmyra a ‘free city’ within his empire. A general view taken on May 18, 2015. AFP Photo
    In the year 129AD, Roman emperor Hadrian declared Palmyra a ‘free city’ within his empire. A general view taken on May 18, 2015. AFP Photo
  • As the Roman Empire faced internal political instability in the third century, Palmyra took the opportunity to declare its independence. File photo from March 14, 2014 shows the citadel of the ancient Palmyra. Joseph Eid / AFP Photo
    As the Roman Empire faced internal political instability in the third century, Palmyra took the opportunity to declare its independence. File photo from March 14, 2014 shows the citadel of the ancient Palmyra. Joseph Eid / AFP Photo
  • Palmyra bears scars of Syria’s continuing war: clashes between armed rebels and government forces in 2013 left collapsed columns and statues in their wake. Days before its capture, a Syrian armoured tank took up position during battles against ISIL on May 19, 2015. EPA
    Palmyra bears scars of Syria’s continuing war: clashes between armed rebels and government forces in 2013 left collapsed columns and statues in their wake. Days before its capture, a Syrian armoured tank took up position during battles against ISIL on May 19, 2015. EPA
  • According to the governor of Homs province, the inner city is home to about 35,000 people, including those displaced by fighting nearby. Photo handout released on May 17, 2015, by the Syrian official news agency Sana, shows a wide view of the ancient city. Sana via AP
    According to the governor of Homs province, the inner city is home to about 35,000 people, including those displaced by fighting nearby. Photo handout released on May 17, 2015, by the Syrian official news agency Sana, shows a wide view of the ancient city. Sana via AP
  • Another 35,000 live in the city’s suburbs. Seen here on May 19, days before its fall, residents walk near a military lorry that belongs to forces loyal to Syria’s president Bashar Al Assad, near the historical city of Palmyra. Reuters
    Another 35,000 live in the city’s suburbs. Seen here on May 19, days before its fall, residents walk near a military lorry that belongs to forces loyal to Syria’s president Bashar Al Assad, near the historical city of Palmyra. Reuters
  • Hundreds of statues and artefacts from Palmyra’s museum were transferred out of the city before it fell to ISIL, according to Syria’s antiquities chief Mamoun Abdulkarim. Photo from May 19, 2015 shows Palmyra’s famous graves. Reuters
    Hundreds of statues and artefacts from Palmyra’s museum were transferred out of the city before it fell to ISIL, according to Syria’s antiquities chief Mamoun Abdulkarim. Photo from May 19, 2015 shows Palmyra’s famous graves. Reuters
  • Many other priceless archaeological sites, including massive tombs, could not be moved, renewing fears the extremist group will destroy the ruins if they reach them. Photo released on May 17, 2015, by the Syrian official news agency Sana. Sana via AP
    Many other priceless archaeological sites, including massive tombs, could not be moved, renewing fears the extremist group will destroy the ruins if they reach them. Photo released on May 17, 2015, by the Syrian official news agency Sana. Sana via AP

The city was retaken in March 2016 after Russia's intervention to assist President Bashar Al Assad, only to fall back into ISIS hands in December 2016, before again being recaptured by government forces in January 2017.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Fixtures and results:

Wed, Aug 29:

  • Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
  • Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
  • UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs

Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman

Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal

Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore

Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu, Sep 6: Final

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

If you go

The Flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.

The trip

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.

SCHEDULE

6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
 
Amith's predicted winners:
6.30pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clinicy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Prince%20Mohammed%20Bin%20Abdulrahman%2C%20Abdullah%20bin%20Sulaiman%20Alobaid%20and%20Saud%20bin%20Sulaiman%20Alobaid%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Riyadh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2025%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20More%20than%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Middle%20East%20Venture%20Partners%2C%20Gate%20Capital%2C%20Kafou%20Group%20and%20Fadeed%20Investment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

MATCH INFO

Chelsea 1
Alonso (62')

Huddersfield Town 1
Depoitre (50')

Updated: March 07, 2022, 5:56 AM