Russia is emerging as a key mediator in Israel-Syria diplomacy as Moscow reportedly expands its military presence in Syria. The talks, backed by the United States, come shortly after Syria hosted senior Turkish officials, signalling renewed regional engagement and shifting power dynamics in the Middle East.


Israel-Syria diplomacy: US backs Russia's mediation in Syria talks

Israel reportedly began supplying weapons and defensive equipment to Syrian Druze days after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Shipments peaked in late April but tapered off as Israel grew concerned about Druze infighting and sought talks with new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israel continues to support Druze fighters with equipment and salaries, aiming to counterbalance Sharaa’s regime and secure its northern border amid ongoing regional tensions.


Netanyahu Moves Against Trump's Friend Al-Sharaa

Three people were killed in Aleppo during violent clashes as the deadline for SDF integration approaches. Tensions remain high in the region, raising concerns about security and stability.

Syria: Deadly Clashes in Aleppo Kill Three Amid SDF Integration Deadline

As night fell over the small village of Al-Quniyah in Syria's northwestern Idlib countryside, the sound of drums echoed through narrow streets for the first time in years, mingling with children's voices singing Christmas songs beneath a brightly lit tree.


Syrian Christmas marks freedom renewal & lingering trauma 

The United States has carried out large-scale military strikes against ISIS targets across Syria, President Donald Trump said, a week after two US soldiers and an interpreter were killed in Palmyra. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites, describing it as a “declaration of vengeance”. Syrian authorities said they support efforts to combat ISIS.

US Military Strikes ISIS Targets Across Syria Following Deadly Attack on US Troops

The United States has launched massive airstrikes targeting over 70 Islamic State (IS) locations in Syria in retaliation for a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of American troops. The strikes, described as a significant show of force, are aimed at degrading IS capabilities and sending a clear message that attacks on U.S. forces will be met with a strong response.

U.S.-Syria: U.S. Launches Massive Strikes on Over 70 IS Targets in Syria

The United States (US) on Friday (local time) launched military strikes in Syria, in response to the killing of American soldiers and a civilian by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) earlier this month. The military strikes, named Operation Hawkeye, targeted the 'strongholds' of ISIS, with President Donald Trump warning terrorists against attacking American nationals.


US Targets Islamic State After Killing of Three US Troops in Syria 

US Targets ISIS Following Killing of its Three Soldiers in Syria 

President Donald Trump had already twice suspended the implementation of sanctions in response to pleas from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, allies of the new government headed by former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa.


US Congress Ends Sanctions on Syria , Paving Way for Investment 

President Donald Trump has expanded the U.S. travel ban, now covering seven more countries, including Syria. The move restricts entry to the U.S. and sparks debate over immigration and national security policies. Watch to learn which countries are affected and what this means for travelers. 

Trump Administration Limits Entry From 15 Countries

President Donald Trump has expanded the U.S. travel ban, now covering seven more countries, including Syria. The move restricts entry to the U.S. and sparks debate over immigration and national security policies. Watch to learn which countries are affected and what this means for travelers.

Trump Expands Travel Ban: Syria Among Seven Countries Affected | WION 

#Gravitas Israel is reportedly expanding its military footprint inside Syria. Israeli troops have reportedly advanced towards a village in southern Syria, near the border of the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Many Syrians see it as an impending occupation.   

Israel Pushes Deeper Into Syria, Raising Fears of Land Grab

ISIS Attack: President Donald Trump has vowed retaliation after an ISIS ambush in Syria killed two U.S. troops and one American civilian interpreter. The attack, which occurred during a joint U.S.-Syrian patrol near Palmyra, marks the first U.S. troop fatalities in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime. Trump promised “serious action” against ISIS, stating that the United States will pursue and eliminate those responsible. 


ISIS attack: Trump vows to avenge US troop deaths in Syria

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Dec 13) vowed that the United States would retaliate after its troops were killed by an alleged ambush by an Islamic State (IS) militant in Syria. Three other soldiers were also injured in the incident, who are now “doing well,” Trump confirmed. The US president called the incident an “ISIS attack against the US and Syria.” This comes as two US troops and a civilian interpreter were killed in central Syria earlier in the day.&nbsp;“We will retaliate,” Trump told reporters outside the White House. Later on his Truth Social platform, the US president said that Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack,” adding that there will be a “very serious retaliation.”&nbsp;Trump wrote, “We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well.”&nbsp;He further said, “This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them. The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”&nbsp;The incident happened when the soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement” in support of counterterrorism operations, when a joint US–Syrian government patrol was ambushed by an IS militant.

Later on his Truth Social platform, the US president said that Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack,” adding that there will be a “very serious retaliation.”

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Dec 13) vowed that the United States would retaliate after its troops were killed by an alleged ambush by an Islamic State (IS) militant in Syria. Three other soldiers were also injured in the incident, who are now “doing well,” Trump confirmed. The US president called the incident an “ISIS attack against the US and Syria.” This comes as two US troops and a civilian interpreter were killed in central Syria earlier in the day. “We will retaliate,” Trump told reporters outside the White House. Later on his Truth Social platform, the US president said that Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack,” adding that there will be a “very serious retaliation.” Trump wrote, “We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter. Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well.” He further said, “This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them. The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” The incident happened when the soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement” in support of counterterrorism operations, when a joint US–Syrian government patrol was ambushed by an IS militant.

Later on his Truth Social platform, the US president said that Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack,” adding that there will be a “very serious retaliation.”

‘ISIS attack against US’: Trump vows ‘serious retaliation’ after two US troops, one civilian killed in Syria

Syria marked the first anniversary of Liberation Day with major public celebrations and military parades across the country. Massive crowds gathered in Damascus’ Umayyad Square to commemorate the overthrow of the Assad regime after 54 years in power. Here’s a look at the nationwide events and what this milestone means for Syria’s future.


Syrians rejoice on first anniversary of Assad's fall

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa repeats the attire that he wore after Assad's fall

Syria marked the first anniversary of Liberation Day with major public celebrations and military parades across the country. Massive crowds gathered in Damascus’ Umayyad Square to commemorate the overthrow of the Assad regime after 54 years in power. Here’s a look at the nationwide events and what this milestone means for Syria’s future.

Syria Celebrates Liberation Day With Huge Crowds and Military Parades

A new phase of conflict appears to be brewing in Syria as Assad’s exiled inner circle is reportedly planning an armed return to reclaim influence and territory. The move has sparked concerns among regional and international observers about the potential for renewed violence and destabilization in the war-torn country


Secret War Brews in Syria: Assad’s Exiled Inner Circle Plans Armed Return

One year after ousting Bashar al-Assad, Ahmed al-Sharaa has restored Syria's international standing and won sanctions relief.But analysts warn the former jihadist still needs to secure trust on the home front.Sectarian bloodshed in the country's Alawite and Druze minority heartlands -- alongside ongoing Israeli military operations -- have shaken Syria as President Sharaa tries to lead the country out of 14 years of war."Syria has opened a new chapter that many once thought impossible," said Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, citing relaunched diplomatic ties and foreign investment.But he added: "International rehabilitation means little if all Syrians don't feel safe walking their own streets."US President Donald Trump has taken a particular shining to the 43-year-old, a surprise political victory for a former jihadist who once had a US bounty on his head due to his ties to Al-Qaeda.Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule.Washington and the UN Security Council have removed him from their respective "terrorism" and sanctions lists, and a delegation from the world body visited Damascus for the first time this week.The United States, the European Union and Britain have lifted major economic sanctions on Syria, and Damascus has announced investment deals for infrastructure, transport and energy.Sharaa has even visited Russia, whose military pounded his forces during the war and which is now home to an exiled Assad."Sharaa won abroad, but the real verdict comes at home," Hawach said.<h2>‘Real accountability’</h2>Critics say Syria's temporary constitution fails to reflect the country's ethnic and religious diversity and concentrates power in the hands of a president appointed for a five-year transition.The new authorities have disbanded armed factions, including Islamist and jihadist fighters, but absorbed most into the new-look army and security forces, including some foreign fighters.And some government forces or their allies have been implicated in outbreaks of sectarian violence.The Alawite community massacres in March, killed more than 1,700 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.And clashes in July in south Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province left more than 2,000 dead, including hundreds of Druze civilians.Authorities have announced investigations into the bloodshed and have arrested and put some suspects on trial.Nicholas Heras, from the New Lines Institute, said Sharaa "has twice failed as a leader of national reconciliation" -- during the violence against the Alawites and the Druze.Heras told AFP questions remain over "the extent to which he personally wants to rein in the militant Islamist militias that played the strongest role in bringing him to power in Damascus".Sharaa's position, he said, remains precarious “because he does not command a unified security apparatus that can enforce the rules made by his government.”<h2>‘Terrifying’</h2>Gamal Mansour, a researcher at the University of Toronto, said "factional leaders who are essentially warlords" have taken up official roles, contributing to a "crisis of trust" among minorities.However, "most Syrians believe Sharaa is the only option that provides guarantees," he said, calling the prospect of a power vacuum "terrifying".Just keeping the country together is a major task, with some on the coast and in Sweida urging succession and the Kurds seeking decentralisation, which Damascus has rejected.A Kurdish administration in the northeast has agreed to integrate its institutions into the central government by year-end but progress has stalled.Adding to pressures is neighbouring Israel, which has repeatedly bombed Syria and wants to impose a demilitarised zone in the south.Israel's forces remain in a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the occupied Golan Heights and conduct regular incursions deeper into Syria despite the two sides holding direct talks.On Monday, Trump told Israel to avoid destabilising Syria and its new leadership.In October, committees selected new members of parliament, but the process excluded areas outside government control and Sharaa is still to appoint 70 of the 210 representatives.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule.

One year after ousting Bashar al-Assad, Ahmed al-Sharaa has restored Syria's international standing and won sanctions relief. But analysts warn the former jihadist still needs to secure trust on the home front. Sectarian bloodshed in the country's Alawite and Druze minority heartlands -- alongside ongoing Israeli military operations -- have shaken Syria as President Sharaa tries to lead the country out of 14 years of war. "Syria has opened a new chapter that many once thought impossible," said Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, citing relaunched diplomatic ties and foreign investment. But he added: "International rehabilitation means little if all Syrians don't feel safe walking their own streets." US President Donald Trump has taken a particular shining to the 43-year-old, a surprise political victory for a former jihadist who once had a US bounty on his head due to his ties to Al-Qaeda. Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule. Washington and the UN Security Council have removed him from their respective "terrorism" and sanctions lists, and a delegation from the world body visited Damascus for the first time this week. The United States, the European Union and Britain have lifted major economic sanctions on Syria, and Damascus has announced investment deals for infrastructure, transport and energy. Sharaa has even visited Russia, whose military pounded his forces during the war and which is now home to an exiled Assad. "Sharaa won abroad, but the real verdict comes at home," Hawach said. ‘Real accountability’ Critics say Syria's temporary constitution fails to reflect the country's ethnic and religious diversity and concentrates power in the hands of a president appointed for a five-year transition. The new authorities have disbanded armed factions, including Islamist and jihadist fighters, but absorbed most into the new-look army and security forces, including some foreign fighters. And some government forces or their allies have been implicated in outbreaks of sectarian violence. The Alawite community massacres in March, killed more than 1,700 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. And clashes in July in south Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province left more than 2,000 dead, including hundreds of Druze civilians. Authorities have announced investigations into the bloodshed and have arrested and put some suspects on trial. Nicholas Heras, from the New Lines Institute, said Sharaa "has twice failed as a leader of national reconciliation" -- during the violence against the Alawites and the Druze. Heras told AFP questions remain over "the extent to which he personally wants to rein in the militant Islamist militias that played the strongest role in bringing him to power in Damascus". Sharaa's position, he said, remains precarious “because he does not command a unified security apparatus that can enforce the rules made by his government.” ‘Terrifying’ Gamal Mansour, a researcher at the University of Toronto, said "factional leaders who are essentially warlords" have taken up official roles, contributing to a "crisis of trust" among minorities. However, "most Syrians believe Sharaa is the only option that provides guarantees," he said, calling the prospect of a power vacuum "terrifying". Just keeping the country together is a major task, with some on the coast and in Sweida urging succession and the Kurds seeking decentralisation, which Damascus has rejected. A Kurdish administration in the northeast has agreed to integrate its institutions into the central government by year-end but progress has stalled. Adding to pressures is neighbouring Israel, which has repeatedly bombed Syria and wants to impose a demilitarised zone in the south. Israel's forces remain in a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the occupied Golan Heights and conduct regular incursions deeper into Syria despite the two sides holding direct talks. On Monday, Trump told Israel to avoid destabilising Syria and its new leadership. In October, committees selected new members of parliament, but the process excluded areas outside government control and Sharaa is still to appoint 70 of the 210 representatives. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule.

Syria: Ahmed al-Sharaa wins abroad, but must gain trust at home

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israel to engage in dialogue with Syria and avoid actions that could destabilize the region. Trump emphasized diplomacy and cautioned against unilateral moves that might escalate tensions in the Middle East. Stay updated for the latest developments on U.S., Israel, and Syria relations.

US-Israel: Trump Warns Israel Against Destabilizing Syria | Calls for Diplomatic Dialogue

Syrian President highlights Aleppo’s strategic and symbolic importance in shaping the country’s future. Addressing political, economic, and social aspects, the statement underscores Aleppo’s role in Syria’s recovery and development.


Syrian President Emphasises Aleppo's Role in Shaping Syria's Future

Israel has warned that militias operating in Syria could attempt a ground offensive on the Golan Heights, escalating tensions in the region. Israeli officials are closely monitoring the situation and preparing defensive measures amid concerns over potential cross-border attacks.

Israel Says Militias in Syria May Launch Ground Push on Golan

Syrian Foreign Minister accuses Israel of attempting to destabilize the region amid ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, Syrians mark one year since the controversial ouster of President Assad, reflecting on the political and humanitarian challenges facing the nation.


Syrian Foreign Minister: Israel Trying to Set Region on Fire |Syrians Mark 1 Year Since Assad Ouster

Security talks between Israel and Syria have broken down, escalating tensions along their shared border. Both nations remain firm on their positions, with little progress toward resolving long-standing disputes. Analysts warn that the stalemate could increase the risk of cross-border incidents and regional instability, drawing international attention to efforts for de-escalation and renewed dialogue in the Middle East.



Israel-Syria Tensions: Damascus Insists Israel Leave All Post-2024 Positions

Security talks between Israel and Syria have broken down, escalating tensions along their shared border. Both nations remain firm on their positions, with little progress toward resolving long-standing disputes. Analysts warn that the stalemate could increase the risk of cross-border incidents and regional instability, drawing international attention to efforts for de-escalation and renewed dialogue in the Middle East.

Israel-Syria Tensions: Security Talks Break Down As Syria & Israel Dig in

Syrian Vice President Farouk Al-Sharaa has made it clear that Syria will not accept any political deal unless there is real progress on the Golan Heights issue, a long-standing point of contention with Israel.

Syria's Al-sharaa Rejects Any Deal Without Progress on the Golan Heights 

The UK government is facing increasing pressure to repatriate its citizens who are currently in Syria, with humanitarian groups urging immediate action to bring them home. This video delves into the calls for repatriation, the UK’s stance on the issue, and the challenges involved in safely returning citizens from conflict zones.

UK Faces Growing Pressure to Repatriate Citizens from Conflict Zones

Repatriation from Syrian camps: A new review has urged the UK government to repatriate Shamima Begum and other British citizens held in Syrian detention camps. The review warns that leaving these individuals in limbo is unsustainable and risks human rights violations, likening the camps to “Britain’s Guantanamo.” Begum, who joined ISIS as a teenager, has been stripped of her British citizenship and remains in a Syrian camp. 


Repatriation from Syrian camps: Shamima Begum Should Be Allowed Back, UK Review Says 

It was supposed to be one of the safest places for Syria’s ancient treasures. But earlier this week, the National Museum in Damascus became the scene of an art heist that’s left Archaeologists and historians stunned. Authorities say at least six marble statues, dating back to the Roman era, were stolen in a break-in that appears to have been the work of just one or two people. 


Six Roman-era statues stolen from Damascus museum collection

Reports indicate that remnants of the Islamic State are attempting to re-establish their presence in certain parts of Syria. according to local sources and observers, the group is seeking to gain influence by providing aid and services to residents in conflict-affected areas. security forces and international coalitions continue to monitor movements and disrupt efforts to rebuild militant networks.

Islamic States Trying To Re-establish In Parts Of Syria: Gaining Favours With Locals

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