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Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
A Syrian American man is among members of the Druze community killed in sectarian clashes in Syria
BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian-American man of the Druze religious minority was killed in southern Syria when he got caught up in sectarian clashes there last week while visiting family members, relatives and officials said Tuesday. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of U.S citizen Hossam Soraya in the city of Sweida and extended its condolences to his family. His relatives and friends told The Associated Press that Saraya, in his mid-30s from Oklahoma, was killed in an attack last Wednesday. The violence in Sweida provice , where the city of Sweida is the provincial capital, erupted earlier this month between the Druze community , an offshoot of Shiite Islam, and the local Sunni Bedouin tribes, drawing in Syrian government forces, which effectively sided with the Bedouins. Hundreds of people were killed — both civilians and combatants — before a ceasefire calmed the fighting, only for clashes to restart days later. The U.N. International Organization for Migration said more than 130,000 people were displaced during the fighting. The fighting threatened Syria's fragile transition and underscored the difficulties the new government faces as it tries to consolidate control over the country, months after Islamist-led insurgents ousted longtime autocrat Bashar Assad last December. Neighboring Israel also intervened, striking Syrian forces — actions Israel said was in defense of the Druze, who are also a significant minority in Israel. A raid by gunmen in military uniform The clashes started as a series of tit-for-tat kidnappings between armed Bedouin clans and Druze militias. Government forces intervened to stop the hostilities but effectively sided with the Bedouins. On Wednesday, Soraya was abducted with his brother Karim, their father Ghassan and three other relatives from the family home by gunmen who later shot and killed them in a square in Sweida, his friends and relatives said, speaking on condition of anonymity fearing reprisals. The gunmen told them they were government forces and assured the women nothing would happen to their men as they took them away, one of Soraya's friends said. The gunmen returned later and threatened the women and children, before leaving without harming them but taking off with gold and other valuables from the house, the friend said. They said they believe government forces were behind the killings but did not elaborate. The Syrian Defense Ministry says Tuesday it was investigating 'shocking and serious violations committed by an unknown group wearing military uniforms' in Sweida, without giving further details. The ministry did not specifically mention Saraya's killing. Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford said on Monday he was heartbroken over Saraya's killing. 'We are praying for his family, friends, and the entire community as they grieve this senseless loss.' Lankford said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Fellow Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin meanwhile said that he is working with 'partners in the region to learn more.' Trying to reach the family After new of the violence broke out, Saraya's relatives in America could not get a hold of him and other male family members in the Druze-majority city. They were told by remaining relatives in Sweida of the raid and that Saraya and the others were taken away by gunmen. Then, to their horror, they recognized Hossam and the other men from the family in a video posted on social media showing gunmen in military uniform sprayed their relatives with automatic fire as tehy were kneeling on the asphalt in a Sweida roundabout. Another video that surfaced later, shows their relatives being marched off by at least 10 armed men in military uniform, chatting among themselves, smiling and posing for the camera. A life in America Although Hossam had been living in the United States since 2014, he remained engaged in the community back home in Syria. He and his brother co-founded an online school named after their family for Syrians abroad interested in completing their education with their native country's curriculum, with millions scattered around the world after the almost 14-year civil war that erupted in 2011 and ended with Assad's ouster. On the school's social media page, Syrians and Oklahomans paid tribute to Hossam and his family after their deaths were announced. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. The others live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. Most Druze in Syria have supported a more diplomatic approach with the new government in Damascus but the clashes in Sweida have left many doubtful of a peaceful coexistence the new leaders in the post-Assad era. ___ Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
A Syrian American man is among members of the Druze community killed in sectarian clashes in Syria
BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian-American man of the Druze religious minority was killed in southern Syria when he got caught up in sectarian clashes there last week while visiting family members, relatives and officials said Tuesday. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of U.S citizen Hossam Soraya in the city of Sweida and extended its condolences to his family. His relatives and friends told The Associated Press that Saraya, in his mid-30s from Oklahoma, was killed in an attack last Wednesday. The violence in Sweida provice, where the city of Sweida is the provincial capital, erupted earlier this month between the Druze community, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, and the local Sunni Bedouin tribes, drawing in Syrian government forces, which effectively sided with the Bedouins. Hundreds of people were killed — both civilians and combatants — before a ceasefire calmed the fighting, only for clashes to restart days later. The U.N. International Organization for Migration said more than 130,000 people were displaced during the fighting. The fighting threatened Syria's fragile transition and underscored the difficulties the new government faces as it tries to consolidate control over the country, months after Islamist-led insurgents ousted longtime autocrat Bashar Assad last December. Neighboring Israel also intervened, striking Syrian forces — actions Israel said was in defense of the Druze, who are also a significant minority in Israel. A raid by gunmen in military uniform The clashes started as a series of tit-for-tat kidnappings between armed Bedouin clans and Druze militias. Government forces intervened to stop the hostilities but effectively sided with the Bedouins. On Wednesday, Soraya was abducted with his brother Karim, their father Ghassan and three other relatives from the family home by gunmen who later shot and killed them in a square in Sweida, his friends and relatives said, speaking on condition of anonymity fearing reprisals. The gunmen told them they were government forces and assured the women nothing would happen to their men as they took them away, one of Soraya's friends said. The gunmen returned later and threatened the women and children, before leaving without harming them but taking off with gold and other valuables from the house, the friend said. They said they believe government forces were behind the killings but did not elaborate. The Syrian Defense Ministry says Tuesday it was investigating 'shocking and serious violations committed by an unknown group wearing military uniforms' in Sweida, without giving further details. The ministry did not specifically mention Saraya's killing. Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford said on Monday he was heartbroken over Saraya's killing. 'We are praying for his family, friends, and the entire community as they grieve this senseless loss.' Lankford said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Fellow Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin meanwhile said that he is working with 'partners in the region to learn more.' Trying to reach the family After new of the violence broke out, Saraya's relatives in America could not get a hold of him and other male family members in the Druze-majority city. They were told by remaining relatives in Sweida of the raid and that Saraya and the others were taken away by gunmen. Then, to their horror, they recognized Hossam and the other men from the family in a video posted on social media showing gunmen in military uniform sprayed their relatives with automatic fire as tehy were kneeling on the asphalt in a Sweida roundabout. Another video that surfaced later, shows their relatives being marched off by at least 10 armed men in military uniform, chatting among themselves, smiling and posing for the camera. A life in America Although Hossam had been living in the United States since 2014, he remained engaged in the community back home in Syria. He and his brother co-founded an online school named after their family for Syrians abroad interested in completing their education with their native country's curriculum, with millions scattered around the world after the almost 14-year civil war that erupted in 2011 and ended with Assad's ouster. On the school's social media page, Syrians and Oklahomans paid tribute to Hossam and his family after their deaths were announced. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. The others live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. Most Druze in Syria have supported a more diplomatic approach with the new government in Damascus but the clashes in Sweida have left many doubtful of a peaceful coexistence the new leaders in the post-Assad era. ___ Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Who is Soraya Riffy? French influencer sexually assaulted, ‘disfigured' in violent home invasion shares heartbreaking message
Soraya Riffy, a 30-year-old French beauty and fashion influencer, has spoken out after enduring a horrifying attack in her Marseille home on July 5. According to statements made to French media, a man posed as a neighbour who had lost his keys to gain entry into her home. Once inside, he was joined by two other armed men who tied her up, physically assaulted her, and sprayed her with bleach. She also alleges that she was sexually assaulted during the ordeal. In the days following the assault, Soraya spoke to Le Parisien, revealing, 'I'm disfigured, disgusted, and frightened. Too much media exposure leads to danger." She also went on to say that she plans to leave Marseille for good and take a step back from social media while she recovers. Her lawyer, Tom Michel, said in a public statement that Soraya suffered a concussion, a completely broken nose, and multiple facial fractures. The attackers also allegedly taped her mouth, causing her to nearly suffocate. She was left covered in cuts and bruises and described as being psychologically destroyed by the experience. Michel also revealed that Soraya had received threatening messages from the attackers two weeks before the incident and had reported these threats to police. Soraya shares a heartbreaking message on Instagram Soraya Riffy also opened up about her ordeal in an emotional message to her fans on Instagram. The beauty influencer shared the details of the traumatic experience while expressing her desire for justice. She said, 'I'm so disgusted. What I went through today is horrible.' According to French media, the 30-year-old was interviewed by police while being treated at the hospital. Authorities have since launched an investigation into multiple charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, death threats, and gang-related violence. Internet expresses concern over women's safety in Europe Since she opened up about the horrific incident, Riffy has received an outpouring of support from her followers. But personal messages of encouragement aside, the attack has sparked emotional and at times politically charged conversations online. Some users pointed to this incident as part of a larger decline in safety across parts of Europe, with comments like, 'Is Europe becoming the Third World? No. It already has.' French Influencer Soraya Riffy is attacked in her Europe turning into the third world? Others questioned the leadership and security situation, writing, 'European leaders should hang their heads in shame for how badly they have failed to protect their women.' "Sadly it is, and nobody is doing anything about it. Leadership hides in gated communities, and for them there is nothing wrong with the way life is," one wrote. Sadly it is, and nobody is doing anything about out. Leadership hides in gated communities and for them there is nothing wrong with the way life is. Who is Soraya Riffy? Soraya Riffy first gained public attention in France after appearing on a national talk show in 2016. Over the years, she built a strong online presence with a mix of beauty tutorials, fitness tips, and fashion advice. With her signature polished style and eye-catching looks, she quickly became known for her glamorous lifestyle, drawing over one million followers on Instagram. Whether attending the Cannes Film Festival or stepping onto red carpets, Soraya was recognised for her striking outfits and confident presence. But the recent attack has brought everything to a halt, marking a heartbreaking shift in both her personal life and potentially her career. To stay updated on the stories that matter, follow Indiatimes Trending.
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Beauty influencer left ‘disfigured' after she was tied up, doused with bleach and ‘raped' by gunmen in horror burglary
A WOMAN was left "disfigured" after three men allegedly broke into her Marseille home, where she was attacked and raped. Soraya Riffy, a 30-year-old influencer, told French paper 4 Soraya Riffy was left 'disfigured' after three men attacked her and burgled her home Credit: Snapchat 4 The intruders left the 30-year-old woman lying unconscious Credit: / /Instagram 4 Soraya suffered facial fractures and 'numerous cuts all over her body', according to her lawyer Credit: / /Instagram Three "armed" men allegedly "tied her up, beat her up and sprayed her with bleach" on Friday, according to Le Parisien. A spokesperson for Soraya They explained the attack took place after a man arrived at her home posing "as a neighbour who did not have his keys" at around 9.30pm. The man then stormed into the flat, joined by other armed intruders, she added. The men "tied her up, beat her at gunpoint and with box cutters, and threatened to kill her if she didn't give them money" for over an hour and a half, according to the spokesperson. When she tried to free herself, an attacker put a gun to her head, reported Le Parisien. Tape was reportedly placed over Soraya's mouth, causing her to suffocate and convulse. She was left with multiple facial fractures and "numerous cuts all over her body", her lawyer Tom Michel said in a statement posted on Soraya's Instagram account. Most read in The US Sun He said Soraya lost consciousness during the attack and has no memory of what happened. 'Because of the pain and marks on her body, we unfortunately suspect sexual assault, or even rape," Michel said. Shooter, 27, with tactical gear & rifle is killed after opening fire on Border Control agents & forcing airport closure- She woke up covered in bleach "no doubt to erase the DNA traces of her attackers", he added. The men fled the scene, taking with them "a Cartier bracelet, her house and car keys, two luxury bags and a Rolex watch". Michel said "they knew very well who she was", adding that "like many female influencers, Soraya Riffy has a lifestyle on the internet that can appear quite luxurious". Her spokesperson added: "She was targeted for extortion, except that, unluckily for her attackers, she has no money." Soraya posted a video on social media showing her face battered and bruised from the brutal attack. She said: "I'm so disgusted. What I've been through today is horrible." She told Le Parisien: "I'm disfigured, disgusted and frightened. Too much media exposure leads to danger. "I'm going to leave Marseille permanently, leave social media for the time being, I'm lost." One of the latest posts written by her spokesperson on Sunday mentions threatening emails sent to extort money from her. "She had repeatedly alerted the authorities to the threats against her," her lawyer said. The 30-year-old has been interviewed by police officers at the hospital, report French outlets. Cops have reportedly launched an investigation into armed robbery, kidnapping, death threats and gang violence. Read more on the Irish Sun Soraya rose to fame in 2016 after appearing on the French TV talk show, Touche pas à mon poste (Don't touch my TV set). She's known for sharing her views on fashion and fitness, as well as promoting body positivity and self-confidence to her one million Instagram followers. 4 An investigation has been launched into the violent burglary Credit: / /Instagram
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Beauty influencer left ‘disfigured' after she was tied up, doused with bleach and ‘raped' by gunmen in horror burglary
'What I've been through today is horrible,' the French influencer said HORROR ATTACK Beauty influencer left 'disfigured' after she was tied up, doused with bleach and 'raped' by gunmen in horror burglary A WOMAN was left "disfigured" after three men allegedly broke into her Marseille home, where she was attacked and raped. Soraya Riffy, a 30-year-old influencer, told French paper Le Parisien how armed intruders beat her and left her unconscious during a terrifying burglary. 4 Soraya Riffy was left 'disfigured' after three men attacked her and burgled her home Credit: Snapchat 4 The intruders left the 30-year-old woman lying unconscious Credit: / /Instagram 4 Soraya suffered facial fractures and 'numerous cuts all over her body', according to her lawyer Credit: / /Instagram Three "armed" men allegedly "tied her up, beat her up and sprayed her with bleach" on Friday, according to Le Parisien. A spokesperson for Soraya said on Instagram: "She was kidnapped, raped, assaulted" in the vicious attack. They explained the attack took place after a man arrived at her home posing "as a neighbour who did not have his keys" at around 9.30pm. The man then stormed into the flat, joined by other armed intruders, she added. The men "tied her up, beat her at gunpoint and with box cutters, and threatened to kill her if she didn't give them money" for over an hour and a half, according to the spokesperson. When she tried to free herself, an attacker put a gun to her head, reported Le Parisien. Tape was reportedly placed over Soraya's mouth, causing her to suffocate and convulse. She was left with multiple facial fractures and "numerous cuts all over her body", her lawyer Tom Michel said in a statement posted on Soraya's Instagram account. He said Soraya lost consciousness during the attack and has no memory of what happened. 'Because of the pain and marks on her body, we unfortunately suspect sexual assault, or even rape," Michel said. Shooter, 27, with tactical gear & rifle is killed after opening fire on Border Control agents & forcing airport closure- She woke up covered in bleach "no doubt to erase the DNA traces of her attackers", he added. The men fled the scene, taking with them "a Cartier bracelet, her house and car keys, two luxury bags and a Rolex watch". Michel said "they knew very well who she was", adding that "like many female influencers, Soraya Riffy has a lifestyle on the internet that can appear quite luxurious". Her spokesperson added: "She was targeted for extortion, except that, unluckily for her attackers, she has no money." Soraya posted a video on social media showing her face battered and bruised from the brutal attack. She said: "I'm so disgusted. What I've been through today is horrible." She told Le Parisien: "I'm disfigured, disgusted and frightened. Too much media exposure leads to danger. "I'm going to leave Marseille permanently, leave social media for the time being, I'm lost." One of the latest posts written by her spokesperson on Sunday mentions threatening emails sent to extort money from her. "She had repeatedly alerted the authorities to the threats against her," her lawyer said. The 30-year-old has been interviewed by police officers at the hospital, report French outlets. Cops have reportedly launched an investigation into armed robbery, kidnapping, death threats and gang violence. Soraya rose to fame in 2016 after appearing on the French TV talk show, Touche pas à mon poste (Don't touch my TV set). She's known for sharing her views on fashion and fitness, as well as promoting body positivity and self-confidence to her one million Instagram followers.
