(MEMRI) O. Peri - Syrian opposition websites report that the main vector for the spread of Covid-19 in eastern Syria was the pro-Iran militias coming in from Iran and Iraq, where the disease is rampant. The Euphrates Eye Facebook page reported that there were over 100 cases in Al-Bukamal, and that 31 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Deir Al-Zour city had been infected, of whom 16 had been transferred to Iran. Many cases were also reported among Hizbullah members in the city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the disease had spread in Al-Mayadeen, with 15 cases among the Iran loyalist militias - 11 Iranians and four Iraqis. It also reported cases in Damascus, Tartus, Latakia, and Homs provinces. One report said that 520 people from these areas had already died. Syrian journalist Ziad Al-Rayes reported: "The virus is spreading in military bases where Iranian militias are stationed, such as the Al-Sha'irat airport [in Homs province], the Hama military airfield, and Aleppo international airport."
2020-03-31 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive