Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented. Syria
Lebanon charges 5 in alleged Hezbollah operation to train Assad loyalists A Lebanese military court has charged the five, including an Assad-era Syrian officer and Hezbollah members, with running a cross-border security network planning attacks in Syria’s coastal region. Lebanon
Former Assad official sentenced to 60 years in US for torture Samir Ousman Alsheikh was convicted by a jury in March of three counts of torture, one count of conspiracy to commit torture, visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. Syria
Culture Syrian singer Assala returns to Damascus stage after 15-year exile The Syrian star, one of the Arab world’s most famous artists, had been in self-exile since 2011 after she openly supported the uprising against the since-ousted Assad government. Syria
IRGC Syria commander removed 'upon request from Assad' The future of Iran’s presence in Syria seems to be dividing the Syrian leadership. Syria
Russia begins restoration of Arc of Triumph in Syria's Palmyra Russia has begun the restoration of the Arch of Triumph, one of the historical landmarks in Palmyra, in cooperation with UNESCO. Syria
Mansour Abbas’s star turn rattles Israeli politics Also: Syrian Kurdish leader not worried — yet — about Turkish invasion (exclusive). Israel
Israel loses patience with Iranian entrenchment in Syria Israel has detected increased activity by Iran as it builds up its military presence in Syria. Israel
Camels weep as their young perish in Syria’s killer drought Camels are a miserable canary in the coal mine of Syria, which is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years. Syria
Syria sends consul-general to Dubai UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus this week. News Brief
Syrian jihadist group mandates apologies, or imprisonment, for criticism Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls most of Idlib, enforces zero tolerance for critics. Syria
Backlash after Islamist group in Idlib taxes olive crops The HTS-affiliated Salvation Government imposed Islamic taxes on olive crops, thus worsening farmers’ plight amid the water scarcity and drought. Syria
Report documents Syrian regime detaining, killing health workers A new report from Physicians for Human Rights found that health care workers who provided care to injured protesters in the early days of the Syrian civil war were at increased risk of abuse by the government. Syria
UAE foreign minister meets Assad in Syria Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s stressed support for stability and the need to end the war during the visit, which the US State Department said it does not support. News Brief
Syrian Kurdish commander says Russia opposes further Turkish land grabs Mazlum Kobane, commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, also says Damascus is not yet ready for negotiations. Syria
Two soldiers in Syria injured by suspected Israeli airstrikes Israel has fired missiles in Syrian territory a few times in recent weeks, according to Syrian media. News Brief
