Syria news update today
Here's a summary of the latest news from Syria:
Conflict and Violence
- The Syrian government has launched a new military operation in the northwestern province of Idlib, targeting rebel-held areas and causing civilian casualties. (Source: Al Jazeera)
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 12 civilians were killed in airstrikes on the town of Maaret al-Numan, which is controlled by the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front. (Source: Reuters)
- The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least 10 people in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour. (Source: AP)
Peace Talks and Diplomacy
- The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for a ceasefire in Idlib and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law. (Source: UN News)
- The Russian and Turkish foreign ministers have agreed to work together to reduce tensions in Idlib and to prevent a humanitarian crisis. (Source: TASS)
- The United States has announced that it will provide an additional $250 million in humanitarian aid to support Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. (Source: State Department)
Humanitarian Crisis
- The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the conflict in Syria has pushed the country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with over 12 million people in need of food assistance. (Source: WFP)
- The Syrian Arab Red Crescent has reported that it has received a shipment of medical supplies and equipment from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). (Source: SARC)
- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has called for increased international support to help Syrian refugees and host communities. (Source: UNHCR)
Other News
- The Syrian government has announced that it will hold parliamentary elections on July 19. (Source: SANA)
- The Turkish military has announced that it has completed its withdrawal from the Syrian border town of Ras al-Ain. (Source: Anadolu Agency)
- The Syrian opposition has accused the government of using chemical weapons in the town of Saraqeb, which is controlled by the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front. (Source: SOHR)
Please note that the situation in Syria is constantly evolving, and this summary may not reflect the most up-to-date information.