Cousin pleads for ruler to prevent collapse of his telecommunication company; suggestions of a campaign against Rami Makhlouf, possibly at Russia's behest

In tacit threat, the military warns Damascus that it will bear responsibility for any attacks that emanate from within its borders

Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says 'reasonable grounds' to believe Assad regime behind use of sarin and chlorine against civilians in Lataminah

Fighting and displacement still at its height, 9 years after demonstrators demanded the ouster of President Assad and precipitated 21st century's biggest war so far

Voting to be held in areas under Syrian government control for 3rd time since civil war began; UN refused to recognize results of last election

NATO and UN urge deescalation after dozens of Turkish troops killed in airstrike; nearly 1 million flee Idlib violence, hundreds skirmish with Greek police at border

Fresh offensive risks becoming full-blown conflict between Turkey and Assad's forces, shattering cooperation between Ankara and Moscow

After conversation with Erdogan, Trump urges Moscow-backed Syrian regime forces to end attacks on Idlib region where Turkey has 12 observation posts

Turkish president threatens to strike Syrian regime forces after eight Turkish soldiers killed

Weeks of intensive aerial bombardment and a bruising ground offensive have emptied towns in the region, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes