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
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader seeks more popular support in Syria's Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has recently visited the Jabal al-Zawiya area in Idlib upon an invitation by locals, to stress his organization’s ongoing support for the town. Syria
Syrian regime, Russian forces escalate attacks in Idlib amid stalled war in Ukraine The residents of Idlib in northwest Syria fear a military escalation at the battlefronts where the regime and opposition are escalating their military activities. Syria
Pentagon could have done more to prevent casualties in key Syria battle, report A 2017 decision to encircle the Islamic State's capital at Raqqa inhibited the possibility of civilian escape corridors, a Pentagon-sponsored report found. Syria
HTS explores rapprochement with Turkey-backed factions in north Syria Regular meetings between the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders in northwestern Syria will open a new page in relations between the two parties and might pave the way for military integration in the future. Syria
Syrian Christian militia leader ready to join Russian forces in Ukraine war The leader of a Syrian Christian militia loyal to the Syrian government is mobilizing fighters willing to fight in Ukraine alongside the Russian army by luring them with high salaries. Syria
HTS faces backlash from jihadis over Syrian revolution anniversary celebrations Hayat Tahrir al-Sham celebrated the anniversary of the Syrian revolution amid much fanfare, while preventing Islamic banners at the celebrations, in what provoked the jihadis who oppose it and led them to accuse HTS of trying to court the West. Syria
Nowruz not what it used to be for Afrin’s Kurds Kurds in Syria have been celebrating Nowruz in secrecy for the past years, under the Assad regime and now under the control of the Turkish-backed rebels. Syria
Syrians outraged by luxurious lifestyle of Turkish-backed rebel leaders Videos of Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army leaders and members showing off their luxurious lifestyle have sparked controversy in the opposition-held areas in northwestern Syria, where inhabitants live in poverty. Syria
Islamic State takes advantage of Ukraine war to increase attacks The Islamic State has recently intensified its activity against the Syrian government forces and its allies, setting up a number of ambushes in the Syrian desert and killing dozens. Syria
Jihadi group raises prices in Syria’s Idlib as war rages in Ukraine While some believe the Russian war on Ukraine has upped prices in northwest Syria, others accuse Hayat Tahrir al-Sham of exploiting the crisis to make gains. Syria
Child kidnappings haunt civilians in Syria’s Daraa Civilians in Syria’s southern province of Daraa are living in constant fear amid increasing cases of kidnappings. Syria
Analysis Ukraine war stirs fears Russia could weaponize Syria aid As Russia wages war in Ukraine, concerns are mounting that Moscow will use its UN Security Council veto powers to dismantle what remains of cross-border aid operations into Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
