Northwestern Syrian city and capital of Idlib Governorate
Israel has attacked a northern Syrian air base, citing Turkey’s possible movement into the area. Barrack has described the strike as an “unnecessary escalation” and suggested it might be aimed at baiting Turkey. Israeli officials deny the claim and warn against Turkish deployment. The United States and Syria are calling for de-escalation while regional actors reassess their positions.
A blast in Idlib's Sarmada area has killed and injured civilians as authorities investigate a depot storing weapons and unexploded munitions. Civil defense teams are assessing the site and working to secure surrounding areas amid a pattern of explosions linked to stockpiles left from years of conflict.
Syria has raised diesel and petrol prices by up to 40% amid global energy pressures and a maintenance overhaul at the Baniyas refinery. The government says the move is temporary and aims to secure supplies, while protests have erupted in multiple regions. Authorities plan to restart small refineries to meet demand and reduce imports.
The New Arab reports that a Syrian national, known as Al-Daameesh, has been detained in Batroun after allegedly preparing an IS-aligned attack during the pope’s 2025 Lebanon visit. Authorities say he previously served with Nusra Front and IS, with the cell’s dismantling attributed to security measures around the pope’s trip.
Authorities have detained Ali Kayali and several other figures linked to the Bashar al-Assad regime’s forces and militias over alleged war crimes in 2013. The arrests come as Syria intensifies accountability efforts under the new regime authorities.
Syria’s General Intelligence Service says it has foiled a plot by a Hezbollah-linked cell to attack the Homs refinery, with two members arrested and explosives seized. Hezbollah denies involvement and says it has no presence in Syria. The incident follows a string of attacks on Syria’s energy infrastructure and comes as Damascus tightens security around strategic facilities.