Tensions between Israel and Syria continue to focus on the strategically important Golan Heights, as both sides remain locked in a dispute over territory and security.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later extended its laws and administration over the area. The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the territory as occupied Syrian land.

The situation has become more complicated since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone and expanded their military presence in southern Syria.

The latest developments come amid wider efforts to determine the future of Israel-Syria relations, with the Golan Heights remaining one of the most sensitive territorial issues in any potential agreement.

Israel, Syria Tussle Over Control of Golan Heights

India's NEET paper leak protests continue to intensify as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs students' three key demands and insists that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must be removed instead of being shifted to another ministry. Security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of another round of talks between the government and protest leaders.

In this edition of WION World Is One, we also cover:

Rahul Gandhi's demand to sack Dharmendra Pradhan
Delhi security tightened amid NEET paper leak protests
Clashes in Patna during statewide shutdown
Romania shoots down another drone near Ukraine border
Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia's Jazan
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits Syria
Typhoon Nol forces mass evacuations in China
Wildfires continue to devastate France and Spain

Stay tuned for the latest international updates and breaking developments.

Rahul Gandhi backs students' 3 demands | NEET protest intensifies | China Typhoon | Europe Wildfires

Major developments are unfolding across the globe in today's top international headlines.



Delhi Protests | Houthi Missile Attack | Trump-Iran Tensions | France Wildfires | China Landslide 

Syria has rejected suggestions that it should play a military role in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict despite proposals reportedly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Damascus has reiterated its position that it will not be drawn into a broader regional war, even as tensions continue to rise across multiple fronts in West Asia.

Syria rejects military role in Israel-Hezbollah conflict as Trump proposes Syrian role in the war

At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured in an explosion inside a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, according to state media. A Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) report said preliminary information indicates that the blast occurred inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood of Homs city in Central Syria. The mosque is located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque. Earlier, in a post on X, SANA cited the Syrian Ministry of Health as saying that 5 people were killed and 21 injured in the explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs.&nbsp;There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Syrian authorities announced that an investigation had begun to identify any suspects. Security forces have cordoned off the area as investigations continue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Syrian Ministry of Health: 5 people killed and 21 injured in the explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Homs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Homs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#explosion</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mosque?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mosque</a> <a href="https://t.co/t7MFnEtgHN">pic.twitter.com/t7MFnEtgHN</a>&mdash; SANA English (@SANAEnOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SANAEnOfficial/status/2004508065564168649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mothers-have-blind-love-for-raja-betas-who-can-be-villainous-says-hc-gives-30-year-jail-to-man-in-rape-murder-case-1766744403407">Mothers have blind love for ‘raja betas’ who can be villainous, says HC, gives 30-year jail to man in rape, murder case</a>&nbsp;Syrian Health Ministry official said the figures were a preliminary toll, indicating they could rise. Dr. Najib Al-Naasan, Director of the Referral, Ambulance and Emergency Directorate at the Syrian Ministry of Health, later told SANA, “The number of victims of the explosion at the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi Al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs has risen to 8 people, and 18 injured, in a preliminary count.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775">Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</a>&nbsp;The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the nature of the attack remains under investigation, and it is currently unclear whether the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber or an improvised explosive device (IED).&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Blatant attack on human and moral values,’ says Syrian foreign ministry</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Syrian Arab Republic expressed its strong condemnation of the mosque's bombing during Friday prayers.&nbsp;“This cowardly criminal act constitutes a blatant attack on human and moral values ​​and comes within the context of repeated desperate attempts to undermine security and stability and sow chaos among the Syrian people,” said the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.&nbsp;“Syria reiterates its firm stance in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasizes that such crimes will not deter the Syrian state from continuing its efforts to consolidate security, protect citizens, and hold those involved in these criminal acts accountable,” it added.&nbsp;<h2>Violent attacks targeting religious sites in Syria raise concerns</h2>&nbsp;The incident marks the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting religious sites in Syria, raising concerns over civilian safety and sectarian tensions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-dissent-and-angst-triggered-mass-protests-worldwide-1766674340518">Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide</a>&nbsp;On June 22, a suicide attack targeted the Greek Orthodox Saint Elias Church in the Duwaylaa neighbourhood of Damascus. In that incident, a gunman stormed the church during mass, opening fire before detonating an explosive belt.&nbsp;The attack, which killed at least 25 people and injured more than 60, was claimed by ‘Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah’, a group believed to be linked to the Islamic State (IS).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-may-darkness-give-way-to-dawn-sheikh-hasina-slams-yunus-govt-over-attacks-on-minorities-1766685102235">‘Perpetrating unspeakable atrocities’: Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus govt over attacks on minorities</a>&nbsp;Besides, there was an arson attack on Saint Michael’s Church earlier this month and the vandalism of a Virgin Mary statue at Saint Cyril Church in Damascus in early November.

The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting religious sites in Syria, raising concerns over civilian safety and sectarian tensions.

At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured in an explosion inside a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, according to state media. A Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) report said preliminary information indicates that the blast occurred inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood of Homs city in Central Syria. The mosque is located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque. Earlier, in a post on X, SANA cited the Syrian Ministry of Health as saying that 5 people were killed and 21 injured in the explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Syrian authorities announced that an investigation had begun to identify any suspects. Security forces have cordoned off the area as investigations continue.

The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting religious sites in Syria, raising concerns over civilian safety and sectarian tensions.

8 killed, 21 injured in blast inside Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs city

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday (Nov 10) for unprecedented talks, just days after Washington removed him from a terrorism blacklist.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Sharaa's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was itself only delisted as a terrorist group by Washington in July. Sharaa himself was taken off the list on Friday.&nbsp;"The president of Syria arrived at the White House... The meeting between President Trump and President al-Sharaa has also started," the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;Unusually for the normally camera-friendly Trump, both the arrival and the meeting of the Syrian president were taking place behind closed doors without the media present.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-people-against-tariffs-are-fools-trump-says-each-american-will-be-paid-2000-dividend-1762696056887">‘People against tariffs are fools’: Trump says each American will be paid $2000 dividend</a>&nbsp;Trump said last week that Sharaa was doing a "very good job. It's a tough neighbourhood. And he's a tough guy. But I got along with them very well and a lot of progress has been made with Syria."&nbsp;Since taking power, Syria's new leaders have sought to break from their violent past and present a more moderate image to ordinary Syrians and foreign powers.&nbsp;Sharaa's White House visit is "a hugely symbolic moment for the country's new leader, who thus marks another step in his astonishing transformation from militant leader to global statesman," said Michael Hanna, US program director at the International Crisis Group.&nbsp;The interim president met Trump for the first time in Saudi Arabia during the US leader's regional tour in May. At the time the 79-year-old Trump dubbed Sharaa, 43, a “a young, attractive guy.”<h2>Terror blacklist removal&nbsp;</h2>The US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, said earlier this month that Sharaa may on Monday sign an agreement to join the international US-led alliance against the Islamic State (IS) group.&nbsp;The United States plans to establish a military base near Damascus "to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel," a diplomatic source in Syria told AFP.&nbsp;Washington has also been pushing for some kind of pact to end decades of enmity between Syria and Israel, part of Trump's wider goal to shore up the fragile Gaza ceasefire with a broader Middle East peace settlement.&nbsp;For his part, Sharaa is expected to seek US funds for Syria, which faces significant challenges in rebuilding after 13 years of devastating civil war.After his arrival in Washington, Sharaa over the weekend met with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva over possible aid.&nbsp;He also played basketball with US CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper and Kevin Lambert, the head of the international anti-IS operation in Iraq, according to a social media post by Syria's foreign minister.&nbsp;Sharaa's jihadist past has caused controversy in some quarters but the State Department's decision Friday to remove Sharaa from the blacklist was widely expected.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shutdown-to-end-trump-says-getting-close-as-senate-leaders-reach-deal-for-funding-1762738611912">US shutdown to end? Trump says ‘getting close’ as Senate leaders reach deal for funding</a>&nbsp;State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Sharaa's government had been meeting US demands on working to find missing Americans and on eliminating any remaining chemical weapons.&nbsp;Sharaa's trip comes weeks after he became the first Syrian president in decades to address the UN General Assembly in New York. Last week Washington led a Security Council vote to remove UN sanctions against him.&nbsp;The Syrian president has also been making diplomatic outreach towards Washington's rivals. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin in October in their first meeting since the removal of Assad, a key Kremlin ally.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Sharaa's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was itself only delisted as a terrorist group by Washington in July. Sharaa himself was taken off the list on Friday.



Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday (Nov 10) for unprecedented talks, just days after Washington removed him from a terrorism blacklist. 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. Formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Sharaa's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was itself only delisted as a terrorist group by Washington in July. Sharaa himself was taken off the list on Friday. "The president of Syria arrived at the White House... The meeting between President Trump and President al-Sharaa has also started," the White House said in a statement. Unusually for the normally camera-friendly Trump, both the arrival and the meeting of the Syrian president were taking place behind closed doors without the media present. Also Read: ‘People against tariffs are fools’: Trump says each American will be paid $2000 dividend Trump said last week that Sharaa was doing a "very good job. It's a tough neighbourhood. And he's a tough guy. But I got along with them very well and a lot of progress has been made with Syria." Since taking power, Syria's new leaders have sought to break from their violent past and present a more moderate image to ordinary Syrians and foreign powers. Sharaa's White House visit is "a hugely symbolic moment for the country's new leader, who thus marks another step in his astonishing transformation from militant leader to global statesman," said Michael Hanna, US program director at the International Crisis Group. The interim president met Trump for the first time in Saudi Arabia during the US leader's regional tour in May. At the time the 79-year-old Trump dubbed Sharaa, 43, a “a young, attractive guy.” Terror blacklist removal The US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, said earlier this month that Sharaa may on Monday sign an agreement to join the international US-led alliance against the Islamic State (IS) group. The United States plans to establish a military base near Damascus "to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel," a diplomatic source in Syria told AFP. Washington has also been pushing for some kind of pact to end decades of enmity between Syria and Israel, part of Trump's wider goal to shore up the fragile Gaza ceasefire with a broader Middle East peace settlement. For his part, Sharaa is expected to seek US funds for Syria, which faces significant challenges in rebuilding after 13 years of devastating civil war. After his arrival in Washington, Sharaa over the weekend met with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva over possible aid. He also played basketball with US CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper and Kevin Lambert, the head of the international anti-IS operation in Iraq, according to a social media post by Syria's foreign minister. Sharaa's jihadist past has caused controversy in some quarters but the State Department's decision Friday to remove Sharaa from the blacklist was widely expected. Also Read: US shutdown to end? Trump says ‘getting close’ as Senate leaders reach deal for funding State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Sharaa's government had been meeting US demands on working to find missing Americans and on eliminating any remaining chemical weapons. Sharaa's trip comes weeks after he became the first Syrian president in decades to address the UN General Assembly in New York. Last week Washington led a Security Council vote to remove UN sanctions against him. The Syrian president has also been making diplomatic outreach towards Washington's rivals. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin in October in their first meeting since the removal of Assad, a key Kremlin ally. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Sharaa's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was itself only delisted as a terrorist group by Washington in July. Sharaa himself was taken off the list on Friday.&nbsp;

From blacklist to White House: Trump hosts Syria’s president Ahmed al-Sharaa for talks

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Wednesday (September 24) became the first Syrian leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in six decades. The Syrian leader said, “Syrian story is filled with emotions, and it mixes pain with hope. The Syrian story is a story of struggle between good and evil.” Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasising his country's long struggle against oppression and the significant strides made since last December's unexpected victory. He spoke of the decades of hardship endured by the Syrian people, saying, “For years, we have faced injustice, deprivation, and repression. But we rose to claim our dignity.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dallas-shooter-had-anti-ice-written-on-one-of-his-bullets-says-fbi-chief-kash-patel-shares-photo-1758729648778">'Dallas shooter had ANTI-ICE written on his bullets': Trump admin blames media after attack on immigration facility, calls out ‘far-left rhetoric'</a>&nbsp;Al-Sharaa also highlighted Syria's recent progress, which he described as a ‘unique achievement’ for the country. He credited this success to the solidarity of the Syrian people, their efforts to dismantle sectarian divisions, and their determination to prevent further attempts to fracture the country.&nbsp;In his speech, Al-Sharaa outlined the key reforms implemented since the regime's restoration, including the establishment of new laws, the creation of democratic institutions, and the engagement of international businesses. He also called for the complete removal of sanctions, which he argued continue to hinder the country's recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Al-Sharaa's address was brief but pointed, and he concluded by expressing Syria's deep understanding of the devastation caused by war. “We have experienced suffering that we wish on no one,” he remarked. "As one of the countries most acutely aware of the horrors of conflict, we stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, including its children and women, and with all those suffering from violence and aggression. We call for an immediate ceasefire."

'We stand firmly with the people of Gaza', says Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa at UNGA

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Wednesday (September 24) became the first Syrian leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in six decades. The Syrian leader said, “Syrian story is filled with emotions, and it mixes pain with hope. The Syrian story is a story of struggle between good and evil.” Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasising his country's long struggle against oppression and the significant strides made since last December's unexpected victory. He spoke of the decades of hardship endured by the Syrian people, saying, “For years, we have faced injustice, deprivation, and repression. But we rose to claim our dignity.” Also Read: 'Dallas shooter had ANTI-ICE written on his bullets': Trump admin blames media after attack on immigration facility, calls out ‘far-left rhetoric' Al-Sharaa also highlighted Syria's recent progress, which he described as a ‘unique achievement’ for the country. He credited this success to the solidarity of the Syrian people, their efforts to dismantle sectarian divisions, and their determination to prevent further attempts to fracture the country. In his speech, Al-Sharaa outlined the key reforms implemented since the regime's restoration, including the establishment of new laws, the creation of democratic institutions, and the engagement of international businesses. He also called for the complete removal of sanctions, which he argued continue to hinder the country's recovery. Al-Sharaa's address was brief but pointed, and he concluded by expressing Syria's deep understanding of the devastation caused by war. “We have experienced suffering that we wish on no one,” he remarked. "As one of the countries most acutely aware of the horrors of conflict, we stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, including its children and women, and with all those suffering from violence and aggression. We call for an immediate ceasefire."

Al-Sharaa's address was his debut at the United Nations General Assembly, and it was for the first time that a Syrian president has attended the international summit since 1967

Turkey has now issued a warning to Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Ankara will do whatever is required if the People's Protection Unit (YPG) fails to meet its demands. When asked what that may entail, he stated military operations. Watch in for more details!

Turkiye has legitimate concerns about PKK militants in Syria says Blinken

At least 14 interior ministry troops were killed in an "ambush" by supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in the west of the country, Syria&rsquo;s new rebel-led authorities have reported.
The attack, which also left 10 personnel injured, happened on Tuesday (December 26) near the coastal city of Tartous, a stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite Muslim sect.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
The incident took place when security forces attempted to arrest a former regime officer who was one of the accused "responsible for the crimes of the Saydnaya prison,&rdquo; a detention facility near Damascus. 
Also read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15000-devices-fail-to-detonate-in-israels-explosive-pager-operation-against-hezbollah-report-8567156" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">15,000 devices failed to explode during Israel's pager operation against Hezbollah: Report</a>
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the officer, identified as Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was responsible for issuing "death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners."
The Observatory reported that Hassan&rsquo;s brother and other armed supporters intercepted the security forces, setting up an ambush near the village and targeting a patrol vehicle.
"14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after... a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime" in Tartus province "while performing their tasks of maintaining security and safety," Syria&rsquo;s new Interior Minister, Mohammed Abdel Rahman, said.
Also read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-the-ttp-whose-camps-were-struck-by-pakistan-in-afghanistan-8566893" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">Explained: Who is the TTP whose camps were struck by Pakistan in Afghanistan?</a>
The troops targeted in the ambush were members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led a rebel offensive earlier this month, overthrowing Assad&rsquo;s government. 
Assad fled Syria on December 8 after an 11-day HTS-led offensive. The former president, who ruled Syria since 2000 after succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, left for Russia, where the Kremlin later confirmed he was granted political asylum.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

"14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after... a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime," Syria’s new Interior Minister said.

At least 14 interior ministry troops were killed in an "ambush" by supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in the west of the country, Syria’s new rebel-led authorities have reported. The attack, which also left 10 personnel injured, happened on Tuesday (December 26) near the coastal city of Tartous, a stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite Muslim sect. What happened? The incident took place when security forces attempted to arrest a former regime officer who was one of the accused "responsible for the crimes of the Saydnaya prison,” a detention facility near Damascus. Also read: 15,000 devices failed to explode during Israel's pager operation against Hezbollah: Report According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the officer, identified as Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was responsible for issuing "death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners." The Observatory reported that Hassan’s brother and other armed supporters intercepted the security forces, setting up an ambush near the village and targeting a patrol vehicle. "14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after... a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime" in Tartus province "while performing their tasks of maintaining security and safety," Syria’s new Interior Minister, Mohammed Abdel Rahman, said. Also read: Explained: Who is the TTP whose camps were struck by Pakistan in Afghanistan? The troops targeted in the ambush were members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led a rebel offensive earlier this month, overthrowing Assad’s government. Assad fled Syria on December 8 after an 11-day HTS-led offensive. The former president, who ruled Syria since 2000 after succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, left for Russia, where the Kremlin later confirmed he was granted political asylum. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Assad loyalists kill 14 in 'ambush attack,' claim Syria's new ruling forces

Damascus, Syria
A Turkish drone killed five civilians in northeastern Syria on Saturday, a war monitor said, two days after the death of Kurdish journalists in similar circumstances.
Since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Turkey has emphasised its backing for armed groups fighting Kurdish forces that control part of the country's north.
"Two civilians, a woman and a political party member, succumbed to their wounds, bringing to five the number of people killed Saturday by Turkish drone strikes," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Earlier Saturday, the Hawar Kurdish news agency in Syria reported: "The Turkish occupation targeted a car with a drone strike on a road between Al-Hawl and Tal Brak" in Hasakeh province, "killing three civilians".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-reopens-embassy-in-damascus-after-13-years-second-nation-to-reopen-embassy-since-assads-fall-785835" target="_blank">After Turkey, Qatar becomes second nation to reopen embassy in Damascus</a>
In a statement, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said: "This crime is one of a series of flagrant violations of international law and human rights which forbid the targeting of civilians."
Separately, a Turkish drone targeted wheat silos southwest of Kobane, "destroying a large quantity of stocks", the US-backed and Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces said.
The SDF are the Kurds' de facto army in northeastern Syria.
Suppressed for decades, the Kurds took advantage of the weakness of Assad's government during Syria's civil war that erupted after he suppressed anti-government protests in 2011. The Kurds then proclaimed their own autonomous region in the north.
Turkey backs the Islamist-led rulers now in power in Syria after they toppled Assad.
But Ankara views the SDF as a terrorist organisation because it is dominated by the YPG, a Kurdish group it says is linked to PKK militants who have fought a decades-long insurgency on Turkish soil.
Ankara is hoping Syria's new rulers from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will take steps to address the issue of Kurdish fighters in the north.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-condemn-deadly-christmas-market-attack-in-germany-express-solidarity-in-grief-785880" target="_blank">World leaders condemn deadly Christmas market attack in Germany</a>
A Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday that Ankara would push ahead with its military preparations until Kurdish fighters "disarm", stressing the ongoing threat along its border with Syria.
The Turkish army insists it never targets civilians but only terrorist groups.
On Thursday, a Turkish drone killed two journalists from Turkey's Kurdish-majority southeast while covering clashes between Ankara-backed and Kurdish fighters near the Tishrin Dam south of Kobane, journalists' groups said.
On Saturday, the Observatory reported the deaths of 14 pro-Turkey fighters in "fierce fighting" with the SDF, also near the dam.
Concern has grown over a possible Turkish assault on the Kurdish-held border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, after pro-Turkish fighters seized Manbij and Tal Rifaat, two other key Kurdish-held towns.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"Two civilians, a woman and a political party member, succumbed to their wounds, bringing to five the number of people killed Saturday by Turkish drone strikes," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.



Damascus, Syria A Turkish drone killed five civilians in northeastern Syria on Saturday, a war monitor said, two days after the death of Kurdish journalists in similar circumstances. Since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Turkey has emphasised its backing for armed groups fighting Kurdish forces that control part of the country's north. "Two civilians, a woman and a political party member, succumbed to their wounds, bringing to five the number of people killed Saturday by Turkish drone strikes," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Earlier Saturday, the Hawar Kurdish news agency in Syria reported: "The Turkish occupation targeted a car with a drone strike on a road between Al-Hawl and Tal Brak" in Hasakeh province, "killing three civilians". Also read: After Turkey, Qatar becomes second nation to reopen embassy in Damascus In a statement, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said: "This crime is one of a series of flagrant violations of international law and human rights which forbid the targeting of civilians." Separately, a Turkish drone targeted wheat silos southwest of Kobane, "destroying a large quantity of stocks", the US-backed and Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces said. The SDF are the Kurds' de facto army in northeastern Syria. Suppressed for decades, the Kurds took advantage of the weakness of Assad's government during Syria's civil war that erupted after he suppressed anti-government protests in 2011. The Kurds then proclaimed their own autonomous region in the north. Turkey backs the Islamist-led rulers now in power in Syria after they toppled Assad. But Ankara views the SDF as a terrorist organisation because it is dominated by the YPG, a Kurdish group it says is linked to PKK militants who have fought a decades-long insurgency on Turkish soil. Ankara is hoping Syria's new rulers from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will take steps to address the issue of Kurdish fighters in the north. Also read: World leaders condemn deadly Christmas market attack in Germany A Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday that Ankara would push ahead with its military preparations until Kurdish fighters "disarm", stressing the ongoing threat along its border with Syria. The Turkish army insists it never targets civilians but only terrorist groups. On Thursday, a Turkish drone killed two journalists from Turkey's Kurdish-majority southeast while covering clashes between Ankara-backed and Kurdish fighters near the Tishrin Dam south of Kobane, journalists' groups said. On Saturday, the Observatory reported the deaths of 14 pro-Turkey fighters in "fierce fighting" with the SDF, also near the dam. Concern has grown over a possible Turkish assault on the Kurdish-held border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, after pro-Turkish fighters seized Manbij and Tal Rifaat, two other key Kurdish-held towns. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Turkish drone strike kills 5 civilians in Syria as tensions with Kurdish forces escalate: Report

Damascus, Syria
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Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership.
According to media reports, Qatar’s flag was raised over its embassy, making it the second nation, after Turkey, to officially reopen its mission following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels earlier this month.
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The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime.
In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the reopening of the embassy shows its support for the Syrian people and their "struggle to attain their legitimate rights for a dignified life." Unlike several Arab nations, Qatar has previously refrained from restoring ties with Assad’s government or re-establishing diplomatic relations with Damascus.
Last week, a Qatari diplomatic delegation visited Damascus to meet with the transitional government. "Doha's full commitment to support the Syrian people" was reaffirmed during the visit, a Qatari diplomat told AFP.
<h2>European Union 'ready' to reopen diplomatic mission in Damascus</h2>
The European Union has also announced its readiness to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Meanwhile, Britain, France, and the United States have sent delegations to the Syrian capital since Assad’s removal.
Watch: Yemen's Houthis Launch Ballistic Missile On Israel's Tel Aviv 
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On Tuesday, France raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus. However, the country’s special envoy to Syria stated the mission would remain closed until “security criteria are met.”
In a related development, the United States on Friday withdrew a $10 million bounty that had been placed on Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.
Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after opposition forces seized Damascus, marking the end of his regime.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime.



Damascus, Syria Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership. According to media reports, Qatar’s flag was raised over its embassy, making it the second nation, after Turkey, to officially reopen its mission following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels earlier this month. Also read: Ukraine hits Russian high-rises in Kazan. Video shows '9/11-style attack' The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime. In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the reopening of the embassy shows its support for the Syrian people and their "struggle to attain their legitimate rights for a dignified life." Unlike several Arab nations, Qatar has previously refrained from restoring ties with Assad’s government or re-establishing diplomatic relations with Damascus. Last week, a Qatari diplomatic delegation visited Damascus to meet with the transitional government. "Doha's full commitment to support the Syrian people" was reaffirmed during the visit, a Qatari diplomat told AFP. European Union 'ready' to reopen diplomatic mission in Damascus The European Union has also announced its readiness to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Meanwhile, Britain, France, and the United States have sent delegations to the Syrian capital since Assad’s removal. Watch: Yemen's Houthis Launch Ballistic Missile On Israel's Tel Aviv On Tuesday, France raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus. However, the country’s special envoy to Syria stated the mission would remain closed until “security criteria are met.” In a related development, the United States on Friday withdrew a $10 million bounty that had been placed on Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism. Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after opposition forces seized Damascus, marking the end of his regime. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatar reopens embassy in Damascus after 13 years; second nation to reopen mission since Assad's fall

A Turkish drone killed five civilians in northeastern Syria on Saturday, a war monitor said, two days after the death of Kurdish journalists in similar circumstances.

Since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Turkey has emphasised its backing for armed groups fighting Kurdish forces that control part of the country's north.

"Two civilians, a woman and a political party member, succumbed to their wounds, bringing to five the number of people killed Saturday by Turkish drone strikes," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Earlier Saturday, the Hawar Kurdish news agency in Syria reported: "The Turkish occupation targeted a car with a drone strike on a road between Al-Hawl and Tal Brak" in Hasakeh province, "killing three civilians".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-reopens-embassy-in-damascus-after-13-years-second-nation-to-reopen-embassy-since-assads-fall-785835" target="_blank">After Turkey, Qatar becomes second nation to reopen embassy in Damascus</a>

In a statement, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said: "This crime is one of a series of flagrant violations of international law and human rights which forbid the targeting of civilians."

Separately, a Turkish drone targeted wheat silos southwest of Kobane, "destroying a large quantity of stocks", the US-backed and Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces said.

The SDF are the Kurds' de facto army in northeastern Syria.

Suppressed for decades, the Kurds took advantage of the weakness of Assad's government during Syria's civil war that erupted after he suppressed anti-government protests in 2011. The Kurds then proclaimed their own autonomous region in the north.

Turkey backs the Islamist-led rulers now in power in Syria after they toppled Assad.

But Ankara views the SDF as a terrorist organisation because it is dominated by the YPG, a Kurdish group it says is linked to PKK militants who have fought a decades-long insurgency on Turkish soil.

Ankara is hoping Syria's new rulers from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will take steps to address the issue of Kurdish fighters in the north.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-condemn-deadly-christmas-market-attack-in-germany-express-solidarity-in-grief-785880" target="_blank">World leaders condemn deadly Christmas market attack in Germany</a>

A Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday that Ankara would push ahead with its military preparations until Kurdish fighters "disarm", stressing the ongoing threat along its border with Syria.

The Turkish army insists it never targets civilians but only terrorist groups.

On Thursday, a Turkish drone killed two journalists from Turkey's Kurdish-majority southeast while covering clashes between Ankara-backed and Kurdish fighters near the Tishrin Dam south of Kobane, journalists' groups said.

On Saturday, the Observatory reported the deaths of 14 pro-Turkey fighters in "fierce fighting" with the SDF, also near the dam.

Concern has grown over a possible Turkish assault on the Kurdish-held border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, after pro-Turkish fighters seized Manbij and Tal Rifaat, two other key Kurdish-held towns.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A Turkish drone killed five civilians in northeastern Syria on Saturday, a war monitor said, two days after the death of Kurdish journalists in similar circumstances.

A Turkish drone killed five civilians in northeastern Syria on Saturday, a war monitor said, two days after the death of Kurdish journalists in similar circumstances. Since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Turkey has emphasised its backing for armed groups fighting Kurdish forces that control part of the country's north. "Two civilians, a woman and a political party member, succumbed to their wounds, bringing to five the number of people killed Saturday by Turkish drone strikes," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Earlier Saturday, the Hawar Kurdish news agency in Syria reported: "The Turkish occupation targeted a car with a drone strike on a road between Al-Hawl and Tal Brak" in Hasakeh province, "killing three civilians". Also read: After Turkey, Qatar becomes second nation to reopen embassy in Damascus In a statement, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said: "This crime is one of a series of flagrant violations of international law and human rights which forbid the targeting of civilians." Separately, a Turkish drone targeted wheat silos southwest of Kobane, "destroying a large quantity of stocks", the US-backed and Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces said. The SDF are the Kurds' de facto army in northeastern Syria. Suppressed for decades, the Kurds took advantage of the weakness of Assad's government during Syria's civil war that erupted after he suppressed anti-government protests in 2011. The Kurds then proclaimed their own autonomous region in the north. Turkey backs the Islamist-led rulers now in power in Syria after they toppled Assad. But Ankara views the SDF as a terrorist organisation because it is dominated by the YPG, a Kurdish group it says is linked to PKK militants who have fought a decades-long insurgency on Turkish soil. Ankara is hoping Syria's new rulers from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will take steps to address the issue of Kurdish fighters in the north. Also read: World leaders condemn deadly Christmas market attack in Germany A Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday that Ankara would push ahead with its military preparations until Kurdish fighters "disarm", stressing the ongoing threat along its border with Syria. The Turkish army insists it never targets civilians but only terrorist groups. On Thursday, a Turkish drone killed two journalists from Turkey's Kurdish-majority southeast while covering clashes between Ankara-backed and Kurdish fighters near the Tishrin Dam south of Kobane, journalists' groups said. On Saturday, the Observatory reported the deaths of 14 pro-Turkey fighters in "fierce fighting" with the SDF, also near the dam. Concern has grown over a possible Turkish assault on the Kurdish-held border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, after pro-Turkish fighters seized Manbij and Tal Rifaat, two other key Kurdish-held towns. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership.

Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership. According to media reports, Qatar’s flag was raised over its embassy, making it the second nation, after Turkey, to officially reopen its mission following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels earlier this month. Also read: Ukraine hits Russian high-rises in Kazan. Video shows '9/11-style attack' The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime. In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the reopening of the embassy shows its support for the Syrian people and their "struggle to attain their legitimate rights for a dignified life." Unlike several Arab nations, Qatar has previously refrained from restoring ties with Assad’s government or re-establishing diplomatic relations with Damascus. Last week, a Qatari diplomatic delegation visited Damascus to meet with the transitional government. "Doha's full commitment to support the Syrian people" was reaffirmed during the visit, a Qatari diplomat told AFP. European Union 'ready' to reopen diplomatic mission in Damascus The European Union has also announced its readiness to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Meanwhile, Britain, France, and the United States have sent delegations to the Syrian capital since Assad’s removal. Watch: Yemen's Houthis Launch Ballistic Missile On Israel's Tel Aviv On Tuesday, France raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus. However, the country’s special envoy to Syria stated the mission would remain closed until “security criteria are met.” In a related development, the United States on Friday withdrew a $10 million bounty that had been placed on Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism. Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after opposition forces seized Damascus, marking the end of his regime. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

The Islamist group that drove out Bashar al-Assad from Syria and toppled his decades-old regime said, on Monday (Dec 16), that the rebel groups in the country would be disbanded and the fighters would be listed under the defence ministry. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani also called on the Western nations to lift sanctions on the country so that refugees can return. &nbsp;

The HTS led the 11-day rebel offensive against the Assad regime, leading to his ouster and the fall of the capital Damascus.

Mohammed al-Jolani, on Monday, took to Telegram and said all rebel factions who participated in the offensive would be disbanded and “the fighters would be trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry". "All will be subject to the law," said the HTS leader, who now uses his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

<h2>Special emphasis on unity</h2>

The HTS leader also called for unity in Syria, a country made up of several minority groups and ethnicities. While addressing the members of the Druze community, a sect of Shi’ite Islam making up about 3 per cent of Syria's pre-war population, he said, "Syria must remain united. There must be a social contract between the state and all religions to guarantee social justice."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjO5aKNkq6KAxW0xzgGHSzpIU0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-part-of-the-plan-syrias-assad-breaks-silence-says-he-was-evacuated-to-russia-784421" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/not-part-of-the-plan-syrias-assad-breaks-silence-says-he-was-evacuated-to-russia-784421&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO5aKNkq6KAxW0xzgGHSzpIU0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">`Not part of the plan,` Syria`s Assad breaks silence, says Russia `requested` immediate evacuation</a>

It must be noted that while several Western leaders have welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, they are looking askance upon the new administration and are waiting to see how it will treat its minorities.

<h2>‘Sanctions must be lifted’</h2>

The HTS leader even held a meeting with a delegation from the UK and underscored “the importance of restoring relations" with London. He said that ending "all sanctions imposed on Syria” was important so that “refugees can return to their country".

Watch:&nbsp;After Assad's Ouster in Syria, UN Envoy Calls For End to Sanctions

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Nations like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden and Norway have already suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. The West had placed a host of sanctions on the Assad regime, aimed at crippling the war-torn country’s economy. The sanctions include bans on weapons sales to Syria and oil imports from the country.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamist group that drove out Bashar al-Assad from Syria and toppled his decades-old regime said, on Monday (Dec 16), that the rebel groups in the country would be disbanded and the fighters would be listed under the defence ministry.

The Islamist group that drove out Bashar al-Assad from Syria and toppled his decades-old regime said, on Monday (Dec 16), that the rebel groups in the country would be disbanded and the fighters would be listed under the defence ministry. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani also called on the Western nations to lift sanctions on the country so that refugees can return. The HTS led the 11-day rebel offensive against the Assad regime, leading to his ouster and the fall of the capital Damascus. Mohammed al-Jolani, on Monday, took to Telegram and said all rebel factions who participated in the offensive would be disbanded and “the fighters would be trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry". "All will be subject to the law," said the HTS leader, who now uses his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Special emphasis on unity The HTS leader also called for unity in Syria, a country made up of several minority groups and ethnicities. While addressing the members of the Druze community, a sect of Shi’ite Islam making up about 3 per cent of Syria's pre-war population, he said, "Syria must remain united. There must be a social contract between the state and all religions to guarantee social justice." Also read: `Not part of the plan,` Syria`s Assad breaks silence, says Russia `requested` immediate evacuation It must be noted that while several Western leaders have welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, they are looking askance upon the new administration and are waiting to see how it will treat its minorities. ‘Sanctions must be lifted’ The HTS leader even held a meeting with a delegation from the UK and underscored “the importance of restoring relations" with London. He said that ending "all sanctions imposed on Syria” was important so that “refugees can return to their country". Watch: After Assad's Ouster in Syria, UN Envoy Calls For End to Sanctions × Nations like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden and Norway have already suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. The West had placed a host of sanctions on the Assad regime, aimed at crippling the war-torn country’s economy. The sanctions include bans on weapons sales to Syria and oil imports from the country. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions

Damascus
The Islamist group that drove out Bashar al-Assad from Syria and toppled his decades-old regime said, on Monday (Dec 16), that the rebel groups in the country would be disbanded and the fighters would be listed under the defence ministry. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani also called on the Western nations to lift sanctions on the country so that refugees can return.  
The HTS led the 11-day rebel offensive against the Assad regime, leading to his ouster and the fall of the capital Damascus.
Mohammed al-Jolani, on Monday, took to Telegram and said all rebel factions who participated in the offensive would be disbanded and “the fighters would be trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry". "All will be subject to the law," said the HTS leader, who now uses his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
<h2>Special emphasis on unity</h2>
The HTS leader also called for unity in Syria, a country made up of several minority groups and ethnicities. While addressing the members of the Druze community, a sect of Shi’ite Islam making up about 3 per cent of Syria's pre-war population, he said, "Syria must remain united. There must be a social contract between the state and all religions to guarantee social justice."
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjO5aKNkq6KAxW0xzgGHSzpIU0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-part-of-the-plan-syrias-assad-breaks-silence-says-he-was-evacuated-to-russia-784421" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/not-part-of-the-plan-syrias-assad-breaks-silence-says-he-was-evacuated-to-russia-784421&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO5aKNkq6KAxW0xzgGHSzpIU0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">`Not part of the plan,` Syria`s Assad breaks silence, says Russia `requested` immediate evacuation</a>
It must be noted that while several Western leaders have welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, they are looking askance upon the new administration and are waiting to see how it will treat its minorities.
<h2>‘Sanctions must be lifted’</h2>
The HTS leader even held a meeting with a delegation from the UK and underscored “the importance of restoring relations" with London. He said that ending "all sanctions imposed on Syria” was important so that “refugees can return to their country".
Watch: After Assad's Ouster in Syria, UN Envoy Calls For End to Sanctions
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Nations like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden and Norway have already suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. The West had placed a host of sanctions on the Assad regime, aimed at crippling the war-torn country’s economy. The sanctions include bans on weapons sales to Syria and oil imports from the country.
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

Mohammed al-Jolani, on Monday, took to Telegram and said all rebel factions who participated in the offensive would be disbanded and “the fighters would be trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry."



Damascus The Islamist group that drove out Bashar al-Assad from Syria and toppled his decades-old regime said, on Monday (Dec 16), that the rebel groups in the country would be disbanded and the fighters would be listed under the defence ministry. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani also called on the Western nations to lift sanctions on the country so that refugees can return. The HTS led the 11-day rebel offensive against the Assad regime, leading to his ouster and the fall of the capital Damascus. Mohammed al-Jolani, on Monday, took to Telegram and said all rebel factions who participated in the offensive would be disbanded and “the fighters would be trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry". "All will be subject to the law," said the HTS leader, who now uses his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Special emphasis on unity The HTS leader also called for unity in Syria, a country made up of several minority groups and ethnicities. While addressing the members of the Druze community, a sect of Shi’ite Islam making up about 3 per cent of Syria's pre-war population, he said, "Syria must remain united. There must be a social contract between the state and all religions to guarantee social justice." Also read: `Not part of the plan,` Syria`s Assad breaks silence, says Russia `requested` immediate evacuation It must be noted that while several Western leaders have welcomed the fall of the Assad regime, they are looking askance upon the new administration and are waiting to see how it will treat its minorities. ‘Sanctions must be lifted’ The HTS leader even held a meeting with a delegation from the UK and underscored “the importance of restoring relations" with London. He said that ending "all sanctions imposed on Syria” was important so that “refugees can return to their country". Watch: After Assad's Ouster in Syria, UN Envoy Calls For End to Sanctions × Nations like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden and Norway have already suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. The West had placed a host of sanctions on the Assad regime, aimed at crippling the war-torn country’s economy. The sanctions include bans on weapons sales to Syria and oil imports from the country. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's foreign minister said Sunday that London had established diplomatic contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group in Syria, which led the offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad.

Britain's foreign minister said Sunday that London had established diplomatic contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group in Syria, which led the offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad. They remain "a proscribed terrorist organisation, but we can have diplomatic contact and so we do have diplomatic contact, as you would expect", said Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Also read: US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years "We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government. We want to see chemical weapons stockpiles secured, and not used, and we want to ensure that there is not continuing violence," he added. "So, for all of those reasons, using all the channels that we have available, and those are diplomatic and of course intelligence-led channels, we seek to deal with HTS where we have to." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UK admits to 'diplomatic contact' with Syria’s HTS rebel group despite terror designation

London, United Kingdom
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Britain's foreign minister said Sunday that London had established diplomatic contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group in Syria, which led the offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
They remain "a proscribed terrorist organisation, but we can have diplomatic contact and so we do have diplomatic contact, as you would expect", said Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-makes-direct-contact-with-syrias-rebels-turkey-reopens-embassy-in-damascus-after-12-years-784032" target="_blank">US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years</a>
"We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government. We want to see chemical weapons stockpiles secured, and not used, and we want to ensure that there is not continuing violence," he added.
"So, for all of those reasons, using all the channels that we have available, and those are diplomatic and of course intelligence-led channels, we seek to deal with HTS where we have to."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

They remain "a proscribed terrorist organisation, but we can have diplomatic contact and so we do have diplomatic contact, as you would expect", said Foreign Secretary David Lammy.



London, United Kingdom Britain's foreign minister said Sunday that London had established diplomatic contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group in Syria, which led the offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad. They remain "a proscribed terrorist organisation, but we can have diplomatic contact and so we do have diplomatic contact, as you would expect", said Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Also read: US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years "We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government. We want to see chemical weapons stockpiles secured, and not used, and we want to ensure that there is not continuing violence," he added. "So, for all of those reasons, using all the channels that we have available, and those are diplomatic and of course intelligence-led channels, we seek to deal with HTS where we have to." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Saturday (Dec 14) said the United States has made "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating the group as terrorists.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Saturday (Dec 14) said the United States has made "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating the group as terrorists. "We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties," Blinken told reporters. The statement came as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and top officials from the European Union and United Nations met in Jordan to address the situation in Syria. Turkey reopens its embassy in Damascus after 12 years In another development, Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday after being closed for 12 years, following the recent ouster of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The Turkish flag was raised during the ceremony in the Rawda district of the capital, attended by Burhan Koroglu, the new chargé d'affaires, alongside members of the rebels’ transitional government, as per media reports. Also read: South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know The closure of the Turkish embassy on March 26, 2012, came amid Syria's escalating civil war and Turkey's calls for Assad to resign. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Friday that Koroglu and his staff would arrive in Damascus, with the embassy becoming "operational" the next day. This development follows an Islamist-led rebel alliance's offensive, which began on November 27, captured vast areas of Syrian territory and took over Damascus last Sunday. Turkey has been a long-standing supporter of rebel forces in Syria. Arab diplomats discuss Syria’s future in Jordan Meanwhile, top diplomats from eight Arab nations gathered in Jordan's Aqaba on Saturday to discuss Syria’s future. Foreign ministers from Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, along with Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit, released a joint statement calling for a peaceful transition in Syria. They called for all political and social groups to be included in the process, with support from the United Nations and Arab League, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Arab ministers also backed a transitional rule that aligns with the aspirations of all Syrians. They warned against any form of “ethnic, sectarian or religious discrimination” and called for “justice and equality for all citizens.” The ministers also criticised Israel's recent actions, including incursions into the buffer zone with Syria and airstrikes targeting military sites. They demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years

Here is the headline over the final chapter of fifty-four years of tyrannical rule over Syria by the Assad family: Crime Without Punishment.

Like his father Hafez, Bashar al-Assad got away with murder. No arrest, no prosecution for war crimes, no trial. Just a plane ride to Moscow, where the family has been granted asylum and own several luxury apartments. They will no doubt miss the ornate presidential palace in Damascus but will not lack comfort or&nbsp;money.

US&nbsp;authorities estimate that the family – Bashar’s British-born wife Asma, their daughter Zein and son Karim – are worth around $2 billion in numerous accounts, shell companies, offshore tax havens and real estate, including apartments in one of Moscow’s highest buildings.

The Assad dynasty collapsed over the weekend without a fight after a lightning assault by a coalition of around 25,000 anti-regime fighters that swept from Aleppo to Damascus in just over a week. The forces that drove the Assad into exile were led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group once allied with al Qaeda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi35ba7hZ-KAxW2xTgGHaXVCiUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-conflict-rebels-name-mohammed-al-bashir-as-head-of-transitional-govt-782998" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-conflict-rebels-name-mohammed-al-bashir-as-head-of-transitional-govt-782998&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi35ba7hZ-KAxW2xTgGHaXVCiUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Syrian conflict: Rebels name Mohammed al-Bashir as head of transitional govt</a>

The leader of HTS has begun to form a transitional government and named an interim Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir who was a prominent figure in the rebel-dominated northwest of Syria.

What comes next in Syria is anyone’s guess. Both Syria’s sprawling security apparatus and western intelligence agencies were clearly taken by surprise. Predictions from American officials should be taken with a pinch of salt after a series of flawed assumptions and expressions of wishful thinking.

They go back to December 2012, when the U.S. State Department’s leading expert on Syria, Frederic Hof, told a Congressional committee that “our view is that this regime is the equivalent of a dead man walking…I do not see this regime surviving.”

Watch:Syria War: Israel Says Conducted About 480 Strikes In Syria In 48 Hours

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That came after the violent suppression of anti-government protests in March 2011 gradually morphed into full-scale war pitting an array of Islamist groups against the Syrian military. Within a year, the anti-Assad forces were gaining ground and the government’s situation looked precarious.

A chorus of Western leaders, including then U.S. President Barack Obama declared that “Assad Must Go”. But the tide of the multi-sided civil war turned in favour of the regime when Russia intervened, using its superior air power against the anti-regime forces.

The Russian air assaults, combined with Iranian-backed Hezbollah militias, saved the regime.

Now, Russia is busy fighting in Ukraine and Hezbollah has been so weakened by a fierce Israeli campaign that acting on behalf of Syria is out of the question.

So, Assad escaped punishment for what United Nations General Antonio Guterres described as “one of the greatest war crimes the world has witnessed this century.” The war has driven around six million Syrians into exile and killed more than 600,000 people, by U.N. estimates.

That Bashar escaped with impunity is a bitter pill to swallow for millions of Syrians as well as the small army of Western officials and aid agencies involved in trying to stem the bloodshed.

But escaping accountability is something of a family tradition. His father, Hafez, from whom Bashar inherited his power, also enforced authoritarian rule with mass murder. Even in a Middle East dotted with massacres, the way he dealt with Moslem dissidents in the city of Hama stood out.

On February 12, 1982, an army raid on militants of the outlawed Moslem Brotherhood sparked fighting throughout the city. The government responded by surrounding the city with tanks and artillery and blasted the densely-populated centre for 27 days, without pause. Estimates of those killed ranged from 10,000 to 40,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjThdyNhp-KAxXq3TgGHbT4La0QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-evacuates-75-nationals-from-syria-as-rebels-topple-assads-regime-783089" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-evacuates-75-nationals-from-syria-as-rebels-topple-assads-regime-783089&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjThdyNhp-KAxXq3TgGHbT4La0QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria as rebels topple Assad`s regime</a>

The carnage went largely unnoticed, out of sight in an era before cell phone videos uploaded to the Internet provided evidence for all the world to see. In 1982, Syria’s Arab neighbours remained silent, reaction from the West was muted.

His country pacified and cowed, Hafez ruled for another 18 years. He died peacefully in bed, of pulmonary disease. He was never held to account for the massacre. Crime without punishment. Just like his son, 24 years later.

To close on a personal note: I share the joy of the Syrians celebrating the end of the murderous dynasty because I experienced its ruthlessness. When I was based in Beirut, I reported extensively on the Syrian government’s crackdown on dissent.

The stories displeased the government of Hafez al-Assad and officials urged me to take a less critical tone “or you will feel the anger of the masses.”

Ignoring this had a cost: On June 6, 1980, a gunman using a pistol with a silencer shot me in the back. The bullet lodged so close to my spine that surgeons thought it would be too risky to extract it. So, it’s still inside me and startles doctors whenever I take an X-ray.

I call it a memento to a vicious government exercising censorship by bullet.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Here is the headline over the final chapter of fifty-four years of tyrannical rule over Syria by the Assad family: Crime Without Punishment. Like his father Hafez, Bashar al-Assad got away with murder.

Here is the headline over the final chapter of fifty-four years of tyrannical rule over Syria by the Assad family: Crime Without Punishment. Like his father Hafez, Bashar al-Assad got away with murder. No arrest, no prosecution for war crimes, no trial. Just a plane ride to Moscow, where the family has been granted asylum and own several luxury apartments. They will no doubt miss the ornate presidential palace in Damascus but will not lack comfort or money. US authorities estimate that the family – Bashar’s British-born wife Asma, their daughter Zein and son Karim – are worth around $2 billion in numerous accounts, shell companies, offshore tax havens and real estate, including apartments in one of Moscow’s highest buildings. The Assad dynasty collapsed over the weekend without a fight after a lightning assault by a coalition of around 25,000 anti-regime fighters that swept from Aleppo to Damascus in just over a week. The forces that drove the Assad into exile were led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group once allied with al Qaeda. Also read: Syrian conflict: Rebels name Mohammed al-Bashir as head of transitional govt The leader of HTS has begun to form a transitional government and named an interim Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir who was a prominent figure in the rebel-dominated northwest of Syria. What comes next in Syria is anyone’s guess. Both Syria’s sprawling security apparatus and western intelligence agencies were clearly taken by surprise. Predictions from American officials should be taken with a pinch of salt after a series of flawed assumptions and expressions of wishful thinking. They go back to December 2012, when the U.S. State Department’s leading expert on Syria, Frederic Hof, told a Congressional committee that “our view is that this regime is the equivalent of a dead man walking…I do not see this regime surviving.” Watch:Syria War: Israel Says Conducted About 480 Strikes In Syria In 48 Hours That came after the violent suppression of anti-government protests in March 2011 gradually morphed into full-scale war pitting an array of Islamist groups against the Syrian military. Within a year, the anti-Assad forces were gaining ground and the government’s situation looked precarious. A chorus of Western leaders, including then U.S. President Barack Obama declared that “Assad Must Go”. But the tide of the multi-sided civil war turned in favour of the regime when Russia intervened, using its superior air power against the anti-regime forces. The Russian air assaults, combined with Iranian-backed Hezbollah militias, saved the regime. Now, Russia is busy fighting in Ukraine and Hezbollah has been so weakened by a fierce Israeli campaign that acting on behalf of Syria is out of the question. So, Assad escaped punishment for what United Nations General Antonio Guterres described as “one of the greatest war crimes the world has witnessed this century.” The war has driven around six million Syrians into exile and killed more than 600,000 people, by U.N. estimates. That Bashar escaped with impunity is a bitter pill to swallow for millions of Syrians as well as the small army of Western officials and aid agencies involved in trying to stem the bloodshed. But escaping accountability is something of a family tradition. His father, Hafez, from whom Bashar inherited his power, also enforced authoritarian rule with mass murder. Even in a Middle East dotted with massacres, the way he dealt with Moslem dissidents in the city of Hama stood out. On February 12, 1982, an army raid on militants of the outlawed Moslem Brotherhood sparked fighting throughout the city. The government responded by surrounding the city with tanks and artillery and blasted the densely-populated centre for 27 days, without pause. Estimates of those killed ranged from 10,000 to 40,000. Also read: India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria as rebels topple Assad`s regime The carnage went largely unnoticed, out of sight in an era before cell phone videos uploaded to the Internet provided evidence for all the world to see. In 1982, Syria’s Arab neighbours remained silent, reaction from the West was muted. His country pacified and cowed, Hafez ruled for another 18 years. He died peacefully in bed, of pulmonary disease. He was never held to account for the massacre. Crime without punishment. Just like his son, 24 years later. To close on a personal note: I share the joy of the Syrians celebrating the end of the murderous dynasty because I experienced its ruthlessness. When I was based in Beirut, I reported extensively on the Syrian government’s crackdown on dissent. The stories displeased the government of Hafez al-Assad and officials urged me to take a less critical tone “or you will feel the anger of the masses.” Ignoring this had a cost: On June 6, 1980, a gunman using a pistol with a silencer shot me in the back. The bullet lodged so close to my spine that surgeons thought it would be too risky to extract it. So, it’s still inside me and startles doctors whenever I take an X-ray. I call it a memento to a vicious government exercising censorship by bullet. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Syria’s Assad dynasty ends after crimes with no punishment

Syrian government forces launched airstrikes on a major highway linking the cities of Homs and Hama in a bid to thwart the advances of rebel groups, a war monitor said Friday (Dec 6). On Thursday, Islamist fighters took control of the strategic city of Hama; which is just 40 kilometres away from Homs, Syria’s third-largest city.

“Fighter jets executed several airstrikes, targeting Al-Rastan bridge on (the) Homs-Hama highway... as well as attacking positions around the bridge, attempting to cut off the road between Hama and Homs and secure Homs," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The war monitor added that forces of Syria President Bashar al-Assad had also placed soil barriers on the highway north of Homs. Following the capture of Hama after street battles between rebels of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and the Syrian army, panic-struck residents of Homs, especially those hailing from Assad's Alawite minority community, were seen fleeing the city.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran Sends Regional Fighters To Syria: Can They Save Assad Again?

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Earlier, rebels were seen firing celebratory gunfire as they entered Syria's fourth-largest city of Hama. AFP reported several residents appeared to welcome the rebels. Syrian Defence Minister Ali Abbas claimed that the army’s withdrawal from Hama was a "temporary tactical measure".

"Our forces are still in the vicinity," he said in a statement carried by the official SANA news agency.

In a statement released later, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said his fighters had entered Hama to "cleanse the wound that has endured in Syria for 40 years", referring to a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood in 1982, which led to thousands of deaths.

Since the rebels launched their offensive last week and seized the strategic city of Aleppo; at least 826 people, including soldiers, civilians and rebels, have died. It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in the civil war sparked by the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011.

(With inputs from agencies)

Syrian government forces launched airstrikes on a major highway linking the cities of Homs and Hama in a bid to thwart the advances of rebel groups, a war monitor said Friday (Dec 6).

Syrian government forces launched airstrikes on a major highway linking the cities of Homs and Hama in a bid to thwart the advances of rebel groups, a war monitor said Friday (Dec 6). On Thursday, Islamist fighters took control of the strategic city of Hama; which is just 40 kilometres away from Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. “Fighter jets executed several airstrikes, targeting Al-Rastan bridge on (the) Homs-Hama highway... as well as attacking positions around the bridge, attempting to cut off the road between Hama and Homs and secure Homs," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The war monitor added that forces of Syria President Bashar al-Assad had also placed soil barriers on the highway north of Homs. Following the capture of Hama after street battles between rebels of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and the Syrian army, panic-struck residents of Homs, especially those hailing from Assad's Alawite minority community, were seen fleeing the city. Watch: Iran Sends Regional Fighters To Syria: Can They Save Assad Again? × Earlier, rebels were seen firing celebratory gunfire as they entered Syria's fourth-largest city of Hama. AFP reported several residents appeared to welcome the rebels. Syrian Defence Minister Ali Abbas claimed that the army’s withdrawal from Hama was a "temporary tactical measure". "Our forces are still in the vicinity," he said in a statement carried by the official SANA news agency. In a statement released later, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said his fighters had entered Hama to "cleanse the wound that has endured in Syria for 40 years", referring to a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood in 1982, which led to thousands of deaths. Since the rebels launched their offensive last week and seized the strategic city of Aleppo; at least 826 people, including soldiers, civilians and rebels, have died. It marks the most intense fighting since 2020 in the civil war sparked by the repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian govt ‘bombs’ key bridge in bid to secure Homs as rebels seize Hama city

Russia on Saturday (Nov 30) launched its first air strikes on Aleppo since 2016, targeting jihadist-led rebels that have seized the Syrian town's airport and dozens of nearby towns.

This comes as the jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies launched an offensive on Wednesday after a ceasefire in neighbouring Lebanon took effect.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebels-seize-aleppo-other-strategic-towns-in-syria-iran-says-its-consulate-attacked-780522">Rebels seize Aleppo, other strategic towns in Syria; Iran says its consulate attacked</a>

The news of Russian strikes was confirmed by Russian agencies, which cited the nation's Defence Ministry. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the strikes were carried out in support of the Syrian army, against Syrian rebels.

Moscow claims to have killed 300 fighters. The state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties in Syria said missile and bomb strikes against the rebels had targeted "militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions" in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.&nbsp;

<h2>A bold rebel assault</h2>

Reuters reports that the rebel offensive was the boldest assault in years in a civil war where the front lines had largely been frozen since 2020. The fighting according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has killed at least 327 people, including 44 civilians.

In a phone call with his Emirati counterpart, President Bashar al-Assad pledged to defeat the "terrorists," no matter how extensive their attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-killed-a-gaza-militant-who-took-part-in-oct-7-attacks-hamas-ally-releases-new-hostage-video-780538">Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks, Hamas ally releases new hostage video</a>

Aleppo, once Syria’s economic hub, had been firmly under government control since a 2016 victory. Back then, it was seized by Russian-backed Syrian forces, which besieged and laid waste to rebel-held eastern areas.

The offensive has drawn global attention, with France calling for the protection of civilians. The US distanced itself from the offensive, labelling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) a terrorist group, and criticised Assad’s reliance on Russia and Iran for creating conditions that led to the current crisis.&nbsp;

Syria's "reliance on Russia and Iran," along with its refusal to move forward with a 2015 peace process outlined by the UN Security Council, "created the conditions now unfolding," said National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett in a statement on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Saturday (Nov 30) launched its first air strikes on Aleppo since 2016, targeting jihadist-led rebels that have seized the Syrian town's airport and dozens of nearby towns.

Russia on Saturday (Nov 30) launched its first air strikes on Aleppo since 2016, targeting jihadist-led rebels that have seized the Syrian town's airport and dozens of nearby towns. This comes as the jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies launched an offensive on Wednesday after a ceasefire in neighbouring Lebanon took effect. Also read | Rebels seize Aleppo, other strategic towns in Syria; Iran says its consulate attacked The news of Russian strikes was confirmed by Russian agencies, which cited the nation's Defence Ministry. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the strikes were carried out in support of the Syrian army, against Syrian rebels. Moscow claims to have killed 300 fighters. The state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties in Syria said missile and bomb strikes against the rebels had targeted "militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions" in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. A bold rebel assault Reuters reports that the rebel offensive was the boldest assault in years in a civil war where the front lines had largely been frozen since 2020. The fighting according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has killed at least 327 people, including 44 civilians. In a phone call with his Emirati counterpart, President Bashar al-Assad pledged to defeat the "terrorists," no matter how extensive their attacks. Also read | Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks, Hamas ally releases new hostage video Aleppo, once Syria’s economic hub, had been firmly under government control since a 2016 victory. Back then, it was seized by Russian-backed Syrian forces, which besieged and laid waste to rebel-held eastern areas. The offensive has drawn global attention, with France calling for the protection of civilians. The US distanced itself from the offensive, labelling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) a terrorist group, and criticised Assad’s reliance on Russia and Iran for creating conditions that led to the current crisis. Syria's "reliance on Russia and Iran," along with its refusal to move forward with a 2015 peace process outlined by the UN Security Council, "created the conditions now unfolding," said National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett in a statement on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches first strike on Aleppo since 2016 after Jihadist rebels overtake Syrian city

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s two-decade-old hold on power has been challenged in a major rebel attack on Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The blitzkrieg, led by militant Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), caught the Syrian forces off guard and forced them out of the city.

Assad’s long-time allies Iran and Russia also failed to see the attack coming, prompting the Russian Air Force Friday (Nov 29) to launch an aerial offensive against Syrian armed opposition forces in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

The Syrian defence ministry later said the rebel attack led to the death of dozens of soldiers. The ministry claimed that the rebel forces “were unable to establish solid positions” but soon it became clear Syrian forces had ceded control over the city with little resistance.

News agency AFP reported Saturday (Nov 30) that rebels had also taken control of strategic towns in Idlib and Hama provinces. A Syria war monitor reported that Aleppo's civilian airport was also seized by the invading rebels.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the HTS and allied factions "took control of the Aleppo international airport" on the city's southeastern outskirts after government forces withdrew.

<h2>Iranian consulate attacked</h2>

Iran, a key ally of Assad, said that its consulate in Aleppo was under attack by "terrorist elements". Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesman of the Iranian foreign ministry, "strongly condemned the attack" but said all of its staff members were safe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjZheDbvYSKAxVOk1YBHW3tKRIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-syrian-rebels-attack-aleppo-for-the-first-time-since-2016-dozens-killed-780363" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-syrian-rebels-attack-aleppo-for-the-first-time-since-2016-dozens-killed-780363&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZheDbvYSKAxVOk1YBHW3tKRIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Syria war monitor: Russian air strikes hit Aleppo for the first time since 2016</a>

Foreign ministers of Iran and Russia also expressed concern at the sudden escalation of conflict in Syria, which remained largely static since 2016. "Strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic was reaffirmed," Moscow's foreign ministry said in a readout of a call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

<h2>The goals of the Rebels</h2>

Ahead of the major offensive against Assad, who has remained in power since 2000, the Syrian opposition forces announced a major coalition called the “Military Operations Command,” which included a broad spectrum of fighters including Islamist factions and moderate groups once backed by the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjZheDbvYSKAxVOk1YBHW3tKRIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-jihadists-and-turkish-based-allies-assault-aleppo-city-780285" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-jihadists-and-turkish-based-allies-assault-aleppo-city-780285&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZheDbvYSKAxVOk1YBHW3tKRIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Syria jihadists and Turkish-based allies launch major offensive in Aleppo city</a>

The alliance said they were responding to escalation from the Syrian government and Iranian militias.

It is pertinent to note that this attack comes at a time when both of Assad’s allies are busy defending their interests elsewhere. Russia is rushing to double down on its advance in eastern Ukraine and free its Kursk region of invading Ukrainian forces whereas Iran is occupied with Israel’s assault against its proxies in the West Asian region.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s two-decade-old hold on power has been challenged in a major rebel attack on Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The blitzkrieg, led by militant Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), caught the Syrian forces off guard and forced them out of the city.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s two-decade-old hold on power has been challenged in a major rebel attack on Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The blitzkrieg, led by militant Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), caught the Syrian forces off guard and forced them out of the city. Assad’s long-time allies Iran and Russia also failed to see the attack coming, prompting the Russian Air Force Friday (Nov 29) to launch an aerial offensive against Syrian armed opposition forces in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. The Syrian defence ministry later said the rebel attack led to the death of dozens of soldiers. The ministry claimed that the rebel forces “were unable to establish solid positions” but soon it became clear Syrian forces had ceded control over the city with little resistance. News agency AFP reported Saturday (Nov 30) that rebels had also taken control of strategic towns in Idlib and Hama provinces. A Syria war monitor reported that Aleppo's civilian airport was also seized by the invading rebels. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the HTS and allied factions "took control of the Aleppo international airport" on the city's southeastern outskirts after government forces withdrew. Iranian consulate attacked Iran, a key ally of Assad, said that its consulate in Aleppo was under attack by "terrorist elements". Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesman of the Iranian foreign ministry, "strongly condemned the attack" but said all of its staff members were safe. Also read: Syria war monitor: Russian air strikes hit Aleppo for the first time since 2016 Foreign ministers of Iran and Russia also expressed concern at the sudden escalation of conflict in Syria, which remained largely static since 2016. "Strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic was reaffirmed," Moscow's foreign ministry said in a readout of a call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The goals of the Rebels Ahead of the major offensive against Assad, who has remained in power since 2000, the Syrian opposition forces announced a major coalition called the “Military Operations Command,” which included a broad spectrum of fighters including Islamist factions and moderate groups once backed by the United States. Also read: Syria jihadists and Turkish-based allies launch major offensive in Aleppo city The alliance said they were responding to escalation from the Syrian government and Iranian militias. It is pertinent to note that this attack comes at a time when both of Assad’s allies are busy defending their interests elsewhere. Russia is rushing to double down on its advance in eastern Ukraine and free its Kursk region of invading Ukrainian forces whereas Iran is occupied with Israel’s assault against its proxies in the West Asian region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Syria rebels seize Aleppo, other strategic towns; Iran says its consulate attacked

The protesters gathered outside the home of the latest victim, a 16-year-old girl who residents said was murdered on Monday by her father.

Hundreds in Northeast Syria protest against honour killings

Syrian Parliament has announced that the nation will go to the polls on 26 of May. These elections will be the second presidential polls under the shadow of a civil war announcing the polls on Sunday, parliament speaker has said the window for nomination will be open for 10 days.

Syrian parliament speaker announces presidential polls

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