‘Act Of Terror’, Iran’s Syria Embassy Staffer ‘Shot Dead’, Israeli Troops ‘Opens Fire’ In Quneitra

Iran condemned the killing of embassy staffer Seyed Davoud Bitaraf in Damascus on December 15, blaming “terrorist elements.” The body was recently transferred to Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei urged Syria’s new rebel-led transitional government to identify and punish the perpetrators. Baghaei also mentioned reopening Iran’s Syrian embassy, contingent on security preparations. Meanwhile, Israel has established permanent posts along the Syria disengagement line, while Syria’s new interim government appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a former insurgent leader, as defense minister. n18oc_crux