Syrian commander Issam Zahreddine killed in Deir Ezzor

[Douger]

The Central Military Media said on Wednesday that Brig. Gen. Issam Zahreddine was killed in Hawija Saqr, east of Deir el-Zour, in operations against IS militants.

The Lebanese Al-Manar TV, which is close to the Syrian government, said a land mine killed him.

Zahreddine was a key commander in the Syrian army, maintaining a government presence in Deir el-Zour despite a nearly three years-long siege on his forces. The siege was breached in September in a Russian-backed offensive, and the government and allied troops have since seized most of the city.

 

[Alicia Schout]

The Central Military Media said on Wednesday that Brig. Gen. Issam Zahreddine was killed in Hawija Saqr, east of Deir el-Zour, in operations against IS militants.

The Lebanese Al-Manar TV, which is close to the Syrian government, said a land mine killed him.

Why is the Midddle-East in such a mess?

Zahreddine was a key commander in the Syrian army, maintaining a government presence in Deir el-Zour despite a nearly three years-long siege on his forces. The siege was breached in September in a Russian-backed offensive, and the government and allied troops have since seized most of the city.

 

[Douger]

He was a controversial figure to be sure. Zahredine was widely accused fo war crimes and was ostracized by part of his own Druze community for his part in the war.
Once he was even forced to apologize on state television for threatening refugees who had fled Deir Ezzor.
However he has been regarded as a hero in Syria for his prominent role in defeating ISIS and his loss must feel like a gut punch.