Syria

Al Jazeera reported on September 15 that Russia has, for the first time under the new military-cooperation framework agreed with Syria’s transitional government in late 2025, shipped equipment and supplies to several long-used military bases inside Syria, a move viewed as a key signal that the new agreement has moved into substantive execution. Analysts say the step redefines the Russia-Syria military relationship, with deep implications for Russia’s geopolitical footprint in the Middle East, the transitional government’s external balancing strategy and regional counter-terrorism and maritime corridor security.

The Trump administration removes Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, formally embracing Syria new president Ahmed al-Sharaa. The decision marks a fundamental shift in US Syria policy, drawing widespread international attention and controversy.

The Syrian government issued a statement strongly condemning Israeli airstrikes around Damascus, calling them a serious violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. This follows reports that Israel also struck a military airbase near the Turkish border, as regional tensions continue to escalate.

Core Summary Israel launched airstrikes against a Syrian airbase on August 18, drawing widespread international attention. The US envoy expressed serious concern over the military action, warning it could lead to further escalation in the region. This marks the latest military confrontation in the Middle East, reflecting the continued tense security situation in the region. Event Details According to Reuters, the Israeli military carried out precision strikes against an airbase in central Syria on the 18th. Syrian state media reported that the airstrikes damaged base facilities, though no specific casualty figures have been confirmed. ...

Core Summary A Syrian court has sentenced ousted president Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after convicting him of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria’s civil war. Assad fled to Moscow with his family after his regime collapsed in December 2024, ending his family’s five-decade rule. This marks the first judicial proceeding against senior Assad regime officials by Syria’s transitional government. Event Details According to BBC reports, the Syrian court ruled on August 11 that Assad committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Syrian civil war. Assad’s cousin, Atef Najib, former head of political security in southern Syria’s Deraa province, was also sentenced to death after appearing in court wearing a striped prison uniform. ...

A bomb blast at a cafe near Syria’s Ministry of Justice in Damascus kills nine people. Syrian state media confirmed the incident. No group has claimed responsibility.

Syria has opened its first public trial of a senior official from the Assad regime in Damascus, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transitional justice process.