Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, hosted high-level talks on Monday with Arab diplomats, including Jordan and Qatar, focusing on reconstruction and future cooperation. Watch in for more details!

Syrian Leader Al-Sharaa Holds Talks With Senior Arab Diplomats

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTNOE0FnQWWk2" />A spokesperson for the Kremlin said late Monday (Dec 24)&nbsp;that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma, has not filed for a divorce, rejecting earlier reports that had claimed she did so.</p>

<p>"No, they do not correspond to reality," Kremlin spokesperson&nbsp;Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the divorce claim.</p>

<p>Peskov also denied reports that Assad had been confined to Moscow and that his property assets had been frozen.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the reports say?</strong></h2>

<p>With the fall&nbsp;of Bashar Al Assad's regime in Syria, reports, mainly in Turkish and Israeli media,&nbsp;said Asma al-Assad&nbsp;filed for a divorce and wanted&nbsp;to relocate to the Britain.</p>

<p>The reports claimed that Asma applied in a Russian court to shift to London as she holds dual citizenship of the UK and Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to The Jerusalem Post, Asma had expressed discontent with her life in Moscow.</p>

<h2><strong>Asma's journey</strong></h2>

<p>Born and raised in London Asma moved to Syria in 2000 and married Bashar Al-Assad the same year. She was 25 at the time.</p>

<p>In early December, the Syrian leader sought refuge in Russia after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, seized Damascus, ending Assad’s decades-long rule.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bashar-al-assads-family-flees-syria-presidents-whereabouts-unclear-reports-782206">Bashar al-Assad's family flees Syria, president's whereabouts unclear: Reports</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Assad's life in exile</strong></h2>

<p>Russia granted Assad and his family asylum on humanitarian grounds, but they remain under severe restrictions.</p>

<p>Assad is currently not allowed to leave Moscow or participate in any political activity.</p>

<p>Russia did not approve the asylum request of Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, which is still being looked at closely for review.</p>

<p>The fall of the Assad regime was quick, with the HTS forces playing a central role in overthrowing the government.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Asma's dual citizenship and plans</strong></h2>

<p>Asma’s dual nationality could ease her potential relocation to the UK.</p>

<p>According to reports, Asma was eager to start a new chapter of her life in London, staying away from her husband's controversial regime.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


A spokesperson for the Kremlin said late Monday (Dec 24) that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma, has not filed for a divorce, rejecting earlier reports that had claimed she did so.

A spokesperson for the Kremlin said late Monday (Dec 24) that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma, has not filed for a divorce, rejecting earlier reports that had claimed she did so. "No, they do not correspond to reality," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the divorce claim. Peskov also denied reports that Assad had been confined to Moscow and that his property assets had been frozen. What did the reports say? With the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime in Syria, reports, mainly in Turkish and Israeli media, said Asma al-Assad filed for a divorce and wanted to relocate to the Britain. The reports claimed that Asma applied in a Russian court to shift to London as she holds dual citizenship of the UK and Syria. According to The Jerusalem Post, Asma had expressed discontent with her life in Moscow. Asma's journey Born and raised in London Asma moved to Syria in 2000 and married Bashar Al-Assad the same year. She was 25 at the time. In early December, the Syrian leader sought refuge in Russia after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, seized Damascus, ending Assad’s decades-long rule. Also Read: Bashar al-Assad's family flees Syria, president's whereabouts unclear: Reports Assad's life in exile Russia granted Assad and his family asylum on humanitarian grounds, but they remain under severe restrictions. Assad is currently not allowed to leave Moscow or participate in any political activity. Russia did not approve the asylum request of Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, which is still being looked at closely for review. The fall of the Assad regime was quick, with the HTS forces playing a central role in overthrowing the government. Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges Asma's dual citizenship and plans Asma’s dual nationality could ease her potential relocation to the UK. According to reports, Asma was eager to start a new chapter of her life in London, staying away from her husband's controversial 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.

Kremlin denies reports that ousted Syrian president Assad's wife Asma filed for divorce

<p><span class="region">Aleppo</span>
<p><meta content="uuideHr2LmChL7Dm" name="uuid"/></p></p>
<p><meta content="uuidTNOE0FnQWWk2" name="uuid"/>A spokesperson for the Kremlin said late Monday (Dec 24) that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma, has not filed for a divorce, rejecting earlier reports that had claimed she did so.</p>
<p>"No, they do not correspond to reality," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the divorce claim.</p>
<p>Peskov also denied reports that Assad had been confined to Moscow and that his property assets had been frozen.</p>
<h2><strong>What did the reports say?</strong></h2>
<p>With the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime in Syria, reports, mainly in Turkish and Israeli media, said Asma al-Assad filed for a divorce and wanted to relocate to the Britain.</p>
<p>The reports claimed that Asma applied in a Russian court to shift to London as she holds dual citizenship of the UK and Syria. </p>
<p>According to The Jerusalem Post, Asma had expressed discontent with her life in Moscow.</p>
<h2><strong>Asma's journey</strong></h2>
<p>Born and raised in London Asma moved to Syria in 2000 and married Bashar Al-Assad the same year. She was 25 at the time.</p>
<p>In early December, the Syrian leader sought refuge in Russia after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, seized Damascus, ending Assad’s decades-long rule.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bashar-al-assads-family-flees-syria-presidents-whereabouts-unclear-reports-782206">Bashar al-Assad's family flees Syria, president's whereabouts unclear: Reports</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Assad's life in exile</strong></h2>
<p>Russia granted Assad and his family asylum on humanitarian grounds, but they remain under severe restrictions.</p>
<p>Assad is currently not allowed to leave Moscow or participate in any political activity.</p>
<p>Russia did not approve the asylum request of Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, which is still being looked at closely for review.</p>
<p>The fall of the Assad regime was quick, with the HTS forces playing a central role in overthrowing the government.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges</strong></p>
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<h2><strong>Asma's dual citizenship and plans</strong></h2>
<p>Asma’s dual nationality could ease her potential relocation to the UK.</p>
<p>According to reports, Asma was eager to start a new chapter of her life in London, staying away from her husband's controversial regime.</p>
<p><em>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.</em></p>


Reports, mainly in Turkish media, had said earlier that Asma al-Assad filed for divorce and wanted to relocate to the UK. Asma applied in a Russian court to shift to London as she holds dual citizenship in the UK and Syria, as per the reports   



Aleppo A spokesperson for the Kremlin said late Monday (Dec 24) that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma, has not filed for a divorce, rejecting earlier reports that had claimed she did so. "No, they do not correspond to reality," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the divorce claim. Peskov also denied reports that Assad had been confined to Moscow and that his property assets had been frozen. What did the reports say? With the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime in Syria, reports, mainly in Turkish and Israeli media, said Asma al-Assad filed for a divorce and wanted to relocate to the Britain. The reports claimed that Asma applied in a Russian court to shift to London as she holds dual citizenship of the UK and Syria. According to The Jerusalem Post, Asma had expressed discontent with her life in Moscow. Asma's journey Born and raised in London Asma moved to Syria in 2000 and married Bashar Al-Assad the same year. She was 25 at the time. In early December, the Syrian leader sought refuge in Russia after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, seized Damascus, ending Assad’s decades-long rule. Also Read: Bashar al-Assad's family flees Syria, president's whereabouts unclear: Reports Assad's life in exile Russia granted Assad and his family asylum on humanitarian grounds, but they remain under severe restrictions. Assad is currently not allowed to leave Moscow or participate in any political activity. Russia did not approve the asylum request of Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, which is still being looked at closely for review. The fall of the Assad regime was quick, with the HTS forces playing a central role in overthrowing the government. Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges Asma's dual citizenship and plans Asma’s dual nationality could ease her potential relocation to the UK. According to reports, Asma was eager to start a new chapter of her life in London, staying away from her husband's controversial 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.

Day after reports saying Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s wife has filed for divorce, a Kremlin spokesman on Monday issued a denial saying, "No, they do not correspond to reality." Watch this report for more details!

Kremlin Denies Claims of Assad's British Wife Filing For Divorce

Day after reports saying Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s wife has filed for divorce, a Kremlin spokesman on Monday issued a denial saying, "No, they do not correspond to reality." Watch this report for more details! 

Syria: Al-Sharaa Holds Bilateral With Qatari & Jordanian Envoys In Damascus

Syria's newly appointed leadership has pledged to take decisive action against the growing Captagon trade, which has become a major issue in the region. The drug trade has fueled violence and instability, and the government aims to strengthen efforts to curb its production and distribution across Syria. Watch in for more details!



Syria's Captagon Trade: A Multi-Billion Dollar Problem

Syria's newly appointed leadership has vowed to bring all weapons under state control, aiming to consolidate power and end militia influence. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and governance amid ongoing instability.



Syria's New Leaders Say All Weapons To Come Under "State Control'

Syria's newly appointed leadership has pledged to take decisive action against the growing Captagon trade, which has become a major issue in the region. The drug trade has fueled violence and instability, and the government aims to strengthen efforts to curb its production and distribution across Syria. Watch in for more details!

Can Syria's New Leaders Kick Captagon Habit?

Syria's newly appointed leadership has pledged to take decisive action against the growing Captagon trade, which has become a major issue in the region. The drug trade has fueled violence and instability, and the government aims to strengthen efforts to curb its production and distribution across Syria.



Syria's New Leaders Vow To Combat Syria's Captagon Trade

Turkiye’s foreign minister has met with the head of Syria’s new administration, promising help with the political transition. Watch this report for more details!

Turkish FM Meets Syria's New Leader, Calls for Lifting of Global Sanctions

Syria's newly appointed leader has declared that all militias operating within the country will be integrated into the national army, with the state asserting full control over all weapons. This move aims to centralize military power and further consolidate the government's authority amidst ongoing conflicts.

Syria's New Leader Announces Militias Will Join Army, State to Control ‘All Weapons’

Two weeks after seizing power in a sweeping offensive, Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday said weapons in the country, would come under state control. Watch this report for more details!

Syria's New Leader Says All Weapons To Come Under 'State Control'

Two weeks after seizing power in a sweeping offensive, Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday said weapons in the country, would come under state control. Watch this report for more details! 

Syria's newly appointed leadership has vowed to bring all weapons under state control, aiming to consolidate power and end militia influence. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and governance amid ongoing instability.

Syria's newly appointed leadership has pledged to take decisive action against the growing Captagon trade, which has become a major issue in the region. The drug trade has fueled violence and instability, and the government aims to strengthen efforts to curb its production and distribution across Syria.

Murhaf Abu Qasra, a key leader in the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has been named Syria's interim defense minister.

Syria: Murhaf Abu Qasra Appointed Syria's Interim Defense Minister

<p>Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government, an official source said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Abu Qasra, who is also known by the nom de guerre Abu Hassan 600, is a senior figure in the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group which led the campaign that ousted Assad this month. He led numerous military operations during Syria's revolution, the source said.</p>

<p>Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed "the form of the military institution in the new Syria" during a meeting with armed factions on Saturday, state news agency SANA reported.</p>

<p>Abu Qasra during the meeting sat next to Sharaa, also known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, photos published by SANA showed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-arrive-in-syria-to-meet-leaders-of-new-govt-785527">US diplomats arrive in Syria to meet leaders of new govt</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said this week that the defence ministry would be restructured using former rebel factions and officers who defected from Assad's army.</p>

<p>Bashir, who formerly led an HTS-affiliated administration in the northwestern province of Idlib, has said he will lead a three-month transitional government. The new administration has not declared plans for what will happen after that.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, the ruling General Command named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, SANA said. A source in the new administration told Reuters that this step "comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability".</p>

<p>Shibani, a 37-year-old graduate of Damascus University, previously led the political department of the rebels' Idlib government, the General Command said.</p>

<p>Sharaa's group was part of al Qaeda until he broke ties in 2016. It had been confined to Idlib for years until going on the offensive in late November, sweeping through the cities of western Syria and into Damascus as the army melted away.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-bounty-on-syrias-new-leader-after-talks-in-syrian-capital-785759">US scraps $10mn bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital</a></strong></p>

<p>Sharaa has met with a number of international envoys this week. He has said his primary focus is on reconstruction and achieving economic development and that he is not interested in engaging in any new conflicts.</p>

<p>Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule.</p>

<p>Washington designated Sharaa a terrorist in 2013, saying al Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with overthrowing Assad's rule and establishing Islamic sharia law in Syria. U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington would remove a $10 million bounty on his head.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges</strong></p>

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<p>The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times and left cities bombed to rubble and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government, an official source said on Saturday.

Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government, an official source said on Saturday. Abu Qasra, who is also known by the nom de guerre Abu Hassan 600, is a senior figure in the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group which led the campaign that ousted Assad this month. He led numerous military operations during Syria's revolution, the source said. Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed "the form of the military institution in the new Syria" during a meeting with armed factions on Saturday, state news agency SANA reported. Abu Qasra during the meeting sat next to Sharaa, also known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, photos published by SANA showed. Also read | US diplomats arrive in Syria to meet leaders of new govt Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said this week that the defence ministry would be restructured using former rebel factions and officers who defected from Assad's army. Bashir, who formerly led an HTS-affiliated administration in the northwestern province of Idlib, has said he will lead a three-month transitional government. The new administration has not declared plans for what will happen after that. Earlier on Saturday, the ruling General Command named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, SANA said. A source in the new administration told Reuters that this step "comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability". Shibani, a 37-year-old graduate of Damascus University, previously led the political department of the rebels' Idlib government, the General Command said. Sharaa's group was part of al Qaeda until he broke ties in 2016. It had been confined to Idlib for years until going on the offensive in late November, sweeping through the cities of western Syria and into Damascus as the army melted away. Also read | US scraps $10mn bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital Sharaa has met with a number of international envoys this week. He has said his primary focus is on reconstruction and achieving economic development and that he is not interested in engaging in any new conflicts. Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule. Washington designated Sharaa a terrorist in 2013, saying al Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with overthrowing Assad's rule and establishing Islamic sharia law in Syria. U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington would remove a $10 million bounty on his head. Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges × The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times and left cities bombed to rubble and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syrian authorities name HTS commander as defence minister

<p><span class="region">Damascus, Syria</span>
<p>Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government, an official source said on Saturday.</p></p>
<p>Abu Qasra, who is also known by the nom de guerre Abu Hassan 600, is a senior figure in the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group which led the campaign that ousted Assad this month. He led numerous military operations during Syria's revolution, the source said.</p>
<p>Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed "the form of the military institution in the new Syria" during a meeting with armed factions on Saturday, state news agency SANA reported.</p>
<p>Abu Qasra during the meeting sat next to Sharaa, also known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, photos published by SANA showed.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-arrive-in-syria-to-meet-leaders-of-new-govt-785527">US diplomats arrive in Syria to meet leaders of new govt</a></strong></p>
<p>Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said this week that the defence ministry would be restructured using former rebel factions and officers who defected from Assad's army.</p>
<p>Bashir, who formerly led an HTS-affiliated administration in the northwestern province of Idlib, has said he will lead a three-month transitional government. The new administration has not declared plans for what will happen after that.</p>
<p>Earlier on Saturday, the ruling General Command named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, SANA said. A source in the new administration told Reuters that this step "comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability".</p>
<p>Shibani, a 37-year-old graduate of Damascus University, previously led the political department of the rebels' Idlib government, the General Command said.</p>
<p>Sharaa's group was part of al Qaeda until he broke ties in 2016. It had been confined to Idlib for years until going on the offensive in late November, sweeping through the cities of western Syria and into Damascus as the army melted away.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-bounty-on-syrias-new-leader-after-talks-in-syrian-capital-785759">US scraps $10mn bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital</a></strong></p>
<p>Sharaa has met with a number of international envoys this week. He has said his primary focus is on reconstruction and achieving economic development and that he is not interested in engaging in any new conflicts.</p>
<p>Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule.</p>
<p>Washington designated Sharaa a terrorist in 2013, saying al Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with overthrowing Assad's rule and establishing Islamic sharia law in Syria. U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington would remove a $10 million bounty on his head.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges</strong></p>
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<p>The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times and left cities bombed to rubble and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Earlier on Saturday, the ruling General Command named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, SANA said



Damascus, Syria Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government, an official source said on Saturday. Abu Qasra, who is also known by the nom de guerre Abu Hassan 600, is a senior figure in the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group which led the campaign that ousted Assad this month. He led numerous military operations during Syria's revolution, the source said. Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed "the form of the military institution in the new Syria" during a meeting with armed factions on Saturday, state news agency SANA reported. Abu Qasra during the meeting sat next to Sharaa, also known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, photos published by SANA showed. Also read | US diplomats arrive in Syria to meet leaders of new govt Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said this week that the defence ministry would be restructured using former rebel factions and officers who defected from Assad's army. Bashir, who formerly led an HTS-affiliated administration in the northwestern province of Idlib, has said he will lead a three-month transitional government. The new administration has not declared plans for what will happen after that. Earlier on Saturday, the ruling General Command named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, SANA said. A source in the new administration told Reuters that this step "comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability". Shibani, a 37-year-old graduate of Damascus University, previously led the political department of the rebels' Idlib government, the General Command said. Sharaa's group was part of al Qaeda until he broke ties in 2016. It had been confined to Idlib for years until going on the offensive in late November, sweeping through the cities of western Syria and into Damascus as the army melted away. Also read | US scraps $10mn bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital Sharaa has met with a number of international envoys this week. He has said his primary focus is on reconstruction and achieving economic development and that he is not interested in engaging in any new conflicts. Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule. Washington designated Sharaa a terrorist in 2013, saying al Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with overthrowing Assad's rule and establishing Islamic sharia law in Syria. U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington would remove a $10 million bounty on his head. Watch | Syria After Assad: New Syrian Leadership Faces Major Challenges × The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times and left cities bombed to rubble and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

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