Mediterranean port city and governorate capital of Syria
Parliament has convened for the first time under a five-year transitional framework after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. The assembly includes appointees by President al-Sharaa and elected members, with debates over representation, a new constitution, and transitional justice shaping the agenda.
Christians in western Idlib are returning to their villages, reopening churches and repairing homes after years of displacement. Residents describe a sense of belonging returning as they reopen Al-Quniyah and nearby areas, while broader reconstruction faces funding and infrastructure challenges.
Western officials say Moscow’s surface fleet remains stretched as it steps up escort duties for the shadow fleet, moving oil and evading sanctions. NATO reports show ships are being boarded for intelligence, while submarines remain a strategic asset. Tensions near European waters are rising as live-fire drills and shadow-escort operations draw closer to allied forces.
Syria's foreign ministry has announced that Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base will transfer into Syrian civilian management and be converted into joint training centres within three months under a memorandum with Russia. Syria will take control of civilian facilities and commercial berths while military areas will be repurposed under arrangements that preserve both sides' interests.