The Syrian National Army, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, has overthrown Bashar al-Assad, transitioning to the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG). Global leaders cautiously welcome this change, wary of HTS’s al-Qaeda ties. The international community stresses stability and civilian protection. Turkey discreetly aids the SNA but avoids formal ties with the SSG. Analyst Itay Goitman notes the SSG’s lack of independence from HTS, predicting unchanged basic services and highlighting the importance of HTS-Kurd relations in shaping Syria’s future. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 10:00 pm
Israel’s defense minister has ordered troops to prepare for winter on Mount Hermon, a strategic peak on the Syria-Lebanon border. This follows Israel’s control of the area after Syrian President Assad’s fall. The UN urges Israel to withdraw, citing violations of a 1974 agreement. Israel claims the agreement collapsed with Syria’s government fall. The Golan Heights, seized by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981, remains a contentious area. The US recognized the annexation in 2019, but it lacks international recognition. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 10:00 pm
Prince Andrew’s reputation has plummeted from celebrated royal to disgraced figure. Once a heroic pilot and trade envoy, his image has been tarnished by scandals, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and a suspected Chinese spy. His military roles and royal patronages were stripped, and he’s now distanced from the royal family. Calls for transparency about his past activities persist, marking a significant fall for the former Queen’s favored son. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 10:00 pm
Bashar al-Assad secretly fled Syria for Moscow as his regime collapsed, deceiving aides, officials, and even family. Hours before leaving, he falsely assured military leaders of incoming Russian support. Assad misled his presidential office manager and media adviser about his whereabouts. Nadim Houri criticized Assad for abandoning his supporters. Interviews with 14 insiders reveal Assad sought external help to extend his rule before using deception to escape. Even his brother Maher was unaware of the plan, later flying to Russia via Iraq. Assad has been granted political asylum in Moscow. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 6:30 pm
Prince Andrew is implicated in a suspected Chinese spying case after a British court barred a Chinese man, H6, from the UK on national security grounds. H6, a “close confidant” of Andrew, had ties with the Chinese Communist Party and sought to influence UK politics. He advised British firms on Chinese investments and was an agent for Andrew, who previously served as a trade envoy. Security services found incriminating evidence after seizing H6’s devices in 2021. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 6:30 pm
In an interview with Fox News, Gen. Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), reported ongoing attacks by the Turkish military and Turkish-supported opposition, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. He noted 80 daily drone attacks and heavy artillery, hindering counterterrorism efforts. The attacks have intensified since Bashar Al Assad’s fall on December 8. Gen. Mazloum warned that if Kurdish forces are forced to retreat, ISIS could resurge. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 6:30 pm
Russia launched a major aerial attack on Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, targeting the energy sector. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 81 missiles, aided by F-16s from Western allies. President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and called for global unity against Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted critical Ukrainian infrastructure in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a Russian air base. Uncertainty looms over future U.S. support for Ukraine as President-elect Trump has pledged to end the war and expressed opposition to Ukraine striking Russian targets with U.S. weapons. Ava Sinclair 13/12/2024 6:30 pm
Mazen Al-Hamada, a Syrian activist and outspoken critic of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, was mourned in Damascus after his body was found in Seydnaya prison, showing signs of horrific torture. Known for exposing the regime’s brutality, Mazen was arrested and tortured in 2011, later seeking asylum in the Netherlands. Despite his efforts to raise awareness, he struggled with severe depression. His death highlights the ongoing atrocities in Syria and the personal toll on those who resist. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 3:00 pm
Russia launched a massive aerial attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities, causing significant damage and extended power cuts amid freezing temperatures. President Zelenskiy called for increased Western support, criticizing Russia’s actions as a form of terror. The attack involved 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting many. Damage assessments remain limited, but power substations and gas infrastructure were targeted. The strikes have intensified pressure on Ukraine, with additional power cuts imposed, particularly in the Kyiv region. Noah Prescott 13/12/2024 3:00 pm
In Latakia, a former Assad stronghold, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group now maintains order, filling the power vacuum. Despite past hostilities, HTS is reportedly considering a deal with Russia, allowing Russian bases to remain operational. Celebrations occur around the remnants of a statue of Hafez al-Assad, symbolizing the regime’s diminished influence. Russian military activity continues, with convoys moving freely. The potential deal’s benefits for HTS remain unclear, but it highlights shifting alliances in the region. Penelope Kingsley 13/12/2024 3:00 pm
