Syrian Civil War

On March 15, 2011, protests erupted in Syria as part of the wider wave of the 2011 Arab Spring protests. Syrians took to the streets demanding democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners. The government responded with severe crackdowns, leading to widespread violence. This marked the beginning of the Syrian Civil War, a conflict that has since drawn in multiple domestic and international actors and led to a humanitarian crisis.

The Battle of Aleppo began on July 19, 2012, when Syrian rebels launched an offensive to capture Syria's largest city, Aleppo. The battle quickly became a symbol of the wider conflict, with both sides committing significant resources. It resulted in a devastating humanitarian situation in the city, and Aleppo became one of the most war-torn cities in Syria, witnessing massive destruction and loss of life over the years.

On August 21, 2013, rockets containing the chemical agent sarin were fired at the Ghouta suburbs of Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. This attack marked one of the most infamous uses of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict, leading to international condemnation and a diplomatic crisis. It led to a U.S.-Russia brokered agreement under which Syria agreed to dismantle its chemical weapons arsenal.

On September 23, 2014, the United States, along with a coalition of Arab allies, launched a series of airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria. This marked the beginning of direct U.S. military involvement in Syria against the Islamic State, aiming to degrade the group's capabilities and halt its advances. The campaign subsequently expanded in scope and intensity, becoming a crucial part of international efforts against ISIS.

On September 30, 2015, Russia began its air campaign in Syria following a request from the Syrian government. The intervention marked a significant escalation in the civil war. Russia's involvement strengthened President Bashar al-Assad’s position in the conflict, allowing government forces to regain control of key territories. The campaign drew international criticism due to widespread reports of civilian casualties and was pivotal in changing the dynamics of the conflict.

The Battle of Aleppo concluded on December 22, 2016, with the Syrian government regaining full control of the city after a prolonged and brutal offensive. The end marked a significant turning point in the civil war, with government forces defeating various rebel groups in one of the conflict's most strategically important and symbolic locations. The battle left Aleppo devastated and highlighted the severe humanitarian toll of the war.

On November 19, 2017, the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed coalition of Kurdish and Arab militias, captured the city of Raqqa from ISIS. Raqqa had been the de facto capital of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate. Its fall was a major defeat for ISIS, significantly weakening the group's operational capabilities. The victory however left the city in ruins, posing massive challenges for reconstruction and humanitarian aid.

On April 7, 2018, reports emerged of a suspected chemical weapons attack in the Syrian town of Douma, killing dozens of people. The attack was widely attributed to the Syrian government forces, sparking international condemnation and resulting in a joint military response by the United States, United Kingdom, and France targeting Syrian chemical facilities. This event led to further tensions between Western countries and the Syrian government and its allies.

On October 9, 2019, Turkey initiated Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces and aiming to establish a 'safe zone' near its border. The incursion resulted in significant geopolitical shifts in the region, with Kurdish forces making alliances with the Syrian government to counter Turkish advances. The operation was met with international criticism, particularly over concerns for displacement and humanitarian conditions.

On March 5, 2020, a ceasefire was brokered between Russia and Turkey for the Idlib region in Syria, aimed at halting intense fighting that threatened to cause a new humanitarian catastrophe. The agreement was reached after a major offensive by Syrian government forces supported by Russian airpower. It included the establishment of a security corridor and joint patrols along key highways, though the ceasefire faced challenges and was intermittently violated.