This is an entry from: Live: Over 100,000 bodies found in mass grave near Damascus
Morning recap
14 December 2024 10:07 GMT
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
Here are some of the latest development concerning Syria:
- Heavy explosions shook Damascus on Friday night as Israeli air strikes targeted military installations in the city and its surrounding countryside, escalating an already volatile situation in the region
- Syria’s ambassador to the UN condemned the strikes in letters addressed to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accusing Israel of persistent aggression and violations of Syria’s sovereignty following the fall of the al-Assad regime
- Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler criticised the Israeli attacks, warning that they fuel instability and reflect an “occupying mindset”
- Reports have emerged of Russian forces withdrawing from Syria, with military convoys spotted heading from the southern region towards the Tartous military base in Latakia
- In Deir Ezzor, Raed al-Saleh, director of Syria’s Civil Defence organisation, reassured residents, promising that volunteers would soon arrive to provide assistance to those in need
- Meanwhile, Syria’s interim government transferred Travis Timmerman, a freed prisoner, to US forces. He was airlifted by helicopter to Jordan