Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Iranian official says at least 400 fighters killed in Syria

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s semi-official ILNA news agency is reporting that the families of at least 400 people killed fighting in Iranian brigades in Syria have been referred to the Martyr Foundation, which offers financial support to the relatives of those killed fighting for Iran.

The Saturday report quotes the head of the Martyr Foundation, Mohammad Ali Shahidi, as saying that Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard announced the number of fighters killed, saying that around half of them were Afghan.

It is the first time that an Iranian official has indicated how many people have been killed fighting in Iranian militias in Syria.

Iran has provided military and political backing to President Bashar Assad in Syria’s civil war. Afghan Shiites, some of whom live in Iran, have been fighting alongside Iranian fighters in Syria.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles