Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire, US envoy says after days of airstrikes amid mounting tensions
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack revealed on Friday the two countries agreed to a ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan and neighbours.
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Damaged property is seen following clashes between Bedouin and Druze groups
Credit: Getty
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Bedouin fighters ride on a vehicle along a street as Sweida province has been engulfed by nearly a week of violence
Credit: Reuters
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A gunman is seen in front of burning grass as clashes between the alliance of Bedouin Arabs and tribal forces and armed Druze factions continue
Credit: Getty
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US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack announced a ceasefire was reached
Credit: AP
On Wednesday, Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus, while also hitting government forces in the south.
The country demanded they withdraw and saying that Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze - part of a small but influential minority that also has followers in Lebanon and Israel.
"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity," Barrack said in a post on X.
A rebel offensive led by Islamist insurgent groups ousted Syria's longtime leader, Bashar Assad, in December - bringing a dramatic end to a nearly 14-year civil war.
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Since then, the country's new rulers have struggled to unite to establish complete control.
The primarily Sunni Muslim leaders have faced suspicion from religious and ethnic minorities.
And fears increased after clashes between government forces and pro-Assad armed groups in March spiralled into separatist revenge attacks.
Hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority, to which ousted Assad belongs, were killed.
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In Israel, the Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the military.
Meanwhile in Syria, the Druze have been divided over how to deal with the country's new leaders.
Some have advocated for integrating into the new system.
But others remained suspicious and pressed for an autonomous Druze region.
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The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Two asylum seekers caught making OnlyFans sex film in hotel paid for by YOU in shocking abuse of system
TWO asylum seekers were caught making an OnlyFans adult website sex film in their taxpayer-funded hotel. The Syrian man was found romping with a woman migrant on camera during a room inspection by astonished staff. 4 Two asylum seekers were caught making an OnlyFans adult website sex film in his taxpayer-funded hotel Credit: Zenpix 4 Security staff at the migrants hotel in Blackpool Credit: Dave Nelson 4 Chris Philp said: 'This is all being overseen by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper — using billions of Pounds of our hard-earned money' Credit: Getty A former manager said: 'The guy had a whole set-up, a camera on a tripod at the end of the bed, sex toys everywhere, it was pretty obvious what was happening. 'The couple were running an illegal porn business from the hotel. 'The man was naked with just a towel around him when he answered the door. She was wearing sexy lingerie, lying on the bed. 'There was a video camera set up on a tripod and the room was littered with sex toys and handcuffs. He told us he was filming it to put on OnlyFans.' The scandal was among a catalogue of abuses of the public-funded system discovered by the manager, who worked for contractors Serco until August last year. The romp happened at the 18th-century It is the only The man responsible for making the sex video, which took place in summer last year, was later moved to another site. It appeared to be his only punishment. Most read in The Sun OnlyFans producers can charge for others to view their content. Our revelations are likely to be disturbing for Home Secretary Riot police clash with suspected migrants in France The whistle-blower, who spoke out to highlight the widespread abuse of the asylum system, said: 'Many of these people are supposed to be coming here with no funds but in one case a family turned up with Louis Vuitton luggage. 'They had flown into the UK and claimed asylum at passport control. The luggage looked genuine.' At another Serco-managed hotel in the North West of England, managers discovered that an asylum seeker was putting videos on TikTok to his 40,000 followers boasting about the free board and lodging he was enjoying. The source said: 'Other migrants would complain about him because he'd film videos in the common areas to post on his TikTok channel. He had more than 40,000 followers and would boast how he was getting everything for free.' He revealed that at another location a migrant was caught trying to sell a stolen hotel vacuum cleaner at a local shop. And he said others regularly sneak out to work illegally in kebab shops, barbers, car washes and for 'Wealthy' migrants He also said staff employed by He said: 'We'd carry out room inspections and look for things like iPhones and laptops. We also had problems with migrants selling stuff they'd been given at the hotel. Many would find ways to abuse the system. 'Some would hoard the free food, toiletries and baby formula and sell it on the street. In another case a woman complained someone had stolen £5,000 in cash she had hidden in her room. She shouldn't have had it in the first place.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'These are dreadful allegations which we are urgently investigating. 'While most people comply with the rules, our contractors must maintain order and immediately report any issues. Cases of illegal working, including online, antisocial behaviour, or safeguarding breaches can lead to support being cut.' The ex-manager oversaw five hotels in the North West housing a total of 1,769 migrants recently arrived in Britain. These are dreadful allegations which we are urgently investigating. While most people comply with the rules, our contractors must maintain order and immediately report any issues Home Office spokesman He stressed that many were 'well behaved and genuinely in need of refuge' but said 'a signifiant minority' abused the system. 'I came into the job with an open mind, full of positivity, I wanted to help families and children who had fled bad situations in their country,' he explained. 'I'm not racist. I believe people have a right to claim asylum in the UK, especially if they are fleeing something horrible, and as a country, it's right and proper that we try to help. 4 Sadly, many of the migrants I dealt with were flouting the system put in place to help those in genuine need, said an ex-Serco manager Credit: Getty - Contributor 'But sadly, many of the migrants I dealt with were flouting the system put in place to help those in genuine need. Their behaviour made the situation worse for those in real need. 'Towards the end of my time, it was impossible not to feel like we're being taken for a ride.' He claims asylum seekers would regularly call 999 for minor, non-emergency medical conditions such as colds or chest pains, simply because they knew it was free. I'm not racist. I believe people have a right to claim asylum in the UK, especially if they are fleeing something horrible, and as a country, it's right and proper that we try to help Sun source The source added 'service users' are given three meals a day, free toiletries are dished out at a hotel shop, including aftershave and moisturiser, and they get all their clothes washed, ironed and folded by a laundry service. Migrants with mobility problems can take free taxis to NHS appointments, but the manager said many would abuse the system by using cabs for personal transport. He said all migrants are given £9 a week spending money on a prepaid credit card, free gym passes and they enjoy football and basketball sessions and other activities. But despite having everything laid on for them, he claims many would find ways to take advantage. He said: 'Each nationality would have a sort of leader, and they would basically teach everyone how to game the system.' He added: 'Asylum seekers are not allowed to work while their claim is being processed, but it's difficult to police. 'You'd see the Deliveroo bikes leaving in the morning. Some of the young lads would work at a car wash for eight hours and earn £5-an-hour or £40 a day.' He claimed that some migrants are fully aware they will not win their He said: 'They get to stay here for free for 12-18 months while their claim is processed and then they get to claim £3,000 from the Government to be removed, and the taxpayer foots the bill.' One man arrived with two wives and six kids. They were removed from a hotel because it was unsuitable and put into different In the UK, asylum seekers who voluntarily return to their home country can receive financial and logistical assistance from the Home Office, including up to £3,000 and help with travel costs. Towards the end of my time, it was impossible not to feel like we're being taken for a ride Sun source The manager said he and other Serco staff felt powerless to deal with the bad behaviour. 'We were instructed to monitor, observe and report, that's it,' he added. 'Any action had to be authorised by the Home Office or Migrant Help, but not much was ever done. 'Often the migrants would receive warning letters, but they just carried on as normal.' The manager says three of the hotels he oversaw were for migrant families, while the other two were for single males. In May, a Government report said three firms who turned their hotels into migrant hubs — Serco told The Sun on Sunday in a statement: 'Serco is contracted to provide safe and appropriate accommodation for asylum seekers and to report any signs of work or wealth to the Home Office. 'We always report any signs identified, allowing the Home Office to take appropriate action. 'The rules on benefits, healthcare and the right to leave asylum accommodation are set by Government and are not part of Serco's contract with the Home Office.' The Metropole was once run by Butlin's and its housing of migrants has caused concern among local politicians and residents. Read more on the Irish Sun Shadow Home Secretary 'This is all being overseen by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper — using billions of Pounds of our hard-earned money.'
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Secret docs reveal London disaster plan for nuke blitz… from contaminated bodies stripped to victims held in ‘Hot Zones'
TERRIFYING secret plans setting out how London would deal with a nuke attack have been obtained by The Sun. The chilling documents lay bare the grim reality of how Londoners would face 9 Plans for dealing with a nuclear attack on London have been obtained by The Sun Credit: Getty 9 They show that the city is braced to deal with mass casualties and contaminated survivors following an attack Credit: Getty 9 Some parts of the plans have been redacted for security reasons Credit: Getty They include grim strategies for dealing with thousands of dead bodies and how thousands more survivors would have to strip off and be decontaminated after being affected by a nuclear bomb. Disturbingly, parts of the horror plans are redacted for national security and public safety reasons - meaning the reality may be even bleaker. Obtained by The Sun under Freedom of Information laws, the four documents, which total over 200 pages, reveal the extent of the nuclear preparations, showing a city braced for its darkest hour. But despite repeated threats from tyrants such as Vladimir Putin, it is unlikely the UK will be the victim of a nuclear attack. In the immediate aftermath of a nuclear attack, the agencies involved in the London Resilience Group, which authored the documents, have been told to put into place "urgent control measures" to prevent exposure, evacuate people, provide shelter and restrict access to the affected area. The official plans reveal how after a Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear and/ or explosive materials or weapons incident, which they abbreviate to CBRN(e), a "Mass Fatality Coordinating Group" would be activated to manage the scale of death. The group would "provide options for dealing with incidents involving large numbers of human fatalities". They would also provide "strategy for body recovery and identification during an incident where the number of fatalities is greater than normal local arrangements can manage". A Mortality Management Group would "coordinate the management of excess deaths" including the recovery and repatriation of bodies. The Coroner would also step in to oversee the identification of dead bodies and deal with remains which have been contaminated by nuclear fallout. Chillingly the document adds: "Following decontamination there may still be contamination risks associated, for example, with internal organs of the body. "Precautions such as specialist protective equipment and procedures apply from transportation through to mortuary arrangements, storage, and burial. There are pathologists trained in CBRN(e)." The London Fire Brigade would also step into action, with the plans setting out how its firefighters have been "trained and equipped to enter the Hot Zone". 9 There are detailed plans in place to deal with the immediate, medium and long term effects of a nuke attack Credit: Getty 9 Firefighters have been trained to enter the 'hot zone' in the effect of a nuclear bomb dropping on London Credit: Getty 9 This graphic from the documents show what groups would be set up to deal with a nuclear attack Credit: London Resilience Forum Firefighters also have the capability to "carry out emergency mass decontamination of the public and to protect the environment" and have specialist instruments to monitor radiation and other hazards, it states. It comes as the UK and France signed a joint agreement to co-ordinate nuclear strikes in the event of World War Three as Russia, China and ramp up threats. In the immediate aftermath of a fireball the focus would be on threat and hazard assessment and scene management, according to the documents. The documents, released by the Mayor of London's Office, set out how first responders to the blast must "confirm incident details" using the METHANE acronym, which stands for Major Incident, Exact location, Type of incident, Hazards, Access to scene, Number, severity of casualties and Emergency services on scene. Then in the following hours and first few days after the nuke attack, the focus would switch to rescue, triage and treating victims, then "decontamination of persons". Police would be responsible for the control of people kept inside "the cordon" while the National Health Service (NHS) would oversee "the management of those people who are contaminated, potentially contaminated or who are in fear of having been contaminated". MASS DECONTAMINATIONS In harrowing detail, the document explains how bodies would have to be quickly removed and survivors would have to be separated into male and female, strip off and be decontaminated. "The prompt evacuation (removal of casualties from the scene of contamination), disrobing (undressing is a critical step in reducing exposure to CBRN(e) materials) and decontamination of those affected is crucial to save life and reduce impacts," it reads. Three types of decontamination will be used; initial, mass and clinical. Initial decontamination involves using "an immediately available method of decontamination" on all "disrobed casualties" as a priority by any emergency services on-scene. "It is recognised by all agencies that this may carry risk of exposure too cold for certain groups (e.g. children, the elderly, and the injured)," the document adds. NHS 'OVERWHELMED' If the number of people requiring decontamination "has overwhelmed, or threatens to overwhelm NHS capacity," the London Fire Brigade will "initiate mass decontamination procedures". "Due care must be taken to maintain the privacy and dignity of individuals," the sombre instructions read. "The process requires the removal of all clothing and belongings prior to decontamination. "The provision of separate facilities for males and females is important, as is respect towards beliefs and values." It adds: "Decontamination requires a high-level of compliance and consideration should also be given to language barriers and the needs of those with disabilities." 9 This document shows some of the strategies in place to deal with a nuke incident Credit: London Resilience Forum 9 Agencies are urged to make sure their staff are fully trained to deal with an attack Credit: Getty 9 This graphic from the papers show some of the financial impacts an attack may have Credit: London Resilience Forum Medical procedures to treat patients affected by or contaminated with nuclear materials will also be carried out by trained staff in Powered Respiratory Protection Suits (PRPS) or other appropriate PPE and "patients will be triaged according to clinical need". Soon after a nuclear blast, a communication group will be set up to co-ordinate information given to the press and media. "Key messaging regarding any deployment of assets (including military assets) should come through the communication group," the documents state. Those who have survived the blast will need to be evacuated and placed in shelters and an Evacuations and Shelter Co-ordinating Group would be formed to carry out the mammoth task. A "Survivor Reception Centre" would be set up to co-ordinate "medical counter measures" and deal with the logistics of helping thousands of displaced people - including providing food and transport. ROYALS MONITORED Threats to "strategically significant locations and events" and the security of royals and diplomats would be closely monitored. In the medium team focus would extend to the decontamination of buildings and the environment, the preservation of evidence, contact tracing for those who may have been exposed to nuclear material and help for animals and wildlife that may have been affected by the blast. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) would lead on the decontamination of buildings and infrastructure. Support would also be available for the main responders from a group called the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) - Specialist Response Team, which is managed by the Ministry of Defence through a contractor, the documents reveal. They would provide "authoritative scientific advice and support to the Police on Radiological and Nuclear incidents" although further information on this group is redacted from the documents. The Met Office would provide nuclear "plume modelling" to emergency responders while the Environment Agency would provide guidance "likely remotely via telephone" about the disposal of contaminated waste and drainage systems. MASS CASUALTIES The NHS would coordinate health care across the city by establishing a command centre and collating the "numbers and types of casualties presenting". The documents note how some casualties may leave the scene and escape to NHS sites outside of London, so hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries outside of the capital should be prepared. NHS England would ensure that hospitals have access to antidotes and prophylaxis treatments, which would prevent an increase in the incidence of thyroid cancers following a nuke attack. The department would also distribute "clinical countermeasures across London". The Department of Health would set up contact tracing which would identify people who may have been exposed to contaminants - similar to the Track and Trace service set up during Covid. Again some of the information about the health response is redacted. TOP SECRET MEETINGS The incident would be declared Top Secret, which is the highest of the three Government Security Classification levels. Top Secret meetings during the attack response would have to be held in person and on site, and "there is unlikely to be any remote dial in or conferencing allowed" it is stated. "Some people may require security clearance, but this is not always practical or achievable and information may need to be shared on a 'need to know' basis," one of the documents, entitled the London Strategic Co-ordination Protocol, adds. Scientists would be called up to advise first responders and the wider public on how to cope with a nuclear attack. A Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) group, would be activated by the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR). BOFFINS IN CHARGE A Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) would also be set up "to advise on issues such as the impact on the health of the population, public safety, environmental protection, and sampling and monitoring of any contaminants." The group would write a report which would "pool available information and arrive, as far as possible, at a common view on the scientific and technical merits of different courses of action". Churches and religious groups would be tasked with providing support to survivors and their loved ones at hospitals and temporary mortuary facilities. Work would also need to be done to ensure any food products that are suspected or known to be contaminated do not enter the food chain. Satellite pics show Putin modernising Russia's closest nuke sites to Britain Beyond the immediate fireball and fallout, the stash of documents lay out an extensive vision for "recovery". They talk about "rebuilding, restoring and rehabilitating the community". A "Recovery Coordinating Group" would be established to try and rebuild London piece by piece - involving schools, faith groups, private businesses and mental health care. "Recovery in the aftermath of a CBRN(e) incident may take months or even years," it states. "The approach to recovery may need to address the enduring human, physical, environmental, social and economic consequences. "It may also need to include the ongoing collation of evidence, site cleaning, as well as impacts on public health and communities. "Support from the private sector, voluntary organisations and the wider community may be necessary." SURVIVORS 'TRAUMATISED' A Humanitarian Assistance Steering Group (HASG) would be set up to help meet the needs of those affected by the blast in the short, medium and long term. This would include support to survivors who have been decontaminated and "no longer present a cross contamination risk". Referrals to mental health support would be made for survivors and front-line workers traumatised by what they have seen. "Human impacts may be both complex and protracted, and the psychological effects on individuals and communities may be severe," the documents state. "The survivors of a CBRN(e) incident are likely to have been through a traumatic experience. "Those who do not require hospital treatment will need to be directed to a Survivor Reception Centre, where they can be met by the Police and other services for support." 'NEW NORMALITY' The Recovery Co-ordination Framework document states its main aim is to "work together to coordinate an effective emergency response to save and protect life, preserve evidence, minimise the impact on London's communities and facilitate recovery." It also aims to "mitigate and minimise the impact of contaminants on people and the environment" and offer "survivor and humanitarian assistance" to casualties before steering towards "recovery and the return to a new normality". Each agency and department has undergone training on how to deal with nuclear incidents, and must ensure training is reviewed and revisited regularly. Agencies are also urged to "consider how you would work with IT and communications lock-down" in the event of a large-scale attack. The papers also point out that a nuclear attack could have an even greater impact on poorer areas of London and make existing inequalities worse. "The unequal risk and impact of incidents have the potential to exacerbate existing health inequalities and cause new disparities across communities in London," it reads. Funding for emergency response in the wake of an attack is also set out in the papers. The government would consider providing financial support in the event of an "exceptional emergency" but local authorities should be prepared to "bear the costs". Local councils will also co-ordinate donations from concerned members of the public. 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The Journal
16 hours ago
- The Journal
US announces Syria-Israel truce as new clashes rock Druze heartland
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