Damascus

Syria

US reopens ambassador's residence in bid to warm relations with Syria

Washington has yet to formally reopen its embassy in Syria, which closed in 2012 after protests the government of strongman President Bashar al-Assad was met with brutal crackdown, kickstarting the country’s civil war.

30/05/2025

Europe News

Syrians hopeful for the future after sanctions relief

US President Donald Trump granted Syria sweeping exemptions from sanctions in a major first step toward fulfilling his pledge to lift a half-century of penalties on a country shattered by 14 years of civil war.

24/05/2025

Syria

Damascus suffers severe water crisis after lowest rainfall in decades

Residents in the Syrian capital are feeling the effects of the lack of rain with authorities urging them to reduce their water consumption.

20/05/2025

No Comment

Druze protesters block roads in Galilee over deadly Syria clashes

Druze demonstrators blocked roads in northern Israel on Wednesday in response to violent clashes between Druze groups and armed factions in Jaramana, a city near Damascus in Syria.

30/04/2025

Syria

At least nine people killed in clashes near Syrian capital

The fighting broke out after an audio clip circulated online of a man attacking Prophet Muhammad. It was attributed to a Druze cleric, who later denied any involvement.

29/04/2025

Syria

Syrians to celebrate first Eid after the fall of al-Assad regime

The streets of Damascus are once again full of life, as people are preparing for the annual Eid celebrations.

28/03/2025

Syria

Damascus marks first Ramadan in decades free from Assad family rule

Syrians observe the first Ramadan in more than five decades free of the Assad family rule.

02/03/2025

No Comment

The haunting legacy of Sednaya prison

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk visited the notorious Sednaya prison near Damascus, describing it as "haunted by the memories of utmost cruelty."

15/01/2025

World News

Syria's new foreign minister visits Qatar for diplomatic talks

Asaad al-Shibani's trip to Doha comes after he hosted the French and German foreign ministers in Damascus on Friday.

06/01/2025

No Comment

Elderly Syrian couple returns to ruined home in Harasta

After years under Assad's rule, some Syrians are returning to their hometowns, looking to the future with hope despite the widespread destruction they face.

27/12/2024

Syria

Syrian interim interior ministry says 14 personnel killed in ambush

An overnight curfew was imposed by Syria’s ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group after 14 members of the Syria’s interior ministry were killed in what they described as an ambush by supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

26/12/2024

Syria

As thousands revel in al-Assad's fall, Syrian Alawites remain cautious

Following Bashar al-Assad's recent ouster, ethnic Syrian Alawites have found themselves increasingly anxious over the future under HTS rule, while calls for rights protection and inclusive governance continue to rise.

19/12/2024

Syria

HTS gain foothold in Syria ten days after toppling Bashar al-Assad

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group is looking to restore life in Syria to pre-civil war times. The rebel group, which orchestrated the stunning downfall of President Bashar al-Assad, is continuing to push out messages of unity to a population severely scarred by decades of domestic division.

18/12/2024

World News

Al-Assad says he didn't plan to flee Syria before evacuation to Russia

In his first public comments since fleeing Syria and being evacuated to Russia, former leader Bashar al-Assad says his departure was unplanned.

16/12/2024

Europe News

EU takes first step to make contact with Syrian rebels, Kallas says

The EU has taken the first step to directly engage with HTS, the Syrian rebel force, while maintaining its designation of a terrorist organisation.

16/12/2024

Syria

Damascus is surprisingly calm a week after Syria's rebels took over

A week of transition has been surprisingly smooth: Reports of reprisals, revenge killings sectarian violence and looting have all been minimal.

15/12/2024

Syria

Tomb of al-Assad's father set alight after Syrian rebel victory

Since five decades of brutal dynastic dictatorship came to an end on Sunday, statues of Hafez al-Assad and his son and successor Bashar have been toppled across Syria.

11/12/2024

No Comment

The looting of Bashar al-Assad's presidential palace

Syrians entered the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and his flight to Russia.

09/12/2024

Syria

In pictures: Celebrations in Damascus as al-Assad regime falls

Rebel fighters seized Damascus on Sunday, sparking celebrations as crowds chanted anti-al-Assad slogans.

08/12/2024

Syria

Assad’s fall ends decades-long dynasty in Syria

The Syrian government collapsed early on Sunday, marking an end to the Assad family's 50-year rule, after a surprise rebel offensive quickly swept through government-held areas and reached the capital in just 10 days.

08/12/2024