All articles tagged with #damascus
Syria’s first public trial of Assad-era security officials began in Damascus at the Palace of Justice, with Atef Najib, the former head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa, appearing as a defendant in a case activists say marks a notable step toward accountability for abuses during the uprising.
Iran launched a missile barrage targeting southern and central Israel, killing one man and injuring several others; Israel intercepted missiles over southern areas and Damascus, while police and rescue teams investigate shrapnel incidents and assess multiple impact sites as a fourth alert was issued.
The United States has shifted away from backing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces after a rapid string of clashes and a Damascus offensive that eroded SDF power. A U.S.-mediated ceasefire led to the SDF signing a deal to dissolve its separate command and integrate fighters into the Syrian army, leaving a limited presence only in Hassakeh. The move marks a major realignment of U.S. policy toward Syria’s postwar governance and reflects deep disagreements over decentralization and minority protections, with Washington choosing not to intervene as the SDF hoped for continued U.S. backing if conflict with Damascus resumed.
Syrian government forces pushed into Kurdish-held areas in the north, capturing Tabqa and its adjacent dam along with the Raqqa region’s Freedom dam, as a stalled plan to integrate Kurdish forces into the state collapsed. The Kurdish-led SDF withdrew east of the Euphrates but accused Damascus of violations and betrayal, despite international calls for de-escalation. US and allied efforts to curb the fighting continued, with clashes around oilfields and strategic posts as the government seeks to consolidate control north of Aleppo.
Syrian authorities have arrested ISIL leader Taha al-Zoubi near Damascus in a security operation, seizing weapons and a suicide belt, marking a significant blow to the group's presence in the region.
Thieves stole six marble statues from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, which houses significant artifacts from the Roman era and other ancient periods. The theft was discovered after a break-in, prompting an investigation and increased security measures. The museum, established in 1919, has a history of damage and looting due to the Syrian civil war, and the stolen items include rare archaeological pieces.
Thieves broke into Syria's National Museum in Damascus and stole six ancient Roman-era statues, prompting an investigation amid ongoing security concerns following years of civil conflict and recent political changes.
Ancient Roman-era marble statues were stolen from the National Museum of Damascus in Syria during a quick heist, exposing security vulnerabilities and occurring amidst ongoing national turmoil, with investigations ongoing and several arrests made.
Israeli airstrikes near Damascus have killed at least six Syrian soldiers and included a rare airborne landing, marking a significant escalation in Israel's military actions in Syria amid ongoing regional tensions and recent attempts at diplomatic talks.
U.S. Senators Shaheen and Ernst, along with Representative Wilson, criticized Israel's recent strikes in Damascus, Syria, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in Syria and urging Israel to cease hostilities to support ongoing peace efforts and regional stability.
Turkey has issued a stern warning to Syrian Kurdish groups, particularly the SDF, urging them to cease cooperation with Israel and to adhere to their agreement with Damascus, amid ongoing tensions and negotiations involving security, autonomy, and potential military action. The situation is complicated by regional alliances, recent clashes, and diplomatic efforts between Turkey, Syria, and the US.
The article describes the contrasting visions of Syria's future, highlighting the shift from secular freedoms under Bashar al-Assad to a more conservative, Islamist-influenced society under the new government, causing concern among secular Syrians and minorities about potential restrictions on social liberties and increased religious conservatism in Damascus.
Syria has withdrawn from planned Paris talks on integrating the Kurdish semi-autonomous administration into the Syrian state, demanding future negotiations be held in Damascus, citing concerns over international interference and recent regional conflicts.
Syria signed $14 billion in investment deals, including projects for a new airport and subway in Damascus, aimed at reviving its war-torn economy, with significant deals involving Qatar, the UAE, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.
Syria's interim president condemned Israeli strikes on Damascus amid escalating sectarian violence involving Druze communities, with international efforts to restore calm and protect civilians, especially in Sweida, where clashes have resulted in over 350 deaths. The situation remains tense with ongoing military actions and diplomatic negotiations.