Focus
Damascus
Israeli Warplanes Strike Targets in Syria, Drawing Rebuke from Moscow
Russia has maintained military forces in Syria—at the latter’s invitation—since 2015.
Iran Vows to Retaliate After Suspected Israeli Airstrike on ‘Damascus Consulate’
Israeli military spokesman says targeted building served military—not diplomatic—function.
Israel Kills Islamic Jihad Commander in Gaza, Another Targeted in Damascus
Israel killed a top commander from the Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorist group Islamic Jihad in a rare targeted strike.
Twin Blasts Near Damascus Kill 12, Wounds Dozens
Two suicide bombers struck close to the Syrian capital Saturday, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens more in the latest attack to hit the predominantly Shiite area in recent months, state TV and an opposition activist group said.
At Least 28 Killed in Violence in Syria’s Capital and Aleppo
DAMASCUS, Syria— Violence in Syria continued for the fourth straight day to chip away at what remains from a cease-fire that has effectively collapsed, leaving at least 28 people dead Monday in reciprocal shellings between government forces and oppos...
Syrian Government Closes In on Daraa: Activists
The Syrian Army on Friday retook a strategic town on the doorstep of Daraa, a contested southern city that lies between Damascus and the Jordan border.
Amid Shaky Start to Syria Talks, ISIS-Claimed Blast Kills 45
A triple bombing claimed by the extremist Islamic State group killed at least 45 people near the Syrian capital of Damascus on Sunday, overshadowing an already shaky start to what are meant to be indirect Syria peace talks.
Syrian Army Kills 17 ISIS Militants in Country’s South
BEIRUT— Syrian government forces booby trapped a cluster of farm buildings in the southern Daraa province and detonated the explosives as several Islamic rebel factions gathered at the venue, killing 17 militants, opposition activists said Sunday.The...
Syria Journalist Killed Amid Violence in Damascus Suburb
A Syrian journalist was killed Tuesday in a suburb of the capital Damascus, amid intense clashes and shelling between government troops and rebel fighters
Attack Kills Dozens in Syria as Talks Begin in Vienna
A missile barrage slammed into a suburb of Damascus, killing at least 40 people and wounding many others in the latest government attack on the rebel-held area
Clashes Intensify in Syria From Russian-Backed Offensive
Syria’s chief-of-staff on Thursday declared a wide-ranging ground offensive by government forces, a day after Russian airstrikes and cruise missiles launched from the Caspian Sea backed Damascus’ multipronged advance into two Syrian provinces
Syrian Official: Amount of Damage at Palmyra Temple Unclear
A Syrian official in charge of antiquities said Monday his government has not been able to determine how much damage an explosion near the ancient Temple of Bel caused the ancient structure in the militant-controlled city of Palmyra
How Syrians Have Adjusted to Life in a Battered Country—and How Assad Clings On
Syrian businessmen start from scratch after their shops and factories were destroyed. Families who lost their homes struggle to rent new dwellings and make ends meet. Along highways stretching through government-controlled areas are the bombed ruins of once-rebellious towns, now dotted with checkpoints.
Refugee Crisis: The Stunning Collapse of Syria’s Safe Spaces
While filming a documentary in Syria in the summer of 2003, I visited the Jaramana refugee camp near Damascus. At Jaramana, rows of decaying homes slightly larger than office cubicles lined newly built roads
Chemical Weapons Used in Syria Already? Activists Say Yes
President Obama has warned of serious consequences if Syria uses chemical weapons. Syria has used chemical weapons already, say activists who posted video evidence.
