2301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037Tel: +1.202.457.1700, About Syrian state and non-state actors have subjected men, boys, transgender women, and nonbinary people to sexual violence during the Syrian conflict, resulting in severe physical and mental health consequences. [427][bettersourceneeded], On October 6, a pro-Assad Iranian-backed militiaman was killed by suspected ISIL sniper fire in the Mayadin desert. The Syrian Civil War: Where Do Things Stand in 2022? [416], In summer 2022, there were reports that Syrian diplomats had met with Turkish diplomats, at an international conference. A man walks in front of destroyed buildings in Harasta, Syria. [93], Furthermore, 3 people were killed in a hospital fire in the city of Aleppo. [480], Later that day, 3 Pro-Assad fighters were killed and 5 others were wounded by insurgents in an attack on a military post in the village of Al-Naimah, Daraa. [295], On 3 July, a Syrian government soldier was killed and 3 others were abducted by gunmen during an armed attack on Syrian military checkpoint near As-Suwayda, southern Syria. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, met with Syria's foreign minister in Damascus; afterwards, Pedersen said that Syria's economic situation is extremely difficult as close to 15 million people are in need for humanitarian assistance. , On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and7.5 magnitude aftershock struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria, representing one of the worst natural disasters of this century.As of Wednesday, February 15, the total death tollhas surpassed forty thousand people. [415], During 2728 September, at least five ISIS militants were killed in Russian airstrikes in the Syrian desert. In February 2021, a German court sentenced Eyad A., a former Syrian intelligence official, to fourand a half years in prison for aiding and abetting crimes against humanity. Russia, Turkey, and Iran, continue to provide military and financial support to warring factions and to shield them from accountability. Syrian jihadist group HTS, armed groups agree to uneasy truce. After six months of USIP-supported dialogues, meetings, and informal discussions, more than 100 families returned home and a key local road reopened, linking Arab villagers to the al-Qahtaniya town center in al-Hasakah province. Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate is gaining ground from rival rebels in Syria's Turkish-held north, on the heels of some of the deadliest inter-rebel fighting in the region in years.Here is what we know of the deadly flareup, which is altering the balance of power in parts of Syria that still evade government control after more than a decade of war.- [436][self-published source? With Russian and Iranian support, the Syrian government has steadily regained control of territory from opposition forces, including the oppositions stronghold in Aleppo in 2016. While the levels of animosity and mistrust between Armenia and Turkey are great, they share the same volatile seismic geography that has killed tens of thousands of people in the last 40 years. Various rights advocates were stated to be concerned that improved relations between Syrian President Assad and Turkish President Erdogan might eventually be detrimental to Syrian refugees in Turkey. On December 4, over 200 Druze protestors stormed and occupied the office of Suweyda's governor and burned portraits of Bashar al-Assad. [209], Also, a Syrian soldier of the 4th Armoured Division was shot dead by insurgents in the village of Al-Yadudah, Daraa. ][432], On 17 October, an ISIS suicide bomber blew himself up and 3 other ISIS members after the Syrian army launched a security operation in Jasim, Daraa, following clashes a few days before. After a series of terrorist attacks coordinated by the Islamic State across Europe in 2015, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Francewith the support of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab partnersexpanded their air campaign in Iraq to include Syria. [401], In the month of August 2022, 291 people were killed in Syria. [157], On 15 April, during the early hours of the morning, Israeli jets carried out airstrikes on several buildings near Damascus, causing material damage only. [40], On 28 January, SOHR reported that two fighters of the pro-Assad Al-Qatarji militia were found dead along the bank of the Euphrates River after being killed by unknown gunmen in al-Bolil village, where they were stationed. [310], On 9 July, a Syrian soldier was shot dead by gunmen on a road on the outskirts of Al-Jabiliyah village in Quenitra countryside. [41], On 29 January, unknown gunmen, suspected to by ISIL operatives, killed four Syrian government soldiers as they slept at their outpost in the settlement of Bakras Tahtani in the Deir ez-Zor countryside. Bashar al-Assad has been president since 2000, taking over after his father,Hafez al-Assad, served as president from 1971 until 2000. al-Assad and his ruling political party, theBa'ath Party, have been condemned internationally for human rights violations and censorship. [171], On 21 April, two SDF fighters were killed after ISIL militants attacked an SDF checkpoint near the village of Al-Sajr, north of Deir ez-Zor. [470], On the same day, 2 Syrian soldiers were wounded after an Israeli airstrike on an alleged Hezbollah position near Damascus. A girl walks toward her familys tent at a refugee camp for people displaced by fighting between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Islamic State militants in Ain Issa, Syria on October 3, 2017. The network also estimates that at least 100,000 Syrians remain forcibly disappeared, with nearly 85 percent at the hands of Syrian government forces. [262][263], On the same day, an SDF fighter was shot dead in the town of Al-Busayrah, Deir ez-Zor. [44], On 1 February, three fighters of the Liwa al-Quds militia were killed and two others were wounded after ISIL militants attacked their positions in the al-Masrib desert in the western Deir ez-Zor countryside. In 2016, the U.N. General Assembly established the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM), after vetoes in the U.N. Security Council prevented referral of the Syrian situation to the International Criminal Court. [237], On 28 May, two civilians were shot and killed by unidentified gunmen near Al-Masifra, Daraa. Most also found their homes either totally or partially destroyed and were unable to afford the costs of renovation. "Sometimes I cry, sometimes I get upset, sometimes I think about leaving (the country), but if I do, how will we live?". By providing strategic support and targeted trainings, USIP has strengthened the ability of its partner organization to work with local leaders in northeast Syria to reduce barriers to the return of displaced people, address tensions triggered by the conflict, and identify and solve problems shared by different segments of society. The Syrian displacement crisis remains one of the most dire and protracted consequences of the war. [224], On 17 May, two Syrian soldiers were shot dead by unknown gunmen near Saida, Daraa. A soldier of the Syrian Army's 15th Division was shot dead on the Nahj-Kharab al shahm road west of Daraa. 4 hours ago. Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals, Additional reporting by Tom Perry and Maya Saad in Beirut; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Oil prices drop as US rate hike fears, weak China data offset supply cuts, Islamic State leader killed in Syria by Turkish intelligence services, Erdogan says, Dubai crypto regulator awards first broker-dealer MVP operational license, Currencies in limbo awaiting packed week of central banks, Thai PM candidate gives birth two weeks before election, Uzbek leader wins referendum on extending powers, Head of Mexican migration authority charged over deadly Juarez fire, India April factory activity hits 4-month high on robust demand, Australia to reveal huge budget rebound, pledge restraint in response. [272], On the same day, a commander of the Syrian Army's security branch was shot dead by unknown gunmen in the town of Al-Jiza, Daraa. All told, the death toll in Trkiye and Syria stands at 4,300 but is likely to continue to rise. In retaliation, on 25 August, the United States conducted airstrikes with AC-130 gunships and Apache attack helicopters against Iranian-backed militia groups in Mayadin, Syria, killing at least three. [290], On 28 June, SOHR reported three government soldiers were killed after being shot by insurgents on a road near Jasim, Daraa. #Syria Envoy @GeirOPedersen will update the @UN Security Council this morning on the latest developments in the political process in the country.Follow the meeting live at 10AM EST - @UNWebTV - https://t.co/hDC1bQb20B pic.twitter.com/B1dF2omsO6. [340][341][342], On the same day, 7 civilians, including 4 children, were killed in a Russian airstrike on the village of al-Jadidah near the city of Jisr ash-Shughur, Idlib. [143], On 5 April, one SDF operative was killed and two others were wounded after suspected ISIS gunmen opened fire on SDF forces in the city of Hajin, but then escaped on a motorcycle. The Syrian government provided no assistance in repairing homes. "Syrian regime, Russia escalate attacks on Idlib", "Rare U.S. raid in Syrian gov't-held zone kills Islamic State arms smuggler", "US kills two top ISIS leaders in airstrike in Syria", "Syria Official: US Drone Attack Kills IS Member in Northeast", "HTS Takes Full Control Of Jindires District In Syria's Afrin", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (October 7-19, 2022)", "Military bus blast in Syria kills 18 soldiers: State media", "10 Killed In Clashes Between Local Gunmen, ISIS In Syria's Daraa", "Death Toll Rise In Clashes Between ISIS, Local Gunmen In Syria's Daraa", "RuAF bombed KafrJanah base Btwn Azaz & Afrin, killing at least 6 Suqur Al-Sham Rebels", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (October 20-26, 2022)", "Syria: Suicide bombing kills at least three people in Daraa late Oct. 28", "Monthly death toll | 137 civilians among 344 people killed in October 2022", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (November 10-16, 2022)", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (November 3-9, 2022)", "Syria: At least 9 killed after attack on displacement camps", "Death toll update | 13 regime soldiers killed in two operations by HTS on Sahl Al-Ghab", "Strikes in Syria hit fuel convoy from Iraq; Iranians killed", "Israeli air strikes in Syria kill two soldiers, wound three", "Istanbul Attack: Suspect Arrested After Six People Killed, Govt Says PKK Responsible", "Turkey blames Kurdish group for Istanbul bombing", "Israeli airstrikes on Syria kill 4 soldiers, injure 1", "Turkey launches Operation Claw-Sword against SDF, PKK, YPG", "Turkish airstrikes | 45 members of SDF and regime forces killed and injured in SDF-controlled areas", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (November 17-23, 2022)", "Five civilians killed, five wounded in rocket attack on Syria's Azaz - nurse, activist", "Four Syrian drug smugglers killed in clashes with Jordanian guards - sources", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (November 24-30, 2022)", "ISIS in November 2022 | Nearly 23 civilians and combatants killed in 25 attacks in areas held by regime forces and SDF, while 30 people killed in clashes between ISIS and local factions in Daraa", "Monthly death toll | 142 civilians among 348 people killed in November 2022", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (December 1-7, 2022)", "Protesters storm governor's office in southern Syrian city, two killed in clashes", "Street protest in Syria met by heavy gunfire", "Syria: Protesters storm governor's office in southern city of Sweida", "Turkish deadline for SDF withdrawal from northern Syria: Source", "Sneak operation | HTS member and regime soldier killed on Sahl Al-Ghab frontline", "Idlib | Regime soldier killed in attack by "Al-Fatah Al-Mubin" factions on military position", "Death toll update | 11 people including afghani people killed in clashes with ISIS", "Spotlight on Global Jihad (December 8-14, 2022)", "MUNJEVIT UPAD EKSTREMISTA: Kamera sve snimila, ubijena i ranjena 24 vojnika! U.S. forces "will continue the relentless campaign against ISIS," U.S. Central Command General Michael "Erik" Kurilla said on Monday. [207] On the same day a Levant Front fighter was killed on the frontlines at the city of Mare', after clashes broke out between opposition and Kurdish forces. [359], On the same day an SDF fighter was killed and 3 others were wounded during clashes with smugglers at a river crossing in Abu Hamam, Deir ez-Zor. [475], On the same day, suspected ISIL gunmen on a motorcycle shot at a Syrian army vehicle in the Homs desert region, killing 2 Syrian soldiers. [412], On October 4, according to Middle East Monitor, two fighters of the opposition Sultan Murad Division were killed and 6 others were wounded in an SDF infiltration attempt on the outskirts of Al-Jatal village, Aleppo. More than 2,300 people have now been confirmed dead across Turkey and neighbouring Syria after a 7.8 magnitude tremor struck in the early hours of Monday. Is Turkey on the cusp of restoring ties with Syria's Assad? With one son killed, a second wounded in fighting, and a third missing for a decade, Berri has paid a high price in the war that spiralled out of protests against Assad's rule in 2011. Syrias deteriorating economy has also helped accelerate thefts, with low-earning officials tempted by bribes. Various factionsthe Syrian regime, Syrian rebels, the self-styled Islamic State, al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organizations, Kurdish-led organizations, and foreign militias including Hezbollahhave engaged in a costly contest for control. [439], Between 31 October and 15 November, 16 ISIS fighters, 6 Pro-Assad militiamen and 6 civilians were killed in clashes in and around the city of Daraa. [137], On 30 March, two Syrian government soldiers were killed and another 2 were wounded after being shot by unknown gunmen on the Da'il-Daraa highway in the Daraa countryside. The government justified the decision under its overbroad and abusive Counterterrorism Law of 2019. The helicopter crashed in a mountainous area of Latakia, killing two of the crew and injuring 4 others. Six Syrian soldiers and a civilian were killed in the attack and several others were injured. More than 6,000 have been killed by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey, and the numbers are expected to rise. Syrian officials tell Newsweek U.S. policy "contradicts the responsibility entrusted to the United Statesto strengthening international peace and security.". Despite a decrease in active hostilities in Syria, returnees faced a host of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, forced disappearances, and abuse by Syrian authorities, providing additional evidence that Syria is not safe. [234], On 25 May, three tribal members of the Syrian National Army were killed in internal tribal clashes in the town of Ras al-Ayn. This project is supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. [411], On 20 September, a Syrian soldier was killed and two others were injured after an AGTM was fired at a Syrian Army post on the al-Malaga area of the southern Idlib frontline. Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri's death will "temporarily disrupt the organization's ability to plot external attacks," said the U.S. Central Command. [120] On 17 March, the head of the Jasim town council was shot dead by unknown gunmen just outside the town of Jasim, in the Daraa countryside. The position was destroyed by HTS fighters after the attack. The world is failing the people of Syria. [338], On 21 July, 3 Syrian soldiers, including 2 officers, of the Ministry of the Interior were killed in an ambush by insurgents in the Gharz area, east of Daraa. [282], On the same day, according to SOHR, an SDF fighter was shot dead by suspected ISIS insurgents at Al-Asadiyah farm, north of Raqqa. [452], On the same day an SDF fighter was shot dead in Al-Busayrah by ISIS insurgents. Access unmatched financial data, news and content in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, web and mobile. "I would like the situation to get better, so I don't have to leave," said Kawthar Al Saleh, 28, a journalist. [349], On the same day, a captain of the Syrian Army's 5th Division was killed in an IED explosion in the city of Daraa. "I owe her a lot," Rumeysa Grbz, a survivor of the powerful earthquake in Turkey, said of her beloved pet cat Leyla after being reunited. June 5, 2022. [364], Also, a member of the Tel Tamr military council was blown up in a Turkish drone strike in the village of Tel Jumah in the Al-Hasakah countryside. [305], Furthermore, due to Turkish threats to invade Kurdish-held territories in northern Syria, Rojava declared a state of emergency. Human Rights Watch has previously documented how the guarantees provided within reconciliation agreements fall short of providing necessary protections for Syrians. Opposition forces have maintained limited control in Idlib, in northwestern Syria, and on the Iraq-Syria border. [428] Later that day, a helicopter raid killed two senior Islamic State leaders in Qamishli, including the Islamic State's deputy leader in Syria, Abu 'Ala, and Abu Mu'ad al-Qahtani, an official responsible for prisoner affairs. [20] A suicide bombing also took place in the city of Afrin near a opposition military base, wounding several people. [274], On the same day, a fighter of HTS was shot dead by forces of the Syrian Army on the Ftireh area of the Idlib frontline. People selling key household assets. While the authorities in 2020 repealed Article 548 of the penal code which allowed men to receive reduced sentences if they injured or killed their wives or immediate female relatives on finding them engaging in an illegitimate sexual act, other articles remain that could allow men to receive reduced sentences for violence against women. [268], On the same day, a Syrian soldier was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on the highway between Qorkas and Al-Qosaiba, Daraa. [188] On the Aleppo frontline, near the village of Kaimar, three fighters of the Al-Hamza Division were killed in an infiltration attempt by Kurdish "Tahrir Afrin" fighters. Turkey invaded and occupied parts of northeastern Syria in October 2019, [374], In Daraa, a man was shot dead by insurgents in the town of Tell Shihab. REUTERS/Yamam al Shaar. Geneva (14 September 2022) -- Syrians are facing increasing suffering and hardships brought on by the deadly consequences of over a decade of war and an [405], Fighting continued between ISIL and the Syrian Democratic Forces and its pro-government allies in NE Syria. an opposition fighting group absorbed into the government forces) accused of drug trafficking, was shot dead by gunmen in the village of Saham al-Jawlan in the western Daraa countryside, according to SOHR. In April 2021, states parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention voted to suspend Syrian rights and privileges at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). [227] On the same day, a Jihadist suicide bomber blew himself up after infiltrating a Syrian army position on the Jabal al-Akrad frontline, killing two Syrian soldiers. Search for experts, projects, publications, courses, and more. [441], On 6 November, Syrian government forces shelled a camp for the displaced in the rebel-held northwestern part of Idlib, killing 9 and wounding dozens. On the same day, 3 Syrian soldiers were killed after a landmine, planted by suspected ISIL operatives, exploded underneath their vehicle in the village of Jabal al-Omar. The UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) was also able to document cases of sexual violence inflicted during detention in government facilities, including rape, assault, and sexual humiliation against women, men, and girls and boys as young as 11 years old. [454], In November 2022, at least 3 ISIS fighters were killed in Russian airstrikes. [360], On 2 August, a Syrian soldier was shot dead by Al-Fatah al-Mubin militants on the Kafr Nabl frontline in Idlib. [276], On the same day, an SDF fighter was shot dead by ISIS gunmen in the town of Al-Busayrah. [384], On August 12, two fighters of the Syriac Military Council were killed by Turkish shelling in the town of Tell Tamer, north of Hasakah city. [412], On 22 September, at least 89 mainly Syrian and Lebanese migrants drowned off the coast of Tartus after trying to sail to Europe from Lebanon. Three other soldiers later died of their wounds. The Syria civil war is, if anything, even more tragic. [457], First week of December was marked by the beginning of large-scale demonstrations in the southern Druze-majority city of Suweida; headquarters of Suweida governorate. 9 March 2022 Human Rights Top UN-appointed rights investigators on Wednesday urged renewed efforts for a political solution to Syrias devastating war, which [461], Between 67 December, 2 Syrian soldiers and a fighter of HTS were killed in clashes on the Idlib frontline. Now you sleep, wake up and see that prices have gone up," he said. And they don't seem to care much about Washington's disapproval. [332], On 18 July, 4 reconciled opposition fighters were shot dead in the western Daraa countryside. The Syrian government has exacerbated the economic crisis impact by failing to fairly and adequately address bread and fuel shortages, instead allowing discriminatory and inequitable distribution. Publication Type: Fact Sheet. Syrias twelve years of conflict have severely hindered its relief effortsthe head of the World Food Programme described the situation as a catastrophe on top of catastrophe. , Earthquake response efforts are complicated by the territorial divisions stemming from Syria's civil war. The U.S. Institute of Peace has been working in Syria since the war began in 2011. [485], At least 7 ISIS militants were killed in Russian airstrikes in December 2022. [435], On the same day, 2 NDF militiamen were killed and 5 others were wounded after their vehicle drove over a mine in the al-Talahej area, east of Hama. [170] On the same day, 3 SDF fighters were killed after a Turkish drone bombed a military vehicle of the SDF on the Aidiq-Takhtak road near Koban.