Syria

Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Sharaa as a "strong leader" and voiced confidence in him. "We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful," he said.

Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Trump for historic talks

Sharaa, whose rebel forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year, is the first Syrian leader to visit the White House since the country's 1946 independence.

Syria foils two Islamic State plots to assassinate President Sharaa ahead of US visit: Report

President al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Washington next week for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, marking the first time a Syrian head of state will officially visit the White House.

UN Security Council removes sanctions on Syria's president and interior minister

Washington has been urging the 15-member Security Council for months to ease Syria sanctions.

US asks UN to lift sanctions on Syria's president ahead of White House visit

Washington has been urging the 15-member Security Council for months to ease Syria sanctions.

Islamic State’s resurgence in Syria explained: Why attacks are rising and what the US drawdown means

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.