12 pro-Iranian militiamen killed in a drone attack in eastern Syria

At least 12 pro-Iranian militiamen were killed in unidentified drone attacks on a military base in eastern Syria days after reinforcements arrived in the area, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Sunday.

Unmanned aircraft launched up to eight attacks before midnight against the headquarters of Iranian militias at the Meizileh base in eastern Deir al Zur province, according to the NGO, which is based in the UK but has a large network of partners on the ground. 

The dead are Iraqi and Afghan nationals, the Observatory said, adding that the attacks also caused damage to vehicles and ammunition depots. 

It also pointed out that on 3 June, pro-Iranian militias took military reinforcements to their positions in the city of Al Mayadin, east of Deir al Zur, on the border with Iraq.

These militias, which support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the conflict in the country, which has entered its ninth year, are present in that area and no group has claimed responsibility for this attack so far.

On May 5, 14 pro-Iranian militiamen were killed in an attack that the Observatory attributed to Israel in Deir al Zur. The Israeli attacks follow each other on Syrian territory because Israel considers that the presence of Iran in Syria represents a threat to its security.

These areas of Deir al Zur, including Al Bukamal and Al Mayadin, are controlled by Syrian government forces and is a regular transit point for Shiite militias supporting Damascus between Iraq and Syria.