Travis Timmerman, an American detained in Syria for seven months, has been freed and flown out of the country by U.S. military forces. His release came after rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and liberated thousands of prisoners, including Timmerman.
Several European nations are exploring financial incentives to encourage Syrian refugees to voluntarily return to their home country, as the prolonged cost of hosting them on welfare programs weighs heavily on national budgets.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their position atop Mount Hermon’s Syrian peak through the winter months, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday. This move comes after the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Sunday and aims to prevent extremist groups from seizing control of the strategically vital area.
Several Druze Arab villages in southwestern Syria are calling to be annexed by Israel rather than remain under rebel-controlled Syria, citing concerns over security and radical Islamist threats. The Druze, a religious minority with roots in the Levant, have historically maintained loyalty to their residing nations while prioritizing local stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with outgoing White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable minorities in Syria. These groups include Christians, Druze, Kurds, and others who face significant threats amidst ongoing conflict.
Turkish-backed militias, operating under the Syrian National Army (SNA), have advanced into northern Syria, displacing tens of thousands of Kurdish civilians. The SNA captured Manbij, a Kurdish-controlled city, on Tuesday. This followed last week’s seizure of Shahba, where Kurdish officials reported over 120,000 people were forced to flee. The SNA’s offensive is part of “Operation Dawn of Freedom,” aimed at removing Kurdish forces from northern Syria.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña officially opened his country’s embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, demonstrating strong support for Israel during a time of conflict and international scrutiny. Peña, joined by a delegation, was welcomed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking Paraguay’s inclusion in a select group of nations recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Israel has announced plans to create a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria following significant military operations and the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
