The rebel offensive benefited from careful preparation and the support of Turkey, which occupies territory in Syria’s north and provided the only safe access route to Idlib, where HTS was based. Even so,

Officers say the move aims to instil a sense of morality as they race to fill a security vacuum after dismantling ousted president Bashar al-Assad's notoriously corrupt and brutal security forces.

A United Nations official called for all parties in Syria to cooperate without “unhelpful rhetoric” as talks continue between the Kurds in northeast Syria (Rojava) and the new leadership in Damascus.

UN Humanitarians continue to voice their insecurity concerns in Syria's north and northeast, including attacks near a Euphrates River dam, and nationwide economic challenges which stifle cash assistance.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged Syria’s new government to initiate a comprehensive national reconciliation process to address decades of human rights violations. Speaking in Damascus on Wednesday during the first visit by a UN rights chief to Syria,

UNICEF remains steadfast in its commitment to reach every child in Syria with the critical support they need. Committed to delivering hope and opportunities, UNICEF will continue working alongside partners to help rebuild lives and create a future where every child can thrive in safety and dignity.

For the first time since the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria, the EU is considering lifting sanctions in a variety of sectors. But the bloc wants to keep leverage over the Islamist group now in power.

Syria's defence minister said Wednesday that Damascus was open to talks with Kurdish-led forces on their integration into the national army but stood ready to use force should negotiations fail."The door to negotiation with the (Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces) is currently open,

FILE PHOTO: Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani waits to welcome the senior Ukrainian delegation led by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

The UN's high commissioner for refugees called during a visit to Lebanon on Thursday for the "sustainable" return of Syrian refugees to their home country following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Executive director of the World Food Programme Cindy McCain speaks with the Associated Press in Damascus ...

The international community should focus on empowering Syria’s local civil society groups and advocating for women’s rights to ensure a more inclusive society.