January 2025 - Syria Special Weapons News

Israeli Army torches Quneitra governor's building IRNA 31 Jan 2025 -- Reports suggest that the Israeli military has set fire to the Quneitra governor's building in southwestern Syria, a move coinciding with the regime's large-scale destruction of agricultural land in the region.
Uyghur militant leader killed in US airstrike on northern Syria IRNA 31 Jan 2025 -- A US aircraft has assassinated a leading Uyghur militant in northern Syria, Al Mayadeen reported.
High-ranking member of Assad's regime arrested in Syria VOA 31 Jan 2025 -- Syria's new authorities have announced the arrest of Atif Najib, a former senior security officer and cousin of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Najib is seen by many as being responsible for suppressing the initial protest which triggered Syria's 2011 uprising.
CENTCOM Forces Kill Senior Operative of Terror Group Hurras al-Din, an Al-Qaeda affiliate CENTCOM 30 Jan 2025 -- On Jan. 30, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing Muhammad Salah al-Za'bir, a senior operative in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Foreign officials begin meeting Syria's interim president VOA 30 Jan 2025 -- Foreign dignitaries and officials are beginning to travel to Syria to meet with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country's newly appointed transitional president.
Syria: Hostilities and aid challenges persist across devastated country UN News 30 Jan 2025 -- Humanitarians warned on Thursday that Syria continues to face major security and aid challenges in the northeast and beyond, in the uncertain aftermath of the overthrow of the Assad regime.
HRH the Crown Prince Congratulates Al-Sharaa on Assuming Presidency of Syria SPA 30 Jan 2025 -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on the occasion of assuming the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional phase.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates Al-Sharaa on Assuming Presidency of Syria SPA 30 Jan 2025 -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on the occasion of assuming the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional phase.
Former rebel leader is Syria's new interim president VOA 29 Jan 2025 -- A former rebel leader who helped defeat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month was named interim president of the country Wednesday.
Militant commander Jolani appointed Syria's 'president': Report Press TV 29 Jan 2025 -- The commander of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, which overran entire Syria amid intense Israeli strikes against the Arab country last December, has been named the country's new "president" for a "transitional period."
Syria's HTS demands Israel's withdrawal from occupied Golan Heights Press TV 29 Jan 2025 -- Syria's HTS administration has called for Israel's withdrawal from the territory it occupied in the Golan Heights following President Bashar al-Assad's fall in December.
Israeli troops to remain in Syria's Jabal al-Shaykh 'indefinitely': Minister IRNA 29 Jan 2025 -- Israel's minister of defense says the occupying regime's military will remain in Syria's Jabal al-Shaykh "indefinitely."
Israeli war minister says troops will remain in Syrian territory indefinitely Press TV 29 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli minister of military affairs says the regime's troops, who seized ground at a so-called "buffer zone" inside the strategic Syrian Golan Heights after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, will remain stationed there indefinitely.
Press release on the Russian inter-agency delegation's visit to Damascus Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Jan 2025
Israel installs military equipment in Syria's 'demilitarized zone' Press TV 28 Jan 2025 -- Israel says it has transferred and installed military equipment within the demilitarized buffer zone in Syria's occupied Golan Heights.
Jordan engages with Syria's HTS leaders to tackle terrorism VOA 28 Jan 2025 -- Jordan, which faces new regional challenges in dealing with Syria's transitional Islamist regime, is pursuing a strategy of containment through engagement to secure its long, shared border, analysts say.
Any Port In A Storm: How Russia's Navy Is Adrift After Syrian Pullout RFE/RL 28 Jan 2025 -- After loitering off the Syrian coast for weeks, two Russian cargo ships docked at the port of Tartus, part of a reluctant mission to unravel one of the Kremlin's biggest foreign policy successes since the Soviet collapse.
EU renews sanctions against Russia, eases them on Syria VOA 27 Jan 2025 -- European Union foreign ministers agreed Monday to continue sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, but to ease some sanctions against Syria following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
Syria: Rights probe reveals systematic torture and detention of Assad regime UN News 27 Jan 2025 -- A report from UN human rights investigators for Syria released on Monday has laid bare the systematic use of arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearances by the deposed Assad regime.
'Web of Agony': UN Commission's report unveils depths of former government's detention crimes during first decade of Syrian war OHCHR 27 Jan 2025 -- In a report drawing on its extensive investigations since the start of the Syrian conflict, the UN Syria Commission of Inquiry today detailed how the former Syrian Government systematically used arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearances to quash dissent.
UNHCR's Grandi calls for global action to support Syrians returning home UNHCR 27 Jan 2025 -- Wrapping up a visit to Syria on Monday, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, appealed to the international community for bold and decisive action to help Syrians rebuild their war-torn country and support displaced Syrians in returning home.
UN refugee chief urges greater global support for Syrians returning home People's Daily 28 Jan 2025 -- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Monday called on the international community to increase aid for Syrians returning to their war-ravaged homeland, warning that recent political changes have not alleviated the deep humanitarian crisis.
'Unprecedented cruelty': War monitor says HTS militants executed 35 Syrians in 3 days Press TV 27 Jan 2025 -- Militants affiliated with the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) government in Syria have carried out 35 summary executions over the past 72 hours, a UK-based war monitor says.
What's UNDOF? Why UN peacekeepers patrol the Israel-Syria border UN News 25 Jan 2025 -- More than 1,100 UN peacekeepers are currently deployed in the Golan, a demilitarised zone along the Israel-Syria border at what is a tense and dangerous time in the history of the region. But, why are the Blue Helmets there?
Iraq warns of Daesh resurgence in Syria after Assad's fall Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Iraqi foreign minister has warned of a potential resurgence of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in neighboring Syria, calling for an inclusive political dialogue to restore security to the neighboring country after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Gunmen kill 13 people in Shia-populated villages in Syria's Homs Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- At least 13 people have been killed in Shia-populated villages in Syria's Homs Province, amid raids by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration forces and local gunmen.
Iran calls for protection of minority groups in Syria Press TV 24 Jan 2025 -- The Iranian foreign minister has underlined the necessity of protecting the rights of minority groups in Syria under the country's new rulers.
Foreign Minister Meets with New Syrian Administration Leader in Damascus SPA 24 Jan 2025 -- New Syrian administration leader Ahmad al-Sharaa received here today Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who conveyed to him and the Syrian people the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Paving the road to a hopeful and inclusive future in Syria, free from violence and hardship UNICEF 23 Jan 2025 -- Statement by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban upon conclusion of his visit to Syria
In Syria, top UN envoy highlights international backing for political transition UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Wednesday emphasised the strong international consensus that is emerging in support of the country's political transition since the fall of the Assad regime last month.
Syrian Kurds look for continued US support under Trump VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Kurdish groups in Syria are expressing hope for continued support from the United States as President Donald Trump begins his second term in office.
Following Gaza Ceasefire, Formation of New Governments in Lebanon, Syria, Speakers in Security Council Discuss Ways to Ensure Steps Bring Positive Change for Region UN Security Council 20 Jan 2025 -- In the wake of profound changes across the Middle East — including new Governments in Lebanon and Syria and a recent agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza — speakers in the Security Council today, during a day-long debate, offered their visions for how to ensure that these developments usher in positive changes for the region.
Foreign Minister Eide: Visiting Syria leaves a profound impression Government of Norway 19 Jan 2025 -- The Foreign Minister is in Syria today. In Damascus, he met with the leader of the transitional government, Al-Sharaa. He also met with representatives of civil society, the United Nations and Norwegian humanitarian organisations working in Syria.
Will those responsible for atrocities in Syria finally face justice? UN News 18 Jan 2025 -- Hopes are rising that, with the support of the United Nations, the architects of the brutal former regime of Bashar al Assad in Syria will eventually be held accountable for their crimes.
Security Council Speakers Urge Israel to Withdraw from Lebanon, Golan Buffer Zone, Allow Peacekeepers to Operate without Obstruction UN Security Council 17 Jan 2025 -- With 10 days until the end of the 60-day period for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, its airstrikes and demolitions continue, a senior United Nations official warned the Security Council today, underscoring that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers must be allowed to carry out their mandated tasks without obstruction.
Security Council briefed on challenges to peacekeeping in Lebanon, Syria UN News 17 Jan 2025 -- Two senior UN peacekeeping officials briefed the Security Council on Friday on recent developments in Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan, and the challenges facing "blue helmets" serving there.
Who Is Ahmed Al-Awda, The Man Who Could Be A Threat To Syria's New Rulers? RFE/RL 17 Jan 2025 -- He has been referred to by Western media and pundits as "Russia's man in the south" of Syria, and some see him as a potential threat to the country's new ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
"As Türkiye, our goal is to ensure the elimination of all terrorist organizations in Syria" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 17 Jan 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's provincial congress in Kayseri, President Erdoğan said: "As Türkiye, our goal is to ensure the elimination, either peacefully or by force, of all terrorist organizations in Syria. By doing so, we aim both to guarantee our own security and to remove the obstacles to the territorial integrity, political unity and internal peace of our neighbor."
Kurdish leaders seek unity amid Syria's shifting landscape VOA 17 Jan 2025 -- Kurdish leaders in Iraq and Syria are pledging to collaborate closely to advance Kurdish rights in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime last month.
EU provides €235 million humanitarian aid to Syrians European Commission 16 Jan 2025 -- The European Commission will provide new humanitarian support to Syrians, both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, for an amount of €235 million for 2025.
UN human rights chief hails 'signs of new beginnings' in Lebanon and Syria UN News 16 Jan 2025 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Syria on Thursday, acknowledging the traumas both nations have endured over decades.
Syria to Deploy UN Peacekeeping Forces in Buffer Zone on Golan Heights Sputnik 16 Jan 2025 -- The new Syrian authorities agreed to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in the buffer zone on the Golan Heights near the border with Israel, the leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad al-Sharaa, said on Thursday.
Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in Syria The White House 15 Jan 2025
Message to the Congress with Regards to Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in Syria The White House 15 Jan 2025
UN rights chief in historic meeting in Syria's with caretaker authority in Damascus UN News 15 Jan 2025 -- The UN human rights chief Volker Türk has described the unbearable suffering of former detainees under the deposed Assad regime and insisted that he stands with the people of the war-torn nation as they "rebuild a country that works for all Syrians".
Iran's presence in Syria at request of Assad govt. to fight terrorism, Daesh: Iraqi PM Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani says Iran's presence in Syria was at the official request of former President Bashar al-Assad's government with the aim of helping the Arab country in the battle against terrorism.
Israel hits HTS military target in Syria for 1st time since fall of Assad Press TV 15 Jan 2025 -- Israel has reportedly carried out a deadly airstrike on a military target belonging to the HTS administration in Syria for the first time since the foreign-backed militant group took over the Arab country and unseated President Bashar al-Assad.
Germany is supporting efforts to investigate war crimes in Syria Germany Federal Foreign Office 14 Jan 2025 -- Only a few weeks after the toppling of the brutal Assad regime, shedding light on the most severe violations of human rights in Syria remains key to reconciliation and a new beginning for the country.
Russia Maintains Daily Contacts With New Authorities in Syria - Lavrov Sputnik 14 Jan 2025 -- Russia is in daily contact with the new Syrian authorities and is ready to assist in improving the situation in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
'Where war lingers long after the fighting stops: Children in a landscape of death and danger' UNICEF 14 Jan 2025 -- This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Communication Manager Ricardo Pires - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Syria emergency: Four children a day killed or injured by leftover explosives UN News 14 Jan 2025 -- Syria's lethal legacy of landmines and other explosives left over from years of conflict has led to the deaths of over 100 children in the last month alone, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday, calling on the international community to urgently support country-wide demining projects.
Minister Hussen announces humanitarian assistance for Syria following visit to Middle East Canada 13 Jan 2025 -- Canada continues to be deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. The Syrian peoples' needs have reached unprecedented levels after 13 years of crisis, with over 16 million people, almost 70% of the country's population, urgently requiring assistance.
Top Iraqi diplomat warns against reemergence of Daesh terrorists in Syria Press TV 13 Jan 2025 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has warned against the reemergence of Daesh Takfiri terrorists in neighboring Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
Israel carries out more airstrikes on Syria IRNA 13 Jan 2025 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out fresh attacks on Syria, targeting areas bordering Lebanon, news sources reported.
Together for the future of Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock in Saudi Arabia Germany Federal Foreign Office 12 Jan 2025 -- Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, 12 January 2025. She will be attending an international conference on Syria being held in Riyadh. This is the follow‑up to a conference that took place in December in Aqaba, Jordan. For the key to a peaceful Syria is to be found primarily within the region.
FM: Iran to regulate ties with any Syrian gov't chosen by Syrian people IRNA 12 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that his country will regulate its ties with any government in Syria, which is chosen by the Syrian people, on the basis of mutual respect and interest.
Iran's foreign minister appoints Raouf Sheibani as special envoy for Syria Press TV 12 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has appointed seasoned diplomat Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani as his special envoy on Syria.
Lebanon's prime minister travels to Syria, meets with militant leader IRNA 12 Jan 2025 -- Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has met with the head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group Abu Mohammad al-Julani on a first trip by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria in 15 years.
Saudi Arabia hosting multilateral talks on Syria IRNA 12 Jan 2025 -- Saudi Arabia will host will host a meeting on Syria on Sunday, with the participation of foreign ministers from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) countries, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Britain, Germany, and other countries, news sources reported.
Riyadh Meetings Presidency Issues Statement on Syria SPA 12 Jan 2025 -- The Riyadh Meetings Presidency issued a statement on Syria today following a meeting convened at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The gathering built upon the ministerial discussions hosted in Aqaba, Jordan, on December 14, 2024.
UK joins key meetings to help build a stable Syrian future in Saudi Arabia UK FCDO 12 Jan 2025 -- The Foreign Secretary is in Saudi Arabia to meet Arab and international partners to drive forward international coordination on Syria.
"A historic window of opportunity has opened up before our country to end the scourge of terror for good" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 11 Jan 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's 8th Ordinary Provincial Congress in Diyarbakır, President Erdoğan said: "In the wake of some critical changes in our politics and our region, a new and historic window of opportunity has opened up before our country to end the scourge of terror for good. We think it would be wrong to waste it."
Syria thwarts ISIS attempt to bomb Sayyida Zainab Shrine: Source IRNA 11 Jan 2025 -- The Interior Ministry of the Syrian government said that the Syrian Intelligence and security forces have thwarted an ISIS plot to detonate explosives inside the Shrine of Sayyida Zainab in Damascus.
Rule of law, equal citizenship cornerstones of Syria's future: FM People's Daily 11 Jan 2025 -- Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Friday reaffirmed his government's commitment to guaranteeing freedom for all Syrians, stressing the rule of law and equal citizenship are cornerstones of the nation's future.
"We have shattered the terror belt that was planned to be constructed in the north of Syria" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 10 Jan 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's provincial congress in Aydın, President Erdoğan said: "We have shattered the terror belt that was planned to be constructed in the north of Syria from 4 points with our cross-border operations. We have not allowed the separatist terrorist organization to encircle Türkiye from the south under the guardianship of their imperialist masters."
Syria has real opportunity to 'move from the darkness to the light' UN News 10 Jan 2025 -- Syrians have high expectations for their country, and a strong desire for people from across the social spectrum to come together and forge a new constitution, which must begin with an inclusive "national dialogue".
UN Commission notes new sense of optimism in Syria during first-ever visit UN News 09 Jan 2025 -- A team from the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria concluded a first visit to the country on Thursday, taking crucial steps to promote dialogue and engagement with the new caretaker government.
UN Syria Commissioner underscores solidarity with the Syrian people in a first mission to Syria since the Commission's establishment OHCHR 09 Jan 2025 -- Commissioner Hanny Megally of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria concluded a first visit to Syria today, taking crucial steps to foster dialogue and engagement with the new Syrian caretaker Government.
More than 125,000 refugees return to Syria in desperate conditions UN News 09 Jan 2025 -- A month since the fall of the Assad regime, more than 125,000 refugees have returned to Syria "full of hope after years of exile", only to find themselves confronted by desperate conditions, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
Biden to defer decision on keeping Syria's HTS on terrorism list to Trump: Officials Press TV 09 Jan 2025 -- Outgoing American President Joe Biden will defer to incoming Donald Trump the decision on whether to continue keeping the leader of Syria's ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group on the list of foreign terrorist organizations, a report says.
Scores killed as US, Turkish proxies clash in northern Syria Press TV 09 Jan 2025 -- About 40 militants have been killed during the most recent fierce fighting between Turkish-backed groups and US-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria , a London-based war monitor says.
Turkiye Pushes for Urgent Regional Talks on Syria - Reports Sputnik 09 Jan 2025 -- Turkiye has called on Syria's neighbor countries to meet "without significant delay" to discuss the war-torn country's future, Turkish newspaper Milliyet reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Iran's UN envoy urges respect for Syria's sovereignty, formation of inclusive govt. through fair elections Press TV 09 Jan 2025 -- A senior Iranian diplomat urges respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the formation of an inclusive government through free and fair elections.
UNSC holds meeting to assess situation in Syria IRNA 09 Jan 2025 -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has said that there were still signs of instability in areas under the control of armed opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir a-Sham (HTS) in Syria, warning that Daesh remains a major concern as its activities continue and may seek to take advantage of insecurity in the Arab country.
China greatly concerned about Syrian army granting senior military ranks to foreign terrorist fighters, including head of ETIM Global Times 09 Jan 2025 -- China is greatly concerned about the reports that said the Syrian army has recently granted senior military ranks to a number of foreign terrorist fighters, including the head of a Council-listed terrorist organization, the Turkistan Islamic Party, also known as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria on Wednesday, while calling on Syria to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and to prevent any terrorist forces from using the Syrian territory to threaten the security of other countries.
Chinese envoy calls on international community to support Syria in achieving stability and development Global Times 09 Jan 2025 -- The situation in Syria is at a critical stage with daunting challenges. The international community should strengthen solidarity and coordinate its actions to support and help Syria achieve stability and development, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria, on Wednesday.
'A Syrian-led future': Security Council highlights priorities ahead UN News 08 Jan 2025 -- The Security Council met on Wednesday to discuss political and humanitarian developments exactly a month on from the collapse of the Assad regime. The transitional authorities also outlined their vision for the country's future for the first time in a major international forum.
Caretaker Authorities Should Extend Hand of Reassurance, Trust to All Communities in Syria, Special Envoy Tells Security Council UN Security Council 08 Jan 2025 -- As Syria seeks to chart a new course after the fall of the former regime, there are great opportunities and real dangers in the current moment, the Security Council heard today, while that country's representative said its people are eagerly turning the page on oppression.
UN: Way forward for Syria's political transition remains unclear VOA 08 Jan 2025 -- The top U.N. envoy for Syria said Wednesday that the Syrian people and the international community need to get "the next phase right" as the country rebuilds after nearly 14 years of civil war and the collapse of the Assad family regime.
The new authorities must build a democratic state representative of Syria's rich diversity: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Jan 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
Iran UN envoy: Decisions on Syria's future must be made without external interference IRNA 08 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani has said that any decision on Syria's future should be made by the people of that country, without external interference.
South Syria militants 'not convinced' to give up arms amid rift with HTS leader Press TV 08 Jan 2025 -- Militant groups in southern Syria say they are not convinced by the idea of the de facto leader of the country to give up their weapons and disband.
Foreign Fighters Promoted In Syria's New Army Have Their Governments Concerned RFE/RL 08 Jan 2025 -- Syria's new rulers have reportedly given high-ranking military positions to several foreign Islamist fighters, a move that has alarmed their home governments, which fear the potential export of revolution to their own soil.
Turkey threatens 'military operation' against Syrian Kurds, blasts US presence in Syria Press TV 08 Jan 2025 -- Turkey has threatened to launch an offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, which it accuses of being aligned with the homegrown Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), if the militant group fails to agree to Ankara's demands in the wake of the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Are Turkiye & Israel on the Verge of Going Toe to Toe Over Syria? Sputnik 08 Jan 2025 -- The downfall of Bashar Assad's government in Syria last month, unsurprisingly, did not usher in lasting peace to the region as Israel and Turkiye seem poised to clash with one another.
"We will realize our ideal of a terror-free Türkiye" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 07 Jan 2025 -- Speaking at the Administrators' Day event in Ankara, President Erdoğan underscored that they have started to reap the fruits, at home and abroad, of their strategy to eliminate terror at its source, and said: "We will inshallah realize our ideal of a terror-free Türkiye by using all the means of our state. We will selflessly work with you until we make the Century of Türkiye also the century of brotherhood, development and peace."
What future awaits Syria's Christian minority? VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- De facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa — whose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters drove President Bashar al-Assad from power last month — recently met with the Mideast nation's Christian leadership after a string of menacing attacks on religious minorities, giving some observers hope the sanctioned militants are ushering in an era of greater inclusion and tolerance, though others remain skeptical.
US allows transactions with HTS administration in Syria but keeps sanctions in place Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The United States has issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with the ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration in Syria for six months, as part of efforts purportedly seeking to ease the flow of humanitarian assistance following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
CENTCOM and Partner Forces Conduct Operations in Iraq and Syria to Defeat ISIS CENTCOM 06 Jan 2025 -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces conducted operations in Iraq and Syria, December 30, 2024, to January 6, 2025, in support of the ongoing Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) campaign.
U.S. Treasury Issues Additional Sanctions Relief for Syrian People US Treasury 06 Jan 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Syria General License (GL) 24 to expand authorizations for activities and transactions in Syria following December 8, 2024. This action underscores the United States' commitment to ensuring that U.S. sanctions do not impede activities to meet basic human needs, including the provision of public services or humanitarian assistance. This authorization is for six months, as the U.S. government continues to monitor the evolving situation on the ground.
Post-Assad Syria faces challenges in building unified military VOA 06 Jan 2025 -- The newly appointed defense minister in Syria's caretaker government, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has been holding meetings with various rebel factions in the country, aiming to bring them under the command of Syria's defense ministry.
New Syrian Authorities Demand Kurdish Fighters Lay Down Arms Sputnik 06 Jan 2025 -- The interim Syrian government held talks with representatives of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), demanding that they disarm, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources.
Dutch Special Envoy for Syria meets with interim government in Damascus Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Jan 2025 -- The Netherlands' Special Envoy for Syria, Gijs Gerlag, visited Damascus on 2 and 4 January 2025.
Israel expanding occupation with deployments in Syria's Daraa after HTS rule Press TV 05 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli regime has deployed military reinforcements to the southwestern Syrian province of Daraa, in a clear indication of the illegal entity's plan to expand its occupation on the Arab country's soil after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad and his government.
Over 100 killed as US, Turkish proxies fight in Syria Press TV 05 Jan 2025 -- More than 100 militants have been killed over the last two days in northern Syria in fighting between Turkish-backed groups and US-backed Kurdish forces, a London-based war monitor says.
German, French foreign ministers press Syria for 'inclusive' transition VOA 03 Jan 2025 -- Germany's and France's foreign ministers said Friday that they made clear to Syria's new de facto Islamic leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, that the nation's political transition should be inclusive and not based on Islamic fundamentalism if the country wants Europe's support.
A reset for Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock to travel to Damascus for talks Germany Federal Foreign Office 03 Jan 2025 -- Foreign Minister Baerbock is today travelling to Damascus for talks. Together with her French counterpart Jean Noël Barrot and on behalf of the EU, she will speak to Ahmed al Sharaa as well as representatives of Syrian civil society.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock prior to her departure for Damascus Germany Federal Foreign Office 03 Jan 2025
Syria: UN teams support cholera vaccination in northeastern camps UN News 03 Jan 2025 -- In northeast Syria, UN teams pressed ahead with a lifesaving cholera vaccine campaign in Al Hol detention camp complex on Friday, despite rumours of attacks by ISIL extremists and uncertainty across the war-torn country, following the overthrow of the Assad regime.
Israel launches new strikes against Syrian defense facilities near Aleppo Press TV 03 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli regime has carried out fresh airstrikes on Syria, targeting positions in the northern province of Aleppo.
Syrian security forces search for pro-Assad militants in Homs, state media say VOA 02 Jan 2025 -- Syrian security forces searched Thursday for former soldiers and pro-Assad militants in the city of Homs who have refused to turn in their weapons, state media said.
Alawites targeted as HTS militants launch crackdown on Homs Press TV 02 Jan 2025 -- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants have launched a crackdown on a minority group in Homs after recent protests against Syria's new rulers who seized power after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad.
Israel continues striking Syrian army positions VOA 02 Jan 2025 -- Israel bombed Syrian army positions south of the city of Aleppo on Thursday, according to residents, local media and rights groups, marking the latest strikes by Israel against a country whose longtime president was overthrown last month.
PM Netanyahu on the Operation in Syria Israel - Prime Minister 02 Jan 2025
Over 115,000 Syrians have returned home since end of Assad dictatorship UN News 02 Jan 2025 -- More than 115,000 people have reportedly returned to Syria from countries such as Türkiye, Jordan and Lebanon since 8 December - the fall of the Assad regime - the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Thursday.
Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Is Preparing To Reestablish Diplomatic Ties With Syria RFE/RL 02 Jan 2025 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv is making preparations to reestablish ties with Syria after a diplomatic mission led by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha visited Damascus to meet with the Middle Eastern country's new leadership.
Russia ramps up disinformation efforts as its grip weakens over post-Assad Syria VOA 02 Jan 2025 -- The Kremlin is using uncertainty following the ouster of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, and the potential loss of Russia's military toehold in Syria, to accuse the United States of sowing instability in the country.
Amendments to school textbooks by Syria's new authorities draw outcry VOA 02 Jan 2025 -- Amendments to school textbooks by Syria's new authorities have sparked outrage from parents, educators and rights groups.
Turkiye launches artillery attacks on different areas of northern Syria IRNA 01 Jan 2025 -- The Turkish artillery shelled the areas of 'Ain Isa', 'Tal Tamr' and the city of 'Ain al-Arab' (Kobani) located in northern Syria.
Abductions, extra-judicial killings surge in Syria under HTS rule: Report Press TV 01 Jan 2025 -- A new report says violence has surged in Syria under the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rule, with approximately 400 kidnappings and extra-judicial killings since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government in early December.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

January 2025 - Syria Special Weapons News