Damascus
Coverage of Damascus in the Nexus archive.
- Israeli strikes hit an air base hours after a Turkish delegation visit, Syrian officials say
Israeli airstrikes hit the Abu Duhur air base in northern Syria early Tuesday, hours after a Turkish delegation had visited the facility for a rehabilitation review. Israel stated the attack was because Syria allegedly breached an agreed-upon security status quo by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there. Both Turkey and Syrian officials condemned the strike, with Turkey accusing Netanyahu of making allegations intended to legitimize unlawful targeting of Syria's sovereignty.
- Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia
A Syrian court in Damascus sentenced Bashar Assad and his brother to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Syria’s 14-year conflict. Additionally, Atef Najib was sentenced alongside them. The sentences were pronounced at the Fourth Criminal Court.
- Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia
A Syrian court sentenced Bashar Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria’s 14-year conflict. Also sentenced was Atef Najib, described as a former army brigadier general who led the crackdown in Daraa province. Both Assad and his brother fled to Russia after insurgents marched into Damascus.
- Former Syrian President Assad sentenced to death in absentia
A Syrian court sentenced Bashar Assad along with his younger brother to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria’s 14-year conflict. Atef Najib, Assad’s cousin, was also sentenced to death in the same case for leading a crackdown in Daraa province. Amid tight security, Najib stood inside a cage as the judge read the sentence, following Assad and his brother's flight to Russia.
- Syrian court sentences Bashar Assad and his brother to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes
A Syrian court sentenced Bashar Assad and his brother to death in absentia. The sentencing was handed down for crimes against humanity and war crimes. The report specified that the location of the event was Damascus, Syria.
- On first visit to Syria in 17 years, UN chief meets Sharaa
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Damascus to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledging UN support for Syria's reconstruction and backing a request for EU aid. Guterres criticized the situation in the Golan Heights as 'totally unacceptable' while Damascus demanded an Israeli withdrawal from a UN-patrolled buffer zone.
- At least 35 people killed after buses collide in Syria, state media reports
At least 35 people were killed and 30 injured when two buses collided on a highway connecting Damascus and Deir el-Zour in Syria. The crash involved a civilian bus and an Interior Ministry bus, with Syrian military helicopters assisting at the scene. The cause of the collision remains unknown.
- U.N. chief urges international community to back Syrians during visit to Damascus
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres visited Damascus, urging international support for Syrians amid ongoing recovery from conflict. He met with interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa and highlighted Syria's need for aid, as 90% of the population lives in poverty and rebuilding costs are estimated at $216 billion.
- U.N. chief urges international community to back Syrians during visit to Damascus
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to support Syrians during a visit to Damascus, appealing for backing for the people of Syria.
- Guterres arrives in Syria for first UN secretary-general visit since before civil war
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Damascus for a three-day visit to reaffirm support for Syria's rebuilding efforts after more than a decade of civil war.
- Suwayda’s Struggle
Syria's Druze community is caught between Israeli protection and Damascus's rule. The situation in Suwayda highlights the geopolitical tensions affecting the region.
- UAE developer Alabbar to invest $20B in Syria developments
UAE developer Mohamed Alabbar plans $20 billion in housing, tourism, and education projects in Syria's Damascus and Latakia through his Abu Dhabi-based firm Eagle Hills. The investments align with Gulf efforts to counter Iranian influence in Syria and represent a strategic growth opportunity for UAE developers.
- ‘It’s expensive’: Syria’s electricity has improved, but challenges remain
Damascus residents report recent improvements in state-supplied electricity but express concerns over high energy costs. Syria's power situation shows progress but remains financially challenging for users.
- Syria’s interim parliament meets for first time after Assad overthrow
Syria’s interim parliament held its first session in Damascus, with the Syrian president urging lawmakers to demonstrate 'responsibility and competence.' Three seats in the Druze-majority Sweida region remain vacant.
- New Syrian parliament meets for first time in Damascus
Syria's new parliament convened in Damascus for the first time, 19 months after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa urged lawmakers to make the council a model of responsibility and a platform for truth and justice.
- How top Syrian diplomat Asaad al-Shaibani’s road to Damascus is shaking the Mideast
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is engaging in diplomatic efforts across multiple regions to advance President Ahmed al-Sharaa's initiatives, but faces challenges in a volatile Middle East. His travels to cities like Riyadh, Beirut, Washington, and Moscow highlight his role in reshaping regional dynamics.
- Bomb attacks rattle Damascus but for most Syrians, life goes on
Bomb attacks occurred in Damascus, aiming to create instability, though they do not indicate a complete security collapse in Syria. Most Syrians continue their daily lives despite the attacks.
- Explainer-What is Islamic State, the group linked to this week's Damascus bombs?
Two bombs exploded near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron stayed, wounding 18 people and overshadowing his visit. Preliminary investigations link the attack to a cell affiliated with Islamic State.
- Syria authorities say captured IS-linked cell behind blasts
Syrian officials claim to have captured an IS-linked cell responsible for bomb blasts that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus. Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated the cell responsible for the attacks is now in custody.
- Syria says captured IS-linked cell behind Damascus bombings during Macron visit
Syria claims to have captured an Islamic State (IS)-linked cell responsible for bombings in Damascus that targeted French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel. The explosions occurred on July 7, 2026, near the location where Macron was scheduled to stay.
- Syria arrests ISIS-linked suspects over Damascus bombings during Macron visit
Syrian authorities arrested suspects accused of carrying out a series of bombings in Damascus, including during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. The Interior Ministry stated the cell was dismantled, and an official blamed Islamic State, which has not claimed responsibility.
- Syria says cell behind ‘terrorist bombings’ in Damascus arrested
Syria reported arresting a cell responsible for 'terrorist bombings' in Damascus. Explosions occurred in the Syrian capital during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
- Syria says it arrested suspects behind the Damascus bombings during Macron’s visit
Syrian authorities arrested suspects accused of a series of explosions in Damascus, including those that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The arrests are linked to the bombings during his visit.
- Cell behind Damascus bombings in custody, Syria says
The Syrian government has captured the cell responsible for the Damascus bombings, according to Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. Authorities plan to disclose details about the cell's members and their connections after investigations are completed.
- Why the Damascus blasts during Macron’s visit are a blow to al-Sharaa
Twin blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit highlighted the fragility of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's authority and the security challenges he faces. The blasts undermined Damascus's efforts to project stability to the international community.
- Macron expresses 'belief that a new era is dawning in Syria' in Damascus visit
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus and expressed a belief that a new era is dawning in Syria. He met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the visit.
- Morning update
The US and Iran exchanged accusations following renewed attacks, with the US striking over 80 targets in Iran and Iran claiming to have hit 85 US military facilities. The US Treasury revoked a license for Iranian oil sales, and military officials indicated ongoing strikes. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Israel, and bombs near a hotel in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
- Syria grapples with unrest as government faces old and new threats
Syria is experiencing unrest as its government faces both old and new threats. Twin blasts in Damascus during Macron's visit have heightened concerns about the country's fragile stability.
- Karachi ranked among ‘least liveable cities’ in the world
Karachi was ranked 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2026, among the least liveable cities. It scored poorly in stability, healthcare, culture and environment, and infrastructure, with only education showing a relatively higher score. Cities like Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus ranked below Karachi, while war-affected Tehran and Kyiv scored slightly higher.
- Optimistic tone of Macron's visit doesn't hide precariousness of Syria's security
A bomb exploded near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, wounding 18 people and targeting the location where French president Macron had been staying, though he had already left. A year after al-Sharaa's visit to Paris, the leaders aim to strengthen economic relations.
- Bomb attacks wound 18 in Damascus as Macron visits
Two bomb attacks in Damascus near President Macron's hotel wounded 18 people. The bombs, placed in a car and garbage container, exploded during dismantling efforts. Macron continued his visit to discuss Syria's reconstruction with Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Explosions rock Syria's capital as French President Macron visits
Explosions in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Macron's visit, marking the second attack in a week. Macron and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa agreed to reappoint ambassadors after over a decade, signaling restored diplomatic ties. The blasts occurred near Macron's hotel and involved devices in a garbage bin and a parked car.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, near French president’s hotel
Twin explosions in Damascus injured 18 people near the French president's hotel. The blasts occurred during a meeting between French President Macron and counterpart Sharaa, which proceeded as planned. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
- Two explosions shake Damascus near Macron’s hotel
Two explosions occurred near Damascus' Four Seasons hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during a visit to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The blasts, caused by improvised devices in a trash container and a parked car, injured 18 people, including four police officers. Macron confirmed his safety and stated his visit would continue.
- Bombs Explode Near Hotel Where Macron Hosted Meetings During Syria Visit, 18 Injured
Two bombs exploded near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron held meetings. The attack injured 18 people.
- Syria: Macron ‘safe’ after blasts near French president’s hotel
Two bomb explosions occurred near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. Macron was confirmed safe, with his motorcade leaving the hotel before the explosions.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts, caused by devices in a garbage bin and a parked car, occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron was staying. Macron continued his meeting despite the attacks, emphasizing Syria's aspirations for sovereignty and stability.
- What to know about Macron's landmark visit to Syria
French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria marks the first by an EU leader since rebels ousted dictator al-Assad. The trip aims to support Syria's rehabilitation, but unclaimed explosions near Macron's hotel in Damascus highlight ongoing security risks.
- Explosions in Damascus during Macron visit: What we know
Explosions occurred near the hotel where the French president was reportedly staying in Damascus shortly after he departed for the presidential palace.
- Bomb attacks wound 18 in Damascus as Macron visits
Two explosions in Damascus near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying injured 18 people. Macron was not present in the hotel during the blasts, having already arrived at Syria's presidential palace for a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa.