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Syria denies it has troops in Yemen in wake of military agreement with Saudi Arabia
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al Shaibani denied reports that Syria had deployed troops to Yemen or planned to do so, clarifying that its military agreement with Saudi Arabia focuses on rebuilding Syria’s armed forces. The statement comes amid broader diplomatic efforts by Damascus to strengthen security and political ties with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq.
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Syria detains Hezbollah cell accused of Homs plot
On November 3, Syrian security forces arrested members of an alleged Hezbollah-linked cell accused of plotting an attack on a refinery near Homs, the latest in a series of operations targeting Hezbollah networks and arms smuggling since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The arrests come amid expanding Syrian-Lebanese talks on border security and Damascus’s diplomatic outreach, including President Ahmad al Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia on November 4.
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Syria’s counterterrorism dilemma: Who can Washington trust?
A deadly attack on a Christian funeral in Jordan and subsequent Jordanian airstrikes in Syria have sparked a diplomatic dispute between Amman and Damascus. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi to discuss the Islamic State’s possible involvement, the deteriorating security situation in southern Syria, and the implications for US counterterrorism policy in the region.
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Syria hosts Iraqi PM for visit amid security challenges in north and south
Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Damascus on October 28 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and reviving energy cooperation. The historic visit came as Syria faces continuing security challenges, including a deadly Jordanian airstrike in the south, clashes with foreign jihadists in Idlib, and tensions surrounding the return of displaced Kurds in northern Syria.
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Jordanian Air Force strikes targets in Syria in retaliation for deadly church attack
On October 26, the Jordanian Air Force conducted multiple strikes against suspected Islamic State positions in southern Syria, targeting militants Jordan linked to an October 23 attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded dozens. Jordan said the strikes killed more than 20 militants, while Syrian authorities reported seven civilian deaths.
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Iraq juggles border security and ties with Iran, Syria, and Jordan
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to strengthen border security and regional cooperation amid tensions with Iran over the closure of a key crossing in Iraq’s Maysan province, while also pursuing closer ties with Jordan and Syria. The developments come as Baghdad continues to face threats from Iranian-backed militias, concerns over instability along its borders, and challenges to bringing armed groups under state control.
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Protests break out in Syria against ‘Israeli incursions and attacks’ as tensions rise
Protests erupted across southern Syria and Damascus on October 23 against Israeli military operations in the buffer zone along the Golan border, following reports that a Syrian man with disabilities was killed during an IDF raid. The protests come amid growing Syrian condemnation of Israeli incursions, as well as diplomatic efforts by Syrian officials to address regional tensions.
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Syria increases criticism of Israeli actions, continues diplomatic outreach
Syria has stepped up its criticism of Israeli military operations in Syria, drawing support from several regional countries. Damascus continues diplomatic outreach, strengthening ties with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US as it seeks to consolidate its regional position following the fall of the Assad regime.
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Syria faces infrastructure sabotage, Islamic State activity amid utility shortages
Syria has restored a sabotaged gas pipeline near Deir Ezzor and is repairing another line near Damascus as authorities confront threats to the country’s energy infrastructure. The repairs come amid wider challenges, including Islamic State activity and electricity, water, and fuel shortages, even as Syria expands energy trade with Iraq and works to restore regional oil and gas links.
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Syria says it thwarted Hezbollah plot; Israel likely target
On September 29, Syria’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced that the agency, in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate, had “thwarted a sabotage plot in the Yarmouk Basin in Daraa” and arrested a three-member cell affiliated with Hezbollah.
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Yazidi armed group YBS to disarm, integrate into Iraqi security forces
The Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS), a Yazidi armed group with links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has agreed to disarm and integrate eligible members into Iraq’s security forces as Baghdad seeks to stabilize Sinjar and facilitate the return of displaced Yazidis. The agreement comes amid broader efforts to disarm Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and parallels integration processes involving the Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria.
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Syria’s military is rebuilding, but foreign influence may slow security progress
Syria’s post-Assad military is rebuilding rapidly, but its structure and foreign dependencies could limit Damascus’s ability to advance US security interests. If security cooperation from Turkey and Russia comes with strings attached, it may jeopardize Syria’s potential as a future partner against the Islamic State and Hezbollah.
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Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces announce its dissolution
The dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main US-backed anti-Islamic State group in Syria, ends more than a decade of Kurdish-led autonomy in the country’s northeast, as the SDF’s military, security, and civilian institutions are integrated into the state.
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US rescinds Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
On August 24, the United States formally rescinded Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, marking a milestone in Washington’s effort to improve relations with Damascus. The decision came as the US has sought to advance security talks between Syria and Israel.
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Israel strikes military airbase in Syria while warning Turkey
Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al Duhur military airbase overnight between August 17 and 18 highlighted growing tensions between Israel and Turkey over Ankara’s expanding role in Syria. Syria condemned the strikes, while the US continued efforts to de-escalate the situation.
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Syria focuses on energy deals, works to revive infrastructure and institutions
Syria is expanding energy and infrastructure cooperation as it seeks economic recovery and greater regional relevance. Damascus is also rebuilding state institutions, including graduating 1,000 new air force cadets.
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Syria intercepts advanced weapons bound for Hezbollah from Iraq
On July 16, Syrian authorities intercepted a weapons shipment concealed in an Iraqi oil tanker and bound for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The tanker contained a wide range of sophisticated weapons and components, including first-person-view drones, fiber-optic spools, drone warheads, anti-tank missiles, and cruise-missile components.
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Syria opens new parliament, hosts Turkish Navy
Syria has convened its first parliament since the fall of the Assad regime, marking another milestone in the country’s political transition under President Ahmad al Sharaa. The assembly’s opening comes as Syria expands diplomatic engagement and attempts to strengthen regional and international ties.
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US moves to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
The Trump administration initiated a rescission of Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism on July 8. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara and comes amid broader US and European efforts to reintegrate Syria into the international community.
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Syria appoints new parliament as Israel tensions continue
Syria has completed the formation of its new People’s Assembly, appointing the final 70 members of parliament as part of the country’s political transition following the fall of the Assad regime. Meanwhile, security tensions persist along the Israeli border, where recent clashes and Israeli military operations underscore the complex security environment.
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US kills Islamic State senior leader in Syria, Damascus rejects Lebanon intervention
A recent precision strike against a senior Islamic State leader underscored Washington’s continued counterterrorism mission in Syria. Separately, US President Donald Trump urged Syria’s new government to consider intervening against Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon, but Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa stated his country will not send forces, preferring diplomacy over military action.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi meets US envoy amid militia pressure
US Envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack’s recent visit to Iraq on June 15 highlighted Washington’s efforts to support stability, security cooperation, and political reform in the country amid continuing regional tensions. Discussions focused on strengthening ties between Baghdad and Washington, disarming Iranian-backed militias, and advancing energy deals.
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US Syria Envoy Barrack tapped for Syria and Iraq role
Syria is seeking to deepen ties with the US and expand regional diplomacy as the countries pursue discussions on reconstruction, sanctions relief, and economic recovery. Simultaneously, Syria faces ongoing regional shifts, including emerging trade routes, increased use of Syrian airspace, and broader tensions affecting reconstruction and political integration.
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Syria holds elections in Kurdish-majority areas, finds Assad-era chemical weapons
Syria moved forward with another round of local elections on May 24 as the government seeks to strengthen its legitimacy and extend authority following years of conflict. The vote came as Damascus said it was working with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to turn over remnants of the previous Assad regime’s chemical weapons program.
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Amid security threats, Syria attempts to cement stability, international ties
A car bombing in central Damascus on May 19 killed one soldier and wounded civilians, as Syrian forces conducted raids against suspected militants in Deir Ez Zor. Damascus is also advancing reconciliation efforts with Kurdish groups and pursuing international diplomatic engagement.
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Protests in Syria’s Kurdish region highlight demand for rights
Protests erupted in Hasaka in eastern Syria after authorities replaced Kurdish and Arabic on a government billboard with English and Arabic, angering local residents. The incident reflects broader tensions as Damascus seeks to reassert control over eastern Syria following agreements with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
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Syria reports neutralizing Hezbollah plot to assassinate senior officials
On May 5, Syrian authorities said that security forces dismantled a Hezbollah-linked militant network operating across multiple governorates, arresting 11 operatives, seizing weapons, and foiling planned assassinations.
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Syria thwarts Hezbollah plot, vows at UN to fight terrorist groups
Syria says it disrupted a Hezbollah-linked plot and uncovered rockets near the Quneitra area of the Golan Heights. Officials also reported arrests tied to another terrorist cell, plus the seizure of 500,000 Captagon pills in a joint anti-smuggling operation with Iraq. At the United Nations, Syria pledged to continue counterterrorism operations, while criticizing Israeli actions in southern Syria.
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Iran’s war against regional states: UAE bore the brunt, Iraqi Kurdistan still under fire
The ceasefire between the US and Iran has largely held since April 8, and large-scale Iranian barrages targeting predominantly Arab states have ended. However, some attacks, particularly against Iraqi Kurdistan, have continued.
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Syrian president meets Syrian Democratic Forces leader to discuss next phase of integration
On April 16, Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus to discuss advancing the integration of the SDF into state institutions, following a January agreement. The talks come amid shifting control in eastern Syria, including government moves to secure key bases and border crossings after a US withdrawal.
