HTS

Damascus acting with US backing to control Jabal al-Druze in southern Syria, official says - KAN

Citing the official, KAN reported that American support is conditional on Sharaa's actions not harming Israel's national security. 

People stand next to a destroyed tank turret, following deadly clashes between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes and government forces, in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria July 25, 2025.
A member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard as Syrian Kurds attend a protest in solidarity with people in Sweida, on July 17, 2025.

Washington’s Syrian mistake: Empowering HTS, endangering Kurds - opinion

 Smoke rises, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 8, 2024.

On This Day: One year since Syrian rebels overthrew Assad regime, ending over 50 year rule

Armored personnel carriers stand outside a compound of the Syrian army's new 80th Division in northwest Syria, June 3, 2025.

Syrian army starts training in Turkey, while Ankara gains influence over Damascus gov't - analysis


UK removes terrorism designation for HTS, formerly led by Syria's Ahmed Al-Sharaa

HTS, a former al Qaeda affiliate, was proscribed in 2017, meaning that Britain designated it as a terrorist group, making it illegal to support or join it.

 Rebel fighters ride a vehicle, after rebels led by HTS have sought to capitalize on their swift takeover of Aleppo in the north and Hama in west-central Syria by pressing onwards to Homs, in Hama, Syria December 6, 2024.

Why Russia’s Putin and Syria’s Sharaa agreed to meet after a decade of war - analysis

Russia clearly wanted to pivot to work with Sharaa. It likely extended feelers long ago, recognizing HTS as a potential partner, even after a decade of fighting in Syria.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, October 15, 2025.

Syrian defense minister and SDF commander agree to immediate ceasefire, ministry says

The ceasefire applies to northern and north-eastern Syria.

 SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, attends an interview with Reuters in Shaddadi, Syria, June 13, 2025.

Sweida's Druze defy Damascus in a fight over self-determination, their fate in Syria

BEHIND THE LINES: The violence in Sweida may have subsided in recent weeks, but nothing has been resolved. It is almost certainly a matter of time until the next round. 

People stand next to a destroyed tank turret, following deadly clashes between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and government forces, in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria July 25, 2025.

Is new Syrian faction Saraya al-Jawad local, proxy or propaganda? Experts weigh in

Experts say the group may be an independent local offshoot of coastal networks or a proxy for actors using a new label to disrupt regional security.

A youth rides his bicygle next to a destroyed car following clashes between Syria's new authorities and supporters of deposed president Bashar al-Assad in the town of Jableh in the coastal province of Latakia on March 10, 2025.

Airstrikes, cautious diplomacy: Israel and Syria draw closer - opinion

Cautious diplomacy will continue to guide Israeli-Syrian relations.

SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Asaad al-Shaibani attends the Munich Security Conference earlier this year. Reportedly, he has met more than once with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the writer notes.

Sharaa's Islamist army fuels Syria's descent into sectarian slaughter

BEHIND THE LINES: In just eight months of Sunni Islamist rule in Syria, already three large-scale incidents of sectarian violence have taken place.

 Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.

Meeting between Dermer, Syrian FM on Druze humanitarian corridor postponed - report

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani are now likely to meet next week, sources told N12.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer; illustrative.

Israeli, Syrian officials to meet in Azerbaijan to discuss situation in southern Syria - report

Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani are scheduled to attend the meeting, which will focus on the security situation in southern Syria.

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani speaks during a press conference in Damascus, May 20, 2025; illustrative.

US repatriates minor from Syrian displaced persons camp, reunites him with family

The State Department said on Tuesday that the United States repatriated a US citizen minor from a displaced persons camp in northeast Syria.

Members of a group of Bedouin families who left Sweida, take a shelter at a school, in the village of El Sahoah in Deraa Governorate, Syria, July 28, 2025.