★SYRIA

1. Washington Conducts Wide-Ranging Strikes Against the Islamic State in Syria

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory strikes targeting 70 Islamic State sites across eastern and central Syria following an attack in the city of Palmyra that killed two American soldiers and a translator. The operation lasted about five hours and involved fighter jets, helicopters, HIMARS rocket systems, and Jordanian air support, during U.S. signaled that the campaign could continue. The U.S. Department of Defense said the operation—dubbed “Hawkeye Strike” —targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons stockpiles. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strikes as a message of deterrence and retribution rather than a declaration of war, stressing Washington’s commitment to protecting its forces and pursuing terrorist threats. The strikes mark a measured escalation aimed at degrading the group’s capabilities and preventing further attacks on U.S. forces and regional partners.

2. UK Sanctions Individuals Linked to Violence Against Syrian Civilians

Britain imposed sanctions on individuals and organisations linked to violence against Syrian civilians, including supporters of Bashar al-Assad’s former regime. The measures target perpetrators of recent and past abuses through asset freezes and travel bans, as London seeks accountability while easing broader sanctions to support Syria’s post-war recovery.

3. Syrian Authorities Foil Captagon Smuggling Attempt in Hama

Syrian authorities announced the seizure of around 26,000 Captagon pills hidden inside a metal bed at a bus garage in Hama, intended for smuggling abroad. The Interior Ministry said legal measures were taken and investigations are ongoing, as Captagon trafficking persists despite increased seizures since the regime’s fall.

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★ISRAEL

4. Israel, Greece, Cyprus to Hold Trilateral Summit on Regional Security

Leaders from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus will meet in Jerusalem to discuss strengthening eastern Mediterranean security cooperation. Plans may include a joint rapid-response military unit, driven by concerns over Turkey’s regional activity. The summit aims to boost coordination, readiness, and signal a unified approach to defense challenges among the three allies.

5. Israel Shares Detailed Database on Iraqi Armed Factions

Israel has reportedly provided Iraqi officials with a highly detailed security database on armed factions, including leadership, military structures, finances, and state-linked fronts, via a Western intelligence channel. The disclosure raised concerns in Baghdad over possible Israeli strikes and accelerated internal talks on restricting weapons to state control.

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★IRAN

6. Iran’s Ancient Yalda Night Marred by Inflation and Economic Hardship

Iranians marked Yalda Night, the winter solstice festival symbolizing hope and light, during soaring inflation and economic stagnation. Family gatherings, fruit and sweets traditions, and poetry readings continued, but rising prices, a weakened rial, war fallout, and sanctions have sharply reduced purchasing power and dampened celebrations.

7. Iran Steps Up Missile Drills, Renews Military Threats Toward Israel

Iran has intensified missile tests and large-scale military drills while renewing threats against Israel, showcasing advanced cruise, ballistic, and drone capabilities. Officials warned of harsher retaliation in any future conflict, as Tehran rebuilds missile production, conducts regional exercises, and reinforces its stance that its missile program is nonnegotiable.

8. Iran-Linked Hackers Claim Israeli Drone Engineers Exposed, Offer Bounties

Iran-linked hacking group Handala claimed it exposed identities of 14 Israeli drone engineers and offered $30,000 bounties for each, according to social media posts. The unverified claims followed threats of cyberattacks against Israeli officials, with no supporting evidence released and no official Israeli response so far.

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★TURKIYE

9. Erdogan Warns Israel, Greece, and Cyprus Over Maritime Rights

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Israel, Greece, and Cyprus that Türkiye will defend its maritime rights, while insisting Ankara seeks peace and regional stability. Speaking at a naval ceremony ahead of a Jerusalem trilateral summit, Erdogan underscored Türkiye’s growing naval capabilities and its commitment to the “Blue Homeland” doctrine.

10. Turkish Foreign and Defense Ministers Visit Syria to Discuss Security and SDF Agreement

Turkey’s foreign and defense ministers, Hakan Fidan and Yaşar Güler, visited Syria to review bilateral relations and the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Discussions focused on security priorities for Turkey, integration of SDF institutions into national structures, emerging threats from Israel, and preventing a resurgence of ISIS in northeastern Syria.

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★THE GULF

11. Oman Air Force Launches Advanced Military Systems and Support Platforms

Oman’s military inaugurated new advanced systems and equipment for the Royal Air Force of Oman during a ceremony in Muscat attended by Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Pilot Khamis al-Ghafri. The event included launching the “Isnad” digital support application, unveiling new vehicle branding, and showcasing modern equipment as part of ongoing modernization aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

12. UAE Identified as Elbit Systems’ $2.3 Billion Mystery Customer

The United Arab Emirates has been identified as the undisclosed buyer in Elbit Systems’ $2.3 billion defense deal, according to Intelligence Online. Signed last month and spanning eight years, the agreement’s details remain undisclosed, mirroring Elbit’s recent Serbia deal involving drones, precision rockets, and advanced intelligence systems.

13. Saudi Arabia Sets New Record for Executions During Drug Crackdown

Saudi Arabia executed at least 347 people this year, surpassing last year’s record, according to rights group Reprieve. Most executions involved non-lethal drug offenses, with over half of those executed being foreign nationals. Critics say the surge reflects a harsh anti-drug campaign and disregard for international human rights standards.

14. China Boosts Saudi Oil Imports, Cuts Russian Supplies in November

China increased crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia by 8.4% in November to 1.84 million barrels per day, while imports from Russia fell 3.4% to 2.03 million bpd. Imports from Malaysia and the UAE declined, while Kuwait’s supplies rose sharply, according to customs data.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.