Syria’s main international airport in Damascus is set to reopen next week, signaling an effort by the new government to restore a sense of normalcy following the uprising that led to the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad. Amid border tensions between Syria and Lebanon, four Lebanese soldiers were wounded in clashes with Syrian militants. Ahmad al-Shara, the new de facto leader of Syria and head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is working to bring stability to a country ravaged by 14 years of civil war.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon spoke with Mr. al-Shara to address the border violence, with Mr. al-Shara promising to take necessary measures to restore calm and prevent future incidents. Concerns have arisen in neighboring countries about potential chaos spilling over from Syria following Mr. Assad’s removal from power. In eastern Syria, Turkish-backed fighters are engaged in ongoing battles with Kurdish forces, as well as isolated clashes between the new regime and remnants of pro-Assad militias.
Forces affiliated with the new Syrian government are actively searching for individuals associated with the previous regime near Homs, following the arrests of two former officials. Israeli forces have conducted airstrikes on military targets across Syria and deployed troops in a buffer zone between the two countries to prevent potential attacks from Syrian territory. Jordan has also partially closed its ground crossing with Syria in response to escalating tensions.
Efforts are being made by Mr. al-Shara and his allies to integrate various militant groups into a unified armed force. A new acting defense minister has been appointed to oversee this transition process. In other regional developments, the Israeli military is continuing a ground operation in northern Gaza. Israeli forces have surrounded the Indonesian Hospital, a medical facility in the area, and have indicated no immediate plans to evacuate the patients and staff inside. The Israeli military alleges that Hamas uses hospitals as military bases, a claim that Hamas denies.
