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Sunni Arab tribes mobilize against the Syrian Democratic Forces
Several Sunni Arab tribes in northeast Syria, which encompasses 30 percent of the country and is currently under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have called for a general mobilization against the SDF.
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Turkey ramps up military support for Syria
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that Turkish Minister of Defense Yasar Guler and Syrian Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qusra signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the training of Syrian troops and a military consultancy after talks in Ankara.
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Clashes erupt in Syria’s Suwayda following US-brokered ceasefire
On August 3, clashes between local Druze militias, Sunni Arab tribal forces, and Syrian government troops reignited in Syria’s Suwayda province after a two-week hiatus following a US-brokered ceasefire.
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UN report shows Islamic State and Al Qaeda exploiting post-Assad chaos in Syria
On July 29, the United Nations Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team released its latest report detailing terrorist group activities around the world. The section on Syria discussed the most recent developments related to the resurgence of the Islamic State and Al Qaeda, in addition to the difficulties of integrating various groups into…
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Clashes intensify between Arab Bedouin tribes and Druze militias in Suwayda, Syria
Clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Arab tribes have continued and grown after Syrian Army forces withdrew from the predominantly Druze governorate of Suwayda on July 16.
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Clashes intensify between Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and government forces in southern Syria
Syrian Armed Forces entered the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda for the first time on July 15, prompting severe clashes with Druze militias that have long resisted state control.
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Trump announces sanctions relief for Syria
On June 30, US President Donald Trump announced the revocation of numerous sanctions on Syria, as he had promised Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa to do in their May meeting that took place in Riyadh.
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Israel launches ground operation to arrest alleged Hamas militants in Syria
The Israel Defense Forces announced that “troops of the 3rd Brigade, under the command of the 210th Division, completed an operation to apprehend Hamas terrorists operating in the Beit Jinn area of Syria.”
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Rocket fire marks first attack from Syrian territory on Israel since Assad’s fall
Two Syrian groups claimed the first attack against Israel since the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime in Syria. A Syrian official told Reuters that the attackers include “remnants of Assad-era militias linked to Iran” who “have a vested interest in provoking Israeli retaliation.”
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Analysis: The Druze chessboard between Syria and Israel
On May 29, an Israeli security official stated that Israel will not intervene militarily in support of any group in Syria. This stance follows previous Israeli intervention to protect the Syrian Druze amid pressure from Israeli Druze to prevent human rights abuses. Israel’s evolving stance reflects a delicate balancing act between security, humanitarian, and political…
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Trump presses Sharaa on foreign fighters as jihadists rise in Syria’s new army
President Donald Trump met with Syrian interim President Ahmad al Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda leader, and urged him to expel foreign jihadists from Syria. However, Sharaa has instead promoted several of these fighters to top military positions, including figures tied to Hayat Tahrir al Sham and Al Qaeda. While Damascus has taken limited, symbolic…
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Clashes erupt between Druze militias and pro-government forces in Syria
Sectarian tensions are flaring again in Syria after a series of clashes first erupted in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana, a diverse area home to Druze, Christian, and Muslim communities. Reports indicate that 14 people were killed in fights between armed groups in the town, while at least 16 others were killed in Ashrafiyet Sahnaya.
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Muslim Brotherhood branch in Egypt threatens Jordanian state
The “Change Movement” in Egypt called for supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan to resist the Jordanian state after authorities banned the group on April 23.
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Pro-Iranian Iraqi network releases documents on Ahmad al Sharaa’s identity
Sabereen News, a media outlet affiliated with Iran-backed militias in Iraq, released an exposé on Syrian interim President Ahmad al Sharaa that includes documents revealing his identity during his time as a prisoner in US and Iraqi custody.
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Jordan foils Muslim Brotherhood terrorist plot
On April 15, the Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate (GID) announced that it “foiled plans aimed at targeting national security, sowing chaos, and sabotage within Jordan.” The GID detained 16 suspects, stating it had monitored the activity since 2021.
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Analysis: Why do Iraqi Shiites hate the new Syria and its leader?
Many Iraqi Shiites have showcased a deep hatred of Syrian interim President Ahmad al Sharaa and his new government following the fall of dictator Bashar al Assad. Sharaa’s unpopularity can be explained by his history as a jihadist, as well as the Iran-led Axis of Resistance’s defeat in Syria.
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Turkey reportedly plans to take control of airbases in Syria
Turkish plans to establish a presence and air defenses on Syrian soil would hinder Israel’s operational freedom, a situation Israel is unlikely to accept in the post-October 7 Middle East.
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Turkey increasing military assistance to Syria
Reports that Turkey is attempting to restructure the Syrian army have yet to be verified, but several developments and reported plans highlight Turkey’s growing military support for the new Syrian state.
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Profiles of commanders in the new Syrian army’s regional divisions
On January 29, Syria’s new leadership announced the dissolution of the Assad regime’s Syrian Arab Army, followed by appointing militia leaders from the civil war to key military positions. FDD’s Long War Journal has identified and profiled several of these figures.
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Syrian authorities continue crackdown on Hezbollah and its affiliates
On March 16, the Syria-Lebanon border witnessed intense clashes between the new Syrian government and Lebanese Shiite tribesmen and Hezbollah affiliates.
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Fierce clashes erupt between Assad loyalists and government forces in western Syria
On March 6, Syria witnessed the most intense and bloodiest clashes between the new Syrian government and Bashar al Assad loyalists since Assad’s downfall on December 8.
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Suwayda Military Council: A new Druze coalition emerges in Syria
A group of Druze militants in Suwayda, southern Syria, has announced the formation of the Suwayda Military Council, a coalition of local armed groups aimed at protecting the region and maintaining security. The council stated its mission is to safeguard civilians and public property from violence and destruction while strengthening cooperation with other security factions.…
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Profiles of foreign commanders in the new Syrian army
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al Sharaa, approved the promotion of numerous military commanders, many of whom are foreign fighters previously affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al Sham and other factions that participated in the “Deterring Aggression” campaign against Bashar al Assad.
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Analysis: Syria’s crackdown on smuggling sparks tensions with Hezbollah and Lebanon
There has been a serious escalation on the Lebanon-Syria border over the past week after Syrian forces launched an operation targeting illegal checkpoints used for narcotics and weapon smuggling.
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Ahmad al Sharaa’s Victory Conference: Syria’s new era and an exclusive translation of Sharaa’s speech
Syria’s new leaders hosted a conference at which Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) leader Ahmad al Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al Jolani) was appointed as the president of Syria for the transitional period. Additionally, a number of Syrian armed factions agreed to integrate into a unified army.
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Analysis: Continued chaos in Syria: Iraqi militias and an Alawite insurgency
Chaos in Syria deepens as a newly formed Iraqi militia vows to defend the Alawites from alleged Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS)-led atrocities and Alawite militias escalate attacks on HTS-affiliated groups in Western Syria, fueling a growing insurgency.
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Profiles of the new Syrian military leadership, part 2
Beginning on Friday, January 3, the newly appointed minister of defense of the Syrian Interim Government, Murhef Abu Qasra, initiated a series of meetings with leaders of armed factions to discuss integrating these forces into a unified Syrian army. FDD’s Long War Journal has identified and profiled the majority of those in attendance.
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Profiles of new Syrian military leadership
On December 21, Abu Mohammad Jolani, also known as Ahmad al Sharaa, convened a meeting with numerous leaders of Syrian armed factions and local figures to discuss plans for unifying these militias into a new Syrian army. FDD’s Long War Journal has identified and profiled many of those who participated.
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Analysis: Who will form the core of Jolani’s unified army?
Abu Mohammad al Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), has announced plans to dissolve existing factions and form a unified national army under centralized control in post-Assad Syria. The question is: who will constitute the core of this new national army?
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Analysis: Who liberated Damascus? Unpacking the Southern Operations Room’s emergence
The Southern Operations Room, a coalition of armed groups active in southern Syria, was the first to enter Damascus, forcing Bashar al-Assad to flee. Although not formally affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the coalition’s shifting allegiances over previous years have heightened uncertainty regarding the situation in post-Assad Syria.
The Team
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
Our dedicated team combines diverse skills and shared passion to bring innovative solutions to life. Together, we collaborate, create, and strive to exceed expectations every day. Learn more about the people driving our mission forward.
Alex Johnson
Project Manager
Oversees project timelines and ensures seamless collaboration among team members to deliver results on schedule.
Alex Johnson
Project Manager
Oversees project timelines and ensures seamless collaboration among team members to deliver results on schedule.
Alex Johnson
Project Manager
Oversees project timelines and ensures seamless collaboration among team members to deliver results on schedule.