Syria
US considering complete withdrawal of troops from Syria - WSJ
Around 1,000 US troops are stationed in Syria, the Wall Street Journal reported, and are mainly co-stationed with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) troops.
US to complete transfer of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq in coming days, official says
Iraq says it will begin legal proceedings against ISIS prisoners transferred from Syria
Beyond the Headlines: Stronger than we think
Jewish merchant walks free after 20-days in Syrian prison, authorities say all charges cleared
Salem Hamdani, a Jewish merchant from Damascus, was cleared of the charges of selling antiquities stolen from Damascus’ National Museum, after no evidence was found against him.
Three policemen, six Islamic State terrorists killed in northwest Turkey clashes
Turkish police last week detained 115 suspected Islamic State members, they said, who were planning to carry out attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations in the country.
Syria opens criminal investigation into Assad-era mass grave revealed by Reuters
The site, in the Dhumair desert east of Damascus, was used during Assad’s rule as a military weapons depot, according to a former Syrian army officer with knowledge of the operation.
Three killed as Alawite protest in Syria’s Latakia turns violent
Three people were killed and more than 40 were wounded after gunfire erupted during an Alawite protest in Syria’s Latakia province, as demonstrators called for federalism and prisoner releases.
Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria, signaling frustration over border security - analysis
Two rounds of Jordanian airstrikes hit smuggling targets in southern Syria, underscoring Amman’s demand for stronger action against drug gangs operating near its border.
US airstrikes against ISIS in Nigeria raise questions over strategy - analysis
US airstrikes hit ISIS camps in Nigeria on Christmas Day in what officials said was a joint operation, raising questions over whether further action will follow.
Mosque bombing in Homs during prayers leaves eight dead, dozens wounded
Hours after the explosion, an armed group known as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility through an official statement.
Watching the Gaza border: An IDF observer on warning signs, war, and loss - interview
Captain Yael Segre shares what it means to be the ‘eyes of the county’ and what it means to fight not only for your people, but also for the right to do your duty and be recognized.
Christian communities grow slowly as share of population falls in Middle East, North Africa
Analysts say the pattern is driven by a mix of factors: outward migration, lower birth rates, and increasingly, disaffiliation or conversion.
Syrian Kurdish commander vows 'all efforts' to save integration deal with Damascus
His comments came days after deadly clashes between SDF units and Syrian government forces around Aleppo prompted both sides to order their fighters to halt fire.
