Briefly

MIDDLE EAST

Iran to boost Syria's air defense systems

Iran has said it will strengthen Syria's air defenses as part of a military deal aiming to "fight terrorism" and counter pressure from the United States. Israel, a key US ally in the Middle East, has launched hundreds of strikes in Syria since the start of its civil war in 2011. Under the latest deal, "we will strengthen Syria's air defense systems in order to improve military cooperation between the two countries", Iranian Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri said during a visit in Damascus. He said the Iranian presence in Syria helped in fighting terrorist groups as well as serving the people and the Syrian government.