A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry.

This potent drug, as per the Wall Street Journal, is used by everyone, from students to fighters. The drug has entrenched itself in everyday life, cutting across social and economic classes.

<h2>A massive trade</h2>

According to the WSJ report, smugglers find creative methods to move the drug across borders, from drones and homing pigeons to catapults and child couriers.

The multi-billion dollar drug trade is reportedly fuelling a massive trade that has lined the pockets of Iran-backed militias, including the Hezbollah, which allegedly funnels drug profits into arms procurement to fuel the war against Israel.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-warns-of-potential-ethnic-cleansing-in-gaza-calls-for-global-intervention-772154">UN Chief António Guterres warns of potential 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza, calls for global intervention</a>

Captagon isn't just a street-level problem; it has powerful patrons. Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime is accused of industrialising captagon production to offset the crushing toll of international sanctions.

Syrian and Lebanese operations, often linked with Iran-backed factions, allegedly control vast networks in production, trafficking, and profit, driving the drug's rapid proliferation in the region.

Syria, however, denies any role in the drug trade, despite reports that the Assad regime fetches billions annually from captagon.

According to the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Syrian and Arab research organisation that tracks the captagon trade, the regime fetched an annual average of about $2.4 billion between 2020 to 2022 — roughly one-fourth of Syria's GDP.

<h2>US and Captagon</h2>

The US sees captagon as a looming threat to stability in allied nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

In 2022, President Biden signed the Captagon Act, demanding a US strategy to disrupt smuggling and build law-enforcement partnerships in the Middle East against captagon networks.

Jordan, which has deployed a third of its army along the border to curb the flow of drugs across its border with Syria, is cracking down hard on smuggling.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-demands-un-rapporteur-francesca-albaneses-resignation-over-genocidal-campaign-claims-772168">Israel demands UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's resignation over 'genocidal campaign' claims</a>

The nation's soldiers have even adopted shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the smugglers.

US satellite-guided bombs and intelligence sharing have bolstered Jordan’s operations, yet the drug trade remains rampant.

According to the New Lines Institute, since the start of Gaza conflict, seizures of captagon in Jordan have spiked fourfold and are often accompanied by illicit arms shipment.

Jordan’s antidrug department last year arrested about 35,000 people on drug charges, a 24% increase from the year before. In June, Jordanian authorities foiled two smuggling operations involving nearly 10 million illicit pills, worth up to $200 million, destined for Saudi Arabia.

<h2>What is Captagon?</h2>

Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions like ADHD.

Its main ingredient as per the report is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and flu medication. The drug itself is versatile and dangerous, often laced with sedatives, stimulants, and even heavy metals—enhancements that increase dependency but heighten health risks.

Captagon was outlawed in the 80s, but Syrian and Lebanese traffickers saw opportunity in its potency and high demand. Production exploded during the Syrian civil war, transforming Syria into a captagon powerhouse.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Middle East involving both state and non-state actors. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry.

A lesser-known but escalating crisis is gripping the Middle East, unfolding along the Syrian-Jordanian border — captagon, an amphetamine that's become a multimillion-dollar industry. This potent drug, as per the Wall Street Journal, is used by everyone, from students to fighters. The drug has entrenched itself in everyday life, cutting across social and economic classes. A massive trade According to the WSJ report, smugglers find creative methods to move the drug across borders, from drones and homing pigeons to catapults and child couriers. The multi-billion dollar drug trade is reportedly fuelling a massive trade that has lined the pockets of Iran-backed militias, including the Hezbollah, which allegedly funnels drug profits into arms procurement to fuel the war against Israel. Also read | UN Chief António Guterres warns of potential 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza, calls for global intervention Captagon isn't just a street-level problem; it has powerful patrons. Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime is accused of industrialising captagon production to offset the crushing toll of international sanctions. Syrian and Lebanese operations, often linked with Iran-backed factions, allegedly control vast networks in production, trafficking, and profit, driving the drug's rapid proliferation in the region. Syria, however, denies any role in the drug trade, despite reports that the Assad regime fetches billions annually from captagon. According to the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Syrian and Arab research organisation that tracks the captagon trade, the regime fetched an annual average of about $2.4 billion between 2020 to 2022 — roughly one-fourth of Syria's GDP. US and Captagon The US sees captagon as a looming threat to stability in allied nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, President Biden signed the Captagon Act, demanding a US strategy to disrupt smuggling and build law-enforcement partnerships in the Middle East against captagon networks. Jordan, which has deployed a third of its army along the border to curb the flow of drugs across its border with Syria, is cracking down hard on smuggling. Also read | Israel demands UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's resignation over 'genocidal campaign' claims The nation's soldiers have even adopted shoot-to-kill policy to deal with the smugglers. US satellite-guided bombs and intelligence sharing have bolstered Jordan’s operations, yet the drug trade remains rampant. According to the New Lines Institute, since the start of Gaza conflict, seizures of captagon in Jordan have spiked fourfold and are often accompanied by illicit arms shipment. Jordan’s antidrug department last year arrested about 35,000 people on drug charges, a 24% increase from the year before. In June, Jordanian authorities foiled two smuggling operations involving nearly 10 million illicit pills, worth up to $200 million, destined for Saudi Arabia. What is Captagon? Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions like ADHD. Its main ingredient as per the report is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and flu medication. The drug itself is versatile and dangerous, often laced with sedatives, stimulants, and even heavy metals—enhancements that increase dependency but heighten health risks. Captagon was outlawed in the 80s, but Syrian and Lebanese traffickers saw opportunity in its potency and high demand. Production exploded during the Syrian civil war, transforming Syria into a captagon powerhouse. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Middle East involving both state and non-state actors. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Potent drug 'captagon' fueling conflict, crime, and party scenes across the Middle East: Report

Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said on&nbsp;Wednesday (23&nbsp;Oct) that Turkish jets launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria following an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters. According to the ministry’s statement, cited by the state-run Anadolu Agency, over 30 targets were "destroyed" in the aerial assault.

"A total of 32 targets belonging to the terrorists were successfully destroyed," it said.

The strikes come on the heels of an incident on Wednesday where suspected Kurdish militants detonated explosives and opened fire at TUSAS, Turkey's state-run aerospace and defence firm. The attack left five people dead and more than a dozen injured, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-attack-at-turkish-aerospace-industries-in-ankara-several-dead-and-injured-770117">Terror attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara; 4 killed, 14 injured</a>

Yerlikaya added that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is believed to be behind the attack, though investigations to confirm the identities of the attackers are still ongoing. Defence Minister Yasar Guler also held the PKK responsible, saying, “We give these PKK scoundrels the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous terrorist act" during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a BRICS event in Russia. The United States Embassy in Turkey also released a statement, strongly condemning the incident.

<h2>What is&nbsp;TUSAS?</h2>

TUSAS plays a key role in Turkey’s defence sector, as it makes both civilian and military aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs have been instrumental in Turkey’s fight against Kurdish militants within its borders and in neighbouring Iraq.

This attack comes just one day after the leader of Turkey's far-right nationalist party, which is aligned with Erdogan, hinted at the possibility of parole for the imprisoned leader of the PKK, provided he renounces violence and dissolves the group.

In response to the attack, the Iraqi embassy in Ankara issued a statement condemning the violence. The embassy affirmed "Iraq's firm position in rejecting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and expresses the solidarity of Iraq's government and people, with the government and people of the Republic of Turkey." Earlier this year, Iraq imposed a ban on the PKK.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday (23 Oct) that Turkish jets launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria following an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters.

Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday (23 Oct) that Turkish jets launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria following an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters. According to the ministry’s statement, cited by the state-run Anadolu Agency, over 30 targets were "destroyed" in the aerial assault. "A total of 32 targets belonging to the terrorists were successfully destroyed," it said. The strikes come on the heels of an incident on Wednesday where suspected Kurdish militants detonated explosives and opened fire at TUSAS, Turkey's state-run aerospace and defence firm. The attack left five people dead and more than a dozen injured, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Also read: Terror attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara; 4 killed, 14 injured Yerlikaya added that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is believed to be behind the attack, though investigations to confirm the identities of the attackers are still ongoing. Defence Minister Yasar Guler also held the PKK responsible, saying, “We give these PKK scoundrels the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous terrorist act" during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a BRICS event in Russia. The United States Embassy in Turkey also released a statement, strongly condemning the incident. What is TUSAS? TUSAS plays a key role in Turkey’s defence sector, as it makes both civilian and military aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs have been instrumental in Turkey’s fight against Kurdish militants within its borders and in neighbouring Iraq. This attack comes just one day after the leader of Turkey's far-right nationalist party, which is aligned with Erdogan, hinted at the possibility of parole for the imprisoned leader of the PKK, provided he renounces violence and dissolves the group. In response to the attack, the Iraqi embassy in Ankara issued a statement condemning the violence. The embassy affirmed "Iraq's firm position in rejecting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and expresses the solidarity of Iraq's government and people, with the government and people of the Republic of Turkey." Earlier this year, Iraq imposed a ban on the PKK. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey retaliates with airstrikes on 32 PKK targets in Iraq, Syria after deadly terror attack on TUSAS

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calls for better relations with the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad to 'help Syrian refugees return home'. Watch in for more details!

'Better Ties With Assad Will Help Syrian Refugees Return Home', Says Meloni

United States has launched a series of bombings and what it describes as ISIS camps in Syria. In an attempt to disrupt the group's ability to carry out attacks in the region. These air strikes have hit multiple camps in Syria, the US Central Command confirmed that these bombings in fact took place but is not specified the exact locations. Watch to know more.

Amid Israel-Hamas War, US Strikes Syria

A group of unidentified men in the Indian capital, Delhi's&nbsp;Vikaspuri allegedly threw some corrosive substance on a Syrian refugee and his 11-month-old son.&nbsp;

The father and son are currently receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.&nbsp;

An FIR about&nbsp;the case was registered&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;after they received the treatment at the hospital.&nbsp;

The alleged incident took place on September 30 in West Delhi's Vikaspuri. Rafat, his wife Marisa, 26, and their 11-month-old son have been living on the road, outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).&nbsp;

Rafat contacted the UNHCR after he lost his job at the call centre. “However, the official denied us all help and we had no choice but to live on the road,” he said.

The locals, however, used to oppose their stay there.&nbsp;

"But the locals had problems with us staying there and kept mistreating us," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-in-syria-eliminate-37-militants-including-top-isis-al-qaeda-affiliate-leaders-762975">Also read:&nbsp;US airstrikes in Syria eliminate 37 militants including top ISIS, Al Qaeda affiliate leaders</a>

Rafat described the incident to The Times of India, saying that he saw the perpetrators from afar and they&nbsp;were holding a can and he sensed danger.&nbsp;

“I tried to run away but couldn’t get too far away before they threw something on me and my son. My skin started to burn and I sensed a chemical smell on me,” he said.&nbsp;

The Syrian national said that he begged many auto rickshaws to take him and his son to the hospital. However, nobody came to help.&nbsp;

Later, a man helped him and dropped him at the hospital on a motorcycle, according to the newspaper.&nbsp;

Rafat’s wife Marisa said, “When I reached the hospital, my son had burn injuries on his face, especially the eyes, neck and chest. I thought I would lose him. How can someone do this to a baby? Do they not have children?”

Rafat then explained that he came to India to study in 2015 and while studying in a Bengaluru college, he met Marisa and fell in love with her. "We fell in love and got married. However, our families did not approve of our relationship and cut us off," he said.&nbsp;

Watch | Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria

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He continued that both of them dropped out of college and took odd jobs, hoping to start a new life for themselves.&nbsp;

"Soon the war started in Syria and so, I could not think of taking my family back to Syria," the Syrian national said, adding, "We moved to Delhi almost two years ago and started doing odd jobs. But recently, the financial burden became too much, and so we reached out to the commission."

After getting to know about the attack, Rafat was contacted by the Brave Souls Foundation, which works for acid attack survivors. The NGO also assisted Rafat and his family with legal aid.&nbsp;

Talking about the civic rights of the family, advocate Ali Zia Kabir of the NGO said, "The law should not, and does not, differentiate between a refugee and a citizen when they are victims of an acid attack. Both are equally entitled to protection, justice, treatment, and compensation."

Shaheen, the founder of the NGO, added, "This is a highly shocking incident in which an acidic substance was thrown on a man and an infant. It seems it is still so easy for people to procure acid in the capital. Availability of corrosive substances can so easily ruin the lives of people."

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of unidentified men in the Indian capital, Delhi's Vikaspuri allegedly threw some corrosive substance on a Syrian refugee and his 11-month-old son. The father and son are currently receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.

A group of unidentified men in the Indian capital, Delhi's Vikaspuri allegedly threw some corrosive substance on a Syrian refugee and his 11-month-old son. The father and son are currently receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. An FIR about the case was registered on Monday after they received the treatment at the hospital. The alleged incident took place on September 30 in West Delhi's Vikaspuri. Rafat, his wife Marisa, 26, and their 11-month-old son have been living on the road, outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Rafat contacted the UNHCR after he lost his job at the call centre. “However, the official denied us all help and we had no choice but to live on the road,” he said. The locals, however, used to oppose their stay there. "But the locals had problems with us staying there and kept mistreating us," he said. Also read: US airstrikes in Syria eliminate 37 militants including top ISIS, Al Qaeda affiliate leaders Rafat described the incident to The Times of India, saying that he saw the perpetrators from afar and they were holding a can and he sensed danger. “I tried to run away but couldn’t get too far away before they threw something on me and my son. My skin started to burn and I sensed a chemical smell on me,” he said. The Syrian national said that he begged many auto rickshaws to take him and his son to the hospital. However, nobody came to help. Later, a man helped him and dropped him at the hospital on a motorcycle, according to the newspaper. Rafat’s wife Marisa said, “When I reached the hospital, my son had burn injuries on his face, especially the eyes, neck and chest. I thought I would lose him. How can someone do this to a baby? Do they not have children?” Rafat then explained that he came to India to study in 2015 and while studying in a Bengaluru college, he met Marisa and fell in love with her. "We fell in love and got married. However, our families did not approve of our relationship and cut us off," he said. Watch | Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria × He continued that both of them dropped out of college and took odd jobs, hoping to start a new life for themselves. "Soon the war started in Syria and so, I could not think of taking my family back to Syria," the Syrian national said, adding, "We moved to Delhi almost two years ago and started doing odd jobs. But recently, the financial burden became too much, and so we reached out to the commission." After getting to know about the attack, Rafat was contacted by the Brave Souls Foundation, which works for acid attack survivors. The NGO also assisted Rafat and his family with legal aid. Talking about the civic rights of the family, advocate Ali Zia Kabir of the NGO said, "The law should not, and does not, differentiate between a refugee and a citizen when they are victims of an acid attack. Both are equally entitled to protection, justice, treatment, and compensation." Shaheen, the founder of the NGO, added, "This is a highly shocking incident in which an acidic substance was thrown on a man and an infant. It seems it is still so easy for people to procure acid in the capital. Availability of corrosive substances can so easily ruin the lives of people." (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian refugee, his 11-month-old son attacked with acid outside Delhi's UNHC office

West Asia Country of Syria is also facing Israeli strikes. In the latest spate of attacks, 3 civilians lost their lives in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The Syrian media reported that Israeli strikes killed a television presenter and wounded 9 others in the country. Watch in for more details!

Damascus Attack: 3 Civilians Killed In Israeli Airstrike On Syria's Damascus, State Media says

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have caused thousands to flee into Syria, a nation already ravaged by years of conflict. Watch this report for more details!

An Israeli Bombing Intensifies Refugees From Lebanon Flock to Syria

US forces conducted two separate strikes in Syria, killing 37 "terrorist operatives," including members of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, the military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.

A September 24 strike in northwest Syria killed nine "terrorist operatives," including senior Hurras al-Din leader Marwan Bassam 'Abd-al-Ra'uf, the US military said.

A September 16 strike in central Syria targeted an IS training camp and killed at least 28 people, including four senior leaders, the statement said. It did not identify the leaders.&nbsp;

The US military has around 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. The coalition was established in 2014 to help combat the armed group, which had taken over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallah-death-netanyahu-reveals-he-gave-the-order-to-kill-hezbollah-chief-he-would-have-quickly-762857">Netanyahu reveals he issued the ‘order’ to kill Hezbollah chief Nasrallah</a>

"These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM's commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM's commander.

Anti-IS coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since last year has drawn in armed groups across the Middle East.&nbsp;

US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against militant factions in both countries.

In August, US forces killed another Hurras al-Din leader, Abu Abdul Rahman al-Makki, in a strike in Syria.

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.

US forces conducted two separate strikes in Syria, killing 37 "terrorist operatives," including members of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, the military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.

US forces conducted two separate strikes in Syria, killing 37 "terrorist operatives," including members of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, the military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday. A September 24 strike in northwest Syria killed nine "terrorist operatives," including senior Hurras al-Din leader Marwan Bassam 'Abd-al-Ra'uf, the US military said. A September 16 strike in central Syria targeted an IS training camp and killed at least 28 people, including four senior leaders, the statement said. It did not identify the leaders. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. The coalition was established in 2014 to help combat the armed group, which had taken over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria. Also read: Netanyahu reveals he issued the ‘order’ to kill Hezbollah chief Nasrallah "These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM's commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM's commander. Anti-IS coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since last year has drawn in armed groups across the Middle East. US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against militant factions in both countries. In August, US forces killed another Hurras al-Din leader, Abu Abdul Rahman al-Makki, in a strike in Syria. 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 airstrikes in Syria eliminate 37 militants including top ISIS, Al Qaeda affiliate leaders

Let's talk about Syria now. This time around it is about Syria's government. Who have retained their positions and who are the new entrants in the Syrian cabinet? We answer this in our next report.

Who Are The Entrants In Assad's Cabinet?

An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said on Thursday. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group.

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The strike late Wednesday came as the United States and its allies called for an “immediate” 21-day cease-fire to “provide space for diplomacy”.

Israel has threatened to launch a ground invasion, and the increasingly heavy exchanges of fire could trigger an all-out war. 
 
Lebanon's National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanon's northeastern Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. It quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. 
 
Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning.

“We dug through the rubble with our own hands” until a small bulldozer was brought in, Salloum told The Associated Press by telephone. “We had very limited capabilities.” The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by the Hezbollah militant group's paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence.

Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered — the world's highest refugee population per capita. 
 
Israel has carried out heavy strikes across Lebanon for days, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a long-range missile that was intercepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is travelling to the United States for the UN General Assembly, has not yet responded to the cease-fire proposal. But his foreign minister, Israel Katz, said Israel would continue fighting “with full force until victory”. 
 
Hezbollah has also not yet responded to the proposal. The militant group has insisted it would only halt its strikes if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, which appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. 
 
Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza, hoping to pin down Israeli forces. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies of Iran. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. 
 
Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation.

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.

An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said on Thursday. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group.

An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said on Thursday. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group. The strike late Wednesday came as the United States and its allies called for an “immediate” 21-day cease-fire to “provide space for diplomacy”. Israel has threatened to launch a ground invasion, and the increasingly heavy exchanges of fire could trigger an all-out war. Lebanon's National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanon's northeastern Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. It quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning. “We dug through the rubble with our own hands” until a small bulldozer was brought in, Salloum told The Associated Press by telephone. “We had very limited capabilities.” The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by the Hezbollah militant group's paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence. Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered — the world's highest refugee population per capita. Israel has carried out heavy strikes across Lebanon for days, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a long-range missile that was intercepted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is travelling to the United States for the UN General Assembly, has not yet responded to the cease-fire proposal. But his foreign minister, Israel Katz, said Israel would continue fighting “with full force until victory”. Hezbollah has also not yet responded to the proposal. The militant group has insisted it would only halt its strikes if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, which appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza, hoping to pin down Israeli forces. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies of Iran. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation. 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.

Lebanon’s state-run news agency claims Israeli airstrike killed around 23 Syrian workers and kin

#Gravitas | Israel destroyed an underground factory for precision missiles built by Iran, in Syria’s Hama province, located near the border with Lebanon. The factory’s destruction was aimed to deter the efforts of Iran and Hezbollah to produce medium-range precision missiles in Syria that could potentially hit targets deep inside Israel.

Israel’s hidden war: Iranian facility attacked in Syria

As hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza dim there are signals of tensions expanding across West Asia with accusations and counter charges and increasingly feud ties between rival forces. Iran has accused Israel of carrying out what it calls a criminal attack in central Syria killing 18 people. Watch in for more details!

Israel strikes Syria: 16 people killed as Israel launches multiple strikes on Syria

Ravaged by a civil war... One of the most populous governorates of Syria, is opening its doors to tourists. The soul of old Aleppo was devastated by the 2011 conflict. Famous for its textiles, and exotic food, the trade hub is getting back on its feet. Take a look.

Aleppo city back on its feet | The West Asia Post

Syria's Kurdish authorities on Monday released 50 Syrian prisoners accused of belonging to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group as part of a general amnesty deal.

Syria's Kurds release 50 detainees linked to Islamic State

Syria's Kurds release 50 IS-linked detainees

Several rockets were launched on Thursday and Friday against bases hosting troops from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, security officials and a war monitor said.

Several rockets were launched on Thursday and Friday against bases hosting troops from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, security officials and a war monitor said. Such attacks were frequent early in the war between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants in Gaza but since then have largely halted. "Four rockets fell in the vicinity" of Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, an Iraqi security source said. Another security official said an attack occurred with "a drone and three rockets" that fell close to the base perimeter. A United States official said initial reports indicated that projectiles landed outside the base without causing injuries or damage to the base. All sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media. At least one rocket also fell near a base of the coalition in the Conoco gas field in Deir Ezzor province of eastern Syria, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. The Observatory said a blast was heard in the area but there were no immediate reports of casualties. The rocket was fired from "zones under the control of pro-Iranian militia" groups, said the monitor which relies on sources inside Syria. Watch | US urges Israel to think of a 'realistic truce plan', Hamas says 'Netanyahu stalling ceasefire deal' × There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either attack. Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have largely halted similar attacks on US-backed troops in recent months. The latest attack come after a security meeting this week between Iraqi and US officials in Washington on the future of the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq. Iran-backed groups have demanded a withdrawal. The US Defense Department said Wednesday "the delegations reached an understanding on the concept for a new phase of the bilateral security relationship". This would include "cooperation through liaison officers, training, and traditional security cooperation programmes". On July 16, two drones were launched against Ain al-Assad base, with one exploding inside without causing injuries or damage. A senior security official in Baghdad said at the time he believed the attack was meant to "embarrass" the Iraqi government before the security meeting. For more than three months, as regional tensions soared over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, United States troops were targeted by rockets and drones more than 175 times in the Middle East, mainly in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, claimed the majority of the attacks, saying they were in solidarity with Gaza Palestinians. Also read: Kamala Harris crashes RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Finale to remind viewers to register to vote: Watch In January, a drone strike blamed on those groups killed three US soldiers in a base in Jordan. In retaliation, US forces launched dozens of strikes against Tehran-backed fighters. Since then, attacks against US troops have largely halted. Baghdad has sought to defuse tensions, engaging in talks with Washington on the future of the US-led coalition's mission in Iraq. The US military has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria with the international coalition. The coalition was deployed to Iraq at the government's request in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State group, which had taken over vast swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria. IS remnants still carry out attacks and ambushes in both countries. 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.

Rockets target US-led coalition bases in Iraq and Syria

Syria held its first parliamentary polls after the nation was welcomed back into the Arab league last year. Situation is tense in rebel-held areas of northwestern Syria. What is syria's ground situation? We get you all the details.

Syrian President's party wins majority seats in polls

Syrians were voting for members of a new parliament in an election Monday that was expected to hold few surprises but could pave the way for a constitutional amendment to extend the term of President Bashar Assad. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Voters cast their ballot for their next parliament

Turkish police detained nearly 500 people after anti-Syrian riots rocked several cities. The spreading unrest was sparked late on 30th June in the central city of Kayseri, after social media reports emerged of a Syrian man sexually abusing a female child relative. Properties and vehicles owned by Syrians were vandalised and set ablaze in Kayseri, and soon after, violence spread to several other provinces, including Istanbul.

Severe backlash in rebel-held northwest Syria

Turkey will extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar Assad "any time" for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

Erdogan to invite Assad for talks to restore Turkey-Syria ties

Turkey & Syria to hit refresh button, Erdogan to invite Assad for talks to restore Syria-Turkey ties

Riots erupted in Turkey after allegations that a Syrian man harassing a child came to light. Angered Syrians clashed with Turkish forces. What went down? Watch this report.

Turkish police detains over 400 rioters

One of the world's largest religious gatherings officially begins today. Hundreds and thousands of Muslims from across the globe have flocked to the holy city of mecca to attend the 2024 haj pilgrimage season... Take a look at this report.

Hajj 2024: Over 1 million Muslims flock to Mecca | The West Asia Post

Syria and Saudi Arabia have hit the refresh button for the first time in more than a decade. Thousands of Syrian pilgrims are traveling directly from Syria to Saudi Arabia for Hajj rituals and our next report gets you more details.

Hajj 2024: 7,000 Syrian pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Watch top headlines of the hour: - South Africa: ANC short, focus on alliances - Parties strategise ahead of vote counting - Mexico set to elect first female President - 12 killed in Israeli strike in Syria - Will Israel accept Gaza peace deal? - Heatwave in North India, rains in Northeast

Heatwave in North India, rains in Northeast | 12 killed in Israeli strike in Syria

Syria is back in the spotlight after the European Union highlighted Syria's plight at a Brussels conference. Our next report is all about the meeting and why it's crucial for Syria.

Syrian refugees fear abandonment

About 5.7 million Syrians live in extreme poverty, reported the World Bank on Saturday (May 25).&nbsp;

As per two new reports published by the World Bank on Syria, 13 years into the devastating civil war that has battered the economy and impoverished millions, more than a quarter of people are living in extreme poverty condition. Before the conflict, extreme poverty was "virtually non-existent" said one report.&nbsp;

"Extreme poverty, while virtually non-existent before the conflict, affected more than one in four Syrians in 2022" and might have further deteriorated after a deadly earthquake last year, it said, as reported by AFP. Last year's earthquake killed about 6,000 people.

<h2>Poverty and Syria</h2>

Even as the war ravages the economy, infrastructure, and industry in Syria, Lebanon's economic meltdown in late 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have all contributed to the erosion of the welfare of Syrian households in recent years, says the report.&nbsp;

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"Continued funding shortfalls and limited access to humanitarian assistance," have further strained poor Syrians, already coping with "soaring prices, reduced access to essential services and rising unemployment," said the World Bank.

In 2023,&nbsp;Syria's GDP was&nbsp;estimated at around $6.2 billion. In 2024, it is&nbsp;projected to contract by 1.5 per cent, "extending the 1.2 per cent decline in 2023," said the report.

Previously, the United Nations estimated that about 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty. It also estimates that around two million live in extreme poverty conditions after more than a decade of the war.

In a conversation with AFP, the international agency said that its humanitarian 2024 response plan in Syria requires over $4 billion, but is only six per cent funded.

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The dwindling aid and lack of opportunities, as per the World Bank, have pushed many Syrians to rely on money/remittances sent by relatives from abroad. As per the World Bank's estimates, in "2022, the total value of remittances received by Syrian households reached about $1.05 billion".

(With inputs from agencies)

About 5.7 million Syrians live in extreme poverty, reported the World Bank on Saturday (May 25). As per two new reports published by the World Bank on Syria, 13 years into the devastating civil war that has battered the economy and impoverished millions, more than a quarter of people are living in extreme poverty condition.

About 5.7 million Syrians live in extreme poverty, reported the World Bank on Saturday (May 25). As per two new reports published by the World Bank on Syria, 13 years into the devastating civil war that has battered the economy and impoverished millions, more than a quarter of people are living in extreme poverty condition. Before the conflict, extreme poverty was "virtually non-existent" said one report. "Extreme poverty, while virtually non-existent before the conflict, affected more than one in four Syrians in 2022" and might have further deteriorated after a deadly earthquake last year, it said, as reported by AFP. Last year's earthquake killed about 6,000 people. Poverty and Syria Even as the war ravages the economy, infrastructure, and industry in Syria, Lebanon's economic meltdown in late 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have all contributed to the erosion of the welfare of Syrian households in recent years, says the report. Also read | Voiced by De Niro, Biden's campaign ad paints Trump as an 'out of control' president that 'snapped' "Continued funding shortfalls and limited access to humanitarian assistance," have further strained poor Syrians, already coping with "soaring prices, reduced access to essential services and rising unemployment," said the World Bank. In 2023, Syria's GDP was estimated at around $6.2 billion. In 2024, it is projected to contract by 1.5 per cent, "extending the 1.2 per cent decline in 2023," said the report. Previously, the United Nations estimated that about 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty. It also estimates that around two million live in extreme poverty conditions after more than a decade of the war. In a conversation with AFP, the international agency said that its humanitarian 2024 response plan in Syria requires over $4 billion, but is only six per cent funded. Also read | Florida priest accused of biting woman in church during mass. Here’s what happened The dwindling aid and lack of opportunities, as per the World Bank, have pushed many Syrians to rely on money/remittances sent by relatives from abroad. As per the World Bank's estimates, in "2022, the total value of remittances received by Syrian households reached about $1.05 billion". (With inputs from agencies)

13 year war: 5.7 million or over 1 in 4 people 'extremely poor' in Syria, reports World Bank

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor.

"An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This was the third Israeli strike against Lebanon's Iran-backed targets in Syria in about a week's time.

Earlier, Israeli strikes hit the Qusayr area, in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, and killed two men, said Observatory, a Britain-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria.

At least one out of the deceased was a Hezbollah fighter, the news agency AFP reported citing a source of the militant group.

Another strike, on May 18, targeted "a Hezbollah commander and his companion", the Observatory said. It did not report any casualties.

Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not let its arch-foe Iran expand its presence in Syria.

Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria since the civil war in its northern neighbour broke out, primarily aiming at army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah.

The strikes multiplied since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on Oct 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack against Israel.

Last month, Syria had accused Israel of launching attacks targeting army positions.

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Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace.

Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region".

Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory".

Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor. "An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor. "An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This was the third Israeli strike against Lebanon's Iran-backed targets in Syria in about a week's time. Earlier, Israeli strikes hit the Qusayr area, in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, and killed two men, said Observatory, a Britain-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria. At least one out of the deceased was a Hezbollah fighter, the news agency AFP reported citing a source of the militant group. Another strike, on May 18, targeted "a Hezbollah commander and his companion", the Observatory said. It did not report any casualties. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not let its arch-foe Iran expand its presence in Syria. Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria since the civil war in its northern neighbour broke out, primarily aiming at army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah. The strikes multiplied since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on Oct 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack against Israel. Last month, Syria had accused Israel of launching attacks targeting army positions. Also read: Domes, minarets disappear from China’s last Arabic-style mosque, replaced by pagoda rooftop, towers Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace. Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region". Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory". Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli drone strike kills two Hezbollah fighters in Syria

A Paris court on Friday ordered life prison sentences for three top Syrian security officials for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes in a landmark case.

It is the first time that France has held a trial on abuses committed during Syria's civil war since 2011.

The accused -- Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau; Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service; and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations -- were all absent, but there are international warrants for their arrest.

Many in the court galleries rose to applaud after the ruling was announced.

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"It is a verdict that will resonate for hundreds of thousands of Syrians who are still waiting for justice," said Clemence Bectarte, a lawyer for some of the victims in the case.

The three officials are believed to be in Syria. Mamlouk has become a top advisor to Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad.

They were accused over their role in the deaths of two French-Syrian men, Mazzen Dabbagh and his son Patrick, who were arrested in Damascus in 2013 and never seen again. They were declared dead in 2018.

At the time of his arrest, Patrick Dabbagh was a 20-year-old arts and humanities student at the University of Damascus. His father was a senior education adviser at the French school in Damascus.

Ahead of the trial, the investigating judges said it was "sufficiently established" that the two men "like thousands of detainees of the Air Force intelligence suffered torture of such intensity that they died".

Prosecutors noted during the trial that there had been systematic and widespread abuses in Syria since 2011, saying tens of thousands of Syrians may have suffered the fate of the Dabbaghs.

<h2>- 'First step' -</h2>

Several experts and witnesses who have spent time in Syrian prisons gave evidence at the trial.

"Impunity is something very difficult to live with," said Obeida Dabbagh, Mazzen Dabbagh's brother.

"Justice has to be seen. This is a very important first step, it is historic," he said.

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Patrick Baudouin, a lawyer for the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), said the trial and the sentence were a "signal to our leaders, to European leaders, that they must not at any price normalise relations with Bashar al-Assad".&nbsp;

Syria's conflict since 2011 has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure.&nbsp;

Trials into abuses in Syria have taken place elsewhere in Europe, notably in Germany. In those cases, the people prosecuted held lower ranks and were present at the hearings.

A Paris court on Friday ordered life prison sentences for three top Syrian security officials for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes in a landmark case.

A Paris court on Friday ordered life prison sentences for three top Syrian security officials for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes in a landmark case. It is the first time that France has held a trial on abuses committed during Syria's civil war since 2011. The accused -- Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau; Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service; and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations -- were all absent, but there are international warrants for their arrest. Many in the court galleries rose to applaud after the ruling was announced. Also Read | France begins its first war crimes trial of Syria regime officials "It is a verdict that will resonate for hundreds of thousands of Syrians who are still waiting for justice," said Clemence Bectarte, a lawyer for some of the victims in the case. The three officials are believed to be in Syria. Mamlouk has become a top advisor to Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad. They were accused over their role in the deaths of two French-Syrian men, Mazzen Dabbagh and his son Patrick, who were arrested in Damascus in 2013 and never seen again. They were declared dead in 2018. At the time of his arrest, Patrick Dabbagh was a 20-year-old arts and humanities student at the University of Damascus. His father was a senior education adviser at the French school in Damascus. Ahead of the trial, the investigating judges said it was "sufficiently established" that the two men "like thousands of detainees of the Air Force intelligence suffered torture of such intensity that they died". Prosecutors noted during the trial that there had been systematic and widespread abuses in Syria since 2011, saying tens of thousands of Syrians may have suffered the fate of the Dabbaghs. - 'First step' - Several experts and witnesses who have spent time in Syrian prisons gave evidence at the trial. "Impunity is something very difficult to live with," said Obeida Dabbagh, Mazzen Dabbagh's brother. "Justice has to be seen. This is a very important first step, it is historic," he said. Also Read | Papua New Guinea landslide: At least 4 killed, over 300 buried as rescue teams rush to save trapped villagers Patrick Baudouin, a lawyer for the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), said the trial and the sentence were a "signal to our leaders, to European leaders, that they must not at any price normalise relations with Bashar al-Assad". Syria's conflict since 2011 has killed more than half a million people, displaced millions and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure. Trials into abuses in Syria have taken place elsewhere in Europe, notably in Germany. In those cases, the people prosecuted held lower ranks and were present at the hearings.

Paris court orders life terms for 3 Syrian officials in landmark war crimes case

Asma Al-Assad's life took a significant turn when she married the 19th president of one of the most volatile countries of West Asia. What is her role as a first lady? Syrian office announced acute leukemia diagnosis. How has she been involved in Syrian politics? Our next report tells you more.

Life of Asma Al-Assad

The Paris Criminal Court is hearing cases against the officials for their role in the deaths of two French Syrian men, Mazzen Dabbagh and his son Patrick, arrested in Damascus in 2013.

Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau, Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service, and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations for the service in Damascus, are subject to international arrest warrants and will be tried in absentia.

"For the first time, French courts will address the crimes of the Syrian authorities, and will try the most senior members of the authorities to ever be prosecuted since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in March 2011," said the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).

War between the Assad regime and armed opposition groups, including Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011.

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The conflict has left killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure.

Trials into abuses in Syria have taken place elsewhere in Europe, notably in Germany. In those cases, the people prosecuted held lower ranks and were present at the hearings.

The trial began after seven years of investigation carried out by a French judicial war crimes unit.

Speaking before the hearing, lawyer Clemence Bectarte, who represents the Dabbagh family and the FIDH, hailed "the culmination of a long legal battle."

<h2>System of torture </h2>

At the time of his arrest, Patrick Dabbagh was a 20-year-old arts and humanities student at the University of Damascus. His father Mazzen was a senior education adviser at the French school in Damascus.

The two were arrested in November 2013 by men who claimed to belong to the Syrian Air Force intelligence service.

"Witness testimony confirms that Mazzen and Patrick were both taken to a detention centre at Mezzeh military airport, which is run by Syrian Air Force Intelligence and notorious for the use of brutal torture," FIDH said, stressing that the pair were not involved in protests against Assad.

They were declared dead in 2018. The family was formally notified that Patrick died on 21 January 2014 and his father Mazzen on 25 November 2017.

In 2016, Mazzen Dabbagh's wife and daughter were evicted from their house in Damascus, which had been requisitioned. According to the prosecution, those acts were "likely to constitute war crimes, extortion and concealment of extortion".

The investigating judges said it was "sufficiently established" that the two men "like thousands of detainees of the Air Force intelligence suffered torture of such intensity that they died."

French investigators and the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), a non-governmental organisation, collected accounts from dozens of witnesses of torture and mistreatment at the Mezzeh prison, including the use of electric shocks and sexual violence.

During the hearing, researcher Ziad Majed said the Syrian prison system was the "backbone of the regime".

Asked about moves to normalise diplomatic relations with the Assad regime, Majed warned that this was encouraging "impunity".

This is "what contributes to the continuation of crimes in this region or elsewhere", he said.

Patrick Baudouin, who also represents the FIDH, said before the hearing that "considerable incriminating evidence" had been gathered, pointing to "a system of torture, a system of ill-treatment and inhuman treatment and disappearances" in Syria.

&nbsp;

The Paris Criminal Court is hearing cases against the officials for their role in the deaths of two French Syrian men, Mazzen Dabbagh and his son Patrick, arrested in Damascus in 2013.

The Paris Criminal Court is hearing cases against the officials for their role in the deaths of two French Syrian men, Mazzen Dabbagh and his son Patrick, arrested in Damascus in 2013. Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau, Jamil Hassan, former director of the Air Force intelligence service, and Abdel Salam Mahmoud, former head of investigations for the service in Damascus, are subject to international arrest warrants and will be tried in absentia. "For the first time, French courts will address the crimes of the Syrian authorities, and will try the most senior members of the authorities to ever be prosecuted since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in March 2011," said the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). War between the Assad regime and armed opposition groups, including Islamic State, erupted after the government repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011. Also read | Who is Asma Assad, Syria's first lady diagnosed with blood cancer? The conflict has left killed more than half a million people, displaced millions, and ravaged Syria's economy and infrastructure. Trials into abuses in Syria have taken place elsewhere in Europe, notably in Germany. In those cases, the people prosecuted held lower ranks and were present at the hearings. The trial began after seven years of investigation carried out by a French judicial war crimes unit. Speaking before the hearing, lawyer Clemence Bectarte, who represents the Dabbagh family and the FIDH, hailed "the culmination of a long legal battle." System of torture At the time of his arrest, Patrick Dabbagh was a 20-year-old arts and humanities student at the University of Damascus. His father Mazzen was a senior education adviser at the French school in Damascus. The two were arrested in November 2013 by men who claimed to belong to the Syrian Air Force intelligence service. "Witness testimony confirms that Mazzen and Patrick were both taken to a detention centre at Mezzeh military airport, which is run by Syrian Air Force Intelligence and notorious for the use of brutal torture," FIDH said, stressing that the pair were not involved in protests against Assad. They were declared dead in 2018. The family was formally notified that Patrick died on 21 January 2014 and his father Mazzen on 25 November 2017. In 2016, Mazzen Dabbagh's wife and daughter were evicted from their house in Damascus, which had been requisitioned. According to the prosecution, those acts were "likely to constitute war crimes, extortion and concealment of extortion". The investigating judges said it was "sufficiently established" that the two men "like thousands of detainees of the Air Force intelligence suffered torture of such intensity that they died." French investigators and the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), a non-governmental organisation, collected accounts from dozens of witnesses of torture and mistreatment at the Mezzeh prison, including the use of electric shocks and sexual violence. During the hearing, researcher Ziad Majed said the Syrian prison system was the "backbone of the regime". Asked about moves to normalise diplomatic relations with the Assad regime, Majed warned that this was encouraging "impunity". This is "what contributes to the continuation of crimes in this region or elsewhere", he said. Patrick Baudouin, who also represents the FIDH, said before the hearing that "considerable incriminating evidence" had been gathered, pointing to "a system of torture, a system of ill-treatment and inhuman treatment and disappearances" in Syria.

France begins its first war crimes trial of Syria regime officials

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