Charles Lister

Syrian rebels launched a surprise offensive against government positions in northwest Syria on Wednesday, reportedly capturing several villages in western Aleppo. The operation, named "Deterring Aggression," aims to create safe areas for displaced Syrians to return home in dignity and security.

Israeli air raids across eastern and southern Lebanon have resulted in at least 100 deaths and over 400 injuries, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The casualties include children, women, and paramedics, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region as Hezbollah announces a "battle of reckoning" against Israel.

Explosions were reported in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh on Wednesday afternoon, according to a Lebanese news agency. Dahiyeh, known for its association with Hezbollah, was among several areas in Lebanon where similar incidents occurred. Reuters journalists in the southern suburbs of Beirut confirmed hearing at least two distinct explosions in different locations on the same day.

Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, on Sept. 17, 2024, after explosions hit locations in several Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah fighters.

President Trump has decided to end the CIA’s covert program to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels battling the government of Bashar al-Assad, a move long sought by Russia, according to U.S. officials.

A top aide to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted Wednesday that U.S. commandos in northern Syria could be targeted by Turkish rockets if they continue to work with Kurdish fighters along the border with Turkey.

The first appearance of self-proclaimed "caliph" Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a video shot in an Iraqi mosque illustrates the extent of his jihadist group's control and confidence, experts say.