Israel has moved to take control of a buffer zone along its border with Syria, launching hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military facilities and conducting periodic incursions into villages, even as U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday for his first visit as U.N. chief. Guterres' arrival marked the first time a U.N. secretary-general has visited the Syrian capital since 2009. His visit comes nearly two years after the fall of Bashar Assad, a significant shift in the nation's political landscape.
Shortly after landing, Guterres held discussions with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He later toured the historic old quarter of Damascus and the revered Umayyad Mosque. On X, the Secretary-General affirmed the United Nations' solidarity with Syria during what he termed a "pivotal moment." He also issued an appeal to the international community, urging them to "spare no effort to support the people of Syria as well."
Israel's Regional Aggression
Despite al-Sharaa's stated desire for no conflict with Israel, the Israeli state reacted with suspicion to the new Islamist-led leadership. This suspicion quickly translated into concrete actions on the ground. Israel moved swiftly to establish control over the buffer zone, a critical area along the shared border. This expansion of control has been accompanied by a sustained campaign of military aggression.
Hundreds of Israeli airstrikes have targeted Syrian military facilities, demonstrating a clear pattern of intervention. Beyond the aerial bombardments, Israeli forces have also carried out periodic incursions into villages situated outside the buffer zone. These ground operations have, at times, led to violent confrontations with local residents, further destabilizing an already fragile region. Guterres is scheduled to visit the U.N. force deployed along this very border with Israel during his stay in Syria.
Syria's Enduring Struggle
Syria continues its struggle to recover from a deadly conflict that erupted 15 years and 4 months ago, in March 2011. This prolonged conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly half a million people and caused widespread destruction across the country. The Assad family's five-decade rule concluded 1 year and 7 months ago, in December 2024, when fighters loyal to al-Sharaa stormed Damascus. Since then, the nation has grappled with the lingering effects of the conflict and the burden of crippling Western sanctions.
While the United States and European nations have reportedly lifted many of the sanctions imposed during the Assad dynasty's rule, their impact on the ground remains limited. Compounding these challenges, cuts to international aid have severely worsened living conditions for a significant portion of the Syrian population. The United Nations estimates that a staggering 90% of Syria’s population now lives in poverty. Rebuilding the country after over a decade of civil war is projected to cost approximately $216 billion, according to a World Bank assessment released last year.