Syria War Highlights | US charges two former Syrian officials under Assad charged with war crimes

Dozens of elite Hezbollah fighters flee Syria's Hom

Dozens of fighters from Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces fled the Syrian city of Homs after a decision was taken with the Syrian army that the city could no longer be defended, a Syrian army officer said. (Reuters)

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Syria's Bashar Assad government could fall within next week

The lightning rebel advance in Syria suggests that President Bashar al-Assad's government could fall within the next week, US and other Western officials said. (Reuters)

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Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese villages kill six

Israeli strikes on two southern Lebanese villages killed six people and wounded five, the Lebanese health ministry said, in the latest potential challenge to a fragile ceasefire that has been in place for less than two weeks. (Reuters)

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Syrian rebels capture Homs, say they have begun entering capital Damascus

Syrian rebels said that they have begun entering the capital Damascus without any sign of army deployments. Syrian rebels announced they gained full control over the key city of Homs early on Sunday after only a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread as insurgents marched on Damascus. (Reuters)

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Assad has left Damascus, say senior army officers; Syria rebels say they are in capital

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane and left Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, two senior army officers said, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting "Freedom", witnesses said. (Reuters)

Syrian PM says ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people

(AFP)

Syrian Turkey-based opposition says Damascus is now 'without Bashar al-Assad'

The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said that Damascus is now 'without Bashar al-Assad'. (Reuters)

Syrian PM says ready to support continuity of governance

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said that he remained in his home and was ready to support continuity of governance, after President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as rebels entered the capital. (Reuters)

Syrian rebels say public institutions will remain under supervision of the 'former prime minister'

Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said that it was prohibited to go near public institutions that he said will remain under the supervision of the 'former prime minister' until it is officially handed over. (Reuters)

Return to free Syria: Rebels

Syrian rebels called its citizens to return to a 'free Syria' and also claimed that Damascus was free of 'tyrant' President Assad, after he fled the country. (AFP)

Taiwan reports near doubling of Chinese warships nearby

Taiwan's defence ministry said that China had nearly doubled the number of its warships operating around the island in the previous 24 hours, ahead of what security sources expect will be a new round of war games. (Reuters)

Intense sounds of shooting heard in centre of Syrian capital Damascus, two residents say

Intense sounds of shooting were heard in the centre of the Syrian capital Damascus, two residents said as rebels march towards the capital.

US President Joe Biden monitoring 'extraordinary events' in Syria

US President Joe Biden has been monitoring the 'extraordinary events' occurring in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad fled the country.

Strictly forbidden to approach public institutions: Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's chief

"To all military forces in the city of Damascus, it is strictly forbidden to approach public institutions, which will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are officially handed over," rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said in a Telegram message

Syrians gather to celebrate in Damascus

Crowds of Syrians have gathered to celebrate in Damascus by chanting anti-Assad slogans, honking car horns and in some areas celebratory gunshots also rang out. (AP)

Jordan affirms importance of preserving stability and security of Syria

Jordan affirmed the importance of preserving the stability and security of Syria, after President Bashar al Assad fled Damascus and rebels took control of the capital ending his 24-year regime. (Reuters)

Syrian state TV airs video saying President Bashar Assad overthrown, all jail detainees freed

(AP)

Syrian army says operations ongoing against 'terrorist groups' in key regions

The Syrian army said that its forces were pressing ahead with military operations against "terrorist groups" in the countryside of Hama, Homs and Deraa, areas that have witnessed escalating clashes in recent days. (Reuters)

'Historic' fall of 'authoritarian regime' of Bashar al-Assad: Chief of Kurdish-led Syria force

(AP)

Syrian PM says he doesn't know Assad's whereabouts

(AP)

Syrian telecoms minister says services normal, internet restored to Hama

Syria's telecommunications minister said that telecom services are functioning normally nationwide, with internet access restored in Hama. (Reuters)

Israeli military says it deploys forces in buffer zone in light of Syria events

The Israeli military said that it has deployed forces in the UN-monitored buffer zone with Syria and at a number of points necessary for defence in lights of the latest events in the Arab country. (Reuters)

Syrian PM calls for free elections, confirms contact with rebel leader

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali said that Syria should hold free elections to allow its people to decide their leadership. Jalali also said he had been in contact with rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani to discuss managing the current transitional period, marking a notable development in efforts to shape Syria's political future. (Reuters)

Syrian rebel coalition says it is working to transfer power to transitional governing bod

The Syrian rebel coalition said that it is continuing work to complete the transfer of power in Syria to a transitional governing body with full executive powers. It said, "The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people." (Reuters)

UN Syria envoy says millions of Syrians desire transitional arrangements to be put in place

Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen underscores the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians that stable and inclusive transitional arrangements are put in place, according to a statement published on Sunday.

US will remain present in eastern Syria and take measures to prevent IS resurgence, pentagon official says

The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain's capital on Sunday.

In Pics | Syrians celebrate in Istanbul

Bashar al-Assad & his family's whereabouts remain unknown

Syria's Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane in Damascus for an unknown destination early on Sunday, two senior army officers said, as rebels seized the city and ousted him from power after 24 years as president.

His whereabouts now - and those of his wife Asma and their two children - remain unknown.

A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, according to data from the Flightradar website.

New Syria should not pose threat to neighbours, it should elminate threats, says Turkish foreign minister

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday that Syria's new administration must be inclusive because Syrian people would now determine their own future, after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebels.

Syrian rebels declared Assad's ouster after seizing control of Damascus on Sunday, ending his family's iron-fisted rule after more than 13 years of civil war in a seismic moment for the Middle East.

In a press conference in Doha, Fidan said Syrian people were not in a position to rebuild on their own and that international actors and regional powers had to act with prudence and preserve its territorial integrity, warning that terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of the situation.

Asked about the whereabouts of Assad, Fidan said he could not comment on the issue but that he believed he was out of the country.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Syrians occupy the Syrian embassy in Greece

Syrian opposition flag was raised at the Syrian embassy in Athens, just hours after Islamist-led rebels declared they had captured Damascus, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

Iranian embassy stormed in Damascus

 Iran's embassy in the Syrian capital was stormed by unknown gunmen on Sunday following the capture of Damascus by Syrian rebels and the fall of Iran-allied Bashar al-Assad, Iranian state TV reported.

"It is said that the Iranian embassy was stormed alongside nearby stores by an armed group different from the group now controlling [most of] Syria," Iranian state TV said, referring to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Syrian rebels enter northern city of Manbij

Turkey-backed Syrian forces entered the northern Syrian city of Manbij after taking control of most of the surrounding area from U.S.-allied Kurdish forces there, a Turkish security source said on Sunday.

The operation comes after Syrian rebels in the south declared President Bashar al-Assad's ouster after seizing control of Damascus.

"The fight against the YPG/PKK is very close to victory. Both air and land interventions are ongoing to take Manbij from the hands of the YPG/PKK," the source said, referring to the Kurdish militia which has long been in control of Manbij.

I pay tribute to Syrian people, their courage & patience, says French Presient Macron

Russia claims Assad left Syria after giving instructions to transfer power peacefully

Russian President Putin with Bashar al-Assad

Russia's Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully”, AP reported on Sunday.

Egypt calls on all parties in Syria to preserve capabilities of state

Egypt has called on all parties in Syria to preserve the capabilities of the state and national institutions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Sunday, following the surprise ousting of President Bashar al Assad by rebels.

(Inputs from Reuters)

No room for turning back, the future is ours, says Syria's rebel leader Golani

Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani said in a statement read on Syria's state TV after his forces took over Damascus that there is no room for turning back and the group is determined to continue the path they started in 2011 during the Arab Spring.

"The future is ours," al-Golani's statement said.

France, Germany welcome's Al-assad's fall; Spain for peaceful solution

France and Germany welcomed news of al-Assad’s fall, with France warning against “extremism” in the future. Spain said it backs a “peaceful” and “stable” solution for Syria.

No knowledge of Al-Assad's whereabouts, says Saudi Official

End Syria crisis along the line of UN security council resolution 2254, says Qatar foreign ministry

Fall of Bashar al-Assad is an historic day, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad on Sunday as an "historic day" that followed the blows delivered by Israel against Assad's supporters Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Will monitor developments in Syria & region closely, will adopt appropriate position, say Iran

Syria's fate is the sole responsibility of the Syrian people and should be pursued without foreign imposition or destructive intervention, Iran's foreign ministry said on Sunday, after Tehran's ally Bashar al-Assad was toppled by rebels

Iran, a close ally of Assad, says Syrians should decide their country's future without foreign intervention

Syrian opposition leader calls for 18 month transition period before elections

Syria should have an 18 month transition period to establish "a safe, neutral, and quiet environment" for free elections, Hadi Al-Bahra, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad, said to Reuters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum on Sunday.

In a seismic moment for the Middle East, Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war, ending his family's decades-long rule.

The lightning offensive sparked concerns in Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability, as well as questions over whether the rebels will be able to ensure an orderly transition.

Al-Bahra, President of the Syrian National Coalition, said Syria should draft a constitution within six months, on which the first election would be a referendum.

"The constitution will say, are we going to have a parliamentary system, presidential system, or mixed system? And based on this, we do the election and the people choose their leader," said Al-Bahra.

He added that the opposition had asked state employees to continue to report to work until the power transition, and assured them that they would not be harmed.

Assad's swift toppling followed a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East after many leaders of Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, a lynchpin of Assad's battlefield force, were killed by Israel over the past two months. Russia, Assad's other key ally, has been focused on the war in Ukraine.

"It was like a domino effect. So it was clear that (Assad) decided to leave. I felt relief, but also a little sad. He should be held accountable for all the crimes that he did," Al-Bahra said. 

(Inputs from Reuters)

Iraqi government spokesperson says intervention will only push the situation in Syria towards more conflict

Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem Al-Awadi said on Sunday that Iraq is closely following developments in Syria, and added that Iraq reaffirms the importance of not interfering in the internal affairs of Syria, or supporting one party in favour of another.

In Pics | Syrians celebrate in Germany

Syrian opposition coalition says it is working towards forming a transitional governing body

The Syrian opposition coalition on Sunday said it is working towards forming a transitional governing body with full executive powers, adding in a post on X that it aspires to build strategic partnerships within the region and the world.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Indian Embassy continues to remain operational in Damascus

Indian Embassy continues to remain operational in Damascus, Syria. The Embassy is in touch with all Indian nationals, and they are safe. The embassy remains available to assist Indian nationals in Syria, reported news agency ANI.

Israeli military tells residents in southern Syrian towns to stay at home

The Israeli military issued a warning on Sunday to five towns in southern Syria, calling on residents to stay at home "until further notice" due to ongoing combat in the area. (Reuters)

Bewildered, elated prisoners pour out in Syria as Bashar al-Assad's jails flung open

Bewildered and elated prisoners poured out of Syrian jails on Sunday, shouting with joy as they emerged from one of the world's most notorious detention systems and walked to freedom following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.

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Israel carries out airstrikes on security complex, research centre in Syria's Damascus

Israel conducted three airstrikes against a major security complex in the Kafr Sousa district of the Syrian capital along with a research centre where it had previously said Iranian scientists developed missiles, two regional security sources told Reuters on Sunday.

Saudi says it stands by Syrian people & their choices at this critical stage

Biden to deliever remarks on Syria

Syria's Assad and his family are in Moscow after Russia granted them asylum, say Russian news agencies

Syria's Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Russia and have been granted asylum by the Russian authorities, Russian news agencies reported on Sunday, citing a Kremlin source.

The Interfax news agency quoted the unnamed source as saying: "President Assad of Syria has arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them (him and his family) asylum on humanitarian grounds."

Syrian opposition has guaranteed the safety of Russian bases and diplomats, say Russian news agencies

Syrian opposition leaders have guaranteed the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions inside Syria, Russian news agencies reported on Sunday, citing a Kremlin source.

The TASS state news agency said:

"Russian officials are in contact with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, whose leaders have guaranteed the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions on the territory of Syria."

UN chief says future of Syria up to Syrians, UN will help

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that the future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine and that his special envoy Geir Pedersen "will be working with them towards that end."

"There is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition to renewed institutions. I reiterate my call for calm and avoiding violence at this sensitive time, while protecting the rights of all Syrians," Guterres said in a statement.

We are not sure where Assad is, there is word he is in Moscow: Biden

Biden calls fall of Assad a 'moment of historic opportunity' for Syrians, reports AFP

Biden addressed the media saying, "Bashar al-Assad's fall from power a "moment of historic opportunity" for Syria."

"The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria."

Syrian rebel supporters hoist flags at embassies abroad

Supporters of rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday have entered some Syrian embassies abroad to hoist their flag, while insurgents also entered the Italian envoy's residence in Damascus.

Monitor says Israel hit arms depots in Syria's east, reports AFP

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting Monday on Syria, reports AFP

US military says it carried out airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces conducted dozens of airstrikes on Islamic State targets in central Syria on Sunday.

In a statement, the CENTCOM said its strikes were aimed to ensure that the Islamic State does not take advantage of the current situation in Syria

Syrian flag removed from Moscow embassy, TASS reports

The Syrian flag was removed on Sunday from a pole outside the country's embassy in Moscow, Russian news agencies reported.

The flag had been hoisted outside the embassy earlier in the day, the agency said.

TASS also quoted embassy staff as saying the embassy would operate as normal on Monday. It said the embassy provided no explanation for the absence of the flag.

Israeli ground forces cross into Syria for first time since 1973

Israeli ground forces advanced beyond the demilitarized zone on the Israel-Syria border over the weekend, marking their first overt entry into Syrian territory since the 1973 October War, according to two Israeli officials speaking anonymously to discuss sensitive developments.

The Israeli deployment came amid a successful push by rebel groups in Syria to drive President Bashar Assad out of power and out of the country, prompting neighboring states to brace for more regional instability created by his sudden fall and flight.

Israeli forces took control of the mountain summit of Mount Hermon on the Syrian side of the border, as well as several other locations deemed essential for stabilizing control of the area.

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military chief of staff, appeared to confirm Saturday night that Israeli forces had gone beyond a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights, saying Israel had “deployed troops into Syrian territory,” although he did not elaborate further.

Israel has been covertly operating in Syria for many years amid its conflict with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group that had fought in Syria in support of Assad’s now-toppled government. (NYT)

Syrian Football Association changes kit colour following fall of Assad regime

After 54 years of brutal rule under Assads, Syria is at crossroads. Here are 4 priorities to avoid yet another war

Syria now has a new force in power: HTS and its leadership, spearheaded by the militant leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. They will face immediate challenges and four key priorities:

1) Consolidating power.

The new leadership will now try to ensure there are no armed groups capable of contesting their rule, particularly remnants of the old Assad regime and smaller factions that were not part of the opposition forces.

Critically, they will also need to discuss how power will be shared among the coalition of opposition groups. Al-Jolani is likely to become the founding president of the new Syria, but how the rest of the power will be distributed remains uncertain.

It seems the opposition was not prepared to take over the country so quickly, and they may not have a power-sharing agreement. This will need to be negotiated and worked out quickly.

The new government will likely recognise the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the territories it controls as an autonomous region within Syria. An independent Kurdish state, however, will be strongly opposed by Turkey, the main external backer of the opposition.

Yet, history seems to be moving in favour of the Kurds. There is now the eventual possibility of an independent Kurdish state, potentially combining northern Iraq and northeastern Syria into a single entity.

2) International recognition.

Syria is a very complex and diverse place. As such, the new government can only be sustained if it gains international recognition.

The key players in this process are Turkey, the European Union, the United States and Israel (through the US). It is likely all of these entities will recognise the new government on the condition it forms a moderate administration, refrains from fighting the Kurdish YPG, and does not support Hezbollah or Hamas.

Given their unexpected success in toppling Assad so quickly, the opposition is likely to accept these conditions in exchange for aid and recognition.

3) Forming a new government.

The question on everyone’s mind is what kind of political order the opposition forces will now establish. HTS and many of the groups in its coalition are Sunni Muslims, with HTS having origins linked to al-Qaeda. However, HTS broke away from the terror organisation in 2016 and shifted its focus exclusively to Syria as an opposition movement.

Nevertheless, we should not expect a democratic secular rule. The new government is also unlikely to resemble the ultra-conservative theocratic rule of the Taliban.

In his recent interview with CNN, al-Jolani made two key points. He indicated he and other leaders in the group have evolved in their outlook and Islamic understanding with age, suggesting the extreme views from their youth have moderated over time. He also emphasised the opposition would be tolerant of the freedoms and rights of religious and ethnic minority groups.

The specifics of how this will manifest remain unclear. The expectation is HTS will form a conservative government in which Islam plays a dominant role in shaping social policies and lawmaking.

On the economic and foreign policy fronts, the country’s new leaders are likely to be pragmatic, open to alliances with the regional and global powers that have supported them.

4) Rebuilding the country and maintaining unity.

This is needed to prevent another civil war from erupting — this time among the winners.

A recent statement from HTS’s Political Affairs Department said the new Syria will focus on construction, progress and reconciliation. The new government aims to create positive conditions for displaced Syrians to return to their country, establish constructive relations with neighbouring countries and prioritise rebuilding the economy.

Syria and the broader Middle East have entered a new phase in their modern history. Time will tell how things will unfold, but one thing is certain: it will never be the same.

-The Converstation

China calls on Syria to ensure safety of its institutions, personnel

A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing “is closely following the situation in Syria and hopes that stability will return as soon as possible”.

“We urge relevant parties in Syria to ensure the safety and security of the Chinese institutions and personnel in Syria,” the spokesperson said.

The official added that China’s Embassy in Syria is still carrying out its duties and that the Chinese government has “been actively helping Chinese nationals who wish to leave the country”.

China has had friendly relations with al-Assad.

-Al Jazeera

No hidden vaults found yet in Saydnaya prison, despite hours of searching, say Syrian Defence Forces

Five specialized teams from the Syrian Civil Defense have been working for hours searching for the possibility of secret doors or basements in Saydnaya prison.

Despite conflicting information, we opened several areas inside the prison, including the kitchen and the oven, but we have not found anything until this moment. We are working with all our energy to reach them. For new hope, and we must be prepared for the worst.

However, we continue to work and search everywhere inside the prison, and we are accompanied by two guides who know all the details of the prison, and we will provide you with any update.

Israeli forces seize more territory in Syria: Report

Defence Minister Israel Katz says Israeli forces are seizing “additional points” in the buffer zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, according to Ynet News.

Japan ‘strongly concerned’ by the situation in Syria

Yoshimasa Hayashi, the spokesman for the Japanese government, says Tokyo is closely following the developments in Syria.

He said the government hopes the humanitarian situation in Syria would improve following al-Assad’s removal, according to local media reports.

-Al Jazeera

Iran is in direct contact with groups within Syria's new leadership, says Iranian official

Iran has opened a direct line of communication with rebels in Syria's new leadership since its ally Bashar al-Assad was ousted, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday, in an attempt to "prevent a hostile trajectory" between the countries.

The lightning advance of a militia alliance spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, marked one of the biggest turning points for the Middle East in generations. Assad's fall as president removed a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world.

The senior official said Iran's clerical rulers, facing the loss of an important ally in Damascus and the return of Donald Trump to the white House in January, were open to engaging with Syria's new leaders.

"This engagement is key to stabilise ties and avoiding further regional tensions," he said.

-Reuters

France to support Syria transition, French foreign minister says

France will support Syria's political transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and will send a special diplomatic envoy to the country in the coming days, France's caretaker foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.

Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday after a lightning advance that sent President Assad fleeing to Russia after a 13-year civil war and six decades of his family's autocratic rule.

The events in Syria were a stunning defeat for Russia, Barrot told France Info radio, as Moscow could now lose access to military assets it has in the Arab country. 

-Reuters

Syrian opposition groups take control of Manbij from US-backed SDF, Turkish source says

Turkey-backed Syrian opposition groups have taken control of the northern Syrian town of Manbij, a Turkish security source said on Monday.

US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces (SDF) were holding the town and there has been intense fighting with the Turkey-backed groups in recent days, as Syrian rebels in the south on Sunday declared Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's ouster after seizing control of Damascus

China calls for ‘political solution’

China’s Foreign Ministry has called for the restoration of stability and order in Syria and the search for a “political solution” as soon as possible.

-Al Jazeera

Security of Russian Military bases fully ensured: Interfax citing a Russian lawmaker

Syria's embassy in Russia installs Syrian opposition flag over its building in Moscow

-Reuters

Presence of Israeli forces in Syrian territory 'temporary', says Israeli FM

The presence of Israeli forces in Syrian territory is a “limited, temporary” step meant to ensure Israel’s security during the confusion after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday.

“The only interest we have is the security of Israel,” he told a news conference in Jerusalem.

Saar also spoke about deadlocked negotiations with Hamas on a release of hostages in Gaza, saying indirect talks were ongoing, without elaborating. He said Israel could be more optimistic about an eventual breakthrough but was not there yet.

-Reuters

Israel says it has struck suspected chemical weapons sites, long-range rockets in Syria

Israel's foreign minister says it has struck suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets in Syria in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile actors.

Gideon Saar said Monday that “the only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens”.

"That's why we attacked strategic weapons systems, like, for example, remaining chemical weapons, or long-range missiles and rockets, in order that they will not fall in the hands of extremists," he said.

-AP

War monitor says Turkish drone strike kills 11 civilians in north Syria

A Turkish drone strike on a house in a Kurdish-held area in northern Syria killed 11 civilians, six of them children, a war monitor said Monday.

"Eleven civilians, including six children, all members of the same family, were killed in a Turkish drone strike near Ain Issa," which is located in a Kurdish-held area, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

-AFP

UK could consider removing proscription of Syria's HTS, says minister

Britain could rethink its proscription of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a banned organisation, after the group spearheaded the Syrian rebel alliance that helped oust President Bashar al-Assad, British senior minister Pat McFadden said on Monday.

"We will consider that. And I think it will partly depend on what happens in terms of how that group behaves now," McFadden told Sky News, when asked if the British government would look at the proscription of HTS again.

HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, is a proscribed organisation in the UK, meaning that Britain, like other Western nations including the U.S., designates it as a terrorist group, making it illegal to support or join it.

"I think it should be a relatively swift decision, so it's something that will have to be considered quite quickly, given the speed of the situation on the ground," he told BBC Radio.

McFadden, a senior member of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's cabinet of ministers, said no decisions on HTS had been taken over the weekend, after rebels led by the group seized the Syrian capital Damascus and al-Assad fled to Russia.

-Reuters

UN rights chief calls for protection of Syrian minorities

"All measures must be taken to protect Syria minorities, avert reprisals," UN rights chief said on Monday. (AFP)

Syria transition must ensure 'accountability' for past crimes: UN

Any political transition in Syria following the fall of president Bashar al-Assad must include accountability for him and others behind crimes committed under his rule, the UN rights chief said Monday.

"Any political transition must ensure accountability for perpetrators of serious violations and guarantee that those responsible are held to account," Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva.

Asked about whether Assad was among those who should be brought to account, he said the "former president of Syria and whoever was in senior leadership positions, there are indeed serious grounds to believe that they may have committed atrocity crimes".

"It is imperative that all evidence be collected and preserved meticulously for future use."

His comments came after Assad fled Syria as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, triggering celebrations across the country and beyond at the end of his oppressive rule.

Assad's government fell 11 days after the rebels began a surprise advance, more than 13 years after Assad's crackdown on anti-government protests ignited Syria's civil war -- which had become largely dormant until the rebel push. (AFP)

Syrian insurgents say they won't interfere with women's dressing or personal freedoms

Syrian insurgents who toppled President Bashar Assad said they won't impose any religious dress code on women and vowed to guarantee personal freedom for everyone.

In a statement posted on social media, the insurgents' General Command said “it is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty”.

The command said it affirms that personal freedom is guaranteed to everyone, and that respect for the rights of individuals is the basis for building a civilised nation.

In areas that were controlled by Syrian opposition groups since the civil war erupted in 2011, the vast majority of women dressed modestly, only revealing their faces and hands.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose forces entered Damascus over the weekend, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicted himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. (AP)

Hamas congratulates Syrians on toppling Assad, achieving 'freedom and justice'

Hamas on Monday congratulated the Syrian people on toppling president Bashar al-Assad and called for unity in the country.

"Hamas congratulates the brotherly Syrian people on their success in achieving their aspirations for freedom and justice, and we call on all components of the Syrian people to unite their ranks," the Palestinian militant group said in a statement. (AFP)

Russia, Iran 'share responsibility for crimes' of Syria's Assad: NATO chief

NATO chief Mark Rutte on Monday said Russia and Iran were complicit in the crimes of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, and his fall showed they were "unreliable partners".

"Russia and Iran were the main backers of the Assad regime, and they share the responsibility for the crimes committed against the Syrian people. They also proved to be unreliable partners, abandoning Assad when he ceased to be of use to them," Rutte said.

HRW urges 'humane' treatment for Syrian former government officials, soldiers

Human Rights Watch on Monday called on Syria's rebels, who seized Damascus a day earlier, to humanely treat former officials, loyalists and troops of President Bashar al-Assad's defunct government.

"Armed opposition groups... should commit to ensuring the humane treatment of all individuals, including former government officials and soldiers, affiliated fighters, and loyalists," said Lama Fakih, HRW's Middle East director. (AFP)

Syrian prime minister says government still functioning but foreign, domestic challenges loom

Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers are still working from offices in Damascus after rebels entered the capital over the weekend and overthrew President Bashar Assad. Streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future.

But there were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country, which is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance.

The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress.

“It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the General Command said in a statement on social media.

Meanwhile, some key government services had shut down as state workers ignored calls to return to their jobs, a UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid.

Israel said it is carrying out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel has also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. (AP)

Syria parliament says 'supports people's will', after Assad falls

Syria's parliament said Monday it supports the will of the people to build a new country, a day after President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus as rebels took over.

"December 8th was a historic day in the lives of all Syrians. We support the will of the people to build a new Syria towards a better future governed by law and justice," parliament, formerly pro-Assad, said in a statement carried by SANA -- the state news agency whose logo on Telegram now bears the three stars of the rebel flag. (AFP)

Ex-PM agrees to handover power to Syrian rebels

Former Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali told Al Arabiya TV on Monday that he had agreed to hand over power to the rebel "Salvation Government" (Reuters)

Turkey to reopen Syria border post for returning refugees: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday pledged to reopen a border post on Turkey's southern frontier with Syria to facilitate the return of refugees after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

"In order to ease the traffic at the border, we're opening the Yayladagi border gate," Erdogan said, referring to a crossing on the westerly edge of the border that has been closed since 2013. (AFP)

Israeli strike targets air defence installation near Syria's Mediterranean Latakia port

 An Israeli strike targeted an air defence installation near Syria's Mediterranean Latakia port, Syrian security sources said on Monday.

Israel conducted three airstrikes in the Syrian capital a day earlier, against a security complex and a government research centre which it has said in the past was used by Iran to develop missiles, two regional security sources told Reuters on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, Israel struck at least seven targets in southwest Syria that included the Khalkhala air base north of Sweida city, the sources said. (Reuters)

Assad's ruling Baath party says supports Syria transition phase

Damascus explosions heard near government centre linked to chemical weapons production, witnesses say

At least two explosions heard in Damascus on Monday night took place in the area of Barzeh, near Damascus, where the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre has an office, three witnesses in the neighbourhood told Reuters.

The SSRC has been sanctioned and previously struck for its links to chemical weapons production under toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

US charges two former Syrian officials under Assad charged with war crimes

A U.S. indictment unsealed on Monday charged two high-ranking Syrian officials under ousted President Bashar al-Assad with war crimes, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.

The indictment, which was unsealed in the Northern District of Illinois, charged the former Syrian intelligence officials with engaging in a conspiracy to commit cruel and inhuman treatment of civilian detainees, including U.S. citizens, during the course of the Syrian civil war.