★ SYRIA
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Hasakah Deal Stabilizes Syria After Trump’s Sharaa Call
Syrian Presidency announced a Hasakah integration agreement with SDF after Damascus clashes January 18-20, granting four days of consultation starting at 8 PM today. Government pledges no entry into Hasakah/Qamishli centers; Mazloum Abdi nominates defense deputy, governor, hires for state integration. SDF withdrew from al-Hol camp amid disputed ISIS detainee escapes from al-Shaddadi (120 fled, 81 recaptured). PKK vows support as Türkiye warns of border provocations. U.S. envoy Barak says SDF anti-ISIS role ends.
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★IRAN
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Iran Parliament Warns Jihad If Khamenei Targeted
Iranian parliament vowed jihad against U.S. if Supreme Leader Khamenei faces attack, amid escalating protest crackdown. Authorities seized protester assets as punishment, verifying 5,000 deaths since December unrest. Internet restrictions ease slightly, but executions loom under religious charges. Trump called for regime change; Tehran blames him for chaos.
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★ISRAEL
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IDF Targets Hezbollah Tunnels After Ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah tunnels, camps, and rocket sites in south Lebanon to block reconstruction. No casualties reported post-November 2024 truce. Strikes counter attack planning amid Syria chaos. U.S. interests face escalated risks from Iranian proxy reactivation near Golan. Israel defies U.S. on Rafah closure, seeking Hamas leverage.
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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.
