Syria’s Islamist-led government declared on Monday that it had completed military operations against a growing insurgency by Bashar al-Assad loyalists, as Western governments called for accountability over reports of hundreds of civilians killed in sectarian violence.
The violence in Syria’s coastal region is the biggest test for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa since he took power in December. A war monitor reported 973 civilians killed, primarily Alawites, as government forces crushed an insurrection from Assad’s minority sect.
Sharaa, who cut ties with al Qaeda in 2016, accused remnants of Assad’s rule of trying to rekindle civil war. He pledged to hold perpetrators accountable, including members of his own government, and announced a fact-finding committee.
Germany called the reports shocking, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the “radical Islamist terrorists” responsible.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Syria’s rulers remained “jihadists in suits” and urged measures to protect minorities.
The U.N. Security Council met behind closed doors at the joint request of the U.S. and Russia to discuss the escalating violence.
The Syrian defence ministry said it had arrested two men after a video surfaced showing unlawful civilian killings. A spokesperson declared the insurgency neutralized and vowed to prevent future threats.
Russia, which backed Assad militarily and still has bases in Syria, requested the U.N. meeting alongside the U.S..
Israel has urged Washington to keep Syria weak and decentralized, allowing Russia to maintain its presence as a counterweight to Turkey’s growing influence.
The conflict’s aftermath leaves Sharaa grappling with internal unrest, Western scrutiny, and economic challenges, all while seeking legitimacy on the global stage.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus ...
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation ta...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously -...
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Sat...
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation targeting Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously - one focused on immigration and national identity, the other held in support of Palestinians and to mark Nakba Day.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.
A high-powered lawyer representing Elon Musk attacked the personal and professional credibility of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Thursday, as a landmark federal trial in California nears its conclusion.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment