The Trump administration is calling on the Syrian government to investigate the death of an American citizen, who was killed in an execution-style attack alongside several family members in southern Syria last week.
“We have had direct discussions with the Syrian Government on this issue, and have called for an immediate investigation into the matter,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott told reporters.
Mr Pigott would not specify who he believed was responsible for the attack nor give any further details as to the circumstances.
A video circulated online shows a group of armed men clad in military fatigues firing dozens of shots at a group of eight kneeling men. Hosam Saraya, 35, an American citizen of Syrian Druze descent who lived in Oklahoma, was among those killed.
The killings came during a period of increased violence and tension in the Sweida region of Syria, as Bedouin and Druze clashed.
The Syrian government sent in forces to quiet the fighting, which prompted Israel to launch a series of strikes against Damascus in defence of the Druze community, which has thousands of members in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.
Hundreds of Druze have been killed since hostilities broke out on June 12 and the area has been under a government siege, without electricity, as its supplies of drinking water are running out, according to Suwayda 24, a network of citizen journalists.
Washington helped to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Syria, which saw Damascus withdraw troops from the area.
The US has lifted many of its sanctions on Syria in an effort to help the fledgling government of President Ahmed Al Shara. Some in Congress are uneasy about moving too quickly to lift remaining sanctions, given the bloodshed.
“Trump announced sanctions relief for Syria on May 13, to give all Syrians a chance at a peaceful and prosperous country,” Mr Pigott said. “Syria is at a critical juncture, and we are looking to the Syrian government to lead on next steps.”
SPECS
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Company%20profile
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Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
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8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last 16, first leg
Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
