Damascus, Syria
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Bashar al-Assad’s central bank transported approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow over a two-year period, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The FT uncovered documents revealing that Assad’s regime, while suffering a severe shortage of foreign currency, flew nearly two tonnes of cash, consisting of $100 bills and €500 notes, to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport for deposit in sanctioned Russian banks between 2018 and 2019.
These cash transfers took place at a time when Syria was heavily reliant on Russian military support, including mercenaries from the Wagner group. Simultaneously, members of Assad’s family reportedly began acquiring luxury properties in Moscow, as highlighted in the report.
The FT suggested that these transactions show the lengths to which Assad’s regime went to bypass western sanctions that had isolated it from the global financial system.
David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, told the FT that such moves were expected. “The regime would have to bring their money abroad to a safe haven to be able to use it to procure the fine life... for the regime and its inner circle,” he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-greenlights-11-million-plan-to-double-golan-heights-population-amid-regional-tensions-784232" target="_blank">Israel approves $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population</a>
Western governments and opposition figures have long accused Assad’s regime of looting Syria’s resources and resorting to criminal activities to finance the war. The cash shipments to Russia coincided with the Kremlin’s growing military involvement in Syria and Assad’s extended family’s chain of property purchases in Moscow.
Assad fled Syria on December 8, following an 11-day rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). After ruling Syria since 2000—following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad—Bashar al-Assad took an early morning flight to Russia as rebels approached Damascus. The Kremlin later confirmed that Assad had been granted political asylum.
Assad’s decision to flee as the rebels advanced has angered even some of his former supporters, who see it as evidence of him looking out for himself instead of being loyal to his regime or country.
(With inputs from agencies)
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.<o:p></o:p>

The FT uncovered documents revealing that Assad’s regime, while suffering a severe shortage of foreign currency, flew nearly two tonnes of cash, consisting of $100 bills and €500 notes, to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport for deposit in sanctioned Russian banks between 2018 and 2019.



Damascus, Syria Bashar al-Assad’s central bank transported approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow over a two-year period, according to a report by the Financial Times. The FT uncovered documents revealing that Assad’s regime, while suffering a severe shortage of foreign currency, flew nearly two tonnes of cash, consisting of $100 bills and €500 notes, to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport for deposit in sanctioned Russian banks between 2018 and 2019. These cash transfers took place at a time when Syria was heavily reliant on Russian military support, including mercenaries from the Wagner group. Simultaneously, members of Assad’s family reportedly began acquiring luxury properties in Moscow, as highlighted in the report. The FT suggested that these transactions show the lengths to which Assad’s regime went to bypass western sanctions that had isolated it from the global financial system. David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, told the FT that such moves were expected. “The regime would have to bring their money abroad to a safe haven to be able to use it to procure the fine life... for the regime and its inner circle,” he said. Also read: Israel approves $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population Western governments and opposition figures have long accused Assad’s regime of looting Syria’s resources and resorting to criminal activities to finance the war. The cash shipments to Russia coincided with the Kremlin’s growing military involvement in Syria and Assad’s extended family’s chain of property purchases in Moscow. Assad fled Syria on December 8, following an 11-day rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). After ruling Syria since 2000—following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad—Bashar al-Assad took an early morning flight to Russia as rebels approached Damascus. The Kremlin later confirmed that Assad had been granted political asylum. Assad’s decision to flee as the rebels advanced has angered even some of his former supporters, who see it as evidence of him looking out for himself instead of being loyal to his regime or country. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Syrian conflict: Assad secretly ‘airlifted’ $250 million to Moscow before fleeing to Russia - Report

Syria's Qatari Embassy is set to resume operations on Tuesday. The Gulf Emirate made the announcement as its diplomats visited the country and met with the transitional government. Qatar also named a new head of mission to Syria, Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Qatar Announces Embassy In Syria Will Reopen On Tuesday

Damascus residents gathered for a historic Sunday mass marking the first since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime. The mass was a significant milestone for Syrian Christians, marking a new era of freedom and worship as the country begins to heal and rebuild. The community remains hopeful for a brighter future. Watch in for more details!

Christians Rejoice In Liberated Syria: First Sunday Mass In Post-Assad Syria

The Syrian Islamist leader met on Sunday with UN envoy, who was visiting Damascus. 

Syria Rebel Leader Meets Visiting UN Envoy in Damascus

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western 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.

Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'

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

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan&nbsp;to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.&nbsp;

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.

<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>

Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>

Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."

"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.

<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights&nbsp;plan</h2>

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".

Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>

With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual.&nbsp;

(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.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (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.

Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions

Jerusalem
Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. 
The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.
<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>
Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>
Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."
"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.
<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan</h2>
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".
Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. 
Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. 
(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.

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for this population plan



Jerusalem Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (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.

The Israeli government approved a plan to increase the population of the annexed Golan Heights while insisting it had no intention of confronting Syria after seizing a UN-monitored buffer zone.

Israel Aims to 'Double' Golan Heights' Population

The Israeli government approved a plan to increase the population of the annexed Golan Heights, while insisting it had no intention of confronting Syria after seizing a UN-monitored buffer zone.

Israel Aims to 'Double Population' in Occupied Golan Heights

Bashar al-Assad’s central bank transported approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow over a two-year period, according to a report by the Financial Times. The FT uncovered documents revealing that Assad’s regime, while suffering a severe shortage of foreign currency, flew nearly two tonnes of cash, consisting of $100 bills and €500 notes, to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport for deposit in sanctioned Russian banks between 2018 and 2019.

Bashar al-Assad’s central bank transported approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow over a two-year period, according to a report by the Financial Times. The FT uncovered documents revealing that Assad’s regime, while suffering a severe shortage of foreign currency, flew nearly two tonnes of cash, consisting of $100 bills and €500 notes, to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport for deposit in sanctioned Russian banks between 2018 and 2019. These cash transfers took place at a time when Syria was heavily reliant on Russian military support, including mercenaries from the Wagner group. Simultaneously, members of Assad’s family reportedly began acquiring luxury properties in Moscow, as highlighted in the report. The FT suggested that these transactions show the lengths to which Assad’s regime went to bypass western sanctions that had isolated it from the global financial system. David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, told the FT that such moves were expected. “The regime would have to bring their money abroad to a safe haven to be able to use it to procure the fine life... for the regime and its inner circle,” he said. Also read: Israel approves $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population Western governments and opposition figures have long accused Assad’s regime of looting Syria’s resources and resorting to criminal activities to finance the war. The cash shipments to Russia coincided with the Kremlin’s growing military involvement in Syria and Assad’s extended family’s chain of property purchases in Moscow. Assad fled Syria on December 8, following an 11-day rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). After ruling Syria since 2000—following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad—Bashar al-Assad took an early morning flight to Russia as rebels approached Damascus. The Kremlin later confirmed that Assad had been granted political asylum. Assad’s decision to flee as the rebels advanced has angered even some of his former supporters, who see it as evidence of him looking out for himself instead of being loyal to his regime or country. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

The Syrian Islamist leader met on Sunday with UN envoy, who was visiting Damascus.

Tel Aviv, Israel
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.
“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.
He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“
<h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price'</h2>
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.”
He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus.
The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western 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.

“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.



Tel Aviv, Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western 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.

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.

Moscow, Russia 
Russia's foreign ministry said it has evacuated some of its diplomatic staff from Syria Sunday, a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
"On December 15, the withdrawal of part of the personnel of the Russian (diplomatic) representation in Damascus was carried out by a special flight of the Russian Air Force from the Hmeimim airbase" in Syria, the ministry's crisis situations department said on Telegram.
The ministry said the flight arrived at an airport near Moscow, without specifying how many people were aboard. 
The flight also carried members from the diplomatic missions of Belarus, North Korea and Abkhazia, a Moscow-backed separatist region of Georgia, the department said.
"The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to function", said the press release published on Telegram.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-tanker-splits-in-half-spilling-thousands-of-tonnes-of-oil-into-kerch-strait-784177">Also read: Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait</a>
Following an 11-day offensive, a rebel coalition dominated by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Al-Assad, who fled to Russia along with his family.
His fall from power was a serious setback for Moscow, which, along with Iran, was the main ally of the former Syrian president and which had intervened militarily in Syria since 2015.
Watch | Israel-Syria: 60 Israeli Strikes On Syria In Less Than Four Hours
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The fate of Russia's two military bases in Syria—the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim military airfield—is now uncertain.
The sites are key to Russia maintaining its influence in the Middle East, in the Mediterranean basin, and as far as Africa.
On Wednesday, a Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow was in contact with the new authorities in Syria regarding the bases' future.
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.

The ministry said the flight arrived at an airport near Moscow, without specifying how many people were aboard. 



Moscow, Russia Russia's foreign ministry said it has evacuated some of its diplomatic staff from Syria Sunday, a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. "On December 15, the withdrawal of part of the personnel of the Russian (diplomatic) representation in Damascus was carried out by a special flight of the Russian Air Force from the Hmeimim airbase" in Syria, the ministry's crisis situations department said on Telegram. The ministry said the flight arrived at an airport near Moscow, without specifying how many people were aboard. The flight also carried members from the diplomatic missions of Belarus, North Korea and Abkhazia, a Moscow-backed separatist region of Georgia, the department said. "The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to function", said the press release published on Telegram. Also read: Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait Following an 11-day offensive, a rebel coalition dominated by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Al-Assad, who fled to Russia along with his family. His fall from power was a serious setback for Moscow, which, along with Iran, was the main ally of the former Syrian president and which had intervened militarily in Syria since 2015. Watch | Israel-Syria: 60 Israeli Strikes On Syria In Less Than Four Hours × The fate of Russia's two military bases in Syria—the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim military airfield—is now uncertain. The sites are key to Russia maintaining its influence in the Middle East, in the Mediterranean basin, and as far as Africa. On Wednesday, a Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow was in contact with the new authorities in Syria regarding the bases' future. 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.

Russia says 'part' of its diplomatic staff in Syria evacuated by special flight

Damascus, Syria
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Israel launched a series of airstrikes on multiple sites in Syria overnight, despite the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has no interest in engaging in conflict with Israel.
The strikes came shortly after Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israeli forces would remain stationed on Mount Hermon throughout the winter. The troops took control of the Golan Heights buffer zone last week. “Due to what is happening in Syria, there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak,” Katz’s office said.
<h2>'Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria'</h2>
Earlier, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of HTS told Syrian state media, “There are no excuses for any foreign intervention in Syria now after the Iranians have left. We are not in the process of engaging in a conflict with Israel.” Jolani accused Israel of using false pretexts to justify its recent attacks but emphasised that his focus remains on Syria’s rebuilding process after years of war.
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>
“The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, which poses a threat of unwarranted escalation in the region,” Jolani said. He added that Syria, exhausted from years of conflict, must prioritise stability and reconstruction rather than risk further destruction through new confrontations. “The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” he added.
<h2>'Not intervening in what is happening in Syria,' says IDF Chief of Staff</h2>
Responding to Jolani’s comments, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said, “We aren’t intervening in what is happening in Syria. We have no intention of administering Syria.” Halevi said that the country’s actions are focused solely on ensuring the security of its citizens.
“There was an enemy country here. Its army collapsed. There is a threat that terror elements will come here, and we advanced so … extreme terror elements won’t settle close to the border with us,” Halevi said. “We are unequivocally intervening only in what determines Israeli citizens’ security. The deployment along the entire border, from Mt Hermon to the meeting of the Israeli-Syrian-Jordanian border, is proper,” he added.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel launched 61 missiles at Syrian military sites in less than five hours on Saturday evening.
The United Nations has urged Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was “deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” France, Germany, and Spain also called on Israel to pull back from the demilitarised zone.
The UN has accused Israel of violating a 1974 disengagement agreement, which established the buffer zone following the Yom Kippur War. Israel, however, argued that the agreement “collapsed” with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
(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.

Reacting to the development, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of HTS told Syrian state media, “There are no excuses for any foreign intervention in Syria now after the Iranians have left. We are not in the process of engaging in a conflict with Israel.”



Damascus, Syria Israel launched a series of airstrikes on multiple sites in Syria overnight, despite the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has no interest in engaging in conflict with Israel. The strikes came shortly after Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israeli forces would remain stationed on Mount Hermon throughout the winter. The troops took control of the Golan Heights buffer zone last week. “Due to what is happening in Syria, there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak,” Katz’s office said. 'Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria' Earlier, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of HTS told Syrian state media, “There are no excuses for any foreign intervention in Syria now after the Iranians have left. We are not in the process of engaging in a conflict with Israel.” Jolani accused Israel of using false pretexts to justify its recent attacks but emphasised that his focus remains on Syria’s rebuilding process after years of war. Also read: US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years “The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, which poses a threat of unwarranted escalation in the region,” Jolani said. He added that Syria, exhausted from years of conflict, must prioritise stability and reconstruction rather than risk further destruction through new confrontations. “The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” he added. 'Not intervening in what is happening in Syria,' says IDF Chief of Staff Responding to Jolani’s comments, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said, “We aren’t intervening in what is happening in Syria. We have no intention of administering Syria.” Halevi said that the country’s actions are focused solely on ensuring the security of its citizens. “There was an enemy country here. Its army collapsed. There is a threat that terror elements will come here, and we advanced so … extreme terror elements won’t settle close to the border with us,” Halevi said. “We are unequivocally intervening only in what determines Israeli citizens’ security. The deployment along the entire border, from Mt Hermon to the meeting of the Israeli-Syrian-Jordanian border, is proper,” he added. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel launched 61 missiles at Syrian military sites in less than five hours on Saturday evening. The United Nations has urged Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was “deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” France, Germany, and Spain also called on Israel to pull back from the demilitarised zone. The UN has accused Israel of violating a 1974 disengagement agreement, which established the buffer zone following the Yom Kippur War. Israel, however, argued that the agreement “collapsed” with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government. (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.

West Asia crisis: Israel strikes Syria overnight, rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'

As Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of a brutal civil war, the question arises whether the newly appointed leaders can pave the way for lasting peace. With decades of conflict, millions displaced, and a fragmented political landscape, Syria’s future remains uncertain. The new leadership faces the immense challenge of rebuilding the country, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and negotiating peace with various factions. 



Israel-Syria: Rebel Leader Says Syria Too Exhausted For Conflict With Israel

Syria: USA, Regional Diplomats Urge Respect For Minorities In Syria

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Saturday that Syria's new rulers, who ousted the Lebanese armed group's ally, Bashar al-Assad, should not establish ties with neighbouring Israel.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Saturday that Syria's new rulers, who ousted the Lebanese armed group's ally, Bashar al-Assad, should not establish ties with neighbouring Israel. "We hope that this new party in power will see Israel as an enemy and not normalise relations with it," Qassem said in a televised speech, his first public remarks since Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad, who had Hezbollah's military support during the civil war that began after a 2011 crackdown on anti-government protests. The rebel forces launched their offensive on November 27, the same day that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. On Sunday, they declared Damascus had fallen, with Assad having fled the country. Iran-backed Hezbollah has suffered major blows during more than a year of cross-border fighting with Israel, which the Lebanese group had initiated over the Gaza war. In late September, the clashes rapidly escalated into full-blown war. Also read: Hamas refused to provide names of hostages it's holding: Biden's advisor In his speech on Saturday, Qassem maintained that the ceasefire agreement does not mean Hezbollah is required to lay down its weapons. The deal stipulates that over 60 days, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers would deploy in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Israeli military forces as well as Hezbollah militants withdraw from the border area -- Hezbollah to the north, and Israeli troops back to their country. Hezbollah was the only Lebanese armed group that refused to surrender its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, vowing to keep fighting Israel. 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.

‘Don’t normalise ties with Israel’: Hezbollah to Syria’s new rulers after Assad’s ouster

Russia's foreign ministry said it has evacuated some of its diplomatic staff from Syria Sunday, a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

"On December 15, the withdrawal of part of the personnel of the Russian (diplomatic) representation in Damascus was carried out by a special flight of the Russian Air Force from the Hmeimim airbase" in Syria, the ministry's crisis situations department said on Telegram.

The ministry said the flight arrived at an airport near Moscow, without specifying how many people were aboard.&nbsp;

The flight also carried members from the diplomatic missions of Belarus, North Korea and Abkhazia, a Moscow-backed separatist region of Georgia, the department said.

"The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to function", said the press release published on Telegram.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-tanker-splits-in-half-spilling-thousands-of-tonnes-of-oil-into-kerch-strait-784177">Also read:&nbsp;Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait</a>

Following an 11-day offensive, a rebel coalition dominated by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Al-Assad, who fled to Russia along with his family.

His fall from power was a serious setback for Moscow, which, along with Iran, was the main ally of the former Syrian president and which had intervened militarily in Syria since 2015.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Syria: 60 Israeli Strikes On Syria In Less Than Four Hours

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The fate of Russia's two military bases in Syria—the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim military airfield—is now uncertain.

The sites are key to Russia maintaining its influence in the Middle East, in the Mediterranean basin, and as far as Africa.

On Wednesday, a Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow was in contact with the new authorities in Syria regarding the bases' future.

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.

Russia's foreign ministry said it has evacuated some of its diplomatic staff from Syria Sunday, a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. "On December 15, the withdrawal of part of the personnel of the Russian (diplomatic) representation in Damascus was carried out by a special flight of the Russian Air Force from the Hmeimim airbase" in Syria, the ministry's crisis situations department said on Telegram.

Russia's foreign ministry said it has evacuated some of its diplomatic staff from Syria Sunday, a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. "On December 15, the withdrawal of part of the personnel of the Russian (diplomatic) representation in Damascus was carried out by a special flight of the Russian Air Force from the Hmeimim airbase" in Syria, the ministry's crisis situations department said on Telegram. The ministry said the flight arrived at an airport near Moscow, without specifying how many people were aboard. The flight also carried members from the diplomatic missions of Belarus, North Korea and Abkhazia, a Moscow-backed separatist region of Georgia, the department said. "The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to function", said the press release published on Telegram. Also read: Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait Following an 11-day offensive, a rebel coalition dominated by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Al-Assad, who fled to Russia along with his family. His fall from power was a serious setback for Moscow, which, along with Iran, was the main ally of the former Syrian president and which had intervened militarily in Syria since 2015. Watch | Israel-Syria: 60 Israeli Strikes On Syria In Less Than Four Hours × The fate of Russia's two military bases in Syria—the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim military airfield—is now uncertain. The sites are key to Russia maintaining its influence in the Middle East, in the Mediterranean basin, and as far as Africa. On Wednesday, a Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow was in contact with the new authorities in Syria regarding the bases' future. 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.

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