The capture of Damascus on December 8, 2024, signifies a crucial stage in the Syrian conflict, indicating the dissolution of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the establishment of a transitional government. The political and military transition has been significant; however, the humanitarian crisis afflicting Syria continues to represent the most urgent and persistent challenge for the newly established regime.
U.S. Central Command forces conducted precision air strikes today targeting ISIS camps and operatives in Syria, the Defense Department has announced.
“Battle damage assessments are ongoing [and there are] no indications of civilian casualties,” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters during a morning briefing.
Al-Sharaa Pushes for Unity Amongst Rebel Factions: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, better known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, announced on December 17 that Syria’s rebel “factions will be dissolved, and the fighters will be integrated into the Ministry of Defense.” Al-Sharaa also held discussions with representatives of opposition rebel groups, including the Daraa-based Southern Operations Room and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, to strategize on the formation of a unified military command in Syria.
Palestinian Factions and Pro-Assad Militias Ordered to Disarm: Armed Palestinian factions in Syria have allegedly been ordered to disarm, shut down their training camps, and dissolve their military formations. Additionally, as of December 15, HTS has begun confiscating weapons from former members of the Syrian Arab Army and Syria-based Iran-backed militias in exchange for an amnesty toward those who served under former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Syria Will No Longer Serve as a Launchpad for Attacks Against Israel: In an interview with The Times of London, al-Sharaa affirmed, “We seek no conflict, whether with Israel or anyone else, and we will not allow Syria to be used as a base for such hostilities.” Syrian territory has been historically used by groups like Hezbollah, various Palestinian factions, and Iran-backed Iraqi militias to establish military infrastructure and launch attacks, particularly following the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Le gouvernement Netanyahou a approuvé un plan pour étendre les colonies sur le plateau du Golan, motivé par le contexte de guerre en Syrie et la volonté de doubler la population israélienne sur place, selon The Jerusalem Post.
Le gouvernement israélien a approuvé ce dimanche 15 décembre un plan d’expansion des colonies israéliennes sur le plateau du Golan, expliquant qu’il avait agi «à la lumière de la guerre et du nouveau front auquel la Syrie est confrontée» et par souci de doubler la population israélienne sur le Golan, selon le journal israélien The Jerusalem Post.
Satellite imagery reveals Russian military equipment concentration at Syria’s Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase for possible evacuation.
Satellite images reveal Russia concentrating military equipment at its two bases in Syria following the collapse of its ally Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Militarnyi reports. A major equipment withdrawal is expected.
In its second week after Assad, Syria continues to ride a wave of euphoria and hope, bolstered by pleasant surprises from its new de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly al-Jolani.
Over the weekend he told journalists that in the Middle East the Islamist Iran regime is the problem, and that he chooses diplomacy to settle disputes with Israel. And while the hardships of government will certainly complicate, and may even derail, Sharaa’s journey toward his stated goals, his start has been nothing short of excellent.
At least one person was killed as Palestinian security forces clashed with Palestinian militants and set up checkpoints on Saturday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, residents and medics said.
Gunshots and explosions could be heard in the city, where friction has risen in recent days between militant factions and the Western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA) of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas following raids by the PA.
In apparent snub to US, Turkish foreign minister says ‘elimination’ of group is country’s ‘strategic goal’
Just hours after meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussing the fight against the Islamic State in Syria, Turkey’s foreign minister sent a shocking message to Washington by saying his country’s goal is to eliminate the main fighting force of the Syrian Kurds, which defeated ISIS in tandem with the U.S..
The new administration in Syria should be given a chance to govern following their constructive messages, and Turkey stands ready to provide military training if such help is requested, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said.
NATO member Turkey backed the Syrian rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad last weekend, ending a 13-year civil war. Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday, two days after its intelligence chief visited the Syrian capital.
Donald Trump isn’t yet back in the White House — but his Iranian policy is clear. Like he did in his first term, he’ll pursue a vigorous policy against Tehran, hampering its nuclear programme and backing its rivals across the Middle East. If history is anything to go by, meanwhile, sanctions will be vital to this strategy, especially those targeting an Iranian oil sector worth billions of dollars each year.
