Explosion occurs in Syria's Latakia city: At least 16 people lost their lives

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

The Syrian Civil Defense stated in a post on social media that the explosion occurred in a scrap shop located under the building. Authorities noted that the bodies of a child and a man were recovered from the rubble of the building, which collapsed following the explosion. It was announced that the death toll had risen to 16, including three women and two children. While the identities of three victims have not yet been determined, it was announced that four children were among the injured.

The Syrian Civil Defense shared information that search and rescue efforts are ongoing to save those trapped under the rubble. The statement indicated that this information is based on initial assessments and that the figures may change.

According to the report by the Syrian state news agency SANA, it was learned that the explosion occurred as a result of an intervention by an individual attempting to dismantle war remnants in the scrap shop inside the building. It was emphasized that the incident caused significant destruction and loss of life in the area.

In a report by Al-Monitor, it was noted that no group has claimed responsibility for the incident. While search and rescue efforts continue, it was stated that ambulances and 'security teams' were dispatched to the area.

Syrian Transitional Government officials announced that an investigation into the incident has been launched.

ISIS'S NUMBER 2 HAD BEEN KILLED

Turkey, Syria, and Iraq announced in meetings held last week that they would fight to eliminate ISIS. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that the ISIS terror threat must be ended to ensure an environment of trust and stability in Syria. The US and Iraq announced on March 14 that Abdullah Meki Muslih al-Rifai, the deputy caliph of ISIS, was killed in an operation against ISIS. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani confirmed the assassination, stating that a 'significant blow' had been dealt to ISIS.

According to the report by CBC News, following the operation, US and Iraqi forces recovered the bodies of two dead terrorists equipped with unexploded suicide vests and numerous weapons. Abu Khattab's identity was determined through DNA samples collected in a previous raid. It was announced that the operation was carried out by the Iraqi national intelligence service and US-led coalition forces in Iraq's Al Anbar Province.

Iraqi leader al-Sudani said in his statement, 'Iraqis continue their impressive victories against the forces of darkness and terror.' In a Pentagon statement, it was claimed that al-Rifai was 'one of the world's most dangerous terrorists.'

CENTCOM stated that al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khattab, was killed in a precision airstrike during the operation conducted on Thursday. Information was provided that another ISIS member also lost his life in the attack.

News Source: 12punto