Kurdish-led SDF say five members killed during attack by Islamic State in Syria
The SDF was the main fighting force allied to the United States in Syria during fighting that defeated Islamic State in 2019 after the group declared a caliphate across swathes of Syria and Iraq.
The Islamic State has been trying to stage a comeback in the Middle East, the West and Asia. Deir el-Zor city was captured by Islamic State in 2014, but the Syrian army retook it in 2017.
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Five-pillar strategy for change Building on agreements reached at the first Munich summit five months earlier, Pahlavi outlined the progress of a five-pillar strategy for regime change: Maximum Pressure on the Islamic Republic: The crown prince noted that the regime was now 'at its most isolated and vulnerable,' facing unprecedented international pressure while unable to provide for the basic needs of the people. Maximum support for the Iranian people: Pahlavi reported increasing readiness from governments, political parties, and public figures to support the Iranian people's struggle, with concrete solutions being actively pursued. Maximum defections from the regime: Significant progress has been made in encouraging defections, with activities targeting both general personnel and high-ranking officials. Pahlavi claimed to have developed deep insights into the regime's internal structures and established communication with elements inside the system. 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I want to create a space and structure so that those who wish to serve the nation and restore Iran's lost greatness can present themselves and their plans in a democratic process to the people's vote.' The Munich convention took place against the backdrop of recent controversies surrounding Pahlavi's participation in international forums. Earlier this year, he was initially invited to the Munich Security Conference but subsequently disinvited twice, with Pahlavi accusing the German government of influencing the decision. Pahlavi argued on Saturday that recent military confrontations have exposed the regime's weakness, particularly noting that the IRGC 'handed over Iran's skies to a much smaller and less populous country' in an obvious reference to the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran. He emphasized that 'factionalism and division within the regime's power structure have reached a peak' with senior officials 'conspiring against one another and jockeying through intermediaries to present themselves as Khamenei's successor to foreign and regional powers.' Despite facing increased threats from the regime, Pahlavi concluded his address with a message of determination and hope. 'Ali Khamenei must know: His regime is crumbling. Many of those around him despise him. A large number of IRGC members are looking for a way to jump ship. And the overwhelming majority of the people detest him and his regime.' He also announced plans for a campaign website to serve as 'a central hub to attract talent, register ideas, report events, present programs, organize activists, and collect funding,' signaling the opposition's commitment to sustained, organized resistance. The Munich convention signifies the growing momentum of Iranian opposition politics. Despite many expecting the regime to fall during the June war with Israel, it has taken time for opposition groups to come together and attempt to form a united front. Whether this unity can translate into effective action inside Iran remains to be seen, but Pahlavi's message was clear: 'Our victory is closer than ever. Believe in your power.' The crown prince concluded, 'We are a great nation. We will reclaim Iran. Long live Iran!' Solve the daily Crossword
