Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold Tuesday (May 9) after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus. This also comes days after Syria was readmitted into the Arab League ending its years-long suspension.

The restoration of diplomatic ties happened nearly a decade after Riyadh withdrew its representatives during the early stages of Syria's civil war.&nbsp;

The statement by Riyadh's foreign ministry said that the Kingdom has decided "to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria," as quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency, adding that it would seek to "develop joint Arab action".

Meanwhile, the Syrian news agency SANA, also citing officials, reported, "The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia."&nbsp;

The contact between the two countries gathered momentum after the landmark China-brokered deal to re-establish ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reported Reuters citing a regional source aligned with Damascus.

Tehran is reportedly a key ally of Assad. However, the United States, an ally of Saudi Arabia along with Arab countries, is opposed to initiatives taken by regional countries to normalise ties with Assad.&nbsp;

The US has cited his government's brutality during the conflict. Notably, Assad had been politically isolated in the region since Syria's war began and it was not until this week's diplomatic activity which has resumed ties that shifted the political landscape.

The agreement also comes ahead of the pan-Arab bloc's next summit which will take place on May 19. Last month, Assad met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for the first time since the war broke out in 2011.&nbsp;

In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad's government while it has also long hailed Assad's ouster, backing Syrian rebels in earlier stages of the war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold Tuesday (May 9) after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold Tuesday (May 9) after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus. This also comes days after Syria was readmitted into the Arab League ending its years-long suspension. The restoration of diplomatic ties happened nearly a decade after Riyadh withdrew its representatives during the early stages of Syria's civil war. The statement by Riyadh's foreign ministry said that the Kingdom has decided "to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria," as quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency, adding that it would seek to "develop joint Arab action". Meanwhile, the Syrian news agency SANA, also citing officials, reported, "The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia." The contact between the two countries gathered momentum after the landmark China-brokered deal to re-establish ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reported Reuters citing a regional source aligned with Damascus. Tehran is reportedly a key ally of Assad. However, the United States, an ally of Saudi Arabia along with Arab countries, is opposed to initiatives taken by regional countries to normalise ties with Assad. The US has cited his government's brutality during the conflict. Notably, Assad had been politically isolated in the region since Syria's war began and it was not until this week's diplomatic activity which has resumed ties that shifted the political landscape. The agreement also comes ahead of the pan-Arab bloc's next summit which will take place on May 19. Last month, Assad met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for the first time since the war broke out in 2011. In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad's government while it has also long hailed Assad's ouster, backing Syrian rebels in earlier stages of the war. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi Arabia, Syria to restore diplomatic ties after a decade, reopen missions

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this.

Drug dealer "Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike" in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.&nbsp;

"Ramthan is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan", said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria.&nbsp;

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was asked about the airstrike by reporters.

"When we take any steps to protect our national security... we will announce them at the appropriate time," he said.

"Drugs... are a great threat to the kingdom, the region and the world as smuggling operations soar," Safadi said.&nbsp;

News agency AFP said that an investigation it carried out in November found that Syria has become a narco-state, with the $10 billion captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies.&nbsp;

These narcotics are mainly smuggled to oil-rich Gulf countries, says AFP. But Jordan has also become a transit route for trade in the amphetamine-type stimulant.

An activist in Sweida province with knowledge of the local drug trade told AFP that "we expect to see a noticeable impact on smuggling operations from Sweida after the strike."&nbsp;

"No one could smuggle anything across the border without Ramthan's knowledge," he said, requesting anonymity for his own security.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-returns-to-arab-league-after-11-long-years-590000">Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years</a>

The activist reportedly added that since the airstrike took place, some traffickers in the area have fled their homes.

The rare attack comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Amman in which Damascus had agreed to "enhance cooperation" with countries "affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border", a Jordanian foreign ministry statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this. Drug dealer "Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike" in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Ramthan is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan", said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was asked about the airstrike by reporters. "When we take any steps to protect our national security... we will announce them at the appropriate time," he said. "Drugs... are a great threat to the kingdom, the region and the world as smuggling operations soar," Safadi said. News agency AFP said that an investigation it carried out in November found that Syria has become a narco-state, with the $10 billion captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies. These narcotics are mainly smuggled to oil-rich Gulf countries, says AFP. But Jordan has also become a transit route for trade in the amphetamine-type stimulant. An activist in Sweida province with knowledge of the local drug trade told AFP that "we expect to see a noticeable impact on smuggling operations from Sweida after the strike." "No one could smuggle anything across the border without Ramthan's knowledge," he said, requesting anonymity for his own security. Also Read | Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years The activist reportedly added that since the airstrike took place, some traffickers in the area have fled their homes. The rare attack comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Amman in which Damascus had agreed to "enhance cooperation" with countries "affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border", a Jordanian foreign ministry statement said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Airstrike kills major drug trafficker in Syria: War monitor

The Arab League has decided to readmit Syria. The country was suspended 12 years ago following the outbreak of the civil war. Will all Arab states now normalise relations with Syria?

Gravitas: Syria readmitted into the Arab League after 12 years

West Asia has been showing signals of change recently, and the change is now profound. Syria has been re-admitted to the Arab League of Nations, ending a 12-year period of political seclusion.

Arab League brings Syria back into its fold after 12 years

Arab League readmits Syria as relations with Assad normalise

The Syrian shift to Arab league has been a huge one. Syria has been readmitted into the Arab League of nations ending the 12-year-long isolation. The move comes after Arab League Foreign Ministers voted to reinstate Syria back into Arab fold at a meeting in Cairo.

Syria returns to Arab league: Syria's 12 years of political isolation ends

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian&nbsp;government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

In an anonymous decision, the group's foreign ministers announced that the "government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings," starting Sunday.

The group's foreign ministers in their statement spoke of their "keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve" the Syria crisis and its "humanitarian, security and political consequences." They also noted that humanitarian aid must reach "all those in need."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-ministers-to-agree-on-syrias-conditional-return-to-arab-league-report-589961">Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report</a>

Furthermore, they have decided to establish a ministerial committee to continue a "direct dialogue" with the Syrian government with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution.

As per AFP, the 22-member group had suspended Damascus' participation in&nbsp;2011 due to the nation's actions against peaceful protests that started earlier that year. These protests turned into a civil conflict and resulted&nbsp;in the death of over 500,000 individuals, the displacement of millions, and significant damage to the country's infrastructure and industry.

Ever since the war started, President Bashar al-Assad was left politically isolated. However, ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19, recent weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity.

At the beginning of the conflict, a number of Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Syria, "betting on his demise."

Others, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia as per AFP, even offered assistance to the Syrian opposition.

However, the leader "stubbornly held onto power," and even regained territory that was previously lost during the conflict. Due to this, regional capitals slowly warmed up to him. This acceptance, as per AFP, was further facilitated by the vital support provided by Iran and Russia.

The United Arab Emirates, which resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus towards the end of 2018, has reportedly been taking the lead in the recent push to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community.

An earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6th of this year further contributed to an Arab outreach to Assad's government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation. In an anonymous decision, the group's foreign ministers announced that the "government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings," starting Sunday. The group's foreign ministers in their statement spoke of their "keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve" the Syria crisis and its "humanitarian, security and political consequences." They also noted that humanitarian aid must reach "all those in need." Also read | Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report Furthermore, they have decided to establish a ministerial committee to continue a "direct dialogue" with the Syrian government with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution. As per AFP, the 22-member group had suspended Damascus' participation in 2011 due to the nation's actions against peaceful protests that started earlier that year. These protests turned into a civil conflict and resulted in the death of over 500,000 individuals, the displacement of millions, and significant damage to the country's infrastructure and industry. Ever since the war started, President Bashar al-Assad was left politically isolated. However, ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19, recent weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity. At the beginning of the conflict, a number of Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Syria, "betting on his demise." Others, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia as per AFP, even offered assistance to the Syrian opposition. However, the leader "stubbornly held onto power," and even regained territory that was previously lost during the conflict. Due to this, regional capitals slowly warmed up to him. This acceptance, as per AFP, was further facilitated by the vital support provided by Iran and Russia. The United Arab Emirates, which resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus towards the end of 2018, has reportedly been taking the lead in the recent push to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community. An earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6th of this year further contributed to an Arab outreach to Assad's government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years

Syria's 12 years of political isolation ends

Foreign ministers of Arab countries will on Sunday (May 7) agree&nbsp;on Syria's conditional return to the Arab League, the Arab News reported citing a statement. The Arab League drafted a resolution that said that Syrian delegations would resume participation in the league's meetings as of Sunday. The foreign ministers met in Egypt's capital city Cairo for meetings on Syria as well as the situation in&nbsp;conflict-torn Sudan.&nbsp;

The decision on Syria's condition return to the Arab League comes as some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, opened up relations with Syrian President Bashar Assad and their foreign ministers visited Damascus in recent weeks. Last month, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Cairo and Riyad, the first such visits in more than a decade.&nbsp;

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Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 after a bloody crackdown on protests against Bashar Assad led to a civil war. Arab countries later imposed economic sanctions on Syria. In November 2011, 18 of the 22 members of the league backed the suspension (of Syria's membership). &nbsp;Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria voted against the decision, while Iraq abstained.

However, several Arab countries have re-engaged with Syria recently.&nbsp;

On Friday (May 5), Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that Syria had enough votes among the Arab League's 22 members to regain its seat. "The return to the league will happen. Symbolically it will be important but ... that is only a very humble beginning of what will be a very long and difficult and challenging process, given the complexity of the crisis after 12 years of conflict," Safadi told CNN.&nbsp;

Safadi's remarks come after foreign ministers of Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan met in the Jordanian capital Amman on Monday (May 1) to discuss how to normalize ties with Syria as part of a political settlement of its war, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Jordan has called on Syria to engage with Arab states jointly on a step-by-step roadmap to end the conflict, tackling the issues of refugees, detainees, drug smuggling, and Iran-backed militias in Syria&nbsp;

During the meeting on Monday, Syria agreed to help end drug trafficking across its borders with Jordan and Iraq.&nbsp;

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Foreign ministers of Arab countries will on Sunday (May 7) agree on Syria's conditional return to the Arab League, the Arab News reported citing a statement. The Arab League drafted a resolution that said that Syrian delegations would resume participation in the league's meetings as of Sunday.

Foreign ministers of Arab countries will on Sunday (May 7) agree on Syria's conditional return to the Arab League, the Arab News reported citing a statement. The Arab League drafted a resolution that said that Syrian delegations would resume participation in the league's meetings as of Sunday. The foreign ministers met in Egypt's capital city Cairo for meetings on Syria as well as the situation in conflict-torn Sudan. The decision on Syria's condition return to the Arab League comes as some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, opened up relations with Syrian President Bashar Assad and their foreign ministers visited Damascus in recent weeks. Last month, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Cairo and Riyad, the first such visits in more than a decade. ALSO READ | Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 after a bloody crackdown on protests against Bashar Assad led to a civil war. Arab countries later imposed economic sanctions on Syria. In November 2011, 18 of the 22 members of the league backed the suspension (of Syria's membership). Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria voted against the decision, while Iraq abstained. However, several Arab countries have re-engaged with Syria recently. On Friday (May 5), Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that Syria had enough votes among the Arab League's 22 members to regain its seat. "The return to the league will happen. Symbolically it will be important but ... that is only a very humble beginning of what will be a very long and difficult and challenging process, given the complexity of the crisis after 12 years of conflict," Safadi told CNN. Safadi's remarks come after foreign ministers of Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan met in the Jordanian capital Amman on Monday (May 1) to discuss how to normalize ties with Syria as part of a political settlement of its war, the news agency Reuters reported. Jordan has called on Syria to engage with Arab states jointly on a step-by-step roadmap to end the conflict, tackling the issues of refugees, detainees, drug smuggling, and Iran-backed militias in Syria During the meeting on Monday, Syria agreed to help end drug trafficking across its borders with Jordan and Iraq. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report

Arab nations are set to re-admit Syria into the Arab League despite repeated objections from the United States to ending the decade-long isolation of a regime that it holds accountable for the deaths of more 300,000 civilians and displacement of millions in the country’s brutal civil war.

Arab nations set to rehabilitate Syria's pariah president in defiance of US

At least one soldier was killed after Israel launched airstrikes targeting north Syria's Aleppo province late Monday (May 1), reported the Syrian state media. The report citing a military source also said that seven people were injured including two civilians and the supposed strike had since put the area’s international airport out of service.&nbsp;

According to a report by Syria’s state news agency, SANA, Israeli Air Force warplanes targeted the Aleppo International Airport which was out of service due to heavy damage caused and other sites on the outskirts of the city. The strike allegedly began at around 11:35 pm (local time) where “the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack with several missiles,” reported SANA citing a military source.&nbsp;

“A soldier was killed and seven people were wounded including two civilians,” SANA was quoted by the news agency AFP.

SANA also reported that the Syrian air defences responded to the Israeli incursion and claimed that they intercepted several incoming missiles.&nbsp;

Israel does not typically disclose if it conducts any strikes in Syria.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported “a number of explosions in the area of Aleppo international airport and the Nayrab military airfield in Aleppo province...which led to a fire at a munitions depot,” as per AFP.&nbsp;

The UK-based war monitor also reported that there was “heavy material damage at both airports”.

The SOHR also said that “Israeli missiles fell on defence factories in the Safireh area” of Aleppo province and caused “material damage”. This comes as Israel has reportedly been carrying out attacks against what it has described as Iran-linked targets in Syria.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that Iran-backed militias have a heavy presence in the Aleppo region after it provided ground support to the army in its recapture of rebel-held districts of the city back in 2016.&nbsp;

This is not the first time the airport in Aleppo has been targeted. In March, the SOHR had reported that an Israeli missile strike destroyed a suspected arms depot used by Iran-backed militias at Aleppo airport.&nbsp;

This also comes nearly a week after the war monitor reported about the Israeli army shelling a position which supposedly belonged to a pro-Iran group, Hezbollah, in southern Syria near the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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At least one soldier was killed after Israel launched airstrikes targeting north Syria's Aleppo province late Monday (May 1), reported the Syrian state media. The report citing a military source also said that seven people were injured including two civilians and the supposed strike had since put the area’s international airport out of service.

At least one soldier was killed after Israel launched airstrikes targeting north Syria's Aleppo province late Monday (May 1), reported the Syrian state media. The report citing a military source also said that seven people were injured including two civilians and the supposed strike had since put the area’s international airport out of service. According to a report by Syria’s state news agency, SANA, Israeli Air Force warplanes targeted the Aleppo International Airport which was out of service due to heavy damage caused and other sites on the outskirts of the city. The strike allegedly began at around 11:35 pm (local time) where “the Israeli enemy carried out an air attack with several missiles,” reported SANA citing a military source. “A soldier was killed and seven people were wounded including two civilians,” SANA was quoted by the news agency AFP. SANA also reported that the Syrian air defences responded to the Israeli incursion and claimed that they intercepted several incoming missiles. Israel does not typically disclose if it conducts any strikes in Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported “a number of explosions in the area of Aleppo international airport and the Nayrab military airfield in Aleppo province...which led to a fire at a munitions depot,” as per AFP. The UK-based war monitor also reported that there was “heavy material damage at both airports”. The SOHR also said that “Israeli missiles fell on defence factories in the Safireh area” of Aleppo province and caused “material damage”. This comes as Israel has reportedly been carrying out attacks against what it has described as Iran-linked targets in Syria. Reports suggest that Iran-backed militias have a heavy presence in the Aleppo region after it provided ground support to the army in its recapture of rebel-held districts of the city back in 2016. This is not the first time the airport in Aleppo has been targeted. In March, the SOHR had reported that an Israeli missile strike destroyed a suspected arms depot used by Iran-backed militias at Aleppo airport. This also comes nearly a week after the war monitor reported about the Israeli army shelling a position which supposedly belonged to a pro-Iran group, Hezbollah, in southern Syria near the Israel-occupied Golan Heights. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli airstrike kills one soldier, puts Aleppo airport out of service, says Syria

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the suspected commander of the Islamic State organisation was killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency. Watch the video to know more.

Suspected ISIS Chief killed in northern Syria, claims Turkey | WION Fineprint

ISIS Chief Qurashi killed in Syria, Turkey's Erdogan makes big announcement

Truce is the big word in West Asia. On The West Asia Post we have been reporting all big engagements, the thaws in decades-old frosty ties. This week, Russia hosted a four-way dialogue aimed at restoring ties between Syria and Turkiye. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report.

Can Russia broker Syria-Turkiye truce?

Israel has allegedly hit border areas of Quneitra as it shelled pro-Iran targets in Southern Syria during its more than a decade-long civil war in Syria. Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes on its territory primarily targeting Iran-backed forces.

Israel allegedly strikes Syria border, sends out strong warning for Syria

Israel has hit border areas of Quneitra as it shelled pro-Iran targets in Southern Syria during its more than a decade-long civil war in Syria. Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes on its territory primarily targeting Iran-backed forces.

Israel strikes Hezbollah targets, sends out strong warning for Syria | WION Dispatch

There is a new threat to the centuries-old marvels of Iraq. The artefacts that have seen wars and violence, now face a modern threat - climate change. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Syrian artefacts face a modern threat

Normalisation is the big word in West Asia. Arch rivals are warming up, diplomacy is taking the centre stage, and China is trying to make its mark as a political mediator. All while Saudi Arabia pitches itself as the new preacher of peace. What all happened in this eventful week? Ghadi Francis decodes the story on this week's The West Asia Post.

West Asia goes through a diplomatic rejig | The West Asia Post

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister is in Damascus, a development that hints at the possibility of ending Syria's Arab isolation in the near future. Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud landed in capital city Damascus on Tuesday and met with the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This is the first such visit by a high-ranking Saudi official since the start of the Syrian civil war.

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Syria for first time in decade

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat in Damascus on Tuesday, state media reported, ending more than a decade of diplomatic deep-freeze between the two countries.

Saudi Foreign Minister meets Syria's Assad on first trip to Damascus since war

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus on Tuesday in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria's decade-long regional isolation, and at a time of wider rapprochement in the region.

It was the first visit of a top diplomat from Arab powerhouse Saudi Arabia to Damascus since ties were ruptured following Assad's deadly crackdown on protesters in 2011 - violence that escalated into a decade-long civil war.

The meeting discussed steps needed for a political solution to Syria's conflict that would preserve its Arab identity and return it to "its Arab surroundings", Saudi state media said.

Assad said the kingdom's "open and realistic policies" benefited the region, Syria's state news agency reported.

The statements made no mention of an Arab League summit that Riyadh is due to host next month. On Friday, Gulf Arab foreign ministers and their counterparts from Egypt, Iraq and Jordan discussed Syria's possible return to the body at a meeting in Saudi Arabia, but no agreement was reached.

Following the security forces' crackdown on demonstrators in 2011, Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended and several Gulf states - including Saudi Arabia - began backing rebel groups fighting to oust Assad from power.

Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, later regained control over much of Syria. Saudi Arabia has said in recent months that isolating him was not working.

The two sides agreed to resume diplomatic ties, and sources had earlier told Reuters that bin Farhan would travel to Damascus to invite Assad to the Arab League summit.

While some countries like the United Arab Emirates have also mended ties with Damascus, others such as Qatar remain opposed to normalisation and to readmitting Syria to the Arab League in the absence of a political solution to the conflict.

Syria's foreign minister, who recently visited Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia, has said his country's return to the Arab League would be "almost impossible before correcting bilateral relations".

The thaw in relations between Riyadh and Damascus is part of a wider trend that has seen Saudi Arabia and main rival Iran agree to restore ties in a regional realignment aimed at easing tensions as economic priorities take precedence for Gulf states.

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus on Tuesday in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria's decade-long regional isolation, and at a time of wider rapprochement in the region.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus on Tuesday in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria's decade-long regional isolation, and at a time of wider rapprochement in the region. It was the first visit of a top diplomat from Arab powerhouse Saudi Arabia to Damascus since ties were ruptured following Assad's deadly crackdown on protesters in 2011 - violence that escalated into a decade-long civil war. The meeting discussed steps needed for a political solution to Syria's conflict that would preserve its Arab identity and return it to "its Arab surroundings", Saudi state media said. Assad said the kingdom's "open and realistic policies" benefited the region, Syria's state news agency reported. The statements made no mention of an Arab League summit that Riyadh is due to host next month. On Friday, Gulf Arab foreign ministers and their counterparts from Egypt, Iraq and Jordan discussed Syria's possible return to the body at a meeting in Saudi Arabia, but no agreement was reached. Following the security forces' crackdown on demonstrators in 2011, Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended and several Gulf states - including Saudi Arabia - began backing rebel groups fighting to oust Assad from power. Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, later regained control over much of Syria. Saudi Arabia has said in recent months that isolating him was not working. The two sides agreed to resume diplomatic ties, and sources had earlier told Reuters that bin Farhan would travel to Damascus to invite Assad to the Arab League summit. While some countries like the United Arab Emirates have also mended ties with Damascus, others such as Qatar remain opposed to normalisation and to readmitting Syria to the Arab League in the absence of a political solution to the conflict. Syria's foreign minister, who recently visited Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia, has said his country's return to the Arab League would be "almost impossible before correcting bilateral relations". The thaw in relations between Riyadh and Damascus is part of a wider trend that has seen Saudi Arabia and main rival Iran agree to restore ties in a regional realignment aimed at easing tensions as economic priorities take precedence for Gulf states. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi foreign minister visits Assad, further easing Syria's isolation

More than ten years after Syria was isolated globally due to the president's ruthless crackdown on widespread uprisings against his authority, the Syrian foreign minister visited Algeria as part of efforts to reestablish diplomatic ties in the Arab world.

Syria makes efforts to revive diplomatic relationships in Arab world

A helicopter raid by the United States forces in northern Syria early Monday (April 17) resulted in the “probable death” of a senior leader of the Islamic State militant group, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement. This also comes a week after the US military captured an ISIS operative and two of his associates in eastern Syria.

The ‘unilateral helicopter raid’

The US defence forces&nbsp;had conducted a “unilateral helicopter raid in northern Syria in the early morning…targeting a senior ISIS Syria leader and operational planner,” said the CENTCOM. The IS leader who was not named was “responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe,” the US alleged.&nbsp;

It added, “The raid resulted in the probable death of the targeted individual” and “two other armed individuals were killed,” without identifying any of them. No civilians or US troops were hurt, said the US defence forces. “Operations against ISIS are important for the security and stability of the region,” said Colonel Joe Buccino after the raid, as per CNN.&nbsp;

IS “remains able to conduct operations within the region with a desire to strike beyond the Middle East,” said CENTCOM chief General Michael Kurilla, in the statement, on Monday. Meanwhile, a Turkish-backed rebel group, in a statement, said that two of its fighters were killed after they went to the site of the raid, reported AFP.&nbsp; 
 
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also said that the strike “targeted the building where an IS member was present” in Al Suwaydah, a village about 25 kilometres away from the border town of Jarabulus. The United Kingdom-based organisation said that the strike killed the main target and two other fighters.

The raid had resulted in the arrest of a senior IS leader and killed three people, said the SOHR, however, the US military did not mention any arrests. The Observatory said “violent clashes” took place after the helicopter landed, for the first time this year.&nbsp;

White Helmets

The civil defence group, Syria’s White Helmets operating in parts of northern Syria said that they had taken two injured people to the hospital who had later died, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, a third person was killed when the US forces had landed for the raid, on Monday, said the White Helmets.&nbsp;

Previous raid

The raid&nbsp;also comes days after the US captured alleged “ISIS attack facilitator” and operative, Hudayfah al Yemeni. Notably, there are some 900 US troops in Syria, most in the Kurdish-administered northeast, in a bid to fight the remnants of IS which operate from Syria and neighbouring Iraq.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A helicopter raid by the United States forces in northern Syria early Monday (April 17) resulted in the “probable death” of a senior leader of the Islamic State militant group, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement.

A helicopter raid by the United States forces in northern Syria early Monday (April 17) resulted in the “probable death” of a senior leader of the Islamic State militant group, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement. This also comes a week after the US military captured an ISIS operative and two of his associates in eastern Syria. The ‘unilateral helicopter raid’ The US defence forces had conducted a “unilateral helicopter raid in northern Syria in the early morning…targeting a senior ISIS Syria leader and operational planner,” said the CENTCOM. The IS leader who was not named was “responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe,” the US alleged. It added, “The raid resulted in the probable death of the targeted individual” and “two other armed individuals were killed,” without identifying any of them. No civilians or US troops were hurt, said the US defence forces. “Operations against ISIS are important for the security and stability of the region,” said Colonel Joe Buccino after the raid, as per CNN. IS “remains able to conduct operations within the region with a desire to strike beyond the Middle East,” said CENTCOM chief General Michael Kurilla, in the statement, on Monday. Meanwhile, a Turkish-backed rebel group, in a statement, said that two of its fighters were killed after they went to the site of the raid, reported AFP. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also said that the strike “targeted the building where an IS member was present” in Al Suwaydah, a village about 25 kilometres away from the border town of Jarabulus. The United Kingdom-based organisation said that the strike killed the main target and two other fighters. The raid had resulted in the arrest of a senior IS leader and killed three people, said the SOHR, however, the US military did not mention any arrests. The Observatory said “violent clashes” took place after the helicopter landed, for the first time this year. White Helmets The civil defence group, Syria’s White Helmets operating in parts of northern Syria said that they had taken two injured people to the hospital who had later died, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, a third person was killed when the US forces had landed for the raid, on Monday, said the White Helmets. Previous raid The raid also comes days after the US captured alleged “ISIS attack facilitator” and operative, Hudayfah al Yemeni. Notably, there are some 900 US troops in Syria, most in the Kurdish-administered northeast, in a bid to fight the remnants of IS which operate from Syria and neighbouring Iraq. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria: US helicopter raid resulted in ‘probable death’ of senior IS leader, says CENTCOM

Delegates from nine Arab nations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League. This comes after Syria's foreign minister flew down to Jeddah.

What is next in Syrian Civil War?; The rapid development of AI | This World

The United Kingdom-based&nbsp;war monitor, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reported that a group of suspected Islamic State (IS) militants&nbsp;killed at least 31&nbsp;people in central Syria on Sunday (April 16). The killings come&nbsp;at a time when there has been an increase in the number of attacks against people foraging for desert truffles.

The alleged attack on Sunday took place in the desert east and the central city of Hama where "a&nbsp;total of 31 people, including 12 pro-regime fighters"&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed,&nbsp;said the UK-based organisation. Earlier the SOHR had&nbsp;reported the death of at least 26 people, a figure confirmed by the official Syrian news agency SANA.

In a separate incident, on Saturday, suspected IS militants killed four shepherds in the eastern Syrian region of Deir Ezzor, said the Observatory, as per AFP. It added that they reportedly carried automatic rifles, rode motorbikes, and also stole the sheep before fleeing.&nbsp;

According to the SOHR, as of early 2023, at least “117 civilians, including a woman, were killed in attacks by ISIS in the Syrian desert.” This incident also comes days after multiple workers foraging for truffles were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine.&nbsp;

Nine truffle hunters were killed in Deir Ez-Zor province, on April 9, as per the SOHR. Whereas, the Syrian state-run SANA news agency reported six casualties and blamed the IS for the land mine. The group also said how the “truffle trap” continues claiming more civilians’ lives who risk their lives searching for it and seeking their livelihood.&nbsp;

Truffles in Syria are a seasonal delicacy found underground in the desert, and the SOHR has also mentioned previously how these truffles foragers are particularly vulnerable to land mines and IS militants since they work in large groups in remote areas. Additionally, these desert truffles are able to fetch high prices in a country which has been battered by over a decade of war and economic crisis.

Earlier this year, at least 53 truffle hunters were killed after IS sleeper cells attacked workers near the central town of Sukhna. In recent months, the militants have also abducted, held for ransom, and even killed truffle hunters. Since February, more than 200 people, mostly civilians have been killed in IS attacks targeting truffle hunters, said the Observatory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United Kingdom-based war monitor, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reported that a group of suspected Islamic State (IS) militants killed at least 31 people in central Syria on Sunday (April 16).

The United Kingdom-based war monitor, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reported that a group of suspected Islamic State (IS) militants killed at least 31 people in central Syria on Sunday (April 16). The killings come at a time when there has been an increase in the number of attacks against people foraging for desert truffles. The alleged attack on Sunday took place in the desert east and the central city of Hama where "a total of 31 people, including 12 pro-regime fighters" were killed, said the UK-based organisation. Earlier the SOHR had reported the death of at least 26 people, a figure confirmed by the official Syrian news agency SANA. In a separate incident, on Saturday, suspected IS militants killed four shepherds in the eastern Syrian region of Deir Ezzor, said the Observatory, as per AFP. It added that they reportedly carried automatic rifles, rode motorbikes, and also stole the sheep before fleeing. According to the SOHR, as of early 2023, at least “117 civilians, including a woman, were killed in attacks by ISIS in the Syrian desert.” This incident also comes days after multiple workers foraging for truffles were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine. Nine truffle hunters were killed in Deir Ez-Zor province, on April 9, as per the SOHR. Whereas, the Syrian state-run SANA news agency reported six casualties and blamed the IS for the land mine. The group also said how the “truffle trap” continues claiming more civilians’ lives who risk their lives searching for it and seeking their livelihood. Truffles in Syria are a seasonal delicacy found underground in the desert, and the SOHR has also mentioned previously how these truffles foragers are particularly vulnerable to land mines and IS militants since they work in large groups in remote areas. Additionally, these desert truffles are able to fetch high prices in a country which has been battered by over a decade of war and economic crisis. Earlier this year, at least 53 truffle hunters were killed after IS sleeper cells attacked workers near the central town of Sukhna. In recent months, the militants have also abducted, held for ransom, and even killed truffle hunters. Since February, more than 200 people, mostly civilians have been killed in IS attacks targeting truffle hunters, said the Observatory. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria: At least 31 truffle hunters killed in suspected IS attack, says war monitor

Delegates from nine Arab nations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League. This comes after Syria's foreign minister flew down to Jeddah. Riyadh and Damascus have agreed to work towards normalisation of ties. Will Saudi Arabia now broker truce between Syria and the Arab world? Vikram Chandra tells you.

Will Syria return to Arab league? Saudi hosts summit to discuss ties with Syria | This World

Syrian Foreign Minister is in Saudi Arabia for a landmark visit. On the agenda is its re-entry to the Arab League. Saudi's de-facto ruler Mohammed Bin Salman is pushing a new zero-conflict foreign policy. Will the big developments usher in a new era for West Asia?

Time for Syria to return to the Arab fold? | The West Asia Post

Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights. Both countries agreed to fight drug trafficking and facilitate Syria's return to the Arab fold.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad landed in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday in the first visit by a senior Syrian diplomat to the kingdom in more than a decade, a major sign that Syria's regional isolation is nearing an end.&nbsp;

Watch | Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011

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Saudi Arabia had cut ties with Syria after Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. It also backed rebel groups that were fighting to remove Assad from power. Syria was suspended from the Arab League as well.

The resumption of Saudi-Syrian ties marks the most significant development in moves by Arab states to normalise links with Assad. It comes weeks after Mekdad met with the top diplomats of Egypt and Jordan, also for the first time in over a decade.&nbsp;

Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, regained control over much of Syria, and Saudi Arabia has said isolating him was not working.&nbsp;

In a joint statement at the end of Wednesday's visit, both sides agreed on the need for the Syrian state to assert its control over all its territories "and end the presence of armed militias".

The two ministers also discussed the steps needed for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis that contributes to "Syria's return to its Arab environment" and said they would enhance cooperation on combating drug trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights.

Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights. Both countries agreed to fight drug trafficking and facilitate Syria's return to the Arab fold. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad landed in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday in the first visit by a senior Syrian diplomat to the kingdom in more than a decade, a major sign that Syria's regional isolation is nearing an end. Watch | Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011 × Saudi Arabia had cut ties with Syria after Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. It also backed rebel groups that were fighting to remove Assad from power. Syria was suspended from the Arab League as well. The resumption of Saudi-Syrian ties marks the most significant development in moves by Arab states to normalise links with Assad. It comes weeks after Mekdad met with the top diplomats of Egypt and Jordan, also for the first time in over a decade. Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, regained control over much of Syria, and Saudi Arabia has said isolating him was not working. In a joint statement at the end of Wednesday's visit, both sides agreed on the need for the Syrian state to assert its control over all its territories "and end the presence of armed militias". The two ministers also discussed the steps needed for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis that contributes to "Syria's return to its Arab environment" and said they would enhance cooperation on combating drug trafficking. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria and Saudi Arabia welcome thaw in relations, agree to fight drug trafficking

Syria was expelled from the Egypt-based Arab league in 2011 over its violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations. Today, representatives of nine Arab countries will meet in the Saudi city of Jeddah to discuss letting Syria attend an Arab league summit next month. Now, Qatar's prime minister has said Syria's return to Arab league is nothing but speculation. Syria has been diplomatically isolated since the start of its civil war, in which hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Damascus has seen amplified Arab engagement since the quake, including from governments that have so far resisted normalisation. The Syrian national coalition, an opposition group that occupies the Syrian embassy in Doha, praised the Qatari stance. In a statement, the coalition said it appreciated the Qatari position, which rejects normalisation with the Syrian regime.

Nine countries to discuss Syria's return to Arab fold; Qatar PM flags 'speculation' | Details

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has arrived for a visit to Saudi Arabia, as ties between Damascus and Riyadh grow, and a restoration of relations between the two Arab countries becomes increasingly likely.

Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011

Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported. A joint statement from the foreign ministries of the two countries said that Tunisian President Kais&nbsp;Saied's move to appoint a new ambassador to Syria was reciprocated by the Syrian government.&nbsp;

"In response to the initiative of the President of the Tunisian Republic... the Syrian government... decided to reopen the Syrian embassy in Tunisia, and to appoint an ambassador soon," the statement read.&nbsp;

Tunisia expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 over the government's repression of peaceful protesters that triggered over a decade of civil war which killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since 2011.

In March, Tunisian President Saied said that he planned to restore diplomatic relations with Syria. This was the latest example of Arab outreach to the internationally isolated government in Damascus that has gathered pace since Syria and Turkey were hit by a massive earthquake in February.

Since the quake, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received calls and aid from Arab leaders. President Assad has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman.

And last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services.

On Wednesday, A delegation headed by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks about bilateral relations between the two countries. This was the first such visit since 2012.&nbsp;

Saudi state media reported that Mikdad was received by the kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji. The meeting focused on “efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability, facilitates the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and secures the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Syria.”

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Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported.

Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported. A joint statement from the foreign ministries of the two countries said that Tunisian President Kais Saied's move to appoint a new ambassador to Syria was reciprocated by the Syrian government. "In response to the initiative of the President of the Tunisian Republic... the Syrian government... decided to reopen the Syrian embassy in Tunisia, and to appoint an ambassador soon," the statement read. Tunisia expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 over the government's repression of peaceful protesters that triggered over a decade of civil war which killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since 2011. In March, Tunisian President Saied said that he planned to restore diplomatic relations with Syria. This was the latest example of Arab outreach to the internationally isolated government in Damascus that has gathered pace since Syria and Turkey were hit by a massive earthquake in February. Since the quake, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received calls and aid from Arab leaders. President Assad has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. And last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services. On Wednesday, A delegation headed by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks about bilateral relations between the two countries. This was the first such visit since 2012. Saudi state media reported that Mikdad was received by the kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji. The meeting focused on “efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability, facilitates the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and secures the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Syria.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria and Tunisia to restore diplomatic ties after over a decade: Report

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