I & L News

To summarize everything that happened in the last 2 hours alone in one post: Hama fell to HTS within an hour, despite the Syrian Ministry of Defense claiming they wouldn't give it up. Russia and Iran demanded defense, or at least tried to. Revolt of the Free Syrian Army in the Daraa region. Anti-Assad protests everywhere in areas of the country still controlled by the regime. Reports of massive withdrawals near the "border"/line of contact with the SDF. Apparently they are simply leaving the territory to them Gemeldeter Coup attempt by the Republican Guard, supposedly the most loyal unit in all of Syria. The 4th Division led by Maher Assad tries to repel it.

Russian airstrikes were reported in Aleppo, Syria, for the first time since 2016. These came after the jihadist group Haiat Tahrir al-Sham took control of large parts of the city and important facilities. At least 16 people died and over 300 casualties were counted in the entire offensive. Government troops have withdrawn and are preparing a counterattack. Russia, a supporter of the Syrian government since 2015, responded to the losses with the attacks.

Australia has passed a globally unique law that prohibits children under the age of 16 from using social media. The regulation is intended to force platforms such as TikTok and Meta (Facebook, Instagram) to block access for minors, otherwise they will face heavy fines. The law was passed after intense debate and is to apply from 2025. The aim is to protect children from psychological and physical harm caused by excessive use of social media, particularly through problematic content. Reactions are mixed: while some welcome the law, others criticize it as an encroachment on freedom. Experts and tech companies warn of possible negative consequences such as children being moved to more dangerous platforms. Ukrainian energy workers risk their lives to maintain the power supply despite Russian attacks. A DTEK thermal power plant, hit several times, requires constant repairs. The workers see themselves as part of the front line in the war and are fighting to supply millions of people with ene...

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have taken Kusabiyah in the direction of Aleppo, Syria. The map shows the conflict area in northern Syria with color-coded control zones: green (opposition/SNA), red/orange (Syrian government/Iranian militias) and purple (disputed areas). Key regions: • M5 motorway: strategically important for logistics and control. • Tal Rifaat: Target of possible Turkish offensive, as a retreat for Kurdish forces. • Nubl and Al-Zahraa: strongholds of Iranian-backed militias. Dynamics: • The possible withdrawal of Russian troops could strengthen the opposition while weakening Iranian forces. • An escalation could trigger humanitarian crises and international tensions, especially in actions near Aleppo.

The SNA, the Levant forces and Ahrar al-Sham have mobilized in the last hour in Mare', al-Bab and Azaz.

Unconfirmed beginning of the SNA offensive in Tal Rifat and Nabal al-Zahra through online sources.

Following a meeting between the leaders of the Syrian National Army factions and Turkish officials this afternoon, preparations are underway for a large-scale military operation targeting the area of Tal Rifaat and northern Aleppo, with the ultimate goal of reaching the city of Aleppo. This operation is in line with an international agreement to expel Iranian forces and militias from Syrian territory, particularly from the towns of Nubl and Al-Zahraa, which have long been considered strongholds of Iranian-backed militias in northern Syria. The planned offensive coincides with reports of the withdrawal of Russian forces from the region, leaving the Iranian militias to face the opposition forces alone.

Hezbollah is facing major challenges following the ceasefire with Israel. While it has suffered thousands of casualties among its fighters, including leading figures, the organization has been hit hard by the destruction of its strongholds in Lebanon. Its priorities are now to supply the population, rebuild and analyze its own mistakes, especially with regard to underestimated Israeli technology. Iran has pledged financial support, but reconstruction remains a mammoth task due to enormous damage estimated at 8.5 billion dollars. Israel sees Hezbollah as militarily and politically weakened, while the organization points to its remaining combat capability. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that Mexico would respond with counter-tariffs if US President-elect Donald Trump implements his proposal for a 25% tariff. Mexico warns that this would jeopardize 400,000 US jobs and increase prices for US consumers. The automotive industry, which is heavily dependent on exports t...

A ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah has come into force following mediation by the USA and France. The conflict, triggered by the Gaza war, has killed thousands in over a year. The Lebanese army is preparing to secure the south of the country as Israel gradually withdraws. Many civilians are returning to their homes despite destroyed villages and continuing insecurity. The ceasefire is intended to be permanent, but both sides warn of consequences in the event of violations. The USA and France are accompanying the implementation with UN support, while Israel emphasizes that it has considerably weakened Hezbollah. Hundreds of Chinese investors who lost their savings in the collapse of real estate developer China Evergrande are exerting pressure on the authorities with cautious protests. They are demanding an update of the investigation that has been ongoing for over a year. Small groups of investors have been visiting government offices in Shenzhen one after anoth...

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will present a ceasefire treaty with Hezbollah in Lebanon today to his cabinet. He made these statements in an address to the nation. In the evening, the Security Cabinet is to vote on the ceasefire in Lebanon. “The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. If Hezbollah tries to attack us, if it arms itself and rebuilds the infrastructure near the border, we will attack," Netanyahu clarifies.

After farmers from France and the UK, German farmers also protested on 23.11.2024.  The recovery work following the train collision near Kerpen continues. One damaged wagon has already been removed, with more to follow. Damage to tracks, sleepers and masts is delaying the reopening of the line between Cologne and Aachen, which will not be possible until Monday at the earliest. A freight train collided with a construction train, derailing six wagons. The train driver was seriously injured, two others slightly. The independent Calin Georgescu, who is campaigning for the normalization of relations with Russia, has won the first round of the Romanian presidential election. There will now be a run-off with the incumbent president in two weeks' time. But a political landslide has already happened.  “According to a survey, a clear majority of men under the age of 50 in Germany say they would defend the country with a weapon in the event of a military attack. This is the result of the...

Trump's tariffs are a “risky political bet” President-elect Trump wants to impose high import tariffs on all goods from Mexico, Canada and China. This is risky, says Gordian Fritz, because “the end customer will foot the bill”. Up to 25 percent on everything Trump announces tariffs against China, Mexico and Canada. According to Lebanese sources, US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are on the verge of announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel's government plans to review the agreement on Tuesday. Diplomatic progress contrasts with intense fighting: Israel heavily attacked Hezbollah areas in Lebanon over the weekend, while Hezbollah fired hundreds of rockets at Israel. The USA and France are negotiating the implementation of a ceasefire plan that envisages the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army. International monitoring is to be carried out by a five-member committee. The fighting si...

Keir Starmer has been Prime Minister of Great Britain since July. For the first time in years, a Labor politician moved back into Downing Street. But the mood has changed at breathtaking speed. The British are calling loudly for new elections. A parliamentary petition reached over one million signatures in just 24 hours. A new record. Europe is facing an energy crisis, reports Bloomberg. Gas prices have risen and supplies of energy sources from Russia will soon end. With the onset of winter, gas storage facilities are emptying too quickly. The cold is approaching, more heating is needed and there is no wind - the wind turbines are at a standstill. Last year, Europe was lucky with a mild winter. But this time the forecasts are not very encouraging, experts warn. In response to the critical resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has made good on its promise to expand its nuclear program. As the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, an...