Category: Syria

Moscow-Backed Talks Between Turkey, Syria Set to Resume Following Pause

Following a weeks-long hiatus moves to restore ties between Ankara and Damascus—after 12 years of bitter hostility—appear to be back on track. Encouraged by Moscow, the Turkey-Syria reconciliation process was temporarily suspended last month after both countries were rocked by devastating earthquakes. On March 27, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said the next round…


Under Attack, US Forces in Syria Face Increasingly Volatile Region

The U.S. military presence in Syria is coming under increasing pressure amid mounting volatility in the region and geopolitical realignments.  On March 24, the U.S. vowed to protect military assets and personnel deployed in Syria following back-to-back attacks on its bases. “We’re going to work to protect our people and our facilities as best we…


Rockets Target US Troops in Syria Day After US Strikes, No Casualties Reported

U.S. troops stationed in eastern Syria came under rocket attack on Friday, a day after U.S. forces conducted retaliatory air strikes on Iranian forces operating in Syria. The barrage of eight rockets targeted U.S. troops stationed near the Al-Omar oil fields in Syria’s Deir ez-Zur province at around 8:05 a.m. local time. “We can confirm…


US Conducts Airstrikes in Syria After 1 Killed in Suspected Iranian Drone Attack on Base

The U.S. military carried out an airstrike in Syria on Thursday after a drone attacked a U.S. base, killing one and injuring six more, including service members, according to the Department of Defense (DOD). In a late Thursday night statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that he had authorized U.S. Central Command forces to carry out…


World Bank Estimates Syria’s 3-Year Earthquake Recovery Needs at $7.9 Billion

WASHINGTON—The World Bank on Monday said the February earthquakes are expected to have caused Syria’s real GDP output to contract by 5.5 percent in 2023, with recovery and reconstruction needs estimated at $7.9 billion over three years. The World Bank said its Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report estimates the earthquakes that hit northern and…


Canada to Accept More Syrian, Turkish Residents After Earthquakes

Following a series of major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria last month, Ottawa says it will introduce pathways to allow temporary residents from those countries to extend their stay in Canada. “People who have been impacted will benefit from special treatment in their application to come and receive temporary protection in Canada, including the family…


Court Temporarily Stays Order to Repatriate Four Canadians From Syria, Pending Appeal

A Federal Court ruling that ordered the government to repatriate four Canadian men being held in Syrian camps has been put on temporary hold until an appeal process plays out. The Federal Court of Appeal has agreed to grant a stay, at the government’s request, until the appeal is heard less than two weeks from…


Quake Death Toll Nears 48,000 in Turkey, 6,000 in Syria

Istanbul— The head of Turkey’s disaster and emergency management agency has raised the country’s death toll from a magnitude 7.8 earthquake last month to 47,975. Yunus Sezer said during a news conference on Saturday that the people who died included 6,278 foreigners, with Syrian nationals accounting for the largest share. The Feb. 6 quake affected…


Reports: Suspected Drone Strike in Syria Kills at Least 3

BEIRUT—An explosion in eastern Syria on Wednesday killed at least three people, according to reports. A war monitoring group said the blast was likely caused by a drone strike that targeted Iran-backed militiamen. No group claimed responsibility for an attack in the area and reports about what had happened were sketchy. A Britain-based opposition war…


House Votes Down Resolution to Remove US Troops from Syria

The House of Representatives voted down a resolution on March 8 to remove US troops from Syria. The tally was 103-321. Introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), the resolution would require President Joe Biden to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria within 15 days of its enactment. There are approximately 900 U.S. troops in Syria. U.S….