About our US-Syria news
Latest news on US-Syria relations, covering diplomatic tensions, military involvement, sanctions policy, counter-terrorism operations, humanitarian aid and shifting dynamics post-Assad regime.
The United States' relationship with Syria has entered a new phase following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on 8 December 2024. President Biden has described the development as historic, noting that "for the first time ever neither Russia nor Iran nor Hezbollah could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria", while emphasizing continued U.S. commitment to regional stability.
U.S. engagement in Syria remains focused on several key areas: maintaining approximately 900 troops to support counter-ISIS operations, providing humanitarian assistance, enforcing economic sanctions, and supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. The U.S. has pledged to maintain its military presence to ensure the "enduring defeat of ISIS" while monitoring the ongoing political transition.
Economic pressure through the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act continues to impact Syria's economy, targeting the regime's financial networks and attempting to influence political behavior. These sanctions have had far-reaching effects on Syria's ability to engage in international commerce and reconstruction efforts, though humanitarian assistance is exempt from these restrictions.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 1960s, with Syria being designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979. The relationship deteriorated further during the Syrian civil war, with the U.S. initially supporting opposition groups and conducting military strikes against Assad's forces following chemical weapons attacks in 2017 and 2018.
Our Â鶹´«Ã½ feed provides up-to-the-minute coverage of developments in U.S.-Syria relations, including diplomatic initiatives, military operations, humanitarian aid efforts, and policy changes. Stay informed about how this crucial relationship evolves during Syria's political transition and its implications for Middle East stability.