Country Profile for SYRIA

Alert for Syria

 

Dozens killed in Rastan clashes - 14 May 2012:

At least 30 people, including 23 Syrian soldiers, have been killed in overnight fighting in the city of Rastan according to observers.  A member of the Syrian Free Army claimed that one of their commanders was killed in rocket fire before the group launched counter-strikes on army troops.

Damascus rocked by twin blasts - 10 May 2012:

At least 40 people have been killed and around 170 wounded after two bombs exploded in the Syrian capital Damascus.  Syrian state TV had described the incident as a terrorist bomb attack, whilst opposition groups are blaming the government for the attack.

Explosion targets UN convoy - 09 May 2012:

A bomb has exploded close to a Syrian military truck which was escorting UN observers near the city of Deraa.  At least three soldier were reportedly wounded in the blast.

Several killed in Idlib bombings - 30 April 2012:

At least eight people have been killed by two suicide bombings in the north-western city of Idlib.  The state-run news agency claim that Syrian security agents were amongst the dead.

Massive explosion rocks Hama - 26 April 2012:

An explosion in the central city of Hama has killed some 70 people, many of them children.  Opposition groups claim that the security forces fired a rocket at a building in the Mashaa, whilst the state news agency said that the explosion was caused by anti-government bomb makers.

Troops 'kill 28' in restive city of Hama - 24 April 2012:

At least 28 people are reported to have been killed after government forces attacked the Arbeen neighbourhood in the city of Hama.  Troops used mortars to fire on residential areas of the city before ground troops moved in.

Car bombs kill 29 across Syria - 18 March 2012:

At least 27 people were killed in two suicide car bomb attacks in the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday.  Around 140 people were also wounded in the blasts, while earlier today a car bomb killed at least two people and wounded 30 others in the northern city of Aleppo. 

Dozens killed in latest Homs attacks - 12 March 2012:

At least 47 people are reported to have been killed in the latest series of attacks in the besieged city of Homs.  Activists claim that a pro-government militia were responsible for the violence in the Karm el-Zeytoun neighbourhood.

Western journalists killed in Homs - 22 February 2012:

Two Western journalists have reportedly been killed by shelling in the besieged city of Homs.  The French and American reporters were working in the Baba Amr area of the city when they were killed.

Heavy shelling reported in Homs - 21 February 2012:

Areas of Homs are reported to be under heavy bombardment as Syrian tanks target rebel-held parts of the city.  Activists claim that at least 12 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the last 24 hours.

General killed while army intensifies Homs assault - 11 February 2012:

A Syrian military general has been killed by a group of rebel fighters in the capital, Damascus.  Elsewhere in the country, the army has intensified its tank assaults on the besieged city of Homs.

Syrian army bombards Homs - 06 February 2012:

The Syrian army has stepped up its military campaign against opposition groups in the central city of Homs.  Troops have been firing heavy artillery shells into the city, one of the main areas of opposition to the rule of President Assad.

China and Russia veto UN resolution - 05 February 2012:

China and Russia have voted against a UN resolution against the Syrian regime's crackdown against protests in the country.  The two members of the UN Security Council used their veto to block the motion, a decision which has been heavily criticised by other member states.

Iranian pilgrims kidnapped in Syria - 02 February 2012:

Iranian state news agency IRNA has reported that 11 Iranian pilgrims have been kidnapped in the Syrian city of Hama.  At least 29 Iranians are reported to have been kidnapped in Syria since December.

Heavy fighting reported in Damascus - 30 January 2012:

Heavy fighting has been reported in the eastern suburbs of Damascus after the Syrian army deployed troops to regain control of the city.  Saqba is still reported to be under heavy bombardment, and according to campaigners at least six people have been killed in the fighting.

Explosion reported in al-Maidan, Damascus - 06 January 2012:

At least 40 people have been killed after a bomb exploded in the al-Maidad suburb of Damascus.  The state news agency, Sana, claim that two al-Qaeda suicide bombers carried out the attack.

Clashes reported across Syria as thousands take to the streets - 30 December 2011:

At least 10 people have been killed following renewed clashes between protesters and security forces at locations across Syria.  The latest violence comes as Arab League monitors tour the country to assess the regime's pledge to implement peace initiatives.

Suicide bomb kills 40 in Damascus - 23 December 2011:

At least 40 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a suicide bomb attack in the Syrian capital Damascus.  The government claimed that al-Qaeda militants had carried out the attack, while opposition activists said that the regime had staged the incident.

Nearly 200 killed in heavy fighting - 21 December 2011:

Almost 200 people are reported to have been killed following two days of heavy fighting across Syria.  The bulk of the fighting has taken place between troops and army defectors in the north-west province of Idlib.

Dozens killed in Homs following spate of kidnappings - 06 December 2011:

Around 60 bodies have been discovered around the city of Homs, according to human rights activists.  It has been reported that state-backed militias, known as "shabiha", are behind the deaths.

Turkish bus attacked by Syrian gunmen - 21 November 2011:

A bus carrying Turkish pilgrims has come under fire in neighbouring Syria, leaving at least two people wounded.  The pilgrims were returning from Mecca when they were attacked.

Violence intensifies across Syria with 70 reported dead - 15 November 2011:

At least 70 people are reported to have been killed in the past 24 hours after Syrian security forces clashed with army defectors.  Human rights observers claim that 27 civilians were shot dead between the towns of Kherbet Ghazale and Hirak.

Syrian security forces shoot dead civilians near Homs - 02 November 2011:

Syrian security forces have reportedly shot dead at least 11 Sunni Muslim civilians at a village outside the city of Homs.  The claim, which comes from local activists, follows a report on Tuesday which said that nine Alawites had been killed in a similar incident in the city.

Security forces kill 31 across Syria - 10 October 2011:

Human rights activists claim that at least 31 people were killed on Sunday after Syrian security forces clashed with anti-government protesters.  Around half of the deaths were reported in the city of Homs where 15 people are said to have been shot dead by security forces.

Syrian unrest spills over into Lebanon - 06 October 2011:

Syrian security forces have entered into the eastern region of Lebanon and shot dead a Syrian national, raising fears of a widespread spillover.  Around 5,000 Syrians are believed to have fled into Lebanon in recent months, and earlier this week Syrian tanks entered into Lebanese territory.

Deaths continue across Syria - 05 September 2011:

At least 13 people have reportedly been killed during anti-government protests across Syria.  Eight people were killed by security forces in the Idlib province with further deaths reported in Hama, Homs and Jirsen on the outskirts of Damascus.

Syrian army shells eastern city of Deir al-Zour - 08 August 2011:

The Syrian army has been shelling the eastern city of Deir al-Zour, with at least 50 people reportedly killed in the assault.  Saudi Arabia has joined Turkey and the Arab League in calling for the government to end the violent oppression of the civilian protesters. 

Tanks storm northern city of Hama - 31 July 2011:

At least 95 people have been killed after the Syrian army attacked the city of Hama, using tanks to surround the city.  Witnesses and human rights groups claim that more than 26 protesters have been killed in other parts of the country.

Security forces kill eight in Kanaker - 27 July 2011:

Syrian security forces have killed eight people in a military operation in Kanaker, close to the capital Damascus.  Human rights groups claim that 1,400 civilians have been killed since protests began in March.

Security forces shoot dead civilians in Homs - 19 July 2011:

Syrian security forces have shot dead at least 10 civilians in the city of Homs, according to unverified reports.  The latest violence comes a day after widespread sectarian violence in the city claimed the lives of 30 people.

Dozens killed in Homs sectarian clashes - 18 July 2011:

At least 30 people have been killed in the city of Homs following a series of sectarian clashes.  According to human rights organisations groups of Sunnis and Alawis clashed in the city following the discovery of the dead bodies of three Alawite government supporters.

Anti-government protesters shot dead in Hama - 05 July 2011:

At least 11 anti-government protesters have been shot dead by security forces in the city of Hama.  Clashes have taken place in the central city for several days and more than 20 people are reported to have been arrested.

Government supporters clash with opposition groups - 22 June 2011:

Human rights groups claim that at least seven people have been killed as government supporters clashed with opposition groups across Syria.  Tens of thousands of people rallied to support President Bashar al-Assad following his address to the nation on Monday before the clashes with anti-government demonstrators.

Army seize Maaret al-Numan in latest offensive - 17 June 2011:

The Syrian army have seized control of the city of Mareet al-Numan in the latest offensive against rebels.  The offensive began at dawn as tanks and helicopter gunships swept into the city before troops arrested hundreds of local men.  Human rights activists claim that more than 1,400 people have been killed and around 10,000 arrested since the government crackdown began in March.

Troops claim northern town of Jisr al-Shughur - 13 June 2011:

Syrian troops have seized the northern town of Jisr al-Shughur in response to government claims that more than 120 security forces personnel were killed in the area last week.  Thousands of civilians have fled the fighting and are crossing into neighbouring Turkey.

Authorities promise retaliation over police ambush - 07 June 2011:

The Syrian government has vowed to retaliate following Monday's ambush on police in the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour.  The government has said that 120 security forces personnel were killed by armed gangs and residents of the town are bracing for a heavy assault by the military.

Syrian TV claim 28 police killed in ambush - 06 June 2011:

Syria's state-run television have reported that 28 police officers have been killed in an ambush in the restive northern town of Jisr al-Shughour. 

Israeli troops open fire on protesters in Golan Heights - 05 June 2011:

Israeli troops have opened fire on pro-Palestinian protesters from Syria in the occupied Golan Heights.  The demonstrators had stormed a ceasefire line in the region, ignoring warnings from the IDF (Israel Defence Force).  Syrian state television have reported that 23 people were killed and more than 300 injured. 

More than 40 killed in further unrest - 05 June 2011:

Further unrest across Syria has left at least 40 people dead.  In the north-western town of Jisrash Shugur 35 people were killed  when security forces clashed with anti-government protesters.  Human rights groups claim that more than 1,100 civilians have now been killed since the protests began in March.

Further violence takes death toll past '900' - 22 May 2011:

The death toll in Syria is now reported to have exceeded 900 following a further weekend of violence in the country.  Mourners burying the 44 victims killed on Friday were fired upon by security forces in the city of Homs, killing a further 11 people dead.

Syrian protesters clash with security forces - 18 May 2011:

Further protests have broken out in Homs, Aleppo and the suburbs of Damascus where demonstrators have continued to clash with Syrian security forces.  Elsewhere the army continued an assault on Tall Kalakh where at least 26 people are reported to have been killed in the last week.

Protest city of Homs hit by tank shelling - 11 May 2011:

Army tanks are reported to be shelling the city of Homs as the government crackdown against civil unrest continues.  Severe and heavy shooting has been heard throughout the city, with the government insisting that it is pursuing "armed terrorist gangs".

Authorities continue protest crackdown - 09 May 2011:

Syrian security forces have continued to crackdown on protesters throughout the country.  Intense gunfire has been reported in the capital, Damascus, and operations are ongoing in the cities of Homs, Deraa and Damascus.

Security forces arrest 500 in series of raids - 03 May 2011:

According to an army spokesman Syrian security forces have arrested 500 people and killed 10 others in a series of raids in Deraa over the weekend.  Police have also broken up protests in the Syrian capital Damascus.  Human rights groups say that 560 people have been killed since protests began six weeks ago.

Security forces intensify crackdown on protesters - 26 April 2011:

At least 500 protesters are reported to have been arrested after the government sent additional security forces to quash the anti-government protests in the country.  At least 20 civilians are believed to have been killed in the city of Deraa on Monday, however communications have been cut in the city, meaning that the actual death toll may be higher.

Security forces shoot dozens of protesters - 22 April 2011:

At least 72 people have been killed after Syrian security forces opened fire on protesters in the bloodiest day since the unrest began five weeks ago.  Deaths were reported in Izraa, Douma, Zamalka, Homs, Moadamia and Daraa.

Eight killed in further protests - 18 April 2011:

At least eight people have been killed following clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in the city of Homs.  Three people are also reported to have been shot dead by security forces in Talbiseh over the weekend.

Anti-government  protests leave 22 dead in Syria - 08 April 2011:

At least 22 people have been killed after anti-government protesters clashed with security forces in the southern city of Deraa.  Renewed demonstrations have also been reported in Haraska and Tartous.

Cabinet resigns amid growing unrest - 29 March 2011:

The Syrian government has resigned following growing political unrest in the country.  The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has accepted the government's resignation and and a new cabinet is expected to be formed in the next 24-hours.

Demonstrations spread throughout Syria - 26 March 2011:

The anti-government protests which began in the southern city of Daraa have spread throughout Syria.  In the town of Sanamein security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, killing at least 20 people.  There were also limited pro and anti-government protests in the capital, Damascus. 

Protesters killed in southern city of Daraa - 23 March 2011:

At least six protesters have been killed in Daraa after Syrian security forces stormed a mosque in the city.  The demonstrators had stated that they were going to remain inside the mosque until their demands for political reforms were met before the security forces attacked the building.

Anti-government protesters clash with security forces - 20 March 2011:

Anti-government police have clashed with Syrian security forces in the southern city of Daraa for a third consecutive day.  At least five people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in the unrest.

Syria Data Sheet

 

Population: 22 million (2009 est.)

Major Religion/s: : Islam (Sunni), Christian

International dialling code: +963

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: Police 112, Medical 110, Fire 113

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Semi-arid

Other Major Cities: Aleppo, Homs, Latakia

Borders: Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon

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