Syria - Islamic World News

In recent days, the crisis on the Alawite coast of Syria has escalated again, with local residents concerned about the increased activity of hidden ISIS and al-Qaeda cells, as well as the actions of the Tahrir al-Sham dictatorship. The local head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, is gradually becoming the leader of the Alawite majority, which worries the so-called Ahmed al-Sharaa (aka Muhammad al-Julani).

Hamza al-Mustafa, Syria’s Minister of Information, met yesterday with a delegation from the U.S.-based organization IREX, which operates in the fields of education, media development, youth empowerment, and social change. The two sides discussed the state of the media sector in Syria and related development programs.

Following their withdrawal from the Al-Shaddadi base in southern Hasakah province, U.S. forces set fire to their facilities. This action comes amid new U.S. military movements in northeastern Syria and the relocation of equipment from various bases, including Kharab al-Jir, toward the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Following recent political and field developments in Syria, the US presence in the northeast has entered a new phase. Although reports since early 2025 indicate a reduction in forces and the evacuation of some bases in Deir Ezzor, field evidence and satellite images suggest this is not a complete withdrawal. Instead, it appears to be a shift and concentration of presence toward the eastern-northeastern corridor of Syria. This change coincides with decreased activity at Deir Ezzor bases and increased infrastructure development at several eastern bases, notably “Qasrak” and “Shaddadi”. The simultaneous trends—waning presence in the west and expansion in the east—raise a key question: What is the true US strategy in Syria? Is it a gradual withdrawal or a reconfiguration for a new phase?

Senior Syrian and Israeli officials met in Paris on Monday to restart negotiations aimed at reaching a new security agreement. According to Axios, citing an Israeli official and a knowledgeable source, the talks will last for two days.

Lebanese security forces have begun a large-scale operation to ensure that senior figures and officers of Syria’s former regime are not present on Lebanese soil, aiming to prevent the country from becoming a platform for threats against Syria’s security and stability. The case is being overseen directly by Tarek Mitri, Lebanon’s Deputy Prime Minister, who is responsible for managing Lebanon–Syria relations. Mitri seeks to reassure Damascus of Beirut’s respect for its neighbor’s sovereignty and stability through security and political measures.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Sheikh Mohammad Ali Halhal, head of Syria’s Supreme Islamic Alawite Council in Tartus province, has been abducted by al‑Joulani’s forces.

Lebanon’s al‑Akhbar newspaper claims that Saudi Arabia and Qatar believe the UAE is backing separatist groups, including forces in Syria’s coastal region, Sweida province, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Continuing consultations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Abu Muhammad al‑Joulani’s administration, a meeting will take place under direct U.S. supervision in Palmyra, Homs province.

At least 3 people were killed and 59 injured after al‑Joulani‑affiliated forces attacked Alawite demonstrators in Latakia on December 28, according to media reports.

Sheikh Ghazal Wahb Ghazal, head of Syria’s Supreme Islamic Alawite Council, issued a video statement following the recent terrorist bombing in Homs, calling for widespread and peaceful protests to denounce the current situation facing the Alawite community.

Talks between Israel and Syria over a security agreement have seen significant progress in recent weeks, with expectations that the deal may be signed soon. According to informed sources, the potential agreement could go beyond a purely security framework and include a diplomatic annex, expected to be signed during a high‑level meeting in a European country.