German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, detained in Syria since January 18, has been released. Her brother confirmed her arrival from Jordan on Friday, stating she is doing well despite solitary confinement. Michelmann, a freelance journalist since 2002, was arrested in Raqqa during a military operation.
Syria has rejected US President Donald Trump's repeated calls for it to intervene militarily in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Damascus stated its intervention would be to support the Lebanese state's authority, not to repeat past occupations. Israel views Trump's remarks as unserious, while Beirut insists that addressing the Hezbollah issue is solely the responsibility of the Lebanese state.
German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, who went missing in Syria in January while reporting on the civil war, has returned to Germany. Her lawyer confirmed her release and return, stating she arrived Friday afternoon. The circumstances of her disappearance and detention remain unclear.
Syrian security forces have arrested Major General Izz al-Din Ismail, former director of Air Force Intelligence, who is also accused in the assassination of Rafic Hariri. Two other major generals were also arrested in Damascus.
British Syrian activist Hassan Akkad was detained in Damascus after journalist Mousa al-Omar filed a complaint over Akkad's social media criticism of alleged unfulfilled financial pledges. Akkad, a former English teacher and BAFTA winner, was arrested at a cafe. While the Public Prosecutor confirmed a warrant, the case was reportedly dropped, and al-Omar stated he had dropped his complaint.
Israel has expanded its military-held territory in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria by approximately 1,000 sq km since October 2023. These "buffer zones" aim to prevent future attacks but have displaced over 3 million people and are not recognized as new borders.
Syrian security forces have arrested 10 former officials linked to the deposed Assad regime in Daraa, Aleppo, and Idlib provinces. The Interior Ministry stated the operations aim to bring individuals accused of crimes and abuses against Syrians to justice, including a former military commander and a prison guard.
Bilal Kreidi, a 16-year-old Syrian student in Germany, won first place nationally in the Mathematical Kangaroo competition. He has since launched a popular TikTok channel simplifying math lessons for students.
US President Donald Trump advised Israel to be more careful in Lebanon and suggested Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could address the Hezbollah issue. Trump stated al-Sharaa is ready to act against Hezbollah, though Lebanon's wishes must be considered.
Syria's "Syrian Petroleum Company" has signed a major executive contract with US companies ConocoPhillips and Novaterra Energy to develop gas fields and increase production. This deal, considered the first major US energy deal in years, is supported by Gulf and European funding and aims to boost production, reduce import bills, and generate export revenues to address the country's financial deficit.
Syria's "Syrian Petroleum Company" signed a major executive contract with US companies "ConocoPhillips" and "Novatera Energy" to develop gas fields and increase production. This deal is the first major US energy deal in years and signals the start of "integrated implementation" supported by President Trump's decision to lift sanctions in July 2025. The contract aims to boost production, reduce import bills, and generate export revenues, contributing to Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction.
الرئيس السوري أحمد الشرع يواجه معضلة حول دخول لبنان لمحاربة حزب الله، حيث تضغط عليه أمريكا وإسرائيل للقيام بذلك، بينما تحذره إيران وتركيا من عواقب وخيمة. القرار له تداعيات كبيرة على حكمه واستقرار المنطقة.
Zeinab Ahmad, accused of slavery offences and supporting IS in Syria, has had her bail application refused. The court heard allegations of mistreatment and preventing a victim from leaving her home. Prosecutors cited social media propaganda and celebration of executions as evidence of her continued support for IS.
A woman accused of slavery offences linked to the Islamic State group in Syria has been denied bail in Australia. She allegedly ordered a Yazidi teenager, purchased by her father for $US10,000, to do chores and prevented her from leaving. The court cited her past support for IS as a reason for refusal.
Zeinab Ahmad, accused of slavery offences linked to her support for the Islamic State group in Syria, has been denied bail. Prosecutors cited her alleged mistreatment of a Yazidi teenager and her past IS propaganda, while her defence argued for bail to support her traumatized young daughter.
US President Donald Trump criticized Israel's approach to fighting Hezbollah, suggesting Syria could do a "better job" without excessive civilian casualties. He also praised Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of HTS, as "very capable."
Donald Trump suggested Syria's President al-Sharaa combat Hezbollah in Lebanon, criticizing Netanyahu's handling of the conflict. Tensions rose as US-Iran negotiations intensified, with Israel launching strikes in Lebanon amid regional war discussions.
Tổng thống Mỹ Donald Trump bày tỏ không hài lòng với cách Israel xử lý nhóm vũ trang Hezbollah, cho rằng giao tranh kéo dài và gây ảnh hưởng tiêu cực đến thỏa thuận Mỹ-Iran. Ông gợi ý Syria có thể đảm nhận việc này hiệu quả hơn.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) stated that 2.4 million refugees will require resettlement in 2025, a figure down 6% from last year. This comes as several countries, including the US, have significantly reduced their resettlement quotas, creating a dire shortage of options for those unable to return home.
Donald Trump issued a new warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to be more responsible regarding the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump linked the ongoing war to the peace process with Iran, suggesting it casts a negative light on a "big deal" with Tehran.
President Trump defended a preliminary Iran nuclear accord, stating it prevents Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He also suggested Syria could disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah, expressing dissatisfaction with Israel's approach in Lebanon. Talks on the accord are set to begin in Switzerland.
US President Donald Trump defended a new interim accord with Iran, stating it clearly prevents Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He also suggested Syria could be better positioned to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah, expressing dissatisfaction with Israel's approach in Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump advised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to be "responsible about Lebanon" and allow Syria to "handle Hezbollah." Trump criticized a recent Israeli strike in Beirut, stating it was "vicious" and "too much," potentially jeopardizing regional stability. He suggested Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is capable of dealing with Hezbollah.
US President Donald Trump advised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to be "responsible about Lebanon" and suggested Syria should "handle Hezbollah." Trump criticized Israel's recent strike in Beirut, stating it was "vicious" and "too much," potentially jeopardizing regional stability.
