US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the June 19 strike killed Ali Husayn Al-Ulaywi, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt extremist networks capable of threatening American interests and allies.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the strike was intended to prevent terrorist groups from planning or carrying out attacks against the United States, its partners and its homeland.

The military did not disclose the precise location of the operation, details about the target’s role within Daesh, or whether any additional militants were killed.

The strike comes as the United States continues to conduct targeted operations against surviving Daesh elements in Syria, where the group maintains clandestine networks and sleeper cells despite losing the territory it once controlled.

Washington first deployed forces to Syria more than a decade ago to support Kurdish-led partner forces in the fight against Daesh after the group seized large areas of Syria and neighboring Iraq during its rapid expansion in 2014.

The US-led international coalition subsequently helped local forces dismantle the group’s self-declared caliphate through a series of military campaigns that recaptured major urban centers and strategic territory.

Although Daesh no longer controls significant territory, security officials have repeatedly warned that the organization remains capable of conducting insurgent attacks through decentralized cells operating in remote areas of Syria and Iraq.

In April, US and Syrian authorities announced that Syrian forces had assumed control of all major military bases previously used by coalition forces, reflecting a continued drawdown of the international mission.

American forces, however, have maintained the capability to carry out intelligence-driven strikes and special operations targeting senior militant figures viewed as threats to regional and international security.

US officials have consistently stated that preventing a resurgence of Daesh remains a central objective of American counterterrorism policy in Syria and Iraq.

The latest operation highlights Washington’s intention to preserve that capability even as responsibility for day-to-day security increasingly shifts to local authorities.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding political, economic and security ties, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Berendsen was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink during the visit, which comes amid a broader effort by European governments to re-engage with Syria following years of diplomatic isolation and conflict.

The meeting reflects Damascus’ ongoing campaign to rebuild relations with European capitals as the country seeks international support for reconstruction and economic recovery after more than a decade of civil war.

Syrian and European officials have increasingly discussed migration management, counterterrorism cooperation, border security and investment opportunities in sectors heavily damaged during the conflict, including energy, tourism and financial services.

The diplomatic engagement coincides with efforts to restore transportation links between Syria and Europe. Earlier this week, Syrian Airlines announced plans to launch its first direct flight between Damascus and Amsterdam since 2011, with services scheduled to begin during the first week of July.

The restoration of air links is viewed as a significant step toward reconnecting Syria with European markets and facilitating travel for businesspeople, diplomats and members of the Syrian diaspora.

Since the political transition in Damascus, several senior European officials have visited the Syrian capital. Foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy have all held meetings with Syria’s new leadership as European governments reassess their policies toward the country.

For Syria, attracting foreign investment has become a central priority as authorities seek funding and expertise to rebuild infrastructure damaged by 14 years of conflict. International organizations estimate that reconstruction costs will run into hundreds of billions of dollars, while large sections of the country’s energy, transportation and public service networks require extensive rehabilitation.

European governments, meanwhile, have shown growing interest in cooperation on migration issues, particularly regarding the return of refugees and measures aimed at preventing renewed instability that could generate additional displacement toward Europe.

Wednesday’s meeting highlighted the gradual normalization of diplomatic contacts between Syria and European states as both sides explore areas of mutual interest in security, migration and economic development.

The visit also signals the Netherlands’ willingness to engage directly with Syria’s post-Assad leadership as regional and international actors continue to reshape their relationships with Damascus following the country’s political transition.

The talks come as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has monitored the frontier region for decades, is expected to wind down by the end of 2026. Several European governments have reportedly expressed support for exploring alternative arrangements to maintain stability in southern Lebanon following the mission’s departure.

According to the Lebanese Presidency, Macron and Aoun discussed possible international participation in a post-UNIFIL security mechanism during a telephone conversation. The French leader indicated he would consult partner nations regarding their willingness to contribute to any future multinational presence.

“President Macron indicated that he would conduct outreach to a number of countries to determine their stance on this step,” the Lebanese Presidency said, noting that preparations would be necessary before UNIFIL’s expected withdrawal process begins in early 2027.

UNIFIL was first deployed in 1978 and was significantly expanded following the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The mission has since served as a key stabilizing force along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated boundary separating Lebanon and Israel.

Diplomatic discussions have increasingly focused on how to preserve security coordination and monitoring mechanisms once the current peacekeeping framework concludes. A French proposal under consideration reportedly includes military and civilian options, as well as an alternative delegation structure involving European partners.

According to Lebanese officials, preliminary concepts envision an international force ranging from approximately 2,000 to 5,500 personnel. No final decision has been announced, and consultations among participating countries remain at an early stage.

European nations form the backbone of the current UNIFIL mission. Countries including France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Austria and Greece contribute substantial numbers of peacekeepers and logistical support.

The two leaders also discussed developments in Lebanese-Syrian relations and ongoing coordination between Beirut and Damascus.

Aoun welcomed recent remarks by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa affirming Syria’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. According to the Lebanese Presidency, Al-Sharaa reiterated that Syria does not intend to intervene militarily in Lebanon and that any future Syrian role would be conducted exclusively through official Lebanese state institutions.

The discussions highlight broader regional concerns over maintaining security arrangements in southern Lebanon at a time of continued geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing efforts to strengthen state authority along the country’s southern frontier.

The move expands an emergency arrangement under which Iraq has already been exporting fuel oil through Syria’s port of Baniyas following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which the vast majority of Iraqi crude exports traditionally pass.

Iraqi officials said the strategy will remain in place even after maritime traffic through Hormuz normalizes, reflecting a broader government effort to diversify export routes and reduce dependence on a single corridor.

“The Iraqi government and the oil ministry attach the highest importance to diversifying crude export routes, particularly through Syrian territory,” Iraqi Oil Ministry spokesman Saleem Al-Rikabi told Reuters.

Al-Rikabi said state oil marketer SOMO was continuing discussions with Syrian authorities aimed at expanding energy exports through Iraq’s western neighbor.

Iraq typically exports around 3.6 million barrels of crude oil per day, with approximately 3.4 million barrels previously shipped through southern terminals near Basra before the conflict disrupted Gulf trade routes.

The closure of Hormuz forced Baghdad to seek alternative export channels as storage facilities filled and outbound shipments became constrained.

An interim solution introduced in April involved transporting Iraqi fuel oil by tanker truck across Syria to Baniyas for re-export through the Mediterranean.

Syrian officials said preparations are underway to expand the arrangement. Mohammed Al-Ahdab, head of the media office at the Syrian Petroleum Company, said operations at Baniyas were continuing despite expectations that the strait could reopen.

A Syrian Energy Ministry official said two additional unloading areas and supporting facilities would become operational within a week to accommodate Iraqi crude oil and naphtha shipments.

According to Iraqi oil officials, crude exports through Syria could initially reach around 50,000 barrels per day once loading infrastructure is completed. Tanker-truck shipments are expected to begin in early July, while SOMO plans to establish offices in Baniyas to support operations.

The expansion represents a significant opportunity for Syria, which is seeking to rebuild its economy and reconnect with regional markets after years of conflict and international isolation.

Officials said Syria is earning transit-related income from the movement of Iraqi fuel products, although details of the financial arrangements have not been disclosed.

Shipping data cited by industry sources indicate that Iraqi fuel oil exported through Syria has already reached destinations in Africa and Europe, including a tanker that arrived in Alexandria, Egypt, earlier this month.

The overland route faces logistical and security challenges. Roads linking Iraq and Syria have suffered extensive war-related damage, while fuel transport operations have encountered accidents and occasional disruptions from local protests.

At Baniyas, Iraqi fuel oil is being unloaded into storage facilities connected to marine export infrastructure rather than processed domestically, according to a source familiar with the operations.

Syrian authorities are also exploring longer-term solutions, including the rehabilitation of damaged pipeline infrastructure. Officials said the Iraq-Syria pipeline network has the capacity to transport up to 300,000 barrels per day if restored to operational status.

The initiative underscores how the disruption of Hormuz has accelerated efforts by regional producers to develop alternative export routes and strengthen resilience against future geopolitical shocks affecting global energy markets.

The Interior Ministry said security raids conducted over the past two days in Daraa, Aleppo and Idlib resulted in the detention of several individuals wanted for alleged involvement in abuses and security violations during Assad’s rule.

According to a ministry source cited by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), those arrested include a former commander of the First Corps, a former head of the security and military committee in southern Syria, a former officer in the Republican Guard and a former guard at Saydnaya prison, a facility long associated with allegations of torture and mistreatment of detainees.

The arrests form part of a broader campaign launched by the Syrian authorities to identify, detain and prosecute former regime figures accused of human rights violations, unlawful detentions and other offenses during more than a decade of conflict.

The latest operation follows the arrest earlier this week of Osama Mahmoud Hamouda, a former non-commissioned officer detained in the coastal province of Latakia.

Internal Security Forces said Hamouda was apprehended after an extensive surveillance operation while allegedly attempting to flee the country with assistance from criminal networks.

Authorities accuse Hamouda of supplying information to intelligence agencies, participating in arbitrary detention campaigns and engaging in financial extortion against civilians during the Assad era.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Aziz Hilal Al-Ahmad, head of Internal Security in Latakia, said investigators had been tracking Hamouda for an extended period before carrying out the arrest.

The detentions come amid broader efforts by Syria’s new authorities to establish a transitional justice framework following the collapse of the Assad government.

Attorney General Hassan Al-Turba said on Wednesday that pursuing individuals accused of major crimes was essential to restoring public trust in state institutions and advancing national reconciliation.

Speaking to SANA, Al-Turba said the Ministry of Justice was coordinating with the Interior Ministry, the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons to document violations and bring suspects before the courts.

He said authorities had implemented measures to prevent wanted individuals from leaving Syria, including travel restrictions, arrest warrants issued in absentia and efforts to track fugitives through international legal mechanisms.

The attorney general added that Syrian authorities were seeking cooperation through Interpol, bilateral agreements and diplomatic channels to locate and return suspects believed to be outside the country.

Al-Turba also said witness-protection programs had been introduced to encourage testimony from victims and witnesses, while international organizations were providing technical support, training and institutional assistance to strengthen judicial processes.

“Prosecuting major criminals is not merely a judicial procedure,” Al-Turba said, describing accountability as a necessary component of transitional justice and long-term stability.

The latest arrests underscore the scale of the challenge facing Syria’s post-Assad administration as it seeks to address allegations of past abuses while balancing demands for justice, accountability and national reconciliation after years of conflict.

State-owned Syria Telecom said services had returned to normal through the Tartus-Alexandria fiber-optic cable connecting the Syrian port city of Tartus with Alexandria on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

The restoration came two days after the company announced that the cable had been subjected to an “act of sabotage,” an incident that affected internet connectivity across several parts of the country and forced network operators to activate emergency contingency measures.

According to Syria Telecom, internet traffic was temporarily rerouted through alternative infrastructure, including the Ugarit Cable System, a 239-kilometer submarine connection linking Tartus with Pentaskhinos in Cyprus.

Authorities also relied on another communications route passing through Turkiye, which has been used by telecommunications provider CereTel to deliver internet services to users in Aleppo since the beginning of June.

Syria Telecom characterized the incident as part of a broader “systematic sabotage campaign” aimed at undermining critical national infrastructure, although officials did not provide details regarding the perpetrators or the precise nature of the damage.

The disruption highlighted the vulnerability of Syria’s telecommunications network as the country continues rebuilding after more than a decade of conflict that severely damaged public infrastructure and essential services.

Thirteen years of civil war have left significant portions of Syria’s banking, energy, transportation, aviation and water sectors weakened, creating substantial challenges for reconstruction efforts and economic recovery.

Digital connectivity remains a major obstacle. According to World Bank Group data, approximately 66 percent of Syria’s population still lacks internet access, placing the country among the least connected societies in the region.

In recent months, Syrian authorities have sought to modernize parts of the economy and financial system. Last year, the country introduced contactless payment technologies, marking a significant step toward reintegration with international digital and financial networks after years of isolation.

The latest disruption underscored the growing importance of undersea cable infrastructure to Syria’s communications network and the broader risks posed by attacks or technical failures affecting strategic telecommunications links in the eastern Mediterranean.

Syria Telecom said internet services were operating normally following the restoration of traffic through the Tartus-Alexandria connection.

Syrian Telecom told the state-run news agency SANA that repair work on the submarine cable system would take time and warned that full restoration of services would not be immediate.

The operator said the incident formed part of what it called a broader “systematic sabotage campaign” targeting Syrian infrastructure, though no further evidence or attribution was provided in the report.

The damaged cable is part of an international undersea network intended to connect 12 countries across North Africa and southern Europe, underscoring the strategic importance of subsea communications infrastructure in the region.

Authorities did not provide details on the cause of the disruption or indicate when service might be fully restored, and independent verification of the circumstances was not immediately available.

The incident adds to a series of reported disruptions affecting Syria’s telecommunications infrastructure in recent years, amid broader challenges to the country’s connectivity and reconstruction efforts following prolonged conflict.

Officials said Lebanon had not been informed of the details or timeline of the agreement, which includes a call for military operations to end across multiple fronts.

An official source said Lebanon was not aware of the specific terms of the ceasefire arrangement, while few details of the deal had been made public.

The conflict’s spillover into Lebanon has caused widespread displacement, with around 1.2 million people forced from their homes during the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.

Municipal authorities in southern Lebanon urged residents to postpone returns, citing continued uncertainty over security conditions. Israel has said it will not withdraw troops from parts of southern Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel would maintain security zones in southern Lebanon, Gaza and Syria, and warned that Israel would respond to any attacks linked to Iran.

Lebanon’s conflict escalated after Hezbollah began attacks against Israel in support of Tehran, drawing a major military response and causing extensive damage in southern areas.

The US-Iran agreement was announced after more than three months of conflict. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a mediator between Washington and Tehran, said the deal called for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

In southern Lebanon, displaced residents expressed caution about returning. Some said they feared security conditions remained uncertain despite the diplomatic breakthrough.

The agreement’s implementation and further negotiations are expected to determine whether displaced communities can safely return to their homes.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had adopted a policy under which the Israel Defense Forces would stay in the areas to protect Israeli borders and communities.Katz said the deployment was intended to counter threats from armed groups and warned Iran that Israel would respond with full force if attacked in connection with the conflict in Lebanon.

The statement came after Washington and Tehran announced a deal calling for an end to military operations, including fighting linked to Lebanon.Lebanon has urged displaced residents not to return immediately, saying details of the agreement remain unclear and security conditions are still uncertain.

The Israeli government has maintained that its forces must continue operating in strategic areas, while regional actors continue diplomatic efforts following months of escalating conflict.

The developments come as the Middle East faces ongoing security tensions involving Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

The ministry identified the detainee as Qais Hassan al-Abd al-Rajab, a former brigadier general who previously served as deputy director of the General Intelligence Directorate, also known as State Security.

According to a statement published on the Interior Ministry’s Telegram channel, al-Abd al-Rajab was detained by the Counterterrorism Directorate after what authorities described as extensive tracking operations.

He is accused of involvement in violations against residents of the Damascus countryside, including areas such as Hajar al-Aswad, Daraya and Moadamiyat al-Sham, as well as parts of Daraa province, the ministry said.

Officials said the suspect had attempted to evade arrest prior to his detention, and that investigations are ongoing ahead of legal proceedings and referral to the judiciary.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab said in earlier remarks that security forces continue to pursue individuals accused of crimes committed under the former Assad administration as part of wider accountability efforts.

He added that intelligence and internal security units were conducting surveillance and enforcement operations aimed at bringing suspects before the courts.

The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by Syrian authorities to investigate alleged abuses committed during the Assad era, including broader transitional justice measures and attempts to document violations against civilians.