Recent violence in Syria’s As-Sweida Governorate in July and early August has severely impacted children and families. At least 22 children were reportedly killed and 21 injured, while civilian infrastructure suffered extensive damage, complicating ongoing humanitarian response efforts.


Israel Warned Against Exploiting Situation in Sweida

The United States military, in a high-stakes ground operation in Syria on Friday (Jul 25), eliminated a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader and two of his sons, according to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM). The raid marks a rare deviation from the US military's usual reliance on airstrikes in the region. The senior ISIS leader has been identified as Dhiya' Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, his two adult sons, also killed in the raid, are Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani. CENTCOM said the three "posed a threat to US and coalition forces, as well as the new Syrian Government."<h2>US will continue to ‘relentlessly’ pursue ISIS terrorists</h2>In a statement, General Michael Erik Kurilla, US Central Command Commander, said that they “will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they operate. ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide. Alongside our partners and allies, US Central Command is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies, and our homeland.” Notably, three children and three women present at the location were unharmed, according to CENTCOM. However, the organisation didn't share any further operational details — including the precise location of the raid.<h2>Why was this a rare operation?</h2>The US military in recent months has primarily conducted anti-ISIS operations in recent years using air power or with support from partner forces on the ground. Direct US ground raids instead of airstrikes have been far less common.The operation comes as over recent months and years the US has carried out and supported a steady tempo of anti-ISIS missions in Syria and Iraq. In May, CENTCOM reported six such operations — five in Iraq and one in Syria — which resulted in the deaths of two ISIS operatives and the capture of two others, including a senior leader.

The senior ISIS leader has been identified as Dhiya' Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, his two adult sons also killed in the raid are Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani. CENTCOM said they "posed a threat to US and coalition forces, as well as the new Syrian Government."

The United States military, in a high-stakes ground operation in Syria on Friday (Jul 25), eliminated a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader and two of his sons, according to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM). The raid marks a rare deviation from the US military's usual reliance on airstrikes in the region. The senior ISIS leader has been identified as Dhiya' Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, his two adult sons, also killed in the raid, are Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani. CENTCOM said the three "posed a threat to US and coalition forces, as well as the new Syrian Government." US will continue to ‘relentlessly’ pursue ISIS terrorists In a statement, General Michael Erik Kurilla, US Central Command Commander, said that they “will continue to relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists wherever they operate. ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate, and where they hide. Alongside our partners and allies, US Central Command is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies, and our homeland.” Notably, three children and three women present at the location were unharmed, according to CENTCOM. However, the organisation didn't share any further operational details — including the precise location of the raid. Why was this a rare operation? The US military in recent months has primarily conducted anti-ISIS operations in recent years using air power or with support from partner forces on the ground. Direct US ground raids instead of airstrikes have been far less common. The operation comes as over recent months and years the US has carried out and supported a steady tempo of anti-ISIS missions in Syria and Iraq. In May, CENTCOM reported six such operations — five in Iraq and one in Syria — which resulted in the deaths of two ISIS operatives and the capture of two others, including a senior leader.

The senior ISIS leader has been identified as Dhiya' Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, his two adult sons as Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani. CENTCOM said they "posed a threat to US and coalition forces, as well as the new Syrian Government."

US forces eliminate top ISIS leader and his two sons in rare ground raid in Syria

A series of explosions killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 at a weapons depot in northwestern Syria on Thursday, a monitor said."Multiple blasts at a weapons and ammunition warehouse belonging to the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 in Maaret Misrin, in northern Idlib province," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.Those killed included a woman and a child, said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources on the ground.The TIP is a jihadist group active in the Idlib region made up of Uighur fighters who joined the Syrian civil war to fight against former president Bashar al-Assad.Syria's health ministry reported seven deaths and 157 wounded in the blasts, in a toll published by the official news agency SANA.Authorities did not immediately say what may have caused the explosions.AFP images showed a huge plume of white smoke over the town, with several children visible among the injured.The interior ministry said in a statement it had opened "an urgent and deep investigation to determine the circumstances and causes of the explosion and hold those responsible to account".It added it was "taking all necessary measures to avoid such incidents reoccurring in future".&nbsp;

The TIP is a jihadist group active in the Idlib region made up of Uighur fighters who joined the Syrian civil war to fight against former president Bashar al-Assad.

A series of explosions killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 at a weapons depot in northwestern Syria on Thursday, a monitor said. "Multiple blasts at a weapons and ammunition warehouse belonging to the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 in Maaret Misrin, in northern Idlib province," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Those killed included a woman and a child, said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources on the ground. The TIP is a jihadist group active in the Idlib region made up of Uighur fighters who joined the Syrian civil war to fight against former president Bashar al-Assad. Syria's health ministry reported seven deaths and 157 wounded in the blasts, in a toll published by the official news agency SANA. Authorities did not immediately say what may have caused the explosions. AFP images showed a huge plume of white smoke over the town, with several children visible among the injured. The interior ministry said in a statement it had opened "an urgent and deep investigation to determine the circumstances and causes of the explosion and hold those responsible to account". It added it was "taking all necessary measures to avoid such incidents reoccurring in future".

The TIP is a jihadist group active in the Idlib region made up of Uighur fighters who joined the Syrian civil war to fight against former president Bashar al-Assad.

Syria arms depot blast: At least 12 killed, over 100 injured

In Syria, at least 718 people have been killed in Syria's Sweida province in the nearly one week of violence in the heartland of the Druze minority, a war monitor reported on Saturday (Jul 19). Publishing the updated toll, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 146 Druze fighters and 245 civilians were among those killed since Sunday. Of the dead, 165 were “were summarily executed by personnel of the defence and interior ministries,” said the Britain-based war monitor. In addition, the violence has also claimed the lives of 287 government troops and 18 Bedouin fighters, plus three Bedouin "who were summarily executed by Druze fighters", it reported. Another fifteen government soldiers were killed in Israeli airstrikes.This comes as early on Saturday, the United States announced that it had brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Syria's interim government after a week of deadly violence in Syria's Druze-majority south.<h2>US-brokered truce</h2>&nbsp;The truce comes amid an eruption of violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern province of Sweida, which has left at least 638 people dead and displaced nearly 80,000, according to monitoring groups and UN agencies. Fierce street battles, artillery shelling, and targeted abductions have gripped Sweida since Sunday, overwhelming hospitals, according to reports.US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States following days of behind-the-scenes diplomacy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-brokers-syria-israel-ceasefire-as-druze-bedouin-clashes-spiral-death-toll-crosses-600-1752886811132">US brokers Syria-Israel ceasefire as Druze-Bedouin clashes spiral</a>The deal, Barrack said, was jointly backed by Turkey and Jordan. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a statement on X. Previously, on Wednesday (Jul 9) the US, as per AFP, had announced an earlier deal in which the Sharaa government pulled out forces from Sweida.

Nearly 718 people have been killed in Syria’s Sweida province after a week of brutal clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The dead include civilians, Druze fighters, and government forces—some allegedly executed.

In Syria, at least 718 people have been killed in Syria's Sweida province in the nearly one week of violence in the heartland of the Druze minority, a war monitor reported on Saturday (Jul 19). Publishing the updated toll, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 146 Druze fighters and 245 civilians were among those killed since Sunday. Of the dead, 165 were “were summarily executed by personnel of the defence and interior ministries,” said the Britain-based war monitor. In addition, the violence has also claimed the lives of 287 government troops and 18 Bedouin fighters, plus three Bedouin "who were summarily executed by Druze fighters", it reported. Another fifteen government soldiers were killed in Israeli airstrikes. This comes as early on Saturday, the United States announced that it had brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Syria's interim government after a week of deadly violence in Syria's Druze-majority south. US-brokered truce The truce comes amid an eruption of violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern province of Sweida, which has left at least 638 people dead and displaced nearly 80,000, according to monitoring groups and UN agencies. Fierce street battles, artillery shelling, and targeted abductions have gripped Sweida since Sunday, overwhelming hospitals, according to reports. US special envoy Tom Barrack, currently serving as ambassador to Turkey, said early Saturday that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States following days of behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Also read | US brokers Syria-Israel ceasefire as Druze-Bedouin clashes spiral The deal, Barrack said, was jointly backed by Turkey and Jordan. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a statement on X. Previously, on Wednesday (Jul 9) the US, as per AFP, had announced an earlier deal in which the Sharaa government pulled out forces from Sweida.

Nearly 718 people have been killed in Syria’s Sweida province after a week of brutal clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The dead include civilians, Druze fighters, and government forces—some allegedly executed.

US-brokered ceasefire too late? Death toll in Syria's Druze-Bedouin bloodbath rises to 718, at least 165 'summarily executed'

A video surfaced on social media platform X claims to show that hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze. However, the timing of the video cannot be verified independently by WION. Meanwhile, tribesmen backed by the Islamist-led government of Syria clashed with Druze warriors outside Sweida on Friday (July 18) a day after government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority city, the warring factions and a monitoring group said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Suweida, Syria is filled with thousands of fighters from Arab tribes who have mobilized against the Druze. <a href="https://t.co/Dq6R8Uetx9">pic.twitter.com/Dq6R8Uetx9</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/1946099804158787624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, “clashes west of Sweida pitting tribal fighters and Bedouin backed by the authorities against Druze fighters.” Fighting has been confirmed on both sides. Syrian regime forces retreated from Sweida province on Thursday (July 17) after heavy shelling by Israel. They withdrew from Syria's Druze heartland at the orders of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who said that mediation efforts by the United States and others had prevented a "large-scale escalation" with Israel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-war-in-west-asia-here-s-why-israel-is-bombing-syria-to-protect-druze-minorities-who-they-are-1752654725486">Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria in name of protecting this minority community?</a>&nbsp;Almost 600 people have been killed in Sweida province since Sunday, the Observatory said, as Druze militiamen battled against Sunni Bedouin tribes, who were eventually supported by government troops.A truce came into place on Thursday (July 17), but Sharaa's office blamed Druze forces for violating the agreement. Bedouin fighters converged on Sweida on Friday to support the Bedouin, taking positions in a number of villages outside the city.&nbsp;Occasional shooting and blasts were heard and smoke rising from the villages was also seen. Druze militiamen told news agency AFP that they were counter-attacking the sources of fire. Anas al-Enad, a tribal sheikh in the central city of Hama, said he and his men had traveled to the village of Walgha, northwest of Sweida, because "the Bedouin called for our help and we came to support them".

Video claims to show hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze

A video surfaced on social media platform X claims to show that hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze. However, the timing of the video cannot be verified independently by WION. Meanwhile, tribesmen backed by the Islamist-led government of Syria clashed with Druze warriors outside Sweida on Friday (July 18) a day after government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority city, the warring factions and a monitoring group said.

However, the timing of the video cannot be verified. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces withdrew from Sweida province on Thursday (July 17) after coming under heavy bombardment by Israel

A new clash is ongoing in Syria between the Syrian military and the Druze community. The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds, triggering fears of attack on minorities and prompting Israeli strikes. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect the country's diverse communities, has so far failed in preventing attacks on Alawites and Druze sect. In March, hundreds of people were killed during a crackdown on the Alawite sect, to which former dictator Bashar al-Assad belonged, in Latakia, and in April, clashes between pro-government armed forces and Druze militias left at least 100 people dead. Now, the clash between his forces and Druze militias has renewed primarily because of al-Sharaa's demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the transitional government in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of its forces from Sweida and for non-interference in Druze affairs, vowing escalation. Here's a look at who the Druze are, and why Israel is intervening in the matter<h2>Who are the Druze?</h2>The Druze are an Arab sect inhabiting Syria, Lebanon and Israel. This community originated in Egypt and follows an offshoot of Islam that does not allow conversion or interfaith marriages. It is called Ismailiyaah - a sect of Shia Islam - that began when during the reign of the sixth Fatimid caliph, al-Ḥakim bi-Amr Allah. Theologians began to organise a movement proclaiming al-Ḥakim a divine figure. This group went on to form what we call present-day Druze.&nbsp;More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, the plateau that Israel seized from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, before formally annexing it in 1981. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements. Most Druze identify themselves as Syrian and have Israeli residency cards, though they aren't considered Israelis. Within Syria, the community is a majority in Suwayda province in the southern part of the country.&nbsp;A Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat Al-Hijri, called for international protection from "all countries" to "confront the barbaric campaign” by government and allied forces "using all means possible. We are facing a complete war of extermination," Al-Hijri said in a video statement.<h2>Why did Israel intervene in the matter?</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.” The Israeli government had also unilaterally declared a demilitarisation zone in Syria that “prohibits the introduction of forces and weapons into southern Syria." The Syrian government has rejected Israel’s declaration of a demilitarised zone. Israel, wary of extremist groups along its borders, has adopted a confrontational stance toward al-Sharaa, despite efforts by the Trump administration to foster Syrian-Israeli reconciliation and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied more territories in Syria.&nbsp;Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel is also eyeing an expansion of the accords. “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalisation. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he said. However, Israel's action on Syria does not support their statement.&nbsp;

The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds and has launched an attack on Druze militias, triggering fears of an attack on minorities - even under the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - and prompting Israeli strikes. 

A new clash is ongoing in Syria between the Syrian military and the Druze community. The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds, triggering fears of attack on minorities and prompting Israeli strikes. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect the country's diverse communities, has so far failed in preventing attacks on Alawites and Druze sect. In March, hundreds of people were killed during a crackdown on the Alawite sect, to which former dictator Bashar al-Assad belonged, in Latakia, and in April, clashes between pro-government armed forces and Druze militias left at least 100 people dead. Now, the clash between his forces and Druze militias has renewed primarily because of al-Sharaa's demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the transitional government in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of its forces from Sweida and for non-interference in Druze affairs, vowing escalation. Here's a look at who the Druze are, and why Israel is intervening in the matter Who are the Druze? The Druze are an Arab sect inhabiting Syria, Lebanon and Israel. This community originated in Egypt and follows an offshoot of Islam that does not allow conversion or interfaith marriages. It is called Ismailiyaah - a sect of Shia Islam - that began when during the reign of the sixth Fatimid caliph, al-Ḥakim bi-Amr Allah. Theologians began to organise a movement proclaiming al-Ḥakim a divine figure. This group went on to form what we call present-day Druze. More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, the plateau that Israel seized from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, before formally annexing it in 1981. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements. Most Druze identify themselves as Syrian and have Israeli residency cards, though they aren't considered Israelis. Within Syria, the community is a majority in Suwayda province in the southern part of the country. A Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat Al-Hijri, called for international protection from "all countries" to "confront the barbaric campaign” by government and allied forces "using all means possible. We are facing a complete war of extermination," Al-Hijri said in a video statement. Why did Israel intervene in the matter? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.” The Israeli government had also unilaterally declared a demilitarisation zone in Syria that “prohibits the introduction of forces and weapons into southern Syria." The Syrian government has rejected Israel’s declaration of a demilitarised zone. Israel, wary of extremist groups along its borders, has adopted a confrontational stance toward al-Sharaa, despite efforts by the Trump administration to foster Syrian-Israeli reconciliation and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied more territories in Syria. Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel is also eyeing an expansion of the accords. “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalisation. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he said. However, Israel's action on Syria does not support their statement.

The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds and has launched an attack on Druze militias, triggering fears of an attack on minorities - even under the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - and prompting Israeli strikes.&nbsp;

Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria in name of protecting this minority community?

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli shared posts on social media, calling to "eliminate" Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa without any delay. In posts on X shared in both Hebrew and English, the Israeli minister called the Syrian president a "terrorist" who should be killed.This comes after Israel announced earlier today to strike Syrian regime targets in response to reported attacks against the Druze population by Sharaa's forces."Anyone who thinks Ahmad Al Shara is a legitimate leader is gravely mistaken. This is a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated now," Chikli said.He further accused European leaders of failing to condemn the "horrific massacre" of Syrian Alawites during sectarian violence earlier this year. "We now see the acts of slaughter and humiliation against the Druze," he said.The Israeli diaspora affairs minister also shared footage of what appears like Syrian army forces taunting and assaulting members of the Druze community by forcibly shaving their facial hair."If it looks like Hamas, talks like Hamas, and acts like Hamas - It' Hamas!", he said as he compares the alleged Syrian troops to the Hamas terror group."We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda in a suit and tie," he said in a post on X. "We saw the horrific massacre of the Alawites, met with deafening silence from European leaders, and now we are witnessing the slaughter and humiliation of the Druze."He stressed to fight the terror regime in Syria.All this comes after dozens of people from Syria's Druze minority were reportedly killed in new clashes with pro-government forces in Sweida. According to Jordan sources, Israeli drones flew over Sweida.Israel accused the Syrian government for breaching demilitarisation arrangements in the south of the country. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to "immediately strike regime forces and weapons introduced into the Sweida area in the Druze Mountain in Syria for regime activity against the Druze”.&nbsp;

The Israeli minister vowed that they will not stand idly by in the face of the "Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda" in a suit and tie. After attacks on Druze, Israeli PM Netanyahu also ordered troops to immediately strike regime forces. 

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli shared posts on social media, calling to "eliminate" Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa without any delay. In posts on X shared in both Hebrew and English, the Israeli minister called the Syrian president a "terrorist" who should be killed. This comes after Israel announced earlier today to strike Syrian regime targets in response to reported attacks against the Druze population by Sharaa's forces. "Anyone who thinks Ahmad Al Shara is a legitimate leader is gravely mistaken. This is a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated now," Chikli said. He further accused European leaders of failing to condemn the "horrific massacre" of Syrian Alawites during sectarian violence earlier this year. "We now see the acts of slaughter and humiliation against the Druze," he said. The Israeli diaspora affairs minister also shared footage of what appears like Syrian army forces taunting and assaulting members of the Druze community by forcibly shaving their facial hair. "If it looks like Hamas, talks like Hamas, and acts like Hamas - It' Hamas!", he said as he compares the alleged Syrian troops to the Hamas terror group. "We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda in a suit and tie," he said in a post on X. "We saw the horrific massacre of the Alawites, met with deafening silence from European leaders, and now we are witnessing the slaughter and humiliation of the Druze." He stressed to fight the terror regime in Syria. All this comes after dozens of people from Syria's Druze minority were reportedly killed in new clashes with pro-government forces in Sweida. According to Jordan sources, Israeli drones flew over Sweida. Israel accused the Syrian government for breaching demilitarisation arrangements in the south of the country. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to "immediately strike regime forces and weapons introduced into the Sweida area in the Druze Mountain in Syria for regime activity against the Druze”.

The Israeli minister vowed that they will not stand idly by in the face of the "Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda" in a suit and tie. After attacks on Druze, Israeli PM Netanyahu also ordered troops to immediately strike regime forces.&nbsp;

'Terrorist, a barbaric murderer': Israeli minister calls to kill Syrian president amid attacks on Druze

The United States has revoked the foreign terrorist organisation designation for Syria-based al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a memo published online on Monday read. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the memo dated June 23 before being published in a preview of the Federal Registe. It was officially published on Tuesday.&nbsp;This is being seen as a move by the Washington to fulfill its pledge to help Syria end isolation from the international financial system and rebuild after a devastating civil war. A week earlier, Trump had signed an executive order terminating a U.S. sanctions program on Syria.&nbsp;"In consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, I hereby revoke the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (and other aliases) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization," the memo signed by Rubio read.&nbsp;The Syria's foreign ministry had no immediate comment on the revocation by the US.&nbsp;What is al-Nusrah Front&nbsp;Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, was previously al-Qaeda’s Syria branch, or Nusra Front. In December last year, HTS along with other Islamist rebels under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa conducted a strong offensive against Bashar al-Assad and ousted him as the president of the country.&nbsp;HTS has claimed to have severed ties with the al-Qaeda many years ago and says it aims at building an inclusive and democratic Syria.&nbsp;Hayat Tahrir al-Sham emerged during the early stages of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 against the government of &nbsp;Bashar al-Assad.&nbsp;It was an offshoot of the Nusra Front, the official al-Qaida affiliate in Syria. But in 2016 the organistaion claimed to cut ties with &nbsp;Nusra Front and a year later adopted the new name Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This allowed the organisation to move away, not completely though, from the jihadist ideologies of al-Qaida and focus on Syrian specific isuues like local governance, economy iand humanitarian aid.&nbsp;Despite these changes, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s core ideology continued to be associated with Jihad and the primary objective being overthrowing the Assad government, which was finally achieved in December last year. &nbsp;

 In December last year, HTS along with other Islamist rebels under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa conducted a strong offensive against Bashar al Assad and ousted him.

The United States has revoked the foreign terrorist organisation designation for Syria-based al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a memo published online on Monday read. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the memo dated June 23 before being published in a preview of the Federal Registe. It was officially published on Tuesday. This is being seen as a move by the Washington to fulfill its pledge to help Syria end isolation from the international financial system and rebuild after a devastating civil war. A week earlier, Trump had signed an executive order terminating a U.S. sanctions program on Syria. "In consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, I hereby revoke the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (and other aliases) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization," the memo signed by Rubio read. The Syria's foreign ministry had no immediate comment on the revocation by the US. What is al-Nusrah Front Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, was previously al-Qaeda’s Syria branch, or Nusra Front. In December last year, HTS along with other Islamist rebels under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa conducted a strong offensive against Bashar al-Assad and ousted him as the president of the country. HTS has claimed to have severed ties with the al-Qaeda many years ago and says it aims at building an inclusive and democratic Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham emerged during the early stages of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 against the government of Bashar al-Assad. It was an offshoot of the Nusra Front, the official al-Qaida affiliate in Syria. But in 2016 the organistaion claimed to cut ties with Nusra Front and a year later adopted the new name Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This allowed the organisation to move away, not completely though, from the jihadist ideologies of al-Qaida and focus on Syrian specific isuues like local governance, economy iand humanitarian aid. Despite these changes, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s core ideology continued to be associated with Jihad and the primary objective being overthrowing the Assad government, which was finally achieved in December last year.

&nbsp;In December last year, HTS along with other Islamist rebels under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa conducted a strong offensive against Bashar al-Assad and ousted him.

Foreign terrorist designation for Syria's HTS revoked by US, Know what is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

The Israeli Military on Wednesday said that it had apprehended members of a terrorist cell in southern Syria. Since the overthrow of Syria's longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad, Israel has carried out hundreds of military and air strikes on military sites. The Syrian state TV said three were arrested, linked to Iran by the Israeli Troops. Israel's arch-foe against which it had fought an unprecedented 12-day war last month.An Israeli military statement on Wednesday said that in a "targeted night-time" raid, troops "apprehended several terrorists," and seized weapons. Syrian state TV said an Israeli patrol "consisting of eight vehicles and around 40 soldiers arrested three individuals from the village of Al-Bassali" in the Quneitra area of southwest Syria bordering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. These three were reportedly of Palestinian origin. According to the Syrian TV, they were inside the firm at the time of the incident and were arrested without any resistance. Since the fall of Assad, Israel has established a military presence on the other side of the armistice line that was the opposing forces on the Golan.&nbsp;On June 12, Syria said that Israel killed one civilian and arrested seven people during an overnight incursion, with the Israeli army saying it seized members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.Israel said Monday it was "interested" in striking normalisation agreements with Syria and neighbouring Lebanon, but insisted the strategic Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the United Nations, would "remain part of" Israel under any peace accord.The latest incident shows the ongoing volatility of the Israel-Syria border, specifically the Golan Heights region. Israel had continued to target what it calls Iranian-backed militant infrastructure in Syria. While Syria had accused Israel of repeatedly violating its sovereignty. The deep-rooted hostilities and territorial expansion plan of Israel keep any hope of lasting peace at bay.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a night-time raid near Syria's Quneitra region, Israeli troops apprehended three Palestinians allegedly linked to Iran. The operation follows heightened tensions and an earlier 12-day war, as Israel signals interest in peace talks with Syria and Lebanon.

The Israeli Military on Wednesday said that it had apprehended members of a terrorist cell in southern Syria. Since the overthrow of Syria's longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad, Israel has carried out hundreds of military and air strikes on military sites. The Syrian state TV said three were arrested, linked to Iran by the Israeli Troops. Israel's arch-foe against which it had fought an unprecedented 12-day war last month. An Israeli military statement on Wednesday said that in a "targeted night-time" raid, troops "apprehended several terrorists," and seized weapons. Syrian state TV said an Israeli patrol "consisting of eight vehicles and around 40 soldiers arrested three individuals from the village of Al-Bassali" in the Quneitra area of southwest Syria bordering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. These three were reportedly of Palestinian origin. According to the Syrian TV, they were inside the firm at the time of the incident and were arrested without any resistance. Since the fall of Assad, Israel has established a military presence on the other side of the armistice line that was the opposing forces on the Golan. On June 12, Syria said that Israel killed one civilian and arrested seven people during an overnight incursion, with the Israeli army saying it seized members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel said Monday it was "interested" in striking normalisation agreements with Syria and neighbouring Lebanon, but insisted the strategic Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the United Nations, would "remain part of" Israel under any peace accord. The latest incident shows the ongoing volatility of the Israel-Syria border, specifically the Golan Heights region. Israel had continued to target what it calls Iranian-backed militant infrastructure in Syria. While Syria had accused Israel of repeatedly violating its sovereignty. The deep-rooted hostilities and territorial expansion plan of Israel keep any hope of lasting peace at bay.

In a night raid near Syria's Quneitra region, Israeli troops apprehended three Palestinians allegedly linked to Iran. The operation follows heightened tensions and an earlier 12-day war, as Israel signals interest in peace talks with Syria and Lebanon.

'Iran-linked terrorist cell' apprehended in Syria claims Israeli Military

A suicide bomber opened indiscriminate firing and then detonated himself inside a church filled with people in Syria on Sunday, killing at least 20 people, local media reported. The explosion in Dweil’a, on the outskirts of Damascus, took place as people were praying inside the Mar Elias Church. SANA, citing the Health Ministry, said that many others were wounded. Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said 30 people were wounded and killed but did not give exact numbers. Some local media outlets reported that children were among those killed. Syrian authorities said 20 people were killed and 52 were injured. The attack comes as Damascus is trying to win the support of minorities under its de facto Islamist rule.&nbsp;&nbsp;There have been concerns about the presence of sleeper cells of extremist groups in the war-torn country, and though no group claimed responsibility immediately, the Syrian Interior Ministry said an extremist from the Islamic State group wearing an explosives vest had entered the church, fired at the people there, and then detonated himself.A witness told media that he saw that the attacker was accompanied by two others who fled.“He was shooting at the church … he then went inside the church and blew himself up,” he said.Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the incident, calling it a terrorist attack.“This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together,” he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.A photo circulated by Syrian state media SANA showed the church’s pews covered in blood and debris.&nbsp;“The terrorist infiltrated Mar Elias Church, opened fire, and then blew himself up using an explosive belt,” the ministry stated. Earlier, local media had reported that 25 people were killed.&nbsp;The Syrian civil defence said in a statement that the attack killed “more than 15 people and a number of wounded, according to a preliminary toll”.

The Syrian Interior Ministry said an extremist from the Islamic State group wearing an explosives vest had entered the church, fired at the people there, and then detonated himself. A witness told media that he saw that the attacker was accompanied by two others who fled.

A suicide bomber opened indiscriminate firing and then detonated himself inside a church filled with people in Syria on Sunday, killing at least 20 people, local media reported. The explosion in Dweil’a, on the outskirts of Damascus, took place as people were praying inside the Mar Elias Church. SANA, citing the Health Ministry, said that many others were wounded. Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said 30 people were wounded and killed but did not give exact numbers. Some local media outlets reported that children were among those killed. Syrian authorities said 20 people were killed and 52 were injured. The attack comes as Damascus is trying to win the support of minorities under its de facto Islamist rule. There have been concerns about the presence of sleeper cells of extremist groups in the war-torn country, and though no group claimed responsibility immediately, the Syrian Interior Ministry said an extremist from the Islamic State group wearing an explosives vest had entered the church, fired at the people there, and then detonated himself. A witness told media that he saw that the attacker was accompanied by two others who fled. “He was shooting at the church … he then went inside the church and blew himself up,” he said. Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the incident, calling it a terrorist attack. “This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together,” he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. A photo circulated by Syrian state media SANA showed the church’s pews covered in blood and debris. “The terrorist infiltrated Mar Elias Church, opened fire, and then blew himself up using an explosive belt,” the ministry stated. Earlier, local media had reported that 25 people were killed. The Syrian civil defence said in a statement that the attack killed “more than 15 people and a number of wounded, according to a preliminary toll”.

The Syrian Interior Ministry said an extremist from the Islamic State group wearing an explosives vest had entered the church, fired at the people there, and then detonated himself. A witness told media that he saw that the attacker was accompanied by two others who fled.

Suicide attack at Damascus church kills at least 20; Syria blames Islamic State

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has recently praised his wife Latifa al-Droubi, saying she has been a pillar of support when his resistance forces fought against the regime of ousted president Bashar al-Assad for over a decade.&nbsp;Al-Sharaa, who has made several high-profile public appearances with his wife during his state visits, has revealed in recent interviews that the couple had lived in remote mountains and caves, and frequently changed residences due to the political turmoil in Syria.&nbsp;<h2>Latifa lived in caves, shelters, chicken coops</h2>&nbsp;Latifa "lived with me in 49 different homes and followed me from caves to shelters, even chicken coops," said al-Sharaa, who assumed office as transitional president of Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.&nbsp;Latifa's appearances, after being hidden from public view till a few months ago, raised a significant public interest in her. &nbsp;&nbsp;Here is what you should know about Latifa al-Droubi.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Latifa al-Droubi, Syrian First Lady?</h2> Born in 1984 in Al-Qaryatayn, a rural town in Syria's Homs governorate, Latifa comes from a politically well-known family of Syria.&nbsp;The mother of three sons has a master's degree in Arabic language and literature.&nbsp;<h2>Hailing from an influential family</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Latifa comes from the influential al-Droubi family, whose political history can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era.&nbsp;One of Latifa's ancestors was Alaa Al-Din Al-Droubi, according to Turkish media reports.&nbsp;He was Syria’s second prime minister in 1920 under King Faisal I, but had only a month's stint before being assassinated.&nbsp;Latifa is also reportedly a relative of the Syrian Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Al-Droubi.<h2> How Latifa and al-Shaara met</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>According to reports, Latifa and her future husband, al-Sharaa, met while both were Damascus University students.&nbsp;They married in 2012, just a year into the Syrian civil war, and from then on, she led a low-profile life.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to al-Shaara, he often asked her to move to safer places, but she refused.&nbsp;Observers have pointed out that al-Shaara is taking his wife to high-profile state visits like those in Saudi Arabia and Turkey as he wants to project a more moderate image of his transitional government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Who is Latifa al Droubi, Syrian leader Ahmed al Sharaas wife? Born in 1984 in al Qaryatayn, a rural town in Syrias Homs governorate, Latifa comes from a politically well-known family of Syria 

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has recently praised his wife Latifa al-Droubi, saying she has been a pillar of support when his resistance forces fought against the regime of ousted president Bashar al-Assad for over a decade. Al-Sharaa, who has made several high-profile public appearances with his wife during his state visits, has revealed in recent interviews that the couple had lived in remote mountains and caves, and frequently changed residences due to the political turmoil in Syria. Latifa lived in caves, shelters, chicken coops Latifa "lived with me in 49 different homes and followed me from caves to shelters, even chicken coops," said al-Sharaa, who assumed office as transitional president of Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Latifa's appearances, after being hidden from public view till a few months ago, raised a significant public interest in her. Here is what you should know about Latifa al-Droubi. Who is Latifa al-Droubi, Syrian First Lady? Born in 1984 in Al-Qaryatayn, a rural town in Syria's Homs governorate, Latifa comes from a politically well-known family of Syria. The mother of three sons has a master's degree in Arabic language and literature. Hailing from an influential family Latifa comes from the influential al-Droubi family, whose political history can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era. One of Latifa's ancestors was Alaa Al-Din Al-Droubi, according to Turkish media reports. He was Syria’s second prime minister in 1920 under King Faisal I, but had only a month's stint before being assassinated. Latifa is also reportedly a relative of the Syrian Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Al-Droubi. How Latifa and al-Shaara met According to reports, Latifa and her future husband, al-Sharaa, met while both were Damascus University students. They married in 2012, just a year into the Syrian civil war, and from then on, she led a low-profile life. According to al-Shaara, he often asked her to move to safer places, but she refused. Observers have pointed out that al-Shaara is taking his wife to high-profile state visits like those in Saudi Arabia and Turkey as he wants to project a more moderate image of his transitional government.

Al-Sharaa, who has made several high-profile public appearances with his wife during his state visits, has revealed in recent interviews that the couple had lived in remote mountains and caves, and frequently changed residences due to the political turmoil in Syria.&nbsp;

'She lived with me in caves, shelters, even chicken coops': Who is Latifa al-Droubi, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's wife?

US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC after his&nbsp;three-nation&nbsp;Middle East tour. Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sealed several investment deals in what is being seen as a new era for the US-Middle East relationship. From meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh to visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi to getting involved in the controversy of "gift diplomacy," Trump's Middle East trip showed his newfound affection for the region vis-a-vis business prospects as well as his aim to expand Abraham Accords and take credit similar to the one in his first term.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-meets-ahmed-al-sharaa-becomes-first-us-president-to-meet-syrian-leader-in-25-years-see-pics-9067927">Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics</a>
<h2>Top 6 points from his trip&nbsp;</h2>
1. Geopolitical shift for Syria: In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of Syria, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh, shook hands with him and said, "young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter. He&rsquo;s got a real shot at pulling it together." The US president also announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on Syria and urged al-Sharaa to recognise Israel, intending to expand his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520" rel="dofollow">Abraham Accords.</a>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starlink-tesla-optimus-and-more-why-was-elon-musk-in-saudi-arabia-during-trumps-west-asia-visit-9067875">Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit</a>
2. Big deals announced: Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. He announced defence deals in Riyadh and said that the total investments from the three nations he visited could reach as high as $4 trillion. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion &ldquo;economic exchange&rdquo;; Saudi promised to invest $600 billion, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US. 
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-al-qaeda-terrorist-to-trumps-tough-attractive-guy-story-of-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-9073460">From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa</a>
3. Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump made sure to bring up the topic of nuclear negotiations with Iran on several occasions as he toured through the Middle East. While he slammed Iran by calling it the "biggest and most destructive force", he also said, "I have a feeling it&rsquo;s going to work out." Trump also praised Qatar and said that Iran is "very lucky" to have such an ally.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-afghanistan-bagram-air-base-canada-list-of-places-us-president-wants-to-take-over-9075480">Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over</a>
4. Russia-Ukraine talks: As Trump toured the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine planned for talks in Turkey. Suspense over Russian president Vladimir Putin's presence in Istanbul continued till the last moment and his no-show became the biggest headline. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled his visit and talks were held between delegations of the two countries. Amid these developments, a confident Trump said, "And he wasn&rsquo;t gonna go &hellip; He wasn&rsquo;t going if I wasn&rsquo;t there. And I don&rsquo;t believe anything will happen, whether you like it or not until he and I get together. But we are gonna have to get it solved because too many people are dying."
5. Suffering in Gaza: Trump did not meet his biggest regional ally, Israel during this tour. In a rare acknowledgement of the sufferings in Gaza, Trump said, "There&rsquo;s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on."
6. Grand welcome and bonhomie: From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, Trump received a grand welcome and his bonhomie with the Gulf leaders was picture-perfect. In Riyadh, royal-purple-carpet was rolled out for the US president, and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. In Abu Dhabi, he received a traditional Emirati welcome including a hair-flip&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331" rel="dofollow">Al-Ayyala</a> dance and visited the Abrahamic Family House and mosque calling it all an "incredible culture." In Doha, Trump&rsquo;s motorcade from the airport was flanked by bright red Tesla,&nbsp;cybertrucks and riders on horseback.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

From stepping into a mosque to meeting Syria's president who had his past in al-Qaeda, from business deals to Abraham Accords, here are the top highlights of US President Donald Trump's Middle East tour. World

US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC after his three-nation Middle East tour. Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sealed several investment deals in what is being seen as a new era for the US-Middle East relationship. From meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh to visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi to getting involved in the controversy of "gift diplomacy," Trump's Middle East trip showed his newfound affection for the region vis-a-vis business prospects as well as his aim to expand Abraham Accords and take credit similar to the one in his first term. Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics Top 6 points from his trip 1. Geopolitical shift for Syria: In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of Syria, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh, shook hands with him and said, "young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter. He’s got a real shot at pulling it together." The US president also announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on Syria and urged al-Sharaa to recognise Israel, intending to expand his Abraham Accords. Read More | Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit 2. Big deals announced: Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. He announced defence deals in Riyadh and said that the total investments from the three nations he visited could reach as high as $4 trillion. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion “economic exchange”; Saudi promised to invest $600 billion, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US. Read More | From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa 3. Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump made sure to bring up the topic of nuclear negotiations with Iran on several occasions as he toured through the Middle East. While he slammed Iran by calling it the "biggest and most destructive force", he also said, "I have a feeling it’s going to work out." Trump also praised Qatar and said that Iran is "very lucky" to have such an ally. Read More | Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over 4. Russia-Ukraine talks: As Trump toured the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine planned for talks in Turkey. Suspense over Russian president Vladimir Putin's presence in Istanbul continued till the last moment and his no-show became the biggest headline. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled his visit and talks were held between delegations of the two countries. Amid these developments, a confident Trump said, "And he wasn’t gonna go … He wasn’t going if I wasn’t there. And I don’t believe anything will happen, whether you like it or not until he and I get together. But we are gonna have to get it solved because too many people are dying." 5. Suffering in Gaza: Trump did not meet his biggest regional ally, Israel during this tour. In a rare acknowledgement of the sufferings in Gaza, Trump said, "There’s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on." 6. Grand welcome and bonhomie: From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, Trump received a grand welcome and his bonhomie with the Gulf leaders was picture-perfect. In Riyadh, royal-purple-carpet was rolled out for the US president, and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. In Abu Dhabi, he received a traditional Emirati welcome including a hair-flip Al-Ayyala dance and visited the Abrahamic Family House and mosque calling it all an "incredible culture." In Doha, Trump’s motorcade from the airport was flanked by bright red Tesla, cybertrucks and riders on horseback.

Can Trump's Middle East tour be geopolitical shift for US? Top 6 takeaways from US president's major trip

The United States is preparing to ease some of its sanctions on Syria. This follows President Donald Trump's announcement earlier this week that all sanctions on Damascus would be lifted. A decision that reportedly caught much of his administration by surprise.

Washington prepares sanctions relief for Syria

Al-Sharaa Calls Sanctions Relief 'A Historic & Courageous Decision'

In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of West Asia, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi capital Riyadh. Not only did Trump shake hands with Syria's interim president becoming the first leader in 25 years to meet the Syrian counterpart but also announced a major breakthrough by lifting the Assad era sanctions. Trump also went a step forward by urging this 'young, tough guy' to recognise Israel eyeing an expansion to Abraham Accords.&nbsp;
It remains to be seen if this meet between Trump and Al Sharaa opens the doors of new sunrise in Syria. Currently what's pathbreaking is America's embracing Ahmed al- Sharaa aka Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani: once an US designated terrorist whose Al-Nusra front was an offshoot of Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;
<h2>Ahmed Al- Sharaa: From terrorist to meeting Trump&nbsp;</h2>
The world knew Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a designated terrorist, who was born in 1982 in Riyadh to Syrian parents originally from the Golan Heights. He became involved in jihadist movements during the early 2000s and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq amid the chaos of the US invasion and was later captured by American forces in 2006. After spending five years in detention, he returned to Syria as the civil war erupted in the aftermath of Arab Spring.
He founded the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which played a major role in the conflict. But by 2016, al-Sharaa publicly broke away from al-Qaeda, rebranding his organization as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and signaling a shift toward a more localised Syrian agenda.
Ahmed al-Sharaa&rsquo;s rise to power in Syria was the result of a swift military campaign and a carefully managed political transition. In late 2024, forces loyal to al-Sharaa, under the banner of HTS, launched a major offensive against the Syrian Arab Army. This campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, seeking refuge in Russia.
Following the fall of the capital, al-Sharaa worked with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to form a transitional government. Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed to lead this interim administration, aiming to bring stability after years of conflict. Later, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was chosen as interim president.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, began using his real name in late 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to shift his public image. This transition came after the fall of Damascus and the departure of Bashar al-Assad from power. By reverting to his birth name, al-Sharaa signaled a departure from Al-Qaeda links so as to present himself as a legitimate political figure.
This name change was not merely symbolic&mdash;it was a strategic move aimed at gaining international recognition and distancing himself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda.&nbsp;
And he might not be wrong, Al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with the president of United States in Riyadh. "Attrative guy, tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists.

World | Ahmed al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with Donald Trump, president of United States, in Riyadh: here's his journey from Al-Qaeda terrorist to Syrian president

In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of West Asia, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi capital Riyadh. Not only did Trump shake hands with Syria's interim president becoming the first leader in 25 years to meet the Syrian counterpart but also announced a major breakthrough by lifting the Assad era sanctions. Trump also went a step forward by urging this 'young, tough guy' to recognise Israel eyeing an expansion to Abraham Accords. It remains to be seen if this meet between Trump and Al Sharaa opens the doors of new sunrise in Syria. Currently what's pathbreaking is America's embracing Ahmed al- Sharaa aka Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani: once an US designated terrorist whose Al-Nusra front was an offshoot of Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda. Ahmed Al- Sharaa: From terrorist to meeting Trump The world knew Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a designated terrorist, who was born in 1982 in Riyadh to Syrian parents originally from the Golan Heights. He became involved in jihadist movements during the early 2000s and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq amid the chaos of the US invasion and was later captured by American forces in 2006. After spending five years in detention, he returned to Syria as the civil war erupted in the aftermath of Arab Spring. He founded the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which played a major role in the conflict. But by 2016, al-Sharaa publicly broke away from al-Qaeda, rebranding his organization as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and signaling a shift toward a more localised Syrian agenda. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to power in Syria was the result of a swift military campaign and a carefully managed political transition. In late 2024, forces loyal to al-Sharaa, under the banner of HTS, launched a major offensive against the Syrian Arab Army. This campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, seeking refuge in Russia. Following the fall of the capital, al-Sharaa worked with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to form a transitional government. Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed to lead this interim administration, aiming to bring stability after years of conflict. Later, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was chosen as interim president. Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, began using his real name in late 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to shift his public image. This transition came after the fall of Damascus and the departure of Bashar al-Assad from power. By reverting to his birth name, al-Sharaa signaled a departure from Al-Qaeda links so as to present himself as a legitimate political figure. This name change was not merely symbolic—it was a strategic move aimed at gaining international recognition and distancing himself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda. And he might not be wrong, Al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with the president of United States in Riyadh. "Attrative guy, tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists.

From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa

<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">In a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria following his unexpected meeting with the country&rsquo;s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant leader with links to al-Qaeda.</div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The decision marks a major turning point in the US-Syria relationship, which could have far-reaching consequences across the region.</div>
<h2>What happened in Syria?</h2>
<div>After over a decade of civil war and the near-total collapse of governance, President Bashar al-Assad&rsquo;s regime was toppled in December by Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The group, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, staged a surprise advance into Damascus, forcing Assad and his family to flee to Russia.</div>
<div></div>
<div>HTS, now rebranded as a political movement, formed an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has attempted to present a moderate image and initiate the rebuilding of Syria. Street debates about democracy, governance, and civil liberties have emerged after decades of state repression.</div>
<div>However, Sharaa&rsquo;s administration is viewed with scepticism by many Syrians and global powers, due to the group&rsquo;s violent past. According to Human Rights Watch, HTS (previously the Nusra Front) was reportedly responsible for massacres of minority communities, including Alawites and Druze, during the conflict.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Sharaa now insists he is committed to safeguarding Syria&rsquo;s religious and ethnic diversity. &ldquo;There must be a legal framework that protects and ensures the rights of all,&rdquo; he told CNN.</div>
<h2>Why did Trump lift Syria sanctions?</h2>
<div>As per the Bloomberg report, Trump&rsquo;s decision came after weeks of lobbying from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, two of Sharaa&rsquo;s key regional backers. Meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh, Trump described him as a &ldquo;tough guy&rdquo; with &ldquo;potential&rdquo; and framed the move as giving Syria &ldquo;a chance at greatness.&rdquo;</div>
<div>Speaking at a major US-Saudi investment forum, Trump called the existing sanctions &ldquo;crippling&rdquo; and outdated. According to the White House summary, Trump urged Sharaa to normalise&nbsp;ties with Israel and &ldquo;expel all foreign terrorists&rdquo; from Syria.</div>
<div>Trump also criticised previous US administrations, claiming they were more interested in punishing leaders than negotiating change. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re not here to look into souls,&rdquo; he remarked. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re here to make deals.&rdquo;</div>
<h2>What were the US sanctions on Syria?</h2>
<div>US sanctions on Syria date back to 1979, when the country was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. The restrictions intensified after Syria&rsquo;s interference in Lebanon and support for Hezbollah.</div>
<div></div>
<div>In 2004, under President George W. Bush, the US further tightened sanctions, ending most exports to Syria. After Syria&rsquo;s brutal crackdown on Arab Spring protests in 2011, more sanctions followed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, targeting Syrian government officials, businesses, and sectors linked to Assad&rsquo;s military campaign and human rights abuses.</div>
<div></div>
<div>According to the US Department of the Treasury, these sanctions froze assets, blocked US investments, and barred financial transactions, effectively cutting Syria off from the international banking system.</div>
<h2>How did sanctions affect the Syrian economy?</h2>
<div>Syria&rsquo;s economy was already bleeding from years of war. The World Bank downgraded it to low-income status in 2018. The country&rsquo;s GDP collapsed by over 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).</div>
<div></div>
<div>By 2023, over 90 per cent of Syrians lived in poverty, reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Access to fuel, medicine, electricity, and food was critically low. Public institutions barely functioned, and foreign investment dried up. Meanwhile, Syria&rsquo;s once-thriving agriculture sector&mdash;famed for olives and pistachios&mdash;was decimated.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Sanctions also indirectly boosted Syria&rsquo;s illicit economy. With trade routes blocked, the country turned into a regional hub for Captagon, a powerful, amphetamine-type drug, according to Europol and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).</div>
<div></div>
<div>By cutting Syria off from global financial institutions, sanctions hampered reconstruction and even aid operations. Humanitarian agencies complained of delays and operational costs rising due to restrictions on banking transactions, despite technical exemptions.</div>
<h2>What&rsquo;s next for US-Syria relations?</h2>
<div>Trump&rsquo;s face-to-face with Sharaa was the first US-Syria leader-level meeting in 25 years. It signals a dramatic shift in US policy, especially given Sharaa&rsquo;s militant past.</div>
<div></div>
<div>But it&rsquo;s also fraught with risks. HTS remains on the US Foreign Terrorist Organization list, and Sharaa&rsquo;s past includes links to al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria. As recently as 2016, the US offered $10 million for his capture.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Critics fear Trump&rsquo;s engagement could legitimise extremist actors. But supporters argue this is a pragmatic step to stabilise the region, curb Iranian influence, and enable regional powers to shoulder Syria&rsquo;s reconstruction.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Whether lifting sanctions will bring lasting peace or empower a controversial leader remains uncertain. For now, Syrians are celebrating what many call their &ldquo;Liberation Day&rdquo; &mdash; hoping that relief from sanctions will translate into jobs, infrastructure, and dignity.</div>
<div></div>
<div>As the world watches, the road to Syria&rsquo;s recovery remains long, fragile, and deeply contested.</div>

Business & Economy: The move followed a landmark meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria following his unexpected meeting with the country’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant leader with links to al-Qaeda. The decision marks a major turning point in the US-Syria relationship, which could have far-reaching consequences across the region. What happened in Syria? After over a decade of civil war and the near-total collapse of governance, President Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled in December by Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The group, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, staged a surprise advance into Damascus, forcing Assad and his family to flee to Russia. HTS, now rebranded as a political movement, formed an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has attempted to present a moderate image and initiate the rebuilding of Syria. Street debates about democracy, governance, and civil liberties have emerged after decades of state repression. However, Sharaa’s administration is viewed with scepticism by many Syrians and global powers, due to the group’s violent past. According to Human Rights Watch, HTS (previously the Nusra Front) was reportedly responsible for massacres of minority communities, including Alawites and Druze, during the conflict. Sharaa now insists he is committed to safeguarding Syria’s religious and ethnic diversity. “There must be a legal framework that protects and ensures the rights of all,” he told CNN. Why did Trump lift Syria sanctions? As per the Bloomberg report, Trump’s decision came after weeks of lobbying from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, two of Sharaa’s key regional backers. Meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh, Trump described him as a “tough guy” with “potential” and framed the move as giving Syria “a chance at greatness.” Speaking at a major US-Saudi investment forum, Trump called the existing sanctions “crippling” and outdated. According to the White House summary, Trump urged Sharaa to normalise ties with Israel and “expel all foreign terrorists” from Syria. Trump also criticised previous US administrations, claiming they were more interested in punishing leaders than negotiating change. “We’re not here to look into souls,” he remarked. “We’re here to make deals.” What were the US sanctions on Syria? US sanctions on Syria date back to 1979, when the country was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. The restrictions intensified after Syria’s interference in Lebanon and support for Hezbollah. In 2004, under President George W. Bush, the US further tightened sanctions, ending most exports to Syria. After Syria’s brutal crackdown on Arab Spring protests in 2011, more sanctions followed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, targeting Syrian government officials, businesses, and sectors linked to Assad’s military campaign and human rights abuses. According to the US Department of the Treasury, these sanctions froze assets, blocked US investments, and barred financial transactions, effectively cutting Syria off from the international banking system. How did sanctions affect the Syrian economy? Syria’s economy was already bleeding from years of war. The World Bank downgraded it to low-income status in 2018. The country’s GDP collapsed by over 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). By 2023, over 90 per cent of Syrians lived in poverty, reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Access to fuel, medicine, electricity, and food was critically low. Public institutions barely functioned, and foreign investment dried up. Meanwhile, Syria’s once-thriving agriculture sector—famed for olives and pistachios—was decimated. Sanctions also indirectly boosted Syria’s illicit economy. With trade routes blocked, the country turned into a regional hub for Captagon, a powerful, amphetamine-type drug, according to Europol and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). By cutting Syria off from global financial institutions, sanctions hampered reconstruction and even aid operations. Humanitarian agencies complained of delays and operational costs rising due to restrictions on banking transactions, despite technical exemptions. What’s next for US-Syria relations? Trump’s face-to-face with Sharaa was the first US-Syria leader-level meeting in 25 years. It signals a dramatic shift in US policy, especially given Sharaa’s militant past. But it’s also fraught with risks. HTS remains on the US Foreign Terrorist Organization list, and Sharaa’s past includes links to al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria. As recently as 2016, the US offered $10 million for his capture. Critics fear Trump’s engagement could legitimise extremist actors. But supporters argue this is a pragmatic step to stabilise the region, curb Iranian influence, and enable regional powers to shoulder Syria’s reconstruction. Whether lifting sanctions will bring lasting peace or empower a controversial leader remains uncertain. For now, Syrians are celebrating what many call their “Liberation Day” — hoping that relief from sanctions will translate into jobs, infrastructure, and dignity. As the world watches, the road to Syria’s recovery remains long, fragile, and deeply contested.

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria: What happened and what it means for the war-torn nation

Donald Trump considers easing sanctions on Syria, citing a desire to give the country a "fresh start". A report reveals Syria proposed a Trump Tower deal in Damascus, along with reshaping relations with Israel and a minerals deal similar to Ukraine.

Trump’s Embrace Of Syria And Its Jihadist-Turned-President Al-Sharaa

Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India&rsquo;s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/simla-agreement-to-indus-waters-treaty-list-of-bilateral-agreements-between-india-and-pakistan-since-1947-9001192" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Indus Waters Treaty,&nbsp;</a>to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River.
Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria in Saudi Arabia
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Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India&rsquo;s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/simla-agreement-to-indus-waters-treaty-list-of-bilateral-agreements-between-india-and-pakistan-since-1947-9001192" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Indus Waters Treaty,&nbsp;</a>to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River.
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Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the Indus Waters Treaty, to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River. Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria in Saudi Arabia Click on the headlines for more Jittery Pakistan feels the heat? Pak water ministry urges India to review its move on Indus Waters Treaty Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the Indus Waters Treaty, to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River. Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir US President Donald Trump reached Qatar on Wednesday (May 14) -his second stop on a tour of West Asia. All eyes are on his Qatar trip as he is likely to receive 'flying palace' as a gift. All this to get dinner with Trump and VIP tour? Chinese-linked firm raises $300 mn to buy $TRUMP meme coin Chinese-linked firm GD Culture Group (GDC) has announced to raise $300 million in purchasing TRUMP tokens and Bitcoin, ahead of much-anticipated US President Donald Trump's crypto dinner. Another copycat move: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif copies PM Modi's Adampur visit, goes to Sialkot air base A day after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base and sent a strong message to Pakistan with S-400 air defence system in the background, puncturing Islamabad's misinformation campaign, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. Who is Anita Anand, Canada's first Hindu foreign minister: Will Indo-Canada ties improve under her Anita Anand became the first Hindu woman to be appointed as Canada’s new foreign minister.She took her oath of office with her hand placed on the Bhagavad Gita. Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security' The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security" amid a nationwide call for boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan amid tensions with India. Will Pakistan pay Rs 14,00,00,000 to terrorist Masood Azhar after India hit Jaish terror sites? What we know The Pakistan government is likely to compensate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist, with Rs 14 crore as he claimed that many of his family members were killed in India's targeted strike in Pakistan's Bahawalpur under Operation Sindoor. Macron supporting 'murderous terror organisation', Netanyahu accuses after French president blames Israel for 'blood libels' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (May 14) accused French President Emmanuel Macron of standing with a "murderous Islamist terrorist organization" after he blamed Israel for "blood libels". Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra conferred with honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army Two-time Olympic gold medalist and India's javelin ace thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has been conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Cannes film festival: What happened on day 1 - rules broken on red carpet, De Niro gets honorary Palme d'Or The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has begun, with celebrities from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the best-of-the-best cinema. Check out all the updates from day one of the festival here.

Top 10 world news: Pakistan urges India to review its move on Indus Waters Treaty; Trump in Qatar, and more

World | Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria

Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics

Donald Trump, US President, announces plan to lift sanctions on Syria after Assad's fall

US President Donald Trump announces plan to lift saanctions on Syria after Assad's fall

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the United States will remove all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s crown prince as the new interim Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to bring stability in the war-torn country.
&ldquo;I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,&rdquo; Trump said while addressing the packed auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance during the four-day visit to the Middle East. The US president covered a range of topics in his speech, including his time in office and US-Middle East relations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-syrias-interim-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-shows-off-basketball-skills-in-viral-video-9041381">WATCH | Syria&rsquo;s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shows off basketball skills in viral video</a>
&ldquo;In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace. That&rsquo;s what we want to see,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;In Syria, they&rsquo;ve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. That&rsquo;s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade.&rdquo;
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-good-and-productive-phone-call-with-turkish-president-discuss-russia-ukraine-war-gaza-syria-9038408">Trump holds &lsquo;good and productive&rsquo; phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria</a>
<h2>&lsquo;Brutal and crippling&rsquo; sanctions</h2>
Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were &ldquo;brutal and crippling,&rdquo; adding that they no longer served an important function.
&ldquo;Now, it&rsquo;s their time to shine,&rdquo; Trump said of Syria. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re taking them all off.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So I say, Good luck Syria. Show us something very special, like they&rsquo;ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a>
<h2>From Assad regime to Ahmed al-Sharaa&rsquo;s rule</h2>
The Middle Eastern nation has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US since 1979. Syria was faced with additional sanctions by the US in 2004 and again in 2011, after the then-President Bashar al-Assad launched a crackdown on anti-government uprisings.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-trumps-presence-at-peace-talks-would-prompt-putin-to-attend-9065417">Zelensky says Trump&rsquo;s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend</a>
The Assad rule was overthrown by rebel forces led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, sectarian violence and deadly terrorist attacks. Following this, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member who describes himself as reformed, was made the leader of the country&rsquo;s transitional government.

Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were “brutal and crippling,” adding that they no longer served an important function. “Now, it’s their time to shine,” Trump said of Syria. “We’re taking them all off.” World

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the United States will remove all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince as the new interim Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to bring stability in the war-torn country. “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump said while addressing the packed auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance during the four-day visit to the Middle East. The US president covered a range of topics in his speech, including his time in office and US-Middle East relations. Also read | WATCH | Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shows off basketball skills in viral video “In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace. That’s what we want to see,” he said. “In Syria, they’ve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. That’s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade.” Read more | Trump holds ‘good and productive’ phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria ‘Brutal and crippling’ sanctions Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were “brutal and crippling,” adding that they no longer served an important function. “Now, it’s their time to shine,” Trump said of Syria. “We’re taking them all off.” “So I say, Good luck Syria. Show us something very special, like they’ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia.” Also read | 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering From Assad regime to Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rule The Middle Eastern nation has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US since 1979. Syria was faced with additional sanctions by the US in 2004 and again in 2011, after the then-President Bashar al-Assad launched a crackdown on anti-government uprisings. Also read | Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend The Assad rule was overthrown by rebel forces led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, sectarian violence and deadly terrorist attacks. Following this, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member who describes himself as reformed, was made the leader of the country’s transitional government.

‘Now, it’s their time to shine’: Trump announces all US sanctions on Syria to be lifted

US-Syria relations: Trump weighs easing sanctions on Syria, explores business deals

With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria&rsquo;s new government now controls almost the entire country, except for the northeast, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS, continues to hold power. Although the region is often referred to as Kurdish-controlled, it is primarily home to an Arab tribal population. Understanding the region&rsquo;s demographics is critical to preventing policy that could destabilize the region and lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences.
<h2>The Demographics of Northeast Syria</h2>
 The M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border and extends toward Iraq, is one of Syria&rsquo;s two major economic routes and divides northeast Syria into two regions. Except for a few Assyrian villages, the area south of the M4 predominantly houses Arab tribes. The population is more ethnically diverse north of the M4, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian Christians, Turkmen, and Circassians. For example, Qamishli, a major city in the region, consists of eight predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods, six Arab neighbourhoods, two primarily Christian neighbourhoods, and seven mixed neighbourhoods.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aastha-ke-sthambh-84-red-sandstone-pillars-to-greet-devotees-at-maha-kumbh-8612838" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Aastha Ke Sthambh&rsquo;: 84 red sandstone pillars to greet devotees at Maha Kumbh</a> Apart from Qamishli, the historically Kurdish town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobane) is also home to a mix of Arab tribes and Turkmen clans. The 2004 Syrian census data shows that the region had 2.4 million people, of which around 19 per cent were Kurdish. This suggests that Kurds represent a minority, with Arabs making up a significant portion of the population in areas controlled by the SDF.
<h2>The Syrian Kurdish Political Landscape</h2>
 The Syrian Kurdish population is divided among various political factions, most notably the Syrian Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The KNC has ties to the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iraq, and its military wing, the Rojava Peshmerga, has received training from the United States. In contrast, the PYD, which is linked to the PKK, leads the SDF; a group considered a terrorist organisation by the US, NATO, and Turkey. Many Kurds view the PYD and its armed wing, the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, with significant decision-making power based in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq.
<h2>Who are the Kurds, and why is Turkey targeting them?</h2>
 The Kurds have a long history, with distinct cultural and ethnic identities, but they have never had an independent nation. In the aftermath of World War I, the Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan that spanned parts of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. However, the Treaty of S&egrave;vres in 1920 proposed a much smaller Kurdistan, all within modern Turkey. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 replaced it and effectively ended the idea of an independent Kurdish state.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerbergs-latest-move-meta-orders-removal-of-tampons-from-mens-bathrooms-sparks-backlash-8612818" rel="dofollow">Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash</a> After Syria&rsquo;s civil war broke out in 2011, Kurdish forces declared autonomy over parts of northeastern Syria in November 2013, where they are in majority. An estimated 30 million Kurds live across northern Iraq, western Iran, and northern Syria, and make up about 18% of Turkey&rsquo;s population. The Kurds have long faced persecution in Syria and other regions as the largest ethnic group without a homeland. Despite their cultural and diasporic significance, Kurds have faced decades of repression. They have repeatedly tried to establish a self-governing Kurdistan but have been met with harsh crackdowns, resulting in bans on Kurdish language and cultural practices. For instance, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against them, and in Iran, their uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s were violently suppressed. In 1978, Abdullah &Ouml;calan founded the Kurdistan Workers&rsquo; Party (PKK) to pursue an independent Kurdish state, leading to decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The PKK&rsquo;s insurgency lasted from 1984 until &Ouml;calan&rsquo;s capture in 1999. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Kurdish civilians. A ceasefire declared in 2013 collapsed when Turkey began targeting PKK positions in 2015 during the war against the Islamic State. 
<h2>Kurds and the Islamic State</h2>
 As the Islamic State advanced through Syria and Iraq, the Kurdish militias, particularly the People&rsquo;s Protection Units (YPG), were among the few forces able to resist them. The Kurds, primarily located along Syria&rsquo;s border with Turkey, began defending their territories as the Syrian civil war escalated in 2011-12. In 2014, when the US joined the fight against ISIS, it found a valuable ally in the YPG. Experts opine that the Kurds also served as a counterbalance to Iranian and Russian influence in the region, offering leverage in a potential post-war settlement.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-state-owned-hsl-in-talks-with-vietnam-for-submarine-refits-8612776" rel="dofollow">India&rsquo;s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits</a> Once the Kurds expelled ISIS from northern Syria, they took control of areas along the Syria-Turkey border which is home to Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups. The YPG&rsquo;s ties to the PKK, however, made it a target for Erdogan&rsquo;s regime, which views it as a significant security threat. The US faced the challenge of balancing its alliances with Turkey, a NATO member, and the Kurds, who had lost over an estimated 10,000 fighters in the battle against ISIS. Historically, under the Obama administration, the Syrian Kurdish militia sought to downplay its connection to the PKK, rebranding itself as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recruiting more non-Kurdish fighters. By 2016, it was estimated that around 40% of SDF fighters were from non-Kurdish backgrounds. The US worked to maintain peace along the Turkish border, conducting joint patrols with the Turkish army.
<h2>The Way Forward</h2>
 Analysts suggest that Turkey stands as one of the key beneficiaries of the collapse of the Assad regime, while the Kurds are poised to suffer the most, particularly in terms of their autonomy and the safety of their communities. Analysts have also warned that the Kurds are in a precarious position following this shift. Turkey, which shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Syria, has historically opposed the Assad regime and supported various armed factions in Syria, including Sunni jihadist groups. Additionally, Turkey has taken in around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, which has resulted in domestic unrest back home.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/give-your-head-a-shake-canadas-former-pm-chretien-offers-blunt-advice-to-trump-8612717" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Give your head a shake!&rsquo;; Canada&rsquo;s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump</a> Since 2016, Turkey has carried out several military operations in Syria, aimed at preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border. In 2019, Turkey attempted to establish a 30-kilometre buffer zone but failed. Despite this setback, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed for the creation of this defensive area. After the fall of Assad, Turkish-backed fighters quickly moved in to seize the territory previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), furthering Turkey&rsquo;s long-standing objectives.
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World | Middle East: The Kurds have a long history with distinct cultural and ethnic identities but have never had an independent nation. After World War I, Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan.

With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s new government now controls almost the entire country, except for the northeast, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS, continues to hold power. Although the region is often referred to as Kurdish-controlled, it is primarily home to an Arab tribal population. Understanding the region’s demographics is critical to preventing policy that could destabilize the region and lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences. The Demographics of Northeast Syria The M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border and extends toward Iraq, is one of Syria’s two major economic routes and divides northeast Syria into two regions. Except for a few Assyrian villages, the area south of the M4 predominantly houses Arab tribes. The population is more ethnically diverse north of the M4, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian Christians, Turkmen, and Circassians. For example, Qamishli, a major city in the region, consists of eight predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods, six Arab neighbourhoods, two primarily Christian neighbourhoods, and seven mixed neighbourhoods. Also Read | ‘Aastha Ke Sthambh’: 84 red sandstone pillars to greet devotees at Maha Kumbh Apart from Qamishli, the historically Kurdish town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobane) is also home to a mix of Arab tribes and Turkmen clans. The 2004 Syrian census data shows that the region had 2.4 million people, of which around 19 per cent were Kurdish. This suggests that Kurds represent a minority, with Arabs making up a significant portion of the population in areas controlled by the SDF. The Syrian Kurdish Political Landscape The Syrian Kurdish population is divided among various political factions, most notably the Syrian Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The KNC has ties to the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iraq, and its military wing, the Rojava Peshmerga, has received training from the United States. In contrast, the PYD, which is linked to the PKK, leads the SDF; a group considered a terrorist organisation by the US, NATO, and Turkey. Many Kurds view the PYD and its armed wing, the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, with significant decision-making power based in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq. Who are the Kurds, and why is Turkey targeting them? The Kurds have a long history, with distinct cultural and ethnic identities, but they have never had an independent nation. In the aftermath of World War I, the Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan that spanned parts of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. However, the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 proposed a much smaller Kurdistan, all within modern Turkey. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 replaced it and effectively ended the idea of an independent Kurdish state. Also Read | Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash After Syria’s civil war broke out in 2011, Kurdish forces declared autonomy over parts of northeastern Syria in November 2013, where they are in majority. An estimated 30 million Kurds live across northern Iraq, western Iran, and northern Syria, and make up about 18% of Turkey’s population. The Kurds have long faced persecution in Syria and other regions as the largest ethnic group without a homeland. Despite their cultural and diasporic significance, Kurds have faced decades of repression. They have repeatedly tried to establish a self-governing Kurdistan but have been met with harsh crackdowns, resulting in bans on Kurdish language and cultural practices. For instance, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against them, and in Iran, their uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s were violently suppressed. In 1978, Abdullah Öcalan founded the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to pursue an independent Kurdish state, leading to decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The PKK’s insurgency lasted from 1984 until Öcalan’s capture in 1999. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Kurdish civilians. A ceasefire declared in 2013 collapsed when Turkey began targeting PKK positions in 2015 during the war against the Islamic State. Kurds and the Islamic State As the Islamic State advanced through Syria and Iraq, the Kurdish militias, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG), were among the few forces able to resist them. The Kurds, primarily located along Syria’s border with Turkey, began defending their territories as the Syrian civil war escalated in 2011-12. In 2014, when the US joined the fight against ISIS, it found a valuable ally in the YPG. Experts opine that the Kurds also served as a counterbalance to Iranian and Russian influence in the region, offering leverage in a potential post-war settlement. Also Read | India’s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits Once the Kurds expelled ISIS from northern Syria, they took control of areas along the Syria-Turkey border which is home to Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups. The YPG’s ties to the PKK, however, made it a target for Erdogan’s regime, which views it as a significant security threat. The US faced the challenge of balancing its alliances with Turkey, a NATO member, and the Kurds, who had lost over an estimated 10,000 fighters in the battle against ISIS. Historically, under the Obama administration, the Syrian Kurdish militia sought to downplay its connection to the PKK, rebranding itself as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recruiting more non-Kurdish fighters. By 2016, it was estimated that around 40% of SDF fighters were from non-Kurdish backgrounds. The US worked to maintain peace along the Turkish border, conducting joint patrols with the Turkish army. The Way Forward Analysts suggest that Turkey stands as one of the key beneficiaries of the collapse of the Assad regime, while the Kurds are poised to suffer the most, particularly in terms of their autonomy and the safety of their communities. Analysts have also warned that the Kurds are in a precarious position following this shift. Turkey, which shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Syria, has historically opposed the Assad regime and supported various armed factions in Syria, including Sunni jihadist groups. Additionally, Turkey has taken in around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, which has resulted in domestic unrest back home. Also Read | ‘Give your head a shake!’; Canada’s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump Since 2016, Turkey has carried out several military operations in Syria, aimed at preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border. In 2019, Turkey attempted to establish a 30-kilometre buffer zone but failed. Despite this setback, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed for the creation of this defensive area. After the fall of Assad, Turkish-backed fighters quickly moved in to seize the territory previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), furthering Turkey’s long-standing objectives.

Explained: Kurds face growing threat to autonomy amid regional dynamics shift in post-Assad Syria

The UAE has facilitated secret talks between Israel and Syria in Paris, aiming to build confidence and potentially end hostilities between the two nations. The talks come after recent military strikes and amid complex regional dynamics.

Syria holds indirect talks with Israel to prevent escalation

Syria has officially confirmed it is holding indirect talks with Israel through a mediator in an effort to de-escalate regional tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Paris, calling for diplomacy over military action. Macron also criticized Israeli airstrikes, stating they don’t guarantee long-term security.

Syrian Interim President Sharaa says Syria is holding talks with Israel to end hostilities

In a major escalation, Israel conducted a bombing near the presidential palace in Damascus, underscoring its opposition to the Islamist-led Syrian authorities and signalling its commitment to supporting the Druze minority in Syria. Following the December overthrow of President Assad, Israel has intensified military operations across the country, emphasising the need for a decentralised and isolated Syria amidst growing regional instability.

Israel-Syria war | Syria: Israel's presidential palace strike 'dangerous escalation'

Israel-Syria war | IDF launched over 20 air strikes in the country: Syrian war monitor

Israel strikes near Syrian presidential palace amid sectarian violence

Several people from the Druze community and troops of the new Syrian regime were killed this week. Israel has stepped into this conflict. Israel says it wants to shield the Druze community. In our top story, we ask why Israel is stepping in, and why it is threatening to bomb Syria.

Israel bombs Syria over Druze killings

At least 101 people have been killed in two days of sectarian clashes in Syria between the pro-government forces and the Jews minority near Damascus. According to the Syrian War Monitor, the clashes erupted after the release of an alleged blasphemous audio clip attributed to a Jews cleric. Watch in for more details!

Syria: at least 100 killed in sectarian violence

The Israeli military was seen at a post along the Israeli-Syrian border in the occupied Golan Heights on Thursday (May 1), a day after Israel said it had carried out a strike in Syria against "extremists" who attacked members of the Druze community and promised to protect the minority group as sectarian violence spread near Damascus.

Israel-Syria: Israeli soldiers seen on border with Syria a day after strike

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