Damascus latest news now

Here are the latest news updates from Damascus, Syria:

Breaking News

• Syrian government forces have captured the strategic town of Khan Shaykhun in the northwestern province of Idlib, according to state media. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• The Syrian army has launched a new offensive in the southern province of Daraa, aiming to retake control of the region from rebel groups. (Source: Reuters)
• The United Nations has condemned the recent escalation of violence in Idlib, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to the region. (Source: UN News)

Recent Developments

• The Syrian government has announced the reopening of the Damascus International Airport, which had been closed since 2012 due to the conflict. (Source: SANA)
• The Russian military has deployed advanced S-400 air defense systems to Syria, according to reports. (Source: TASS)
• The Syrian opposition has accused the government of using chemical weapons in the town of Saraqib, in the Idlib province. (Source: BBC)

Humanitarian Crisis

• The Syrian conflict has displaced over 12 million people, with millions more in need of humanitarian assistance. (Source: UNHCR)
• The World Food Programme has warned of a severe food crisis in Syria, with over 9 million people in need of food aid. (Source: WFP)
• The Syrian government has been accused of blocking humanitarian aid to rebel-held areas, leading to widespread suffering and shortages. (Source: Human Rights Watch)

International Response

• The United States has imposed new sanctions on Syria, targeting the country's oil and gas sector. (Source: US Treasury Department)
• The European Union has extended its sanctions on Syria, targeting individuals and entities involved in the conflict. (Source: EU Council)
• Russia has continued to support the Syrian government, with President Vladimir Putin visiting Damascus in 2017. (Source: Kremlin)

Please note that the situation in Syria is constantly evolving, and news updates may change rapidly. These reports are based on available information at the time of writing.