Inside an Ancient Lebanese City Engulfed by War

Live updates

1. 37d ago

   Syrians protest fuel price increases amid regional conflict

   Syrians demonstrated across the country on Monday for two straight days to protest government fuel price hikes attributed to the Middle East war. These events represent the first public protests since authorities took power in December 2024 after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. In the northwestern province of Idlib, protesters in Maarat al-Numan blocked a main road using burning tires.

   Why it matters

   The current government previously prohibited demonstrations under the rule of Bashar al-Assad. Economic instability tied to regional warfare is now driving public unrest in a post-Assad political environment.

   What is confirmed

   • Syrians protested fuel price hikes for two consecutive days ending Monday.
   • The current Syrian authorities seized power in December 2024 after ousting Bashar al-Assad.
   • Protesters in Maarat al-Numan used burning tires to briefly block a main road.

   What to watch next

   • Government response to the fuel price demonstrations
   • Further economic adjustments linked to the Middle East war
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. english.aawsat.com — Syrians Protest Fuel Price Hikes
   2. en.yenisafak.com — Latest Current News
   confidence 100%
2. 49d ago

   Israeli Strikes and Military Operations Intensify in Southern Lebanon

   Israeli airstrikes on a village in southern Lebanon killed 12 people, including 2 children. The military escalation comes as Israel ramps up strikes across the region and expands its presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, residents in the area gather to watch Israeli drones drop explosives on local villages, and reporters gain access to sections of southern Lebanon now controlled by Israeli forces. The violence continues to impact ancient cities and towns engulfed by the ongoing conflict, raising urgent humanitarian concerns.

   Why it matters

   The military operations in southern Lebanon mark a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. Israeli forces have increased both aerial strikes and ground control within the territory. This ongoing campaign affects civilian populations in ancient cities and rural villages alike, drawing international attention to the deepening humanitarian crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • Israeli airstrikes on a village in southern Lebanon killed 12 people, including 2 children.
   • Israel has ramped up strikes in southern Lebanon and taken control of parts of the territory.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Residents of southern Lebanon gather to watch Israeli drones drop explosives on their village.

   What to watch next

   • Further Israeli military advances or withdrawals in southern Lebanon
   • Casualty toll updates from targeted southern Lebanese villages
   • International diplomatic responses to the escalation in Lebanon
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. baynews9.com — Friends mourn St. Pete city worker who was shot, killed inside truck
   2. politico.com — Israeli airstrikes on a village in southern Lebanon kill 12 people, including 2 children
   3. The New York Times — Inside an Ancient Lebanese City Engulfed by War
   4. NPR — We go to the part of southern Lebanon that Israel now controls
   5. The Washington Post — Israel ramps up strikes in southern Lebanon
   6. Newsday — Residents of southern Lebanon gather to watch Israeli drones drop explosives on their village
   confidence 90%