What is known about the Syrian crisis so far?

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian armed opposition seeks normal relations with Russia, international community

VIDEO: Israel enters Syria beyond the Golan Heights

Russian Foreign Ministry slams Reuters for spreading fakes on Assad's 'highly likely' death

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📹 Russia’s Federal Security Service cracks down on criminal call center

The Federal Security Service (FSB) announced it has uncovered an international call center network operating in Russia on behalf of former Georgian Defense Minister and Milton Group founder Davit Kezerashvili. Security forces detained 11 individuals, including leaders and employees of the network's Russian offices.

According to the FSB, in 2022, the leaders of the network, under orders from the Ukrainian Security Service, sent anonymous messages about alleged terrorist attacks supposedly being planned in Russia.

The FSB reported that the network's victims numbered around 100,000 people across more than 50 countries.

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The flag of the Syrian opposition has been raised at the country's embassy in Moscow.

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🗣Russian forces in Syria are doing everything necessary to ensure the security of military bases, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The events in Syria have surprised the whole world, with Russia being no exception, Peskov said. The situation remains unstable and the country is currently undergoing a period of transformation, he added.

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💬 More key statements by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov:

⚪️Vladimir Putin is to meet with CSTO parliamentary leaders on Monday.

⚪️Putin will informally talk to Russia's Heroes after official events in honor of Heroes of the Fatherland Day in the Kremlin.

⚪️The Astana format is always relevant as a mechanism for exchanging views, and consultations will continue in one form or another.

⚪️The Kremlin urged not to make hasty conclusions on the release of prisoners in Syria, saying all cases should be considered separately.

⚪️The security of Russian military bases in Syria is a very important issue.

⚪️ Russia firmly intends to support dialog on Syria, analyze the situation, and hold consultations.

⚪️The international situation is very turbulent, and this requires special attention, including from the Russian authorities.

⚪️There is still very high conflict potential in the world.

⚪️Putin's official schedule does not include a meeting with Bashar al-Assad.

⚪️On reports that Assad is in Moscow: Nothing to say on Assad's location.

⚪️The Russian authorities are doing everything necessary to get in contact with those in Syria who can deal with the security of military bases.

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📑What makes the Golan Heights crucial for Israel?

Amid the turmoil in Syria, which saw President Bashar al-Assad transfer power to the armed opposition, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) entered Syrian territory outside the Golan Heights for the first time in 50 years.

The Golan Heights in details

The Golan Heights is a mountain plateau of volcanic origin that stretches north to south, covering an area of 1,800 square kilometers. It lies about 60 km south of Damascus and is bordered by the Yarmouk River to the south and the Sea of Galilee to the west.

Why is this ground vital?

🔸 This is a key strategic area in military terms. The plateau’s hilly terrain offers a natural defense line against any ground military strike from Syria.

🔸 The high ground also gives Israel an excellent vantage point to observe troop movements in Syria.

🔸 With their well-developed hydro geographical network, the heights are a key source of water for the arid region.

🔸 Numerous rivers and streams from there flow into the Jordan River and Lake Tiberias – crucial sources of drinking water for Israel.

🔸 Three drilling sites on the Golan were claimed to have discovered potentially billions of barrels of oil in 2015.

🔸 The fertile volcanic soil is used for growing vineyards and orchards, as well as for raising livestock.

What is the history of the Golan Heights?

◾️ Israel seized a large portion of Syria's Golan Heights during the Six-Day War in 1967.

◾️ After the 1973 Arab-Israeli War (Yom Kippur War), Syria and Israel signed a disengagement agreement in May 1974.

◾️ The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 350, which established the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) there.

◾️ Israel formally annexed the patch of land in 1981.

◾️ The UN Security Council declared the annexation invalid. Most of the international community, including Russia, does not recognize Israel's sovereignty over the territory. During Trump’s tenure in 2019, the US administration officially recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel.

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🇷🇺 Russia can never be ‘conquered’, Putin assures

The Russian president highlighted the contributions of those who served in Russia's special military operation while presenting them with awards at a ceremony dedicated to Heroes of the Fatherland Day.

“On our side, we hold the truth, the might of firepower, as well as the strength of spirit,” he stressed.

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The armed opposition that took power in Syria proposes dissolving all opposition associations and operating under a unified government, spokesperson told Sputnik.

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More statements by the Syrian opposition:

🔸 The opposition seeks to disband all armed groups and establish a unified military administration in the country.

🔸 The opposition also advocates for the formation of a transitional government.

Earlier, the head of the Syrian armed opposition exclusively told Sputnik that they hoped to build positive relations with both Russia and the international community in order to establish an independent and democratic state based on UNSC Resolution 2254.

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🗣Russia expects CSTO leaders to attend May 9 2025, in Moscow, invites military units of these states to participate in parade - Putin

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❗️❗️❗️Syria’s Prime Minister to Sputnik: Government prioritizing stability amid turmoil

In an interview with Sputnik, Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali stated, "the current government is committed to its duties, and our primary focus is on ensuring the uninterrupted operation of state services and utilities." He emphasized the administration's dedication to maintaining stability in the country despite ongoing challenges.

Al-Jalali underscored the significance of communication with both foreign allies and adversaries, remarking, "Contacts are being made... we are actively engaging in discussions on the necessity of a smooth transition to preserve the state." He noted that during a recent meeting with one of the factions, it was reaffirmed that "Syria will remain a united country."

Addressing the difficulties faced by Syria’s military, al-Jalali acknowledged that "psychological, economic, and social factors have contributed to a decline in morale within the Syrian army." He elaborated that many soldiers, disillusioned by the difficult conditions, "laid down their weapons and returned home."

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stated, "The restoration of the Syrian army will be the responsibility of the next administration." He expressed hope for the eventual lifting of sanctions but clarified that "no specific agreements have been reached on this matter."

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