Protests in Iran Turn Violent; U.S. Strikes ISIS in Syria

Tehran — Anti-government protests in Iran, ongoing for two weeks, have escalated into violence. Millions of people have taken to the streets in Tehran and other major cities across the country.

Security forces have used live ammunition against demonstrators, leading to a rising death toll. Reports indicate that 217 people have died in Tehran hospitals alone, with hundreds more injured and receiving treatment. Human rights organizations note that hospitals are overwhelmed due to the surge of wounded protesters.

The demonstrators are demanding the end of the current regime, while the government accuses them of pursuing foreign agendas and labels them enemies of God, increasing the crackdown.

Meanwhile, the United States has launched large-scale airstrikes against ISIS positions in Syria. Under Operation Haka Strike, U.S. forces targeted more than 90 sites across 35 locations, following an ambush in Palmyra last month that killed two American soldiers and one contractor.

President Donald Trump warned that anyone attacking U.S. forces would be pursued and eliminated anywhere in the world. Over 20 U.S. fighter jets and helicopters participated in the operation.