Bashar al-Assad
An armed prisoner with mental disorders has taken 3 to 7 hostages in Arles prison. Among the hostages are medical workers and guards, and law enforcement officers are working at the scene.
Bashar al-Assad, who fled to moscow after overthrowing the regime, has been named “Corrupt 2024” by OCCRP. His regime is accused of drug trafficking, smuggling and other crimes worth billions of dollars.
The head of the GRU, Kirill Budanov, commented on the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, hinting at the possible involvement of Ukrainian intelligence. Assad fled to Russia, and Ahmad al-Sharaa became the new leader of Syria.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister held talks with the Syrian leadership in Damascus. The head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation explained the importance for Ukraine of building new relations with Syria, pointing out that everyone would benefit from a weakened Russia in the Middle East and Africa.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga visits Damascus and meets with Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa. Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic relations and expand cooperation with the new Syrian government.
The newly appointed head of the Syrian intelligence services, Anas Khattab, announced the complete disbanding of all Assad-era intelligence organizations. It is planned to create a new security system that takes into account the interests of the people.
Ukraine will deliver 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program and WFP. The aid will reach 33,250 families, with each family receiving 15 kg of flour per month.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry established its first ministerial-level contacts with the new Syrian government after the severance of diplomatic relations. Ukraine also sent 500 tons of flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program.
Asma al-Assad, the wife of the former Syrian president, is battling a severe form of leukemia with a 50% chance of survival. She is in isolation in Russia and plans to divorce her husband to receive treatment in London.
In the Tartus area, forces loyal to the ousted Assad regime ambushed the police. 14 police officers were killed and 10 others were injured in the attack.
Asma al-Assad, the wife of the former Syrian dictator, is isolated due to a relapse of leukemia. She has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is not allowed to contact other people.
Asaad Hassan al-Shibani called on Iran to respect Syria's sovereignty and not to spread chaos. This is a response to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei's statements about Syrian youth.
Dmitry Peskov denied information about Asma al-Assad's plans to divorce Bashar al-Assad and leave Russia. The British Foreign Office earlier said that the wife of the former Syrian president was banned from entering the UK.
The UN investigation team visited Damascus for the first time since 2016 to investigate war crimes committed by the Assad regime. The new Syrian government has agreed to cooperate and help collect evidence.
The President instructed the Foreign Ministry to establish contacts with the new Syrian authorities. Ukraine is ready to support the food security of this country.
Zelenskyy chaired a meeting of the Council of State on the situation in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. Ukraine is ready to support the Syrian people with food and help stabilize the situation in the region.
Asma al-Assad has filed a request with a Russian court for permission to leave Moscow and plans to divorce her husband. Also, according to media reports, the former Syrian dictator is under strict surveillance in Russia, and his assets have been frozen.
Syria's General Command has appointed two new ministers from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham opposition group. Asaad Hassan al-Shibani became the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Markhaf Abu Qasra became the Minister of Defense.
The United States canceled the reward for the arrest of HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa after the first official meeting in Damascus. Syria's new leader promised to fight terrorism and promote regional peace.
The American delegation arrived in Damascus to meet with various Syrian groups after the fall of the Assad regime. Diplomats plan to discuss the principles of the transition period and the fate of missing Americans.
The US National Security Advisor warns of a possible revival of ISIS due to the power vacuum in Syria after Assad's flight. Terrorists have become more active and may take advantage of instability in the region.
Satellite images show increased activity at the Russian bases of Khmeimim and Tartus in Syria. A massive movement of military equipment and transport aircraft has been recorded, which may indicate a reduction in the Russian contingent.
Britain, France, and Germany accused Iran of building up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to unprecedented levels. The IAEA confirms that Iran is the only country that possesses uranium with a purity of 60%.
France restored its flag at the embassy in Damascus after a 12-year break. European countries begin to establish diplomatic contacts with the new Syrian government.
Syria's transitional government secretary, Obaida Arnaout, called on Russia to reconsider its military presence in the country after the overthrow of the Assad regime. The new government is negotiating with other countries and seeking to establish international relations.
U. S. officials report a buildup of Turkish troops and artillery along the border with Syria near the city of Kobani. The situation is reminiscent of the events of 2019 before the previous Turkish invasion.
A mass grave with the bodies of at least 100,000 people killed during the rule of Bashar al-Assad has been found in Syria. According to human rights activist Muaz Mustafa, this is one of five mass graves discovered near Damascus.
The NYT explains Putin's silence on Russia's military presence in Syria and the possible fall of the Assad regime. Russia is fully focused on the war in Ukraine, believing it is winning on the battlefield.
Bashar al-Assad said that he remained in Damascus until the evening of December 8 and had no plans to flee the country. Reuters and Bloomberg claim that the escape was organized by Russian intelligence without warning his family.
In 2018-2019, the Assad regime made 21 flights with cash to Moscow's Vnukovo airport. The funds were intended for deposits in sanctioned Russian banks and payment for services of the Russian Federation.