Kurdish-led, multi-group security coalition in northeast Syria.
U.S. forces have completed the handover of major military sites in Syria to the Syrian government, following a deal with Kurdish-led forces and the Syrian regime. The withdrawal marks a shift in regional military presence, with Syria now assuming full control of former U.S. bases. The U.S. continues to support counterterrorism efforts without maintaining permanent outposts.
Australian authorities have reiterated they will not repatriate citizens tied to Daesh, as four Australian families depart Roj camp in northeast Syria for Damascus under coordination with the Syrian government. The move follows a February attempt and ongoing safety and legal concerns cited by Canberra.
Eva Maria Michelmann, 36, and Kurdish-Turkish colleague Ahmed Polad remain detained in Raqqa after a Syrian government sweep during Raqqa operations. CPJ has urged immediate, transparent information on their status as Germany and allies press for health checks and access to legal counsel.
The United States has left its Baghdad ambassador post vacant for 18 months. President Trump has appointed Tom Barrack as Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria while he remains ambassador to Turkey. Barrack’s role in Syria and Iraq is expanding amid shifting diplomatic priorities, with several chargés d’affaires having led the Baghdad mission since late 2024.
A German journalist, Eva Maria Michelmann, has been released from a Damascus prison and has returned to Berlin. Her Kurdish-Turkish colleague Ahmet Polad remains detained and unaccounted for. The German government and CPJ had pressed for her release amid a high-profile case that drew international attention.