Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance group on Thursday received the body of an Iranian military advisor who was recently killed by the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group in Syria.
Based on a ceasefire deal between Hezbollah and IS, the body of Mohsen Hojaji, who was recently decapitated by the terrorists in Syria, was delivered to Hezbollah to be returned home, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The transfer of Lebanon's captured soldiers and two martyrs, as well as Hojaji's body, took place after the buses carrying IS militants and their families arrived in the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs Province, according to media reports.
Hojaji, a defender of the shrine of Sayyida Zeinab (PBUH), was taken captive by IS near the Iraqi border on August 7 and was beheaded two days later.
The shrine of the sister of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam, is located in Damascus, Syria.
Iranian military advisors have played a decisive role in the protection of the holy shrine against terrorist attacks.
Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with various terrorist groups, including IS, currently controlling parts of it.
The conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others and displaced nearly half of the country's prewar population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders. Iran remains a close ally of Syria and supports its government in the face of foreign-backed militancy.
Add new comment
Read our comment policy before posting your viewpoints