Syria arrivals surge 111% as government bets on tourism revival The country welcomed 3.52 million visitors during the first half of 2026, more than double the figure recorded a year earlier, as the government pushes to reconnect to the world and promote tourism as a pillar of economic recovery. Syria
Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah The operation comes as part of the Syrian authorities' efforts to curb illicit arms smuggling through its territory, namely intended for Hezbollah. Lebanon
Syria, US hold first business forum since sanctions relief: What to know The one-day forum in Damascus was organized by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the US-Syria Business Council, which was established in Washington last June to advance trade and investment between the two nations. Syria
Explainer How Macron seeks to carve out France's role in new Syria French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, showcasing Paris' support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa while seeking to secure a share of the country's emerging reconstruction market. Syria
Syrian jihadist group expands control in areas outside Idlib The government run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib imposed more measures to isolate its areas of influence in northwestern Syria. Syria
Syrian jihadis hail Taliban ‘conquest’ despite their own effort to rebrand The Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan was widely welcomed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which offered sweets in the streets of Idlib. Syria
Turkish army on lookout for tunnels in northern Idlib Turkish forces have been leading security campaigns on the border with Syria, where they were able to destroy a number of tunnels used to smuggle people from Syria into Turkey. Syria
Syrian government, Kurds discuss plans for oil trade The Qatirji company and Syrian Democratic Forces are discussing the possibility of increasing oil shipments between SDF-controlled areas to government-held areas. Syria
Lebanon's president calls for UN action after Israeli strikes Lebanese President Michel Aoun said recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah violated Lebanon's sovereignty. Lebanon
Turkish airstrike kills members of US-backed Kurdish force in Syria A Turkish airstrike has killed four members of a US-backed Syrian Kurdish force. Turkey
Intel: Faith, civic leaders call on Biden to prioritize ending Syria's war In a letter to President Joe Biden, a group of Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders called for the administration to adopt “a resolute, diplomacy-first" policy on Syria. Syria
Syrian Islamist opposition leader slammed for misogynist remarks Osama al-Rifai, head of the Turkish-backed Syrian Islamic Council, was criticized by secular opposition figures for his recent remarks about Syrian women. Syria
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
Syrian homes, businesses destroyed in Turkish capital amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment At least 76 people have been detained in connection with the rampage. Turkey
Biden administration calls on Syria to return missing journalist Austin Tice White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the United States is committed to "following all avenues and talking to anyone" who can help return Tice, a journalist and Marine veteran who disappeared in Syria nine years ago. Syria
Syria's Assad appoints new government Most important government posts, including prime minister and defense minister, remain unchanged. News Brief
