Secret Iran-Turkey collaboration produces ceasefire in Syria

Special to WorldTribune.com Iran and Turkey, who support opposing sides in the Syrian civil war, negotiated a 48-hour ceasefire on Aug. 12 after a month of behind-the-scenes negotiations. The ceasefire stopped fighting between Syrian insurgents, backed by Turkey, and Syria’s military and Hizbullah, supported by Iran. The rebel-held town of Zabadani and a pair of […]

Assad ramps up counter-offensive as senior Russians arrive in Damascus

Assad ramps up counter-offensive as senior Russians arrive in Damascus

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — President Bashar Assad has launched what the opposition termed a sustained counter-insurgency campaign to quell the revolt throughout Syria. Meanwhile, defectors reported exhaustion within the Assad regime which, on Feb. 7, was scheduled to conduct high-level consultations with the Kremlin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he and Foreign Intelligence […]

Syria launches major counter-offensive to take back rebel-held cities

Syria launches major counter-offensive to take back rebel-held cities

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The regime of President Bashar Assad has launched a massive offensive, using tanks and artillery, to roll back the gains of Sunni rebels. Opposition sources said the Syrian Army and security forces have conducted major operations in several cities captured or controlled by the rebels in January. They said the […]

Free Syrian Army said to capture major Damascus suburb

Free Syrian Army said to capture major Damascus suburb

Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The opposition has reported the rebel capture of another Syrian town. Opposition sources said the Free Syrian Army attacked and seized Duma, a major suburb of Damascus, on Jan. 21. They said FSA units, comprised of Syrian Army deserters, overran positions of the regime of President Bashar Assad and captured […]