DAMASCUS, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Fresh airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed forces in eastern Syria on Sunday, killing nine, a day after similar strikes hit the same area, a war monitor reported.
The airstrikes targeted positions of Iranian-backed forces in the desert region in the countryside of the al-Bukamal city in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour province, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Britain-based watchdog group said the death toll could likely rise due to the number of critically wounded fighters.
Earlier in the day, the observatory said Iranian-backed forces are on high alert in Deir al-Zour a day after Israeli warplanes struck their positions.
Six fighters, including four Syrians, were killed in the Israeli strikes that targeted Iranian-backed forces in the al-Bukamal area on Saturday.
On June 23, Israeli airstrikes targeted several pro-Iran military sites in Deir al-Zour, destroyed a military site and killed 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. Enditem
