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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The recent emergence of a video depicting the execution of four men by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters has ignited widespread fear among Syria’s minority communities. This footage, reportedly the first documented instance of summary execution by HTS since their offensive began, contradicts earlier assurances of targeting only high-ranking Assad regime members. The uncertainty surrounding the video’s precise date and circumstances, coupled with the lack of information on the perpetrators’ identities, only exacerbates the anxieties.
The video’s release has understandably shattered the fragile trust built between HTS and some minority groups. While initial interactions involved guarantees of safety and even gestures of goodwill, such as delivering bread to Christian villages and meeting with religious leaders, this act of violence has undermined these efforts.… Continue reading
Overnight, Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting over sixty Syrian military sites, including weapons facilities and the Syrian navy. These actions followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, prompting condemnation from Saudi Arabia and concern from the UN. Despite Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s leader stating his group sought no conflict with Israel, the strikes continue, raising international alarm over potential prolonged occupation and escalating regional tensions. The scale of the Israeli operation has surprised many observers. The US is simultaneously engaging with HTS regarding its future role in Syria.
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Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Syria’s new leadership to maintain its opposition to Israel, rejecting normalization of relations. Qassem’s statement reflects Hezbollah’s continued commitment to confronting Israel, despite a recent ceasefire and ongoing regional shifts. He downplayed the loss of Syrian supply lines, emphasizing Hezbollah’s enduring military posture and its refusal to disarm. While refraining from immediate judgment on Syria’s new rulers, Qassem stressed the importance of stability before assessment.
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Following a meeting of representatives from six Druze villages in southern Syria, a request for annexation to the Israeli Golan Heights was made. This decision, driven by the advance of jihadist rebels and the threat to their safety, reflects the villagers’ determination to prevent the rebels from reaching their area. The Druze, traditionally loyal to the Assad regime, now face an existential threat from extremist groups. This plea for annexation comes amidst the fall of the Assad regime and significant concerns for the safety of the Syrian Druze population. The request highlights the precarious situation and desperate measures being considered by the Druze community.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood