Iranian-backed forces redeploy in eastern Syria

Damascus, June 29 Iranian-backed forces are on high alert in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour a day after Israeli warplanes struck their positions, a war monitor reported.

Six fighters, including four Syr, were killed in the Israeli strikes that targeted Iranian-backed forces in the al-Bukamal area in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour on Saturday, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Following the strikes, the Iranian-backed forces went on high alert and redeployed in some areas in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour and al-Bukamal, said the Observatory.

The Iranian forces also rounded up four of its fighters, accusing them of working for Israel.

On June 23, Israeli airstrikes targeted several pro-Iran military sites in Deir al-Zour, destroying a military site and killing five fighters.

Iran and pro-Iran fighters are largely located in Deir al-Zour near the Iraqi border.

The fighters have helped the Syrian government forces recapture areas in Deir al-Zour and other places in northern Syria.

( With inputs from IANS )