US aircraft carrier strike group arrives in Middle East

The move was planned before the fall of the Assad regime, an official said.

Last Updated: December 16, 2024, 3:49 AM EST

Rebel forces in Syria captured the capital Damascus and toppled the regime of President Bashar Assad in a lightning-quick advance across the country.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza.

Tensions also remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides.

Dec 09, 2024, 1:22 PM EST

White Helmets offering reward for info on 'secret' Syrian prisons

The Syria Civil Defence, aka the White Helmets, announced Monday it is offering a $3,000 reward for any direct information that will lead them to Assad's "secret" Syrian prisons.

The organization addressed former security officers and those working in the security branches for help in accessing the prisons, adding they will maintain the confidentiality of sources.

Dec 09, 2024, 1:09 PM EST

Turkey opening border gate with Syria for return of migrants

Turkish President Erdogan said Monday that Turkey is opening the border gate with Syria for the return of migrants.

Erdogan said they are opening the Yayladağı border gate to crossings "in order to prevent congestion and ease traffic."

There were long lines at the border earlier awaiting this decision.

Dec 09, 2024, 12:14 PM EST

Germany and Austria pause Syrian asylum

Germany and Austria have paused asylum for Syrian refugees after Assad's regime was toppled.

The German interior minister called the situation in Syria "very confusing" and that due to the unclear situation, they have "imposed a freeze on decisions for asylum procedures that are still ongoing until the situation is clearer."

Nearly 1 million Syrian refugees live in Germany.

Austria's interior minister has also instructed the ministry to "prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation program to Syria."

Nearly 100,000 Syrian refugees live in Austria.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Dec 09, 2024, 10:01 AM EST

Parents of journalist missing in Syria hoping for positive news

Debra and Marc Tice -- the parents of Austin Tice, a U.S. journalist and prisoner in Syria since 2012 -- released a statement urging "anyone who can do so to please assist Austin so he can safely return home to our family" following the collapse of Bashar Assad's regime.

Marc Tice (L) and Debra Tice (R) -- the parents of Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012 -- are pictured during a press conference on Dec. 6, 2024.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP

"We are watching the events unfold in Syria and seeing families reunited with their loved ones after years of separation," said a statement released via the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club.

"We know this is possible for our family, too," they added. "Austin Tice is alive, in Syria, and it's time for him to come home. We are eagerly anticipating seeing Austin walk free."

Tice went missing while reporting in Syria in 2012. President Joe Biden said Sunday his return remains possible, though acknowledged that "we have no direct evidence" of his status. "Assad should be held accountable," Biden added.

-ABC News' Dee Carden

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