countryside

Interior Ministry says the raid killed Mohammed Shahadeh, describing him as one of ISIL’s senior commanders in Syria.

Syrian authorities say security forces have carried out a second operation against ISIL (ISIS) fighters near Damascus, killing a senior figure described as the group’s governor of Hauran.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Interior said the raid killed Mohammed Shahadeh, also known as Abu Omar Shaddad, calling him one of ISIL’s senior commanders in Syria and a direct threat to local security.

Officials said the operation followed verified intelligence and extensive surveillance and was carried out by specialised units, operating in the Damascus countryside, that conducted a targeted raid in the town of al-Buweida, near Qatana, southwest of the capital.

The operation also involved the General Intelligence Directorate and took place in coordination with international coalition forces, the ministry said.

‘Crippling blow’

The announcement came a day after Syrian internal security forces arrested another senior ISIL figure in a separate operation near Damascus, according to the state-run SANA news agency.

SANA reported that forces arrested Taha al-Zoubi during what it described as a “tightly executed security operation” in the Damascus countryside. The agency said officers seized “a suicide belt and a military weapon” during the arrest.

Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security in the Damascus countryside, told SANA that the raid targeted an ISIL hideout in Maadamiya, southwest of the capital.

ISIL, which considers the current authorities in Damascus illegitimate, has largely focused its remaining operations on Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria.

At the height of its power, the armed group controlled vast areas of Iraq and Syria, declaring Raqqa its capital.

Although ISIL suffered military defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, its cells continue to carry out attacks in the region and beyond, including in parts of Africa and Afghanistan.

THE Signet Collection is one of my personal favourite hotel brands in the UK, with properties tucked away in countryside locations where you can snuggle down in cosy nooks near a roaring fireplace.

The Barnsdale is its third property, which opened in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is The Barnsdale?

This elegant retreat sits just a stone’s throw from one of the UKs most famous reservoirs, Rutland water.

It’s immersed in isolated countryside, so you’ll want to drive and take advantage of the parking on site.

Oakham train station is around a ten-minute drive away if you’d rather use public transport.

What is The Barnsdale like?

The Barnsdale has all the charm of a dainty cottage in the Cotswold, but with the hospitality benefits of a 4* hotel.

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The luxury Chelsea hotel with affordable suites overlooking the London Eye

A former hunting lodge constructed in 1760 that – despite the installation of modern amenities – still has an old world feel to it in the form of grand paintings and varnished wooden furnishings.

It has an air of posh members club to it, only without the price tag.

What are the rooms like?

Each of the 46 rooms is decorated in a typically English style with pastel-toned walls, frilly cushions and patterned armchairs. 

The Classic is the smallest and cheapest of the bunch and worth it for the lower price.

The only difference in rooms, bar the decorative tweaks, tends to be size and the view (the Royal Room has one of the best).

Classic rooms cost from £85 per night with brekkie. Click here to book.

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel’s 1760 Brasserie serves classic British favourites including seared scallops doused in butter and a mouthwatering 32-day dry-aged rib-eye served with chips.

I opted for the Atlantic cod which was seasoned well and served with an unctuous vermouth sauce.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the sticky toffee pud – this one’s a real crowd pleaser.

What else is there to do at The Barnsdale?

People come for the outdoor Signet Spa where wood-fired hot tubs, a heated pool and a glass-walled sauna overlook fields of grazing Highland cows.

It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, sipping on sparkling wine and admiring the creatures munching away on the grass.

The only downside to the spa being entirely outdoors is the unpredictability of the British weather.

Fret not, though – every spa guest is given a DryRobe and flipflops to plod around in.

They can keep this for the duration of their stay.

When the drizzle hit, we persevered in our tub. Big thanks to the staff member who swiftly came to the rescue with a couple of umbrellas.

Massages can often be overpriced, but not here.

My therapist truly listened to my needs and pressure preferences, ensuring I enjoyed every one of those 60 blissful minutes.

Is The Barnsdale family friendly?

Families are well accommodated at The Barnsdale with specific family rooms that come with a double bed and a separate bedroom with bunk beds which comes complete with a cuddly lion toy to keep.

When little ones aren’t taking advantage of the outdoor play areas they can have a get stuck into some classic board games in the Rod Room.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.