Syria Notes
@syrianotes.org
Informing UK policy debates on Syria. Focused on human rights and accountability.
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
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Syria Notes
@syrianotes.org
· Jun 1
Syria Notes
Freedom’s price Syria Notes no. 30, spring 2025. On the 8th of December, Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, ...
www.syrianotes.org
Aid cuts hit Syrian independent media just as they are most needed
We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
Government teams begin work in Aleppo city’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighbourhoods as residents return
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-g...
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-g...
Syria: Govt teams begin work on Aleppo as residents return
Government teams have been dispatched the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighbourhoods in a bid to ensure the safe return of those displaced.
www.newarab.com
January 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Government teams begin work in Aleppo city’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighbourhoods as residents return
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-g...
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-g...
Reposted by Syria Notes
Back with fresh writing after a long break from blogging —new post is live! #Aleppo
renanetjes.substack.com/p/inside-ale...
renanetjes.substack.com/p/inside-ale...
January 11, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Back with fresh writing after a long break from blogging —new post is live! #Aleppo
renanetjes.substack.com/p/inside-ale...
renanetjes.substack.com/p/inside-ale...
Reposted by Syria Notes
US/Coalition airstrikes also targeted a number of caves google.com/maps?ll=34.8... ~35km north of Palmyra
January 11, 2026 at 12:29 PM
US/Coalition airstrikes also targeted a number of caves google.com/maps?ll=34.8... ~35km north of Palmyra
Reposted by Syria Notes
US/Coalition airstrike on a building geolocated in Zalaf google.com/maps?ll=32.9... ~75km east of Suwayda
January 11, 2026 at 12:29 PM
US/Coalition airstrike on a building geolocated in Zalaf google.com/maps?ll=32.9... ~75km east of Suwayda
Justice is finally within reach for victims of Syria’s chemical weapons attacks
So far, the Syrian govt has arrested five former air force officers linked to chemical attacks, but they represent just one part of a “chemical weapon kill chain.”
@gregkoblentz.bsky.social
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
So far, the Syrian govt has arrested five former air force officers linked to chemical attacks, but they represent just one part of a “chemical weapon kill chain.”
@gregkoblentz.bsky.social
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
thehill.com
January 11, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Justice is finally within reach for victims of Syria’s chemical weapons attacks
So far, the Syrian govt has arrested five former air force officers linked to chemical attacks, but they represent just one part of a “chemical weapon kill chain.”
@gregkoblentz.bsky.social
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
So far, the Syrian govt has arrested five former air force officers linked to chemical attacks, but they represent just one part of a “chemical weapon kill chain.”
@gregkoblentz.bsky.social
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
Two-thirds of UK voters wrongly think immigration is rising, poll finds
Net migration to the UK fell by more than two-thirds to a post-pandemic low in the year ending June 2025, but 67% of the people polled thought it had increased.
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Net migration to the UK fell by more than two-thirds to a post-pandemic low in the year ending June 2025, but 67% of the people polled thought it had increased.
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Two-thirds of UK voters wrongly think immigration is rising, poll finds
Exclusive: Voters say they have little confidence that government can control borders despite sharp falls in net migration
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:56 AM
Two-thirds of UK voters wrongly think immigration is rising, poll finds
Net migration to the UK fell by more than two-thirds to a post-pandemic low in the year ending June 2025, but 67% of the people polled thought it had increased.
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Net migration to the UK fell by more than two-thirds to a post-pandemic low in the year ending June 2025, but 67% of the people polled thought it had increased.
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Supporters of the SDF attacked a US-led international coalition base in the Ghuwayran neighborhood of al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria) on Saturday, voicing anger over what they described as “abandonment” by the US.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
SDF supporters attack US base in al-Hasakah - Enab Baladi
Supporters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) attacked a US-led international coalition base in the Ghuwayran neighborhood of al-Hasakah (northeastern […]
english.enabbaladi.net
January 11, 2026 at 7:39 AM
Supporters of the SDF attacked a US-led international coalition base in the Ghuwayran neighborhood of al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria) on Saturday, voicing anger over what they described as “abandonment” by the US.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Reposted by Syria Notes
From negotiation to escalation: Aleppo tests the limits of Damascus-SDF relations
✍️ @walid-alnofal.bsky.social and Sozdar Muhammad
✍️ @walid-alnofal.bsky.social and Sozdar Muhammad
From negotiation to escalation: Aleppo tests the limits of Damascus-SDF relations
This week’s escalation in Aleppo city comes amid a deepening political crisis between Damascus and the SDF, particularly after the latest round of negotiations to implement the March 2025 agreement st...
syriadirect.org
January 10, 2026 at 8:25 PM
From negotiation to escalation: Aleppo tests the limits of Damascus-SDF relations
✍️ @walid-alnofal.bsky.social and Sozdar Muhammad
✍️ @walid-alnofal.bsky.social and Sozdar Muhammad
January 10, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Convoy carrying the last SDF-affiliated fighters has just left Sheikh Maqsoud in Aleppo city.
Four fully loaded buses are visible (150+ fighters).
They will be escorted east to the front line with the SDF.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/201...
Four fully loaded buses are visible (150+ fighters).
They will be escorted east to the front line with the SDF.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/201...
January 10, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Convoy carrying the last SDF-affiliated fighters has just left Sheikh Maqsoud in Aleppo city.
Four fully loaded buses are visible (150+ fighters).
They will be escorted east to the front line with the SDF.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/201...
Four fully loaded buses are visible (150+ fighters).
They will be escorted east to the front line with the SDF.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/201...
Syrian security forces enter Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo city.
Clashes ongoing in a number of buildings.
Engineering units dismantling booby-traps.
SDF member blew himself up at army checkpoint inside the neighborhood without inflicting any other casualties.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791225/
Clashes ongoing in a number of buildings.
Engineering units dismantling booby-traps.
SDF member blew himself up at army checkpoint inside the neighborhood without inflicting any other casualties.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791225/
الاشتباكات لم تنته في حلب.. الأمن السوري يدخل الشيخ مقصود
تعرف على تفاصيل السيطرة على الشيخ مقصود وتطورات الأحداث في حي حلب بعد دخول قوات الأمن.
www.enabbaladi.net
January 10, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Syrian security forces enter Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo city.
Clashes ongoing in a number of buildings.
Engineering units dismantling booby-traps.
SDF member blew himself up at army checkpoint inside the neighborhood without inflicting any other casualties.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791225/
Clashes ongoing in a number of buildings.
Engineering units dismantling booby-traps.
SDF member blew himself up at army checkpoint inside the neighborhood without inflicting any other casualties.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791225/
Reposted by Syria Notes
Syria TV: Syrian security forces have entered Sheikh Maqsoud. Pockets of YPG fighters reportedly remain in eastern Sheikh Maqsoud.
📷 West Sheikh Maqsoud, where roadblocks and Asayiş checkpoints were in place. We drove here in September but it was too risky (snipers) to take any photo unfortunately
📷 West Sheikh Maqsoud, where roadblocks and Asayiş checkpoints were in place. We drove here in September but it was too risky (snipers) to take any photo unfortunately
January 10, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Syria TV: Syrian security forces have entered Sheikh Maqsoud. Pockets of YPG fighters reportedly remain in eastern Sheikh Maqsoud.
📷 West Sheikh Maqsoud, where roadblocks and Asayiş checkpoints were in place. We drove here in September but it was too risky (snipers) to take any photo unfortunately
📷 West Sheikh Maqsoud, where roadblocks and Asayiş checkpoints were in place. We drove here in September but it was too risky (snipers) to take any photo unfortunately
Israel’s expanding military footprint in Syria: one year on
Since June, an average of 17.5 Israeli ground incursions each week, typically armored patrols through populated areas, and temporary checkpoints where all passing civilians are stopped, searched, questioned.
karamshaar.com/syria-in-fig...
Since June, an average of 17.5 Israeli ground incursions each week, typically armored patrols through populated areas, and temporary checkpoints where all passing civilians are stopped, searched, questioned.
karamshaar.com/syria-in-fig...
Israel's buffer zone in Syria: Incursions, Bases, and Impact
Israel's buffer zone in Syria is expanding through incursions and new bases. Here’s what it means for security, displacement, and Syria’s transition.
karamshaar.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Israel’s expanding military footprint in Syria: one year on
Since June, an average of 17.5 Israeli ground incursions each week, typically armored patrols through populated areas, and temporary checkpoints where all passing civilians are stopped, searched, questioned.
karamshaar.com/syria-in-fig...
Since June, an average of 17.5 Israeli ground incursions each week, typically armored patrols through populated areas, and temporary checkpoints where all passing civilians are stopped, searched, questioned.
karamshaar.com/syria-in-fig...
A Security source announced a total of 100 SDF/Asayish fighters defected today, including the commander overseeing the checkpoints in the district of Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo city.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
January 9, 2026 at 4:40 PM
A Security source announced a total of 100 SDF/Asayish fighters defected today, including the commander overseeing the checkpoints in the district of Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo city.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
Reposted by Syria Notes
Syria live: SDF fighters refuse to leave Aleppo, shoot at buses | Conflict News | Al Jazeera share.google/5k9VPGZpcJOu...
SDF fighters refuse to leave Aleppo as Syrian army enters key districts
SDF fighters are refusing to leave Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud areas and intend to 'resist' the Syrian army.
share.google
January 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Syria live: SDF fighters refuse to leave Aleppo, shoot at buses | Conflict News | Al Jazeera share.google/5k9VPGZpcJOu...
Three medical staff at Al-Kindi Hospital, Homs, and a driver, were shot dead Thursday evening when unknown persons targeted a taxi near the hospital with five people inside. The fifth person, also a hospital worker, was injured.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791105/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791105/
ما تفاصيل الهجوم على كادر مستشفى "الكندي" بحمص؟
اعتداء على الكوادر الصحية في مستشفى الكندي بحمص أسفر عن مقتل ثلاثة وإصابة آخرين. تعرف على تفاصيل الحادث.
www.enabbaladi.net
January 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Three medical staff at Al-Kindi Hospital, Homs, and a driver, were shot dead Thursday evening when unknown persons targeted a taxi near the hospital with five people inside. The fifth person, also a hospital worker, was injured.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791105/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/791105/
SDF-affiliated fighters in Sheikh Maqsoud (Aleppo city) opened fire on a Security checkpoint in an apparent attempt to disrupt the agreement reached last night.
The buses that had arrived in Sheikh Maqsoud district turned back following the attack.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
The buses that had arrived in Sheikh Maqsoud district turned back following the attack.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
January 9, 2026 at 11:36 AM
SDF-affiliated fighters in Sheikh Maqsoud (Aleppo city) opened fire on a Security checkpoint in an apparent attempt to disrupt the agreement reached last night.
The buses that had arrived in Sheikh Maqsoud district turned back following the attack.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
The buses that had arrived in Sheikh Maqsoud district turned back following the attack.
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
Buses arrived at Lairamoun roundabout north of Aleppo to transport SDF fighters, along with their light personal weapons, to evacuate them from the city’s neighborhoods to areas east of the Euphrates River.
— Daraa 24
x.com/i/status/200...
— Daraa 24
x.com/i/status/200...
January 9, 2026 at 7:48 AM
Buses arrived at Lairamoun roundabout north of Aleppo to transport SDF fighters, along with their light personal weapons, to evacuate them from the city’s neighborhoods to areas east of the Euphrates River.
— Daraa 24
x.com/i/status/200...
— Daraa 24
x.com/i/status/200...
Syria’s defence ministry declares ceasefire in Aleppo city: “Armed groups in the neighbourhoods are requested to leave the area starting at 3:00 a.m. … deadline expires at 9:00 a.m. on Friday.”
Officials say negotiations are underway for SDF withdrawal.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Officials say negotiations are underway for SDF withdrawal.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Syria declares ceasefire in Aleppo after fresh clashes with Kurdish forces
Syria's defence ministry declared a ceasefire in three neighbourhoods of the northern city of Aleppo early on Friday, a move that could halt fresh fighting between government troops and Kurdish fighte...
www.reuters.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:56 AM
Syria’s defence ministry declares ceasefire in Aleppo city: “Armed groups in the neighbourhoods are requested to leave the area starting at 3:00 a.m. … deadline expires at 9:00 a.m. on Friday.”
Officials say negotiations are underway for SDF withdrawal.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Officials say negotiations are underway for SDF withdrawal.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Aleppo conflict map by Levant24 showing today’s advances by Syrian government forces in the city.
x.com/i/status/200...
x.com/i/status/200...
January 8, 2026 at 11:32 PM
Aleppo conflict map by Levant24 showing today’s advances by Syrian government forces in the city.
x.com/i/status/200...
x.com/i/status/200...
Syrian drone strikes reported in several areas of Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, targeting SDF positions, in conjunction with heavy artillery shelling.
Plus drones targeted al-Jarrah airport and sugar factory barracks north of Maskana, eastern Aleppo countryside.
— Zain al-Abidin
x.com/i/status/200...
Plus drones targeted al-Jarrah airport and sugar factory barracks north of Maskana, eastern Aleppo countryside.
— Zain al-Abidin
x.com/i/status/200...
January 8, 2026 at 10:35 PM
Syrian drone strikes reported in several areas of Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, targeting SDF positions, in conjunction with heavy artillery shelling.
Plus drones targeted al-Jarrah airport and sugar factory barracks north of Maskana, eastern Aleppo countryside.
— Zain al-Abidin
x.com/i/status/200...
Plus drones targeted al-Jarrah airport and sugar factory barracks north of Maskana, eastern Aleppo countryside.
— Zain al-Abidin
x.com/i/status/200...
“Security forces are being deployed to secure the areas seized in Ashrafiyah district (Aleppo) after Government troops entered the district. A number of Asaysih (SDF) fighters surrendered while others withdrew toward Sheikh Maqsoud.”
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
January 8, 2026 at 5:59 PM
“Security forces are being deployed to secure the areas seized in Ashrafiyah district (Aleppo) after Government troops entered the district. A number of Asaysih (SDF) fighters surrendered while others withdrew toward Sheikh Maqsoud.”
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
@qalaatalmudiq.bsky.social
x.com/i/status/200...
Syrian army begins military operation against SDF in Aleppo with artillery and tanks.
SDF shelling targeted a maternity hospital, Enab Baladi reports.
Syrian Civil Defence reports an ambulance was fired upon by the SDF.
www.enabbaladi.net/791071/
SDF shelling targeted a maternity hospital, Enab Baladi reports.
Syrian Civil Defence reports an ambulance was fired upon by the SDF.
www.enabbaladi.net/791071/
عملية محدودة في حلب تقابل باستهداف لمراكز حيوية
بدأ الجيش السوري، بعد ظهر الخميس 8 من كانون الثاني، عمليات عسكرية في عدة محاور شمالي المدينة، شملت تمهيدًا مدفعيًا ومحاولات اقتحام بالدبابات من محاور بدأ الجيش السوري عمليات عسكرية في عدة محاور شمالي ...
www.enabbaladi.net
January 8, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Syrian army begins military operation against SDF in Aleppo with artillery and tanks.
SDF shelling targeted a maternity hospital, Enab Baladi reports.
Syrian Civil Defence reports an ambulance was fired upon by the SDF.
www.enabbaladi.net/791071/
SDF shelling targeted a maternity hospital, Enab Baladi reports.
Syrian Civil Defence reports an ambulance was fired upon by the SDF.
www.enabbaladi.net/791071/
Illicit Gains Committee recovers billions of dollars
Financial settlement with Assad-linked Mohammed Hamsho sparks anger amid lack of details.
Source tells Enab Baladi that Committee has 900 names and settlements do not guarantee against criminal or personal prosecution.
www.enabbaladi.net/791012/
Financial settlement with Assad-linked Mohammed Hamsho sparks anger amid lack of details.
Source tells Enab Baladi that Committee has 900 names and settlements do not guarantee against criminal or personal prosecution.
www.enabbaladi.net/791012/
900 ملاحق.. لجنة الكسب غير المشروع تسترد مليارات الدولارات
900 حالة جديدة في ملف الكسب غير المشروع في سوريا، تعرف على التحديات والقرارات المتعلقة بالتسويات.
www.enabbaladi.net
January 8, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Illicit Gains Committee recovers billions of dollars
Financial settlement with Assad-linked Mohammed Hamsho sparks anger amid lack of details.
Source tells Enab Baladi that Committee has 900 names and settlements do not guarantee against criminal or personal prosecution.
www.enabbaladi.net/791012/
Financial settlement with Assad-linked Mohammed Hamsho sparks anger amid lack of details.
Source tells Enab Baladi that Committee has 900 names and settlements do not guarantee against criminal or personal prosecution.
www.enabbaladi.net/791012/
Australian co. that supplied Bibby Stockholm asylum barge to UK Home Office won £3.9 bn in public sector contracts in past decade.
Corporate Travel Management admitted overcharging UK customers at least £80m. Home Office is trying to recoup money.
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/98a0...
Corporate Travel Management admitted overcharging UK customers at least £80m. Home Office is trying to recoup money.
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/98a0...
Firm in overcharging scandal won £3.9bn in public sector contracts
Australian travel group that supplied the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge for the Home Office has admitted UK clients overpaid at least £80 million
www.thetimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Australian co. that supplied Bibby Stockholm asylum barge to UK Home Office won £3.9 bn in public sector contracts in past decade.
Corporate Travel Management admitted overcharging UK customers at least £80m. Home Office is trying to recoup money.
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/98a0...
Corporate Travel Management admitted overcharging UK customers at least £80m. Home Office is trying to recoup money.
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/98a0...