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Syrian Authorities Announce Closure of Notorious Desert Camp

This is Beirut, 15:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Syria Rukban Camp Bashar al-Assad displaced

A notorious desert refugee camp in Syria has closed after the last remaining families returned to their areas of origin, Syrian authorities said on Saturday. The Rukban camp in Syria's desert was established in 2014, at the height of Syria's civil war, in a de-confliction zone controlled by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, ...

Visas for Syria: Lebanese Citizens Exempt from Fees for a Six-Month Stay

This is Beirut, 14:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon Syria visas

In a new directive published on Saturday, the Syrian Ministry of the Interior announced a revision of its visa issuance policy, introducing different pricing based on travelers' nationalities. This measure, motivated by diplomatic considerations and bilateral relations, redefines the entry conditions for many foreign nationals. Among the ...

EU official says 175 mn euro Syria recovery package 'clear message' of support

This is Beirut, 05/06 12:45 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Damascus European Union Syria

Visiting EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica said Thursday that a 175 million euro package for war-torn Syria was a "clear message" of support for its reconstruction. Suica announced the package in Damascus Wednesday, saying it would focus on sectors including energy, education, health, and agriculture, helping rebuild Syria's ...

Syria Monitor Says 13 Alawites Killed by Security Forces

This is Beirut, 04/06 23:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Syria Alawite Community SOHR

Syrian forces shot dead eight members of the Alawite minority at a checkpoint on Wednesday, a war monitor said, after reporting that five men were found dead following their detention. Since the fall of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, the Alawite community which the deposed president hails from has been the target of many attacks, ...

Syria Says Seized All Captagon Factories

This is Beirut, 04/06 21:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Syria Captagon Bashar al-Assad

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab said Wednesday that authorities had seized all production facilities of illicit stimulant captagon, which became Syria's largest export under ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad. In an interview with state television, Khattab said that "we were able to stop the production of this drug and seize all the materials and ...

Soaring Sheep Prices Mark Eid al-Adha Preparations Across Arab World

This is Beirut, 04/06 20:10 - Reading : less than a minute

Palestine Lebanon Syria Sudan

As Eid al-Adha nears, the traditional livestock markets across the Arab world are bustling. But this year, as in previous ones, it’s the steep cost of sheep that’s drawing the most attention. A regional survey by Al Jazeera Economy highlights stark price variations that mirror broader economic disparities. In crisis-hit Lebanon, families can ...

Syria Monitor Says Five Alawites Found Dead after Detention

This is Beirut, 04/06 16:55 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Syria Alawite Community SOHR

Five men from Syria's Alawite minority were found dead in a hospital two days after being detained by security forces, a war monitor said Wednesday, alleging they had been "summarily executed." Since the fall of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, the Alawite community, which he hails from, has been the target of many attacks, including ...

General Security Boosts Border Staff Ahead of Adha Rush

This is Beirut, 04/06 11:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Border Syria Lebanon refugees Adha Security

Ahead of Eid al-Adha on Friday, Lebanon’s General Security has increased its personnel at key border crossings to handle the expected surge of Syrian nationals returning home for the holiday. Authorities are bracing for a significant rise in departures in the coming days, particularly from the Arida, Qaa and Masnaa crossings, the only ...

Between Freedom and Restrictions, Syrians Navigate New Reality

This is Beirut, 04/06 10:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Damascus Freedom Syria

Syrian singer Ishtar halted concerts when Islamist-led forces seized power nearly six months ago. She's now back on stage, but lingering fears have reshaped Damascus's nightlife scene. Performing an international repertoire to a packed venue in the capital's Old City, she told AFP that "some bars and restaurants were closed and others had ...

The Damascus Stock Exchange Is Back

This is Beirut, 03/06 18:10 - Reading : less than a minute

Damascus stock exchange stock market Syria

Six months of silence come to an end as the stock exchange officially reopens. A sign of hope for Syria, but challenges lie ahead. Watch our full video for all the details.

Integration of 3,500 Uyghur Jihadists into Syrian Army Raises Questions

Natasha Metni Torbey, 03/06 14:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Syria US Uyghurs China Jihadists Syrian army

A major strategic shift is underway in Ahmad al-Chareh’s Syria. In a controversial move, the United States has approved the integration of approximately 3,500 former foreign jihadist fighters – mostly Uyghurs – into the 84th Division of the Syrian Army. While the decision is reportedly conditional on full transparency during the integration ...

Six Months after Deposing Assad, Syria Faces Security, Economic Challenges

This is Beirut, 03/06 11:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Damascus Turkey Syria

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has in six months established himself internationally and had crippling sanctions removed, but still needs to rebuild national institutions, revive the economy and unite the fractured country. AFP looks at the main challenges facing Sharaa, whose Islamist-led coalition toppled longtime Syrian ruler ...

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