Fierce clashes between US-backed Syrian Kurdish militias and a local Arab militia continued on Friday, conflict monitors and Syrian state media reported, a day after the US called on both sides to stop fighting and focus on defeating ISIS.
At least 45 people have died in the violence, including five civilians and 17 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish majority militia backed by an international coalition in the war against ISIS.
The conflict against the terrorist group, which largely ended in 2019, left the Kurdish fighters in de facto control of Arab majority areas, including Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, two of the first Syrian provinces to fall under ISIS control.
Tensions have been rising ever since, fuelled by the slow pace of reconstruction and a lingering ISIS insurgency.
Clashes continued in Deir Ezzor city on Friday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a conflict monitor, with the Deir Ezzor Military Council, a local Arab militia, apparently taking control of an SDF building on the edge of the city.
The SDF has apparently withdrawn from some villages near Deir Ezzor city, SOHR reported, although it is currently unclear whether this is to reduce tensions or because they have been pushed back. The Observatory said clashes had been ongoing “intermittently”.
Fighting also appeared to spread to the country’s north, with clashes reported in Manbij, near Aleppo, where local militia groups backed by Turkey fought with the SDF. Russian air strikes, apparently targeting the Arab militias, were also reported in Manbij, according to Mzahem Alsaloum, an analyst.
Recent fighting has also taken place near the Conoco gasfield, where a contingent of the approximately 900 US troops in Syria, who armed and trained the SDF, are based, and clashes have also been reported near Al Omar, an oilfield where US forces are also present.
The gasfield is named after the ConocoPhillips oil company, which operated in Syria before the war.
In a statement late on Thursday, the US urged a renewed focus on efforts to bring "peace and stability in north-east Syria, free from the threat of Daesh," a pejorative term for ISIS.
"We remain focused on working with the Syrian Democratic Forces to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh, in support of regional security and stability. Distractions from this critical work create instability and increase the risk of a Daesh resurgence."
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
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MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
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Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
COMPANY PROFILE
Brief scoreline:
Wolves 3
Neves 28', Doherty 37', Jota 45' 2
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Results
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Flyweight (52kg): Zoirov Shakhobidin (UZB) beat Amit Panghol (IND) 3-2.
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Light Welterweight (64kg): Baatarsukh Chinzorig (MGL) beat Shiva Thapa (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Bobo-Usmon Baturov (UZB) beat Ablaikhan Zhussupov (KAZ) RSC round-1.
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Heavyweight (91kg): Sanjeet (IND) beat Vassiliy Levit (KAZ) 4-1.
Super Heavyweight ( 91kg): Jalolov Bakhodir (UZB) beat Kamshibek Kunkabayev (KAZ) 5-0.
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company Profile
Company name: Big Farm Brothers
Started: September 2020
Founders: Vishal Mahajan and Navneet Kaur
Based: Dubai Investment Park 1
Industry: food and agriculture
Initial investment: $205,000
Current staff: eight to 10
Future plan: to expand to other GCC markets
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A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
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