Country Profile for SYRIA

Alert for Syria

 

Government troops repel rebel attack on Aleppo prison - 16 May 2013:

Government troops have repelled an attack by rebel fighters on a prison in the northern city of Aleppo following hours of heavy fighting.  The rebels had earlier detonated two car bombs outside the walls of the prison, which holds 4,000 inmates, in an attempt to free anti-government activists.

UN peacekeepers kidnapped by rebels in Golan Heights - 7 May 2013:

Four Filipino UN peacekeepers have been kidnapped by rebels along the ceasefire line between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.  The Yarmuk Martyrs Brigade rebel group said that they seized the peacekeepers to protect them from fighting in the region.

Israeli carry out airstrikes in Syria - 5 May 2013:

Israel has carried out two airstrikes on targets inside neighbouring Syria, before deploying two batteries of Iron Dome anti-ballistic missiles two prevent any retaliatory strikes.  They Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said that at least 42 Syrian soldiers were killed in the strikes, which targeted a number of military facilities outside Damascus.

Italian journalist reported missing in Syria - 30 April 2013:

An Italian war correspondent has been missing in Syria for 20 days, according to his La Stampa newspaper.  Domenic Quirico, who has extensive experience covering international conflicts, has not made contact with the paper since 09 April.

PM survives Damascus car bombing - 29 April 2013:

Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi has survived a car bomb attack in central Damascus.  At least six people were killed and more than 20 others wounded in the blast, which appeared to directly target Mr al-Halqi's convoy.

Syrian conflict spills over into Lebanon - 24 April 2013:

Clashes have escalated in the border village of al-Qusayr, amid growing fears that the Syrian conflict is spilling over into Lebanon.  Syrian rebels have warned that they will carry the conflict across the border unless there is an end to what they describe as a Hezbollah-led Shia offensive.  Earlier this week a Hezbollah official said it was the group's duty to defend the citizens in the border villages.

Syrian bishops kidnapped in Aleppo - 23 April 2013:

Two Syrian bishops have been abducted in the village of Kfar Dael in the northern province of Aleppo.  Yohanna Ibrahim, head of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and Paul Yaziji, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo, were travelling back from the Turkish border when they were kidnapped by an unknown group.

Activists claims army massacre near Damascus - 21 April 2013:

At least 80 people have been killed after government troops seized the town of Jdeydet al-Fadel near Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights.  Many of the deceased, accused of being terrorists by Syrian state news, were reportedly executed by government forces.

Government air strikes kill 25 - 14 April 2013:

At least 25 people have been killed, including nine children, by a series of government air strikes on rebel-held areas of Damascus.  The government also carried out air strikes on the towns of Yabroud, Douma and Harasta.

Car bomb rocks central Damascus - 8 April 2013:

At least 15 people have been killed and more than 50 others wounded after a car bomb exploded in the business district of central Damascus.  The blast occurred near the Sabaa Bahrat Square, close to the Syrian Central Bank.  State media have blamed "terrorists" for the attack.

Syrian helicopter fires rocket into Lebanon - 3 April 2013:

A Syrian helicopter has flown across the border into Lebanon and fired two rockets on the outskirts of the town of Arsal.  No casualties have been reported in the town, which currently hosts around 20,000 Syrian refugees.

Jordan closes border crossing with Syria - 25 March 2013:

Jordan closed its main border crossing with Syria on Monday following a series of clashes in the area between Syrian troops and rebels fighters.  It is the first time that the crossing at Jaber has been closed since the uprising in Syria began two years ago.

Moaz al-Khatib resigns as opposition leader - 24 March 2013:

Moaz al-Khatib has resigned as the leader of Syria's opposition coalition, citing a lack of international support and internal divisions for his decision.  The leader of the Free Syria Army (FSA), Saam Idriss, said he has refused the resignation.

Senior cleric killed in mosque bombing - 21 March 2013:

A senior pro-government Sunni Muslim cleric has been killed after a bomb exploded inside a mosque in the Syrian capital Damascus.  Sheik Muhammad Bouti was among 42 people killed in the blast, while more than 80 others were wounded.

Rocket attacks kill 26 in Aleppo - 19 March 2013:

At least 26 people have been killed in a rocket attack in the northern city of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights.  Syrian State TV claim that the rockets, which killed 10 army soldiers, contained chemical agents.

EU official killed in Damascus - 13 March 2013:

A European Union (EU) official has been killed in a rocket attack in a suburb of Damascus.  Ahmad Shihadeh, a policy officer with the EU Delegation in Syria, had been providing humanitarian help to the local community in Darayya when he was killed.

Syrian warplanes bomb Homs - 12 March 2013:

Syrian warplanes have bombed rebel positions in a fiercely contested neighbourhood in the western city of Homs.  Rebels have been fighting to seize control of the Baba Amr neighbourhood for the past three days.

Raqqa falls to rebel fighters - 05 March 2013:

Syrian rebels have captured large parts of Raqqa city in northern Syria after days of heavy fighting. Residents in the city destroyed a statue of late President Hafez al-Assad, while video footage appears to show the governor of Raqqa, Hassan Jalili, in the hands of rebel fighters.

Syria troops killed in western Iraq - 04 March 2013:

At least 40 Syrian soldiers have been killed by unknown gunmen in western Iraq.  The troops had fled across the border to Anbar province in an attempt to escape an attack by rebel Syrian fighters.

French journalist killed in Idlib - 25 February 2013:

A French journalist has died from his injuries while covering the conflict in the city of Idlib.  French President Francois Hollande said that Olivier Voisin, who had been working for Reporters Without Borders, suffered serious head wounds when a mortar shell exploded near his position.

Car bomb kills dozens in Damascus - 21 February 2013:

A large car bomb has killed at least 53 people in a central district of Damascus.  The government controlled state media has blamed "terrorists" for the blast, which occurred close to the headquarters of the ruling Baath Party.

Factory bombing kills 54 people in central Syria - 08 February 2013:

A bombing near a military supply factory in central Syria has killed at least 54 people, all if them civilian workers.  The state news agency reported that the blast had been carried out by "terrorists".

Syria confirms Israeli airstrike on Damascus - 31 January 2013:

The Syrian military have confirmed that Israeli jets have carried out an air strike on a military research centre near Damascus.  However, other regional sources have claimed that the target was a convoy of trucks carrying weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.  Two people were killed and five wounded in the attack.

Executed bodies discovered in Aleppo - 29 January 2013:

The bodies of at least 65 men and boys have been discovered in the Quweiq river in the city of Aleppo.  The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the victims had all been executed with a single gunshot.

Idlib car bombs leave 24 dead - 16 January 2013:

At least 24 people have been killed by a series of coordinated car bombings in the Syrian city of Idlib.  The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claim that most of the dead were government forces, while State TV said that a number of civilians were killed.

University blasts kill 80 in Aleppo - 15 January 2013:

More than 80 people have been killed after two bombs exploded at a university in the northern city of Aleppo.  The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 83 people were killed in the blast, which Syrian state TV claim was the work of "terrorists".

Rebels capture key northern airbase - 11 January 2013:

Rebels in Syria have captured the Taftanaz air base in the north of the country after days of fierce fighting.  The number of regime forces killed has not been reported; however, many of the soldiers fled the base at dawn.

President Assad attacks opponents in state TV speech - 05 January 2013:

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has attacked his opponents in a rare state TV appearance.  He denounced the rebels as "criminals and extremists" and ignored international demands for him to step down.

Death toll reaches 60,000 according to UN - 30 December 2012:

More than 60,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Syria, according to the United Nations.  Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay said the report looked at various data between March, 2011 and November, 2012.

Foreign nationals kidnapped in Syria - 18 December 2012:

Two Russian citizens and an Italian have been kidnapped in Syria, according to a spokesman for the Russian embassy.  Sergei Markov said that the three victims, who were employed by a private contractor, were abducted on the road between Tartus and Homs.

Palestinian refugee camp attacked - 17 December 2012:

The al-Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus has been attacked by Syrian fighter jets.  At least nine civilians are reported to have been killed in the camp, while is also home to displaced Syrians.

Car bomb kills 16 in Damascus - 13 December 2012:

At least 16 people, including seven children, have been killed in a car bombing in the Damascus suburb of Qatana.  A further 24 people were wounded in the blast, which exploded close to a school.

Twin car bomb blast kills 34 in Damascus - 28 November 2012:

At least 34 people have been killed after two car bombs exploded in a Damascus suburb.  The blast occurred in the Jaramana area of the city, and occurred after rebels had fought street battles with government forces.

Children killed in cluster bombing - 26 November 2012:

At least 10 children have been killed after a Syrian army jet dropped a cluster bomb in a playground in Deir al-Asafir, according to video released by opposition activists.  In recent months there have been increasing reports of the Syrian government using cluster bombs on civilian populations.

Rebels capture key army base in Mayadeen - 22 November 2012:

Syrian rebel fighters have captured a military base in the strategically important town of Mayadeen in eastern Syria.  According to a Free Syrian Army (FSA) spokesman the group took control of the artillery garrison following a siege which lasted more than 20 days. 

Syrian jets bomb town on Turkish border - 13 November 2012:

At least 16 people are reported to have been killed after Syrian jets bombed the town of Ras al-Ain, located on the Turkish border, for a second day.  Syrian forces are attempting to retake control of the strategically important town after it fell to rebel groups.  Turkey has reported the strikes to the UN Security Council and NATO.  

Israel fires warning shots into Syria - 11 November 2012:

Israeli forces have fired warning shots into Syria in retaliation to mortar fire from Syria hitting an Israeli post in the Golan Heights.  It is the first time that Israel has fired into Syria since the 1973 Yom Kippur war.  The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for restraint from both sides.

Suicide car bomb kills dozens in Hama - 05 November 2012:

At least 50 Syrian security personnel are reported to have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in the Hama province.  According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights a member of the Nusra Front carried out the attack at a rural development in Sahl al-Ghab.  Syrian state media claimed that only two people were killed in the blast.

Air force general shot dead in Damascus - 30 October 2012:

A senior Syrian air force general has been shot dead in the Syrian capital Damascus.  Abdullah Mahmoud al-Khalidi was killed by suspected rebels in the Rukn al-Din district of the city.

Warplanes hit Damascus suburb despite ceasefire - 29 October 2012:

Syrian warplanes have targeted residential areas of Damascus as both sides ignored the four-day ceasefire agreed on Friday.  Clashes were also reported in Aleppo, Idlib, Homs and Deir al-Zour provinces.  According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) at least 110 people were killed during Sunday's violence.

Government agrees to Eid al-Adha ceasefire - 24 October 2012:

The Syrian government has agreed to a ceasefire during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, according to the UN's envoy to the country.  The majority of Syria's rebel groups have also agreed to the ceasefire, which begins on Friday.

Damascus car bomb kills 10 - 23 October 2012:

A car bomb in the Christian quarter of Damascus has killed 10 people and wounded at least 15 more.  The device exploded at the gate of Bab Touma as people were walking to churches in the area.

Turkey-Syria clashes continue - 09 October 2012:

Turkey has launched further mortar attacks across the border in response to earlier Syrian mortar fire. According to a Turkish official the "Turkish military retaliates immediately after every single Syrian shell".

Turkey strike Syrian targets in response to mortar attack - 04 October 2012:

Turkey's military has carried out a strike against targets inside Syria in response to a cross-border mortar attack which killed five Turkish civilians.  It is the first time that Turkey has carried out any operations in Syria since the civil unrest began last year.

Aleppo bombing leave 40 dead - 03 October 2012:

At least 40 people have died and 90 others wounded after a series of bombs exploded in central Aleppo.  Four of the blasts were reported in the Saadallah al-Jabari Square region of the city.

Suicide bomb attack hits Kurdish town - 30 September 2012:

A suicide bomb attack has killed at least four people and wounded dozens more in the predominantly Kurdish town of Qamishli in north-eastern Syria.  Syria's Kurdish population, estimated to be more than 2 million, have largely stayed out of the fighting since the uprising began 18 months ago.

Twin explosions rock army HQ in Damascus - 26 September 2012:

Two explosions have rocked the general headquarters of the Syrian Army in Damascus.  The Free Syrian Army said that dozens of people had been killed; claims that the Syrian army disputed.

Heavy fighting reported in Damascus suburb - 19 September 2012:

Heavy fighting has been reported in Hajar al-Aswad, a southern suburb of Damascus, between government forces and rebel fighters.  According to state media the Syrian soldiers have killed a large number of "terrorists" in the clashes.

Aleppo car bomb kills 17 - 10 September 2012:

At least 17 people have been killed after a car bomb exploded in the northern city of Aleppo.  The Free Syrian Army claimed responsibility for the attack, which reportedly targeted  a hospital which was being used as a makeshift military and police headquarters.

Rocket fire kills spills over into Iraq - 08 September 2012:

Rocket fire from Syria has killed a young girl in Iraq following fighting outside the town of Albu Kamal.  The Iraqi interior ministry said that four rockets hit the western border town of al-Qaim.

Japanese journalist killed in Aleppo - 21 August 2012:

A Japanese journalist has been killed while reporting on the ongoing fighting in Aleppo.  Mika Yamamoto, who worked for the Japan Press news agency, is the fifth journalist to be killed covering the war in Syria. 

Rebels claim responsibility for Damascus bombing - 15 August 2012:

The Syrian Free Army have claimed responsibility for a bomb blast outside a Damascus hotel used by the UN observer mission.  The device had been planted to a fuel truck, and the explosion wounded at least five people.

Syrian PM defects from al-Assad government - 06 August 2012:

Syria's Prime Minister Riad Hijab has defected from Bashar al-Assad's government, labeling it a "terrorist regime" which was "crumbling from within".  Mr Hijab is reported to have fled with his family to neighbouring Jordan.

Iranian pilgrims abducted outside Damascus - 04 August 2012:

Almost 50 Iranian pilgrims have been kidnapped from a Shia shrine outside the Syrian capital, Damascus.  According to Syrian state news the group were taken by "armed terrorist groups". 

Damascus raids leave 70 dead - 02 August 2012:

Syrian government forces have carried out a series of raids in the capital Damascus, leaving at least 70 people dead according to activists.  Syrian state TV said that "dozens of terrorists" surrendered or were killed in the operations.

Thousands flee heavy fighting in Aleppo - 30 July 2012:

According to the UN around 200,000 people have fled Syria's second city of Aleppo following two days of heavy fighting in the city.  Government forces began a ground assault on Saturday, with the outnumbered rebels fighter carrying out guerrilla tactics.

Fierce fighting reported in Aleppo - 24 July 2012:

Fierce fighting has been reported in the second city of Aleppo as rebel fighters attempt to seize control of the city.  Heavy shelling and gunfire has been reported, with helicopter gunships also reportedly firing on several districts of the city.

Deadliest day of fighting claim activists - 20 July 2012:

More than 300 people were killed across Syria on Thursday in what activists are calling the single deadliest day of fighting since the unrest against President Assad began.  Rebels troops have been closing in on the capital Damascus in recent days, assassinating three top government officials in the process.

Activists claim 200 dead in Tremseh massacre - 13 July 2012:

Opposition activists have said that around 200 people have been killed by government forces in the Syrian village of Tremseh.  Residents from the village claim that they were attacked by helicopter gunships and tanks before members of the Shabiha militia carried out further killings.

Deadly clashes reported in Damascus suburb - 26 June 2012:

Clashes between Syrian troops and opposition fighters have left dozens of people dead in Damascus.  The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the heaviest fighting occurred in the suburbs of Qudssaya and Al-Hama.

Syrian general defects to Turkey - 25 June 2012:

A Syrian general has defected to Turkey, along with two colonels, two majors and around 30 lower ranking soldiers.  The group, consisting of some 200 people in total, crossed into Hatay province on Sunday night.

Turkish plane shot down by Syrian army - 23 June 2012:

A Turkish fighter jet has been shot down by the Syrian army, causing serious diplomatic tension between the two countries.  Syria has said that it engaged the aircraft after in entered its airspace around the Mediterranean Sea.

Massacre reported in Hama province - 06 June 2012:

At least 86 people have been killed by pro-government forces in the province of Hama, according to the Syrian National Council.  The opposition coalition said that more than 40 women and children were massacred in the villages of Qubair and Maarzaf.

Soldiers killed in weekend of violence - 04 June 2012:

At least 80 soldiers have been killed by rebel troops in the suburbs of Damscus and Idlib.  The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the deaths will local medical authorities.

Houla massacre sparks outrage - 25 May 2012:

At least 108 people have been killed in the town of Houla in Homs province, sparking international outrage.  UN observers on the ground have said that 49 children and 34 women were killed by a combination of shelling and gun fire.  Local activists have blamed the massacre on government forces, whilst the government claim that terrorist gangs were responsible. 

Car bomb kills nine in Deir al-Zour - 19 May 2012:

At least nine people have been killed by a car bomb in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour.  State TV claim that the attack was carried out a suicide bomber, whilst opposition group are blaming the government instead.

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: 22.5 million

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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