He confirmed his stunning order to pull American ground forces from the war-ravaged nation. The momentous decision to withdraw, which runs counter to long-established U.S. policy for Syria and the region, blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike. "We've won against ISIS," Trump said in a short video posted on Twitter. "We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land. And now it's time for our troops to come back home." A withdrawal could have extraordinary geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of whom are thought to remain in Syria. A U.S. official told AFP that Trump's decision was finalized Tuesday. "Full withdrawal, all means all," the official said when asked if the troops would be pulled from across Syria. Currently, about 2,000 U.S. forces are in the country, most of them on a train-and-advise mission to support … [Read more...] about Trump declares victory over IS in Syria, orders US troops home
Who attacked syria
Iran warns U.S., Israel of revenge after parade attack
Iran warns U.S., Israel of revenge after parade attackThe Saigon Times Daily A general view shows an attack on a military parade in Ahvaz, Iran, in this September 22, 2018 photo by ISNA. The photo is watermarked from source – PHOTO: REUTERS LONDON (REUTERS) - The deputy head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned U.S. and Israeli leaders yesterday to expect a "devastating" response from Tehran, accusing them of involvement in an attack on a military parade in the city of Ahvaz. "You have seen our revenge before... You will see that our response will be crushing and devastating and you will regret what you have done," Hossein Salami said in a speech before the funeral of the victims broadcast live on the state television. Thousands of people packed the streets of the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz to mourn the victims of Saturday's assault that killed 25 people, including 12 members of the elite Revolutionary Guards. Many chanted "death to Israel and America". The … [Read more...] about Iran warns U.S., Israel of revenge after parade attack
Trump warns Syria, Russia and Iran against Idlib ‘tragedy’
Fighters of the National Liberation Front prepare in anticipation of an attack by the regime on Idlib province and the surrounding countryside. (Nazeer AL-KHATIB/AFP) "President Bashar al-Assad of Syria must not recklessly attack Idlib Province. The Russians and Iranians would be making a grave humanitarian mistake to take part in this potential human tragedy," Trump tweeted. "Hundreds of thousands of people could be killed. Don't let that happen!" The United Nations and aid groups have warned that a full assault on Idlib could spark a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale not yet seen in Syria's seven-year-old conflict. Syrian government forces are now massing around the northwestern province of Idlib, which is held by a complex array of rebels and violent extremist fighters, many of whom have been blacklisted as "terrorists" by world powers. Russia and Iran have insisted that extremist groups in Idlib must be defeated and are expected to back regime forces in any assault. Since … [Read more...] about Trump warns Syria, Russia and Iran against Idlib ‘tragedy’
Vietnam beats Syria 1-0, entering ASIAD semifinals for first time
Vietnam’s football team defeated Syria 1-0 in the quarterfinal match of the ongoing Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD) in Indonesia on August 27. (Source: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Vietnam’s football team defeated Syria 1-0 in the quarterfinal match of the ongoing Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD) in Indonesia on August 27. The only goal was scored in the 108th minute by Van Toan, who replaced striker Cong Phuong in the 82nd minute. Vietnam will meet the Republic of Korea in the semifinals at 4 p.m. on August 29. Vietnam played with confidence from the referee’s first whistle. In the 15th minute, Syria attempted a shot but it was saved by Vietnam’s goalkeeper Tien Dung. Twenty five minutes into the game, Vietnam launched several attacks that could not, however, break through Syria’s strong defence. Vietnam’s Duy Manh got a yellow card in the 28th minute. Syria played actively and created several dangerous situations for goalkeeper Tien Dung who managed some … [Read more...] about Vietnam beats Syria 1-0, entering ASIAD semifinals for first time
Vietnam 1-0 Syria: Teams face off in Asian Games mens’ football quarters
The match is being played at the Patriot Candrabhaga stadium of West Java, Indonesia. Syria - Việt Nam VIETNAM SCORES! Vietnam soars into euphoria as Nguyen Van Toan, wearing jersey number 8, taps the ball in, collecting a rebound off the crossbar in the 108th minute. After the first period of extra time, the result was still 0-0. In 105'+1, Vietnam missed a target. In 102', Vietnam had a shot saved by the goalkeeper. Vietnam received another yellow card in 91'. The main game closed with zero goals scored. The teams have entered extra time. In 90'+1, Syria took a corner which was neatly saved by the goalkeeper. In 78', Vietnam received the second yellow card. Vietnam missed the target in 76'. 20 minutes into the second half and Vietnam was apparently playing with caution, with not many major attacks. In 63', Vietnam struck a freekick saved by the goalkeeper. In 47', Syria had another shot saved by the goalkeeper. Vietnam 1-0 Syria: Teams face off in Asian Games … [Read more...] about Vietnam 1-0 Syria: Teams face off in Asian Games mens’ football quarters