Shootings in Daraa leave 9 dead as instability plagues Syria’s south Daraa, located close to the Jordanian border, is experiencing competition between armed groups and rampant drug smuggling amid the government’s inability to control the situation. Syria
Israeli strikes in Syria kill 17 as Iranian adviser set to visit Israel has allegedly escalated its attacks on Syria amid an international push for de-escalation and continued fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Trump hands intel post to Tulsi Gabbard, ex-Democrat with Assad controversy Gabbard, a former congresswoman-turned Trump diehard, is likely to face scrutiny for her secret 2017 meeting with Syria's dictator. Syria
After Trump win, Turkey hopeful on Syria reconciliation, US withdrawal Ankara expresses hope for mending ties with Damascus as well as a potential US military exit from northern Syria following Trump’s victory. Turkey
Interview Syrian-Kurdish KNC leader decries abuse by Turkey-backed Sunni factions in Afrin Sleiman Oso Kurdish National Council President
Jordan proposes Syria peace plan during Arab FM Saudi meeting The plan includes steps to tackle the refugee crisis and smuggling across borders. Jordan
Turkey hopes Iran will play constructive role in Syria thaw Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu acknowledged difficulties so far but called on Iran to make a constructive contribution to the high-level talks between Turkey, Syria and Russia. Turkey
Islamic State kills three truffle hunters in Syria Truffle hunting is potentially profitable for Syrians amid the bleak economic situation in the country, but the activity is also dangerous due to targeting by the Islamic State. Syria
Turkey accuses Iraqi Kurdish party of being under ‘full control’ of PKK Turkey's top diplomat tore into an Iraqi Kurdish group following an April 8 drone strike targeting the US-led coalition’s top ally in Syria, saying the PKK had taken “full control” of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. Turkey
US softens rhetoric on Arab outreach to Syria’s Assad The Biden administration says "real steps to improve the situation for the people in Syria" should be part of any engagement with the long-boycotted regime. Syria
3 Syrians dead, 3 missing as Ukraine-bound ship sinks off Turkey's coast Rescuers are trying to reach three missing crew members of the Joe 2 ship, which had 14 crew on board. Turkey
Iran vows revenge against Israel after deadly Syria strikes As tensions escalated, Iran's promise of vengeance was also coupled with a pledge to further bolster Syria's defenses against Israel. Iran
Russia looks to reconcile Turkey, Syria as talks kick off in Moscow Russia seeks to normalize relations between Ankara and Damascus amid four-way talks in Moscow. Turkey
Three Assad advisers indicted in France for Syria war crimes Sending a strong signal to the Assad regime, a French court decided to indict three senior intelligence advisers for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Syria
US strike kills senior Islamic State leader in Syria US Central Command accused Khalid ‘Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri of plotting attacks in Europe and Turkey. Syria
Fourth suspected Israeli strike on Syria in five days kills two Two Iranian officers were killed by Israeli missiles late last week. Syria
Two Islamic State suicide bombers killed in Syria amid group’s resurgence There has been an uptick in IS attacks throughout Syria in recent months. Syria