The US is beginning to withdraw hundreds of troops from Syria, a move that has sparked a wide range of reactions. It feels surreal to contemplate the implications, especially considering the personal connections some individuals have forged with the local population. While US Central Command will maintain the capability to conduct strikes against remaining ISIS elements, the scale of US military presence is undeniably shrinking. The exact nature of the reduced role under the current administration remains to be seen.
This withdrawal is viewed positively by some, who see it as a step towards ending US involvement in the region. The hope is that this could lead to improved stability for the Syrian people, although the removal of US sanctions is considered even more crucial for meaningful progress.… Continue reading
Following days of clashes between government forces and Assad loyalists, primarily in Latakia and Tartous, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to hold accountable all those responsible for civilian deaths. The violence, reportedly the worst since the Assad regime’s fall, resulted in over 1,300 deaths, including hundreds of Alawites, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Sharaa announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the atrocities and promised justice for those responsible. International bodies, including the UN, expressed deep alarm at the escalating violence and called for investigations.
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Two days of clashes between Syrian security forces and loyalists of Bashar Assad, followed by revenge killings, resulted in over 1,000 deaths, marking one of the deadliest events in Syria’s 14-year conflict. The violence included the killing of 745 civilians, mostly Alawites, by Sunni gunmen, alongside casualties among security forces and Assad loyalists. Widespread destruction and displacement followed, with residents reporting atrocities and mass graves. The Syrian government claims to have regained control of affected areas, while international condemnation focuses on the sectarian nature of the violence and calls for investigations.
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The Alawite casualties included a significant number of civilians, outweighing the number of fighters, according to reports from activists. This underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population. The situation highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. Further details regarding the casualties were not provided by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
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Rasha Khazem and her daughter Shams, wife and daughter respectively of Duraid Assad (son of Rifaat Assad, Bashar Assad’s uncle), were apprehended at Beirut airport attempting to depart using forged passports. Their arrest follows Rifaat Assad’s departure the previous day, escaping arrest despite facing Swiss indictments for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The incident highlights the ongoing ramifications of the Syrian conflict and the presence of Assad regime associates in Lebanon. Numerous other individuals connected to the former Syrian regime, including military officials, have also been arrested in Lebanon.
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More than twice as many U.S. troops are currently stationed in Syria than previously acknowledged by official government reports. This revelation significantly alters the perceived scale of American military involvement in the region and raises questions about transparency and accountability.
The discrepancy between the reported numbers and the actual deployment is substantial, possibly even exceeding a fourfold increase depending on the interpretation of “twice as many.” This suggests a considerable gap between public understanding and the reality on the ground. It’s not simply a matter of a few extra soldiers; we’re talking about a potentially massive difference in troop presence.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are the numerous contractors operating in Syria.… Continue reading
Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Russia is bolstering its military presence in Libya. At least three Russian military cargo planes have flown from Belarus to Libya since December 8th, carrying defense materials. This move is likely a response to the increasingly precarious situation in Syria, forcing Russia to fortify its Libyan bases which serve as a crucial staging point for its African influence. Experts suggest this shift reflects Russia’s need to protect its expanded Libyan presence, now that its Syrian foothold is jeopardized. The evacuation of Russian personnel and equipment from Syria is underway.
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In his first public statement since fleeing to Moscow, Bashar al-Assad denied resigning or seeking refuge, claiming his evacuation was arranged by Russia while overseeing combat operations in Latakia. He asserted his continued commitment to fighting the ongoing conflict and refuted the Russian foreign ministry’s claim that he had resigned. Assad’s statement contradicts initial reports from the Kremlin, which cited humanitarian reasons for granting him asylum. The situation highlights Russia’s continued involvement in Syria and the ongoing instability following the rebel takeover.
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Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for national intelligence director faces significant opposition due to her past expressions of sympathy for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including a 2017 meeting with him. Senators have raised concerns about her apparent affinity for Assad and Vladimir Putin, as well as her support for whistleblowers Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. Gabbard has consistently justified her stance by emphasizing the threat posed by Islamic militants in the Syrian civil war and arguing against US intervention, claiming such actions would worsen the situation. Despite Assad’s recent ouster, Gabbard now aligns her views with President Trump’s stance of non-intervention in Syria.
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CNN aired footage of Clarissa Ward freeing a supposed prisoner from a Syrian jail, unaware that Verify-SY identified the individual as a Syrian Air Force Intelligence officer. This officer, allegedly responsible for civilian killings and torture, may have been attempting image rehabilitation. CNN is now investigating the man’s background following online scrutiny of the segment. The initial report focused on missing Syrians and an American journalist, prompting Ward’s encounter with the “prisoner.”
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker