Abby Sewell
@sewella.bsky.social
News director for Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Turkey at the Associated Press. Contact asewell @ap.org
Pinned
Abby Sewell
@sewella.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Children brought from Gaza to Lebanon to heal from wounds become caught in another war
Seven-year-old Halima Abou Yassine was brought to Lebanon from Gaza for treatment after an Israeli strike left her near death with a gaping wound in her skull.
apnews.com
I'll start by posting a chain with some links to my recent/relevant work (most, but not all, related to the war in Lebanon):
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
Village in southern Lebanon buries a child and father killed in Israeli drone strike
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
Village in southern Lebanon buries a child and father killed in Israeli drone strike
Mourners in southern Lebanon have buried a father and his young son killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting a Hezbollah member.
apnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Village in southern Lebanon buries a child and father killed in Israeli drone strike
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
U.N. peacekeepers with UNIFIL patrolling southern Lebanon have faced a dramatic surge of “aggressive behavior” by Israeli forces over the last year, including drone-dropped grenades and machine-gun fire, according to an internal report seen by @apnews.com
apnews.com/article/isra...
apnews.com/article/isra...
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon allege surge in Israeli violence toward them
U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon say they have faced increased violence from Israeli forces over the past year.
apnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:18 PM
U.N. peacekeepers with UNIFIL patrolling southern Lebanon have faced a dramatic surge of “aggressive behavior” by Israeli forces over the last year, including drone-dropped grenades and machine-gun fire, according to an internal report seen by @apnews.com
apnews.com/article/isra...
apnews.com/article/isra...
Lebanon's relations with Syria have made a dramatic positive shift post-Assad, deputy PM Tarek Mitri says
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
Lebanon's relations with Syria have made a dramatic positive shift post-Assad, deputy PM says
Lebanon's Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri says relations with Syria have improved significantly since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad.
apnews.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Lebanon's relations with Syria have made a dramatic positive shift post-Assad, deputy PM Tarek Mitri says
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
Stranded in Egypt for the past two years, Raed Belal has had to watch helplessly as his wife and children in the Gaza Strip endured bombardment, displacement and hunger. Now he finally has hope he might return to them
apnews.com/article/rafa...
apnews.com/article/rafa...
A father awaits Rafah crossing reopening after 2-year separation from family in Gaza
Tens of thousands of Palestinians await the reopening of the Rafah crossing into Gaza so they can reunite with family.
apnews.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Stranded in Egypt for the past two years, Raed Belal has had to watch helplessly as his wife and children in the Gaza Strip endured bombardment, displacement and hunger. Now he finally has hope he might return to them
apnews.com/article/rafa...
apnews.com/article/rafa...
Reposted by Abby Sewell
After months of stalled negotiations, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces lost most of their territory to a government offensive in a matter of days. They may have miscalculated by counting on U.S. support.
A US shift marked Kurdish-led forces' fall from power in Syria
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have fallen from power in Syria as the U.S. shifts its backing to the country's new leaders in Damascus.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM
After months of stalled negotiations, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces lost most of their territory to a government offensive in a matter of days. They may have miscalculated by counting on U.S. support.
Reposted by Abby Sewell
Several countries have said they will sign onto Trump’s Board of Peace, while a few European nations have declined their invitations. Many have not yet responded to Trump’s invites. Here is a tally by The Associated Press on what countries are joining, which are not and which are undecided.
Who's on Trump's Board of Peace and who said no
Several countries have said they'll join President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. A few European nations have declined invitations.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Several countries have said they will sign onto Trump’s Board of Peace, while a few European nations have declined their invitations. Many have not yet responded to Trump’s invites. Here is a tally by The Associated Press on what countries are joining, which are not and which are undecided.
Analysts say the SDF miscalculated, taking a hard stance in negotiations with the new leaders in Damascus on the assumption that if a military conflict erupted between them, Washington would support the SDF
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
A US shift marked Kurdish-led forces' fall from power in Syria
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have fallen from power in Syria as the U.S. shifts its backing to the country's new leaders in Damascus.
apnews.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Analysts say the SDF miscalculated, taking a hard stance in negotiations with the new leaders in Damascus on the assumption that if a military conflict erupted between them, Washington would support the SDF
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Kurdish separatist group claims to have mounted ‘armed operations' in Iran to defend protesters
With Stella Martany:
apnews.com/article/iran...
With Stella Martany:
apnews.com/article/iran...
Kurdish separatist group claims to have mounted ‘armed operations' in Iran to defend protesters
A representative of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group in Iraq says the group’s armed wing has launched attacks on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for Tehran's violent crackdown on proteste...
apnews.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Kurdish separatist group claims to have mounted ‘armed operations' in Iran to defend protesters
With Stella Martany:
apnews.com/article/iran...
With Stella Martany:
apnews.com/article/iran...
Syria is on the list but was already under a ban anyway. Lebanon is newly added. Iraq is there as well. (As are many others, clearly, but I'm just naming the ones in my patch. Full list in the story)
US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
apnews.com/article/trum...
US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
apnews.com/article/trum...
US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns
The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United State...
apnews.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Syria is on the list but was already under a ban anyway. Lebanon is newly added. Iraq is there as well. (As are many others, clearly, but I'm just naming the ones in my patch. Full list in the story)
US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
apnews.com/article/trum...
US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
apnews.com/article/trum...
Civilians flee Aleppo as clashes between Syrian government and Kurdish forces escalate
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Civilians flee Aleppo as clashes between Syrian government and Kurdish forces escalate
Fighting has escalated in Syria's northern city of Aleppo. Tens of thousands fled two Kurdish neighborhoods on Wednesday after the military ordered evacuations amid deadly clashes between government f...
apnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Civilians flee Aleppo as clashes between Syrian government and Kurdish forces escalate
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
List of aid groups working in Gaza that Israel is suspending.
They include some of the world’s most prominent and outspoken aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders:
apnews.com/article/gaza...
They include some of the world’s most prominent and outspoken aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders:
apnews.com/article/gaza...
List of aid groups working in Gaza that Israel is suspending
Israel says it's suspending humanitarian organizations that have failed to meet its new rules to vet international groups working in Gaza.
apnews.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:19 PM
List of aid groups working in Gaza that Israel is suspending.
They include some of the world’s most prominent and outspoken aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders:
apnews.com/article/gaza...
They include some of the world’s most prominent and outspoken aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders:
apnews.com/article/gaza...
Reposted by Abby Sewell
Terribly sad story about the attack on a small congregation in June. Three men died jumping on a suicide bomber. In total, 25 died.
Thana al-Masoud, widow of hero Boutros Bechara: “There’s no holiday, neither this year nor next year nor the one after it."
“Our Lord chose them to be saints."
Thana al-Masoud, widow of hero Boutros Bechara: “There’s no holiday, neither this year nor next year nor the one after it."
“Our Lord chose them to be saints."
Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack
Hundreds of worshippers have gathered at Mar Elias Church in Syria to remember those lost in a suicide attack.
apnews.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Terribly sad story about the attack on a small congregation in June. Three men died jumping on a suicide bomber. In total, 25 died.
Thana al-Masoud, widow of hero Boutros Bechara: “There’s no holiday, neither this year nor next year nor the one after it."
“Our Lord chose them to be saints."
Thana al-Masoud, widow of hero Boutros Bechara: “There’s no holiday, neither this year nor next year nor the one after it."
“Our Lord chose them to be saints."
Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack
Hundreds of worshippers have gathered at Mar Elias Church in Syria to remember those lost in a suicide attack.
apnews.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Clashes erupted between Syrian security forces and Kurdish fighters Monday as top Turkish officials visited Damascus ahead of a deadline to implement a deal between the government and the #SDF
apnews.com/article/turk...
apnews.com/article/turk...
Clashes flare as top Turkish officials visit Syria ahead of a deadline for Kurdish integration
Clashes have erupted between Syrian security forces and Kurdish fighters in the city of Aleppo. This comes as top Turkish officials visited Damascus on Monday to discuss a deal between the government ...
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Clashes erupted between Syrian security forces and Kurdish fighters Monday as top Turkish officials visited Damascus ahead of a deadline to implement a deal between the government and the #SDF
apnews.com/article/turk...
apnews.com/article/turk...
Israeli military raids in Syria raise tensions as they carve out a buffer zone
Via @chehayebk.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/syri...
Via @chehayebk.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/syri...
Israeli military expansion in Syria raises tensions as they carve out a buffer zone
Israel’s military raids and strikes over the past year aiming to carve out a buffer zone in southern Syria have raised tensions, frustrated locals and also appear to have scuttled chances — despite U....
apnews.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Israeli military raids in Syria raise tensions as they carve out a buffer zone
Via @chehayebk.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/syri...
Via @chehayebk.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/syri...
The man who killed three U.S. citizens in Syria had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a security guard two months earlier and was recently reassigned amid suspicions that he might be affiliated with the Islamic State, a Syrian official told the @apnews.com
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Attacker who killed US troops in Syria was a recent recruit to security forces, official says
A Syrian security guard who attacked and killed three U.S. citizens in Syria had joined the internal security forces two months earlier.
apnews.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:45 AM
The man who killed three U.S. citizens in Syria had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a security guard two months earlier and was recently reassigned amid suspicions that he might be affiliated with the Islamic State, a Syrian official told the @apnews.com
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Since the fall of Bashar Assad in Syria a year ago, dozens of women from the Alawite religious sect — to which Assad belonged — have been subjected to kidnappings and sexual assault.
@bmroue.bsky.social e spoke with survivors, family members and rights groups:
apnews.com/article/syri...
@bmroue.bsky.social e spoke with survivors, family members and rights groups:
apnews.com/article/syri...
In post-Assad Syria's chaos, Alawite women face sexual violence
A woman from Syria's Alawite minority has spoken about her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and raped by gunmen.
apnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Since the fall of Bashar Assad in Syria a year ago, dozens of women from the Alawite religious sect — to which Assad belonged — have been subjected to kidnappings and sexual assault.
@bmroue.bsky.social e spoke with survivors, family members and rights groups:
apnews.com/article/syri...
@bmroue.bsky.social e spoke with survivors, family members and rights groups:
apnews.com/article/syri...
On anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad, Syrians and their country struggle to heal
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
On anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad, Syrians and their country struggle to heal
Mohammad Marwan has been struggling to rebuild his life after being released from Syria’s Saydnaya prison a year ago.
apnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:11 AM
On anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad, Syrians and their country struggle to heal
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
US raid allegedly killed Syrian undercover agent instead of Islamic State official
The case of Khaled al-Masoud, the apparent result of lack of communication between the US-led mission and Damascus, showed the limits of increased security coordination:
apnews.com/article/syri...
The case of Khaled al-Masoud, the apparent result of lack of communication between the US-led mission and Damascus, showed the limits of increased security coordination:
apnews.com/article/syri...
US raid allegedly killed Syrian undercover agent instead of Islamic State group official
A U.S. operation in Syria last month mistakenly killed a man who had been working undercover against the Islamic State group, according to his family, a war monitor and officials.
apnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
US raid allegedly killed Syrian undercover agent instead of Islamic State official
The case of Khaled al-Masoud, the apparent result of lack of communication between the US-led mission and Damascus, showed the limits of increased security coordination:
apnews.com/article/syri...
The case of Khaled al-Masoud, the apparent result of lack of communication between the US-led mission and Damascus, showed the limits of increased security coordination:
apnews.com/article/syri...
Iraq’s government imposed and then retracted a terror designation for Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, saying was a mistake.
Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Stella Martany report on the highly awkward situation the Iraq state has found itself in:
apnews.com/article/iraq...
Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Stella Martany report on the highly awkward situation the Iraq state has found itself in:
apnews.com/article/iraq...
Iraq retracts a terror designation it imposed on Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis
Iraqi officials have retracted a decision to label Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels as terrorist organizations.
apnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Iraq’s government imposed and then retracted a terror designation for Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, saying was a mistake.
Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Stella Martany report on the highly awkward situation the Iraq state has found itself in:
apnews.com/article/iraq...
Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Stella Martany report on the highly awkward situation the Iraq state has found itself in:
apnews.com/article/iraq...
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Wednesday that his country was “far from” diplomatic normalization or economic relations with Israel, despite a move toward direct negotiations between the two countries aimed at defusing tensions
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
Lebanon 'far from' diplomatic normalization or economic relations with Israel, prime minister says
Lebanon’s prime minister says that his country is “far from” diplomatic normalization or economic relations with Israel.
apnews.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Wednesday that his country was “far from” diplomatic normalization or economic relations with Israel, despite a move toward direct negotiations between the two countries aimed at defusing tensions
apnews.com/article/leba...
apnews.com/article/leba...
Pope Leo XIV’s visit highlights Christian resilience in Lebanon despite regional turmoil
Via @bmroue.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/pope...
Via @bmroue.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/pope...
Pope Leo XIV's visit highlights Christian resilience in Lebanon despite regional turmoil
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Lebanon highlights the country's religious pluralism and sends a message to Christians not to abandon the region.
apnews.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Pope Leo XIV’s visit highlights Christian resilience in Lebanon despite regional turmoil
Via @bmroue.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/pope...
Via @bmroue.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/pope...