Bashar al-Assad

US President Donald Trump, effective July 1, lifted sanctions against Syria, as well as a number of Russian banks, institutions, and individuals, including former FIDE head Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. Among the companies from which restrictions have been lifted is "Rosoboronexport," the sole state intermediary for arms exports in Russia.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to terminate the Syria sanctions program to support stability, but restrictions against Bashar al-Assad and other violators have been preserved. Earlier, Switzerland and the EU also lifted some economic sanctions against Syria.

20 people were killed and 60 wounded in the terrorist attack at St. Elijah's Church near Damascus. The Islamic State terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus has left at least 20 dead and over 50 injured. The suicide bomber, a member of the 'Islamic State', opened fire and detonated explosives.

A suicide bomber carried out an explosion in the crowded St. Elijah Church in the Dwelaa district of Damascus. Syrian security forces surrounded the incident site.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior has detained Wasim al-Assad, a cousin of the overthrown president Bashar al-Assad, who is considered one of the biggest drug traffickers and war criminals. He is accused of involvement in drug trafficking and support for the regime, which led to sanctions from the US and EU.

On June 20, 2025, Switzerland lifted several economic sanctions against Syria, including restrictions on financial services and trade in precious metals. This decision follows the actions of the European Union on May 27, 2025.

For the first time since 2011, Syria has made an international bank transfer via SWIFT, opening the door for similar operations. This marks a significant step towards the country's reintegration into the global financial system amid the lifting of EU sanctions.

Copenhagen has overtaken Vienna as the world's most livable city, receiving perfect scores for stability, infrastructure, and education. Vienna lost its lead due to a decline in its security score.

In response to the launch of two rockets from Syria, Israel launched artillery strikes on Syrian positions. The responsibility for the shelling was claimed by the group "Brigades of the Martyr Muhammad Deif".

American Senator Lindsey Graham addressed the Russians, stating that Putin is leading them into the abyss. He emphasized that Russia has become a rogue state because of Putin's actions.

Syria announced reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs after the lifting of Western sanctions. They promise to fight human trafficking and drug trafficking, as well as create a transparent civil security institution.

Unknown armed men attacked Russian military checkpoints around the Khmeimim airbase. The Syrian monitoring center reported unprecedented tension in the area.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria. This is done to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful country.

Syria plans to print its national currency in the UAE and Germany, refusing the services of Russia. This is happening against the background of the easing of EU and US sanctions and the conclusion of economic agreements with the UAE.

Negotiations between Israel and Syria took place in Baku with the mediation of Azerbaijan. The parties discussed the situation on Israel's northern border and the possibilities for its stabilization.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged to pay off Syria's debt to the World Bank, paving the way for funding to rebuild the economy. US sanctions remain an obstacle to full support.

The interim president of Syria said that Damascus had asked Moscow to extradite Assad in exchange for maintaining a military presence, but was refused.

Israel has launched tours of the Golan buffer zone captured in Syria after the fall of Assad. The route includes Mount Hermon overlooking Damascus and the Shebaa farms.

President al-Sharaa announced a government that will restore state institutions on the basis of transparency. The heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of the transitional government retained their positions.

Abdullah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as "Abu Khadija", was eliminated in Iraq during a special operation. He was one of the most dangerous terrorists and the "deputy caliph" of ISIS.

Security forces and their supporters have killed more than 340 people from the Alawite minority in the coastal region of Syria. The new Islamist authorities are suppressing the uprising of supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Fighting broke out in the Syrian province of Latakia between security forces and supporters of Assad near the "Khmeimim" base. As a result of the clashes, 48 people were killed, including 16 security personnel, 28 militants, and 4 civilians.

A group of tourists from Britain and other countries visited the DPRK for the first time since the pandemic. The visitors spoke about tight controls, restrictions on movement and communication with locals during their 4-day trip.

Israel is trying to persuade the United States to support a weak and decentralized Syria, including the retention of Russian military bases. The goal is to counter the growing influence of Turkey, which supports Syria's new Islamist rulers.

EU foreign ministers decide to suspend sanctions against Syria in the banking, energy and transportation sectors. Five Syrian organizations were removed from the list of frozen assets.

The British Ministry of Defense spotted 6 Russian ships with ammunition leaving Syria through the English Channel.

The Sudanese Foreign Minister says the agreement on the establishment of a Russian naval base remains in force. Russia may receive a gas station on the Red Sea in exchange for weapons.

Russian ships remove equipment and personnel from the military base in Tartus. Moscow is negotiating with the new Syrian government, having a weak position due to Assad's hiding place.

The US Department of Defense is preparing a plan for the complete withdrawal of troops from Syria within 30-90 days. There are currently about 2,000 US troops in the country, including 1,100 temporary rotational forces.