Syria

How a reduced American presence, a fragmented state, and new tactics are fuelling a comeback.

Assad govt ran secret two-year operation to relocate mass graves, hide killings in Syria: Report

The site was created as part of a covert campaign, known to insiders as Operation Move Earth, designed to shift thousands of corpses from an earlier mass grave in Qutayfah to a more remote area, according to the report.

Explained: Will Syria’s first post-Assad elections ensure real political participation?

Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections since Bashar Assad’s fall, with most seats chosen by electoral colleges and one-third appointed, raising concerns over inclusivity, minority representation, and genuine political participation.

Syria's foreign minister en route to Washington in first official trip to US capital

Asaad al-Shibani will meet U.S. lawmakers to discuss the lifting of remaining U.S. sanctions on his country.

Syria: Forces Surround Sweida, Stop Bedouin Tribesmen From Entering Al-Mazra'a | N18G

Calm returned to the Syrian city of Sweida on Sunday after days of violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters. Internal security forces blocked armed Bedouins from entering Al-Mazra'a village, as a tribesman demanded Druze fighters surrender arms and hand over casualties by 1 p.m. The fighting began last week, prompting Damascus to deploy troops, who were later accused of abuses against Druze communities and targeted by Israeli strikes. A Wednesday truce led to their withdrawal. However, a new ceasefire announced Saturday by the Syrian presidency collapsed quickly, exposing the difficulties interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces in stabilising the nation.

Calm reported in Syria's Sweida as tribal fighters said to withdraw

With hundreds of people reported killed, the Sweida bloodshed has marked a major test for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa

WATCH: Syrian TV anchor flees mid-broadcast as Israeli airstrike hits station

The bombing by Israel came after its warning to the Islamist-led government to leave the Druze minority alone in its Sweida heartland, where a war monitor says sectarian clashes have killed nearly 250 people.

Why Israel is bombing Syria again? The Druze-Bedouin clashes in Sweida explained

Israeli strikes follow days of bloodshed in Sweida and a warning issued by Israel to the Syrian government, accusing it of targeting the Druze and violating a ceasefire agreement with the minority community.

Israel bombs Syrian Army headquarters after telling Damascus to back off Druze, warns of 'painful blows'

Syrian government forces entered the majority-Druze city of Sweida on Tuesday with the stated aim of overseeing a ceasefire agreed with Druze community leaders after clashes with local Bedouin tribes left more than 100 people dead.

Burkinis mandatory on beaches: Syria targets women’s beachwear, sparks public outcry

The ministry’s directive comes six months after Islamist forces toppled longtime President Bashar al-Assad, marking a sharp turn in Syria’s social and cultural policies.

Macron Backs Easing Syria Sanctions, Pushes U.S. to Stay Amid Secret Israel Talks| N18G

During a press conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his support for a gradual lifting of European Union sanctions on Syria, contingent on Syria maintaining its current political path. He also stated his intention to lobby the United States to adopt a similar stance and to delay its planned military withdrawal from Syria. The event marked the first European visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. Sharaa revealed that Syria has been engaged in indirect negotiations with Israel to reduce tensions amid ongoing Israeli strikes. These talks are being mediated through unnamed third parties. Reuters also reported that the United Arab Emirates has created a backchannel to facilitate dialogue between Syria and Israel. The developments suggest a potential diplomatic shift as Syria's new leadership seeks to stabilize the country both internally and in relation to regional actors. Macron's comments underscore Europe's growing role in this transition.

Israel strikes near Syria's presidential palace after warning Syrian authorities over sectarian attacks

The strike came after days of clashes between pro-Syrian government gunmen and fighters who belong to the Druze minority sect near the capital, Damascus.

Syria condemns Israeli strikes as ‘flagrant violation’ amid escalating tensions

Syria condemned Israeli strikes as a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty after deadly attacks in Daraa. Israel claimed it targeted militants, while regional powers warned of escalating tensions and instability in the region.

US gave Syria list of conditions for partial sanctions relief, say sources

Rubio condemned "radical Islamist terrorists, including foreign jihadis" that carried out the violence, and called for Syria's interim authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

EU hosts donor conference to support Syria’s post-Assad transition and reconstruction

The EU hosts a donor conference to support Syria’s post-Assad transition, economic recovery, and humanitarian needs. Amid security concerns and Islamist rule, the interim government seeks legitimacy, aid and sanctions relief.

Head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been killed, Iraqi prime minister says

Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, or “Abu Khadija,” was “deputy caliph” of the militant group and as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world," the statement said.

Syria’s interim President and Kurdish-led SDF sign agreement to merge forces

Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa and Kurdish-led SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed a deal to integrate SDF-controlled institutions into the state, transferring border crossings, an airport, and oil fields to Damascus' administration.

Syria signs deal with Kurdish-led SDF | Breakthrough in north-east region | Post-Assad regime | N18G

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed a historic agreement on March 10, 2025, to merge the Syrian government's forces with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a significant step toward uniting the country after 14 years of conflict. The deal includes a complete end of hostilities and the integration of SDF-controlled civilian and military institutions, such as airports and oil fields, into the Damascus administration. The agreement came at a critical time, as Syria faces growing violence from insurgents in the western coastal region and the mass killings of Alawite sect members. Celebrations erupted in Qamishli and Damascus following the announcement. Analysts believe the SDF may have signed the deal to secure a safeguard against a potential U.S. troop withdrawal, as American forces have supported the SDF in countering the Islamic State. The deal represents a crucial moment in Syria's path to reunification and peace.

Syrian foreign minister makes first trip to EU as powers look to aid transition

Asaad Hassan al-Shibani is leading a delegation for a first trip to the European Union since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and days after President Emmanuel Macron invited Syria's UN-sanctioned President Ahmed al-Sharaa to France.

Syria's Sharaa declared president for transition, consolidating his power

Sharaa was also empowered to form a temporary legislative council for a transitional period and the Syrian constitution was suspended, according to an announcement made by the military command which led the offensive against Assad.

From Syria to Myanmar: Why national armies struggle against rebel forces in civil wars

National armies often struggle against rebel forces due to inadequate strategies, asymmetrical warfare, and lack of counter-insurgency training. Factors like dispersed rebels, high-tech weapons, and political divisions hinder national armies, while democratic societies offer hope through inclusive approaches to resolve civil wars

France says it carried out missile strikes against ISIS in Syria last weekend

The French airstrike followed a similar military strike by the United States in Syria, which the US said had killed two Islamic State operatives.

Syrian embassy in Lebanon suspends services after Assad's relatives arrested from Beirut airport

Two relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut airport with allegedly forged passports.

Syria War | Syria's Al-Sharaa Merges Former Rebel Factions Under Defence Ministry | N18G

In a significant move, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has reached an agreement with former rebel faction chiefs to dissolve all groups and consolidate them under the defense ministry. This restructuring is part of efforts to rebuild Syria after over a decade of civil war. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir previously outlined plans to use former rebel factions and defectors from Bashar al-Assad’s army to reform the military. The appointment of Murhaf Abu Qasra as interim defense minister is also part of this historic transition. Syria’s new rulers face the challenge of ensuring peace among diverse groups and communities.

Ousted Syrian Leader Assad's Wife Asma al-Assad Files For Divorce | N18G

Asma al-Assad, wife of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce and seeks to relocate to London, according to reports from Turkish and Arab media. She filed the divorce request in a Russian court and is awaiting approval for her move to the UK, expressing dissatisfaction with her life in Moscow. Asma holds dual British-Syrian citizenship and spent her early years in London before relocating to Syria in 2000, where she married Assad. The couple met when Assad was studying in London, and Asma was working at JP Morgan. In addition to her personal struggles, Asma has faced significant health issues, including two cancer diagnoses, with leukemia discovered in May 2023 after overcoming breast cancer in 2019. The reports emerge as Bashar al-Assad, recently ousted by rebel forces, remains in exile in Russia, where his assets have been frozen, including gold, cash, and property.