Protests by supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad have erupted along the Syrian coast, spreading to Jableh, Tartus, Qardaha, and other cities in the Latakia and Tartus governorates. Initially peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into armed clashes. Local residents supported the resistance and demanded that the new authorities leave the region.
Senators harshly questioned Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, during her confirmation hearing. She refused to call Edward Snowden a traitor, attempted to soften her controversial views on foreign leaders, and reversed her previous criticism of U.S. electronic surveillance. Lawmakers challenged her on past remarks about Assad, Putin’s “legitimate security concerns”, and alleged contacts with Hezbollah.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Ahmad al-Sharaa has been declared Syria's interim president. The new administration has abolished the 2012 constitution and dissolved all security services and armed forces.
A CNN crew filmed a report about a prison in Syria, where the allegedly tortured prisoner was recognized as an intelligence officer known for extortion. The story caused a scandal.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Israel did not seek to remove Assad. Assad, observing the conflict between Iran and Israel in Syria, remained a useful figure for Tel Aviv.
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