After more than a decade, Syria has regained its membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The decision was approved at the 20th emergency session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha welcomed Syria’s reinstatement, calling it a “historic” moment that will support the Syrian people during this critical period in their history. Syria’s membership was suspended in 2012 due to the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters, mass killings, and human rights violations.

On Friday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 162 individuals loyal to Bashar al-Assad have had their death sentences carried out. The day before, Assad’s forces launched an unexpected attack on the country’s newly formed government security forces, resulting in numerous casualties. Following the attack, Syrian forces began operations against rebel groups from the Alawite community, executing death sentences on captured rebels immediately. Ahmed al-Shara stated, “You have attacked all Syrians and committed unforgivable crimes.” The clashes that erupted between rebels and government forces on Thursday led to the deaths of more than 250 people.

At least 48 people have been killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and loyalist fighters of former president Bashar al-Assad. Among the dead are 16 security personnel. The violence erupted in the Latakia province, prompting the authorities to impose a curfew in the region. Syrian state media agency SANA reported that government troops are now advancing toward the city of Jableh with “significant military reinforcements.” The Syrian-based Step News Agency stated that government forces had killed around 70 former pro-Assad fighters and detained over 25. The country’s defense ministry has called for the surrender of weapons to restore order.

Israel has conducted an airstrike near Tartus, Syria, as confirmed by Syrian state media on Monday. According to a statement from the Israeli military, the strike targeted a military facility near Kardaha, the birthplace of former President Bashar al-Assad, approximately 60 kilometers north of Tartus Port. The facility reportedly housed weapons stockpiles from the previous Syrian government.

As of now, there have been no reports of casualties, according to Syria's state news agency, SANA.

Syria is witnessing a historic opportunity for reconstruction, said Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa during a national conference of Islamist leaders. Hundreds of Syrians walked the red carpet at the event held at the Presidential Palace, a rare sight since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government last year following the HTS-led coup. In his opening speech, Al-Sharaa declared that Syria has “freed itself on its own.”