The Syrian Civil War

Inspired by the Arab Spring, peaceful protests begin in Daraa after teenagers are arrested and tortured for painting anti-government graffiti. Security forces fire on demonstrators, killing several. Protests spread rapidly to Homs, Hama, and Damascus suburbs.

Assad deploys the army with tanks and snipers to suppress protests. Military defectors form the Free Syrian Army in July, marking the transition from civil uprising to armed insurgency.

The International Committee of the Red Cross declares a full-scale civil war. Heavy fighting engulfs Aleppo and Damascus. The conflict becomes increasingly sectarian — the Sunni majority against Assad's Alawite-led government.

ISIS breaks from al-Qaeda, seizing Raqqa and large territories in eastern Syria. In 2014, ISIS declares a caliphate. The US and allies begin airstrikes against ISIS in Syria in September 2014.

A sarin gas attack in the Ghouta suburbs of Damascus kills an estimated 1,400 people, including hundreds of children. President Obama threatens military action but draws back. A Russian-brokered deal leads to Syria dismantling its declared chemical arsenal.

Russia begins airstrikes in support of Assad. The intervention dramatically shifts the war's momentum, allowing government forces to reclaim key territories. Iran and Hezbollah also deploy ground forces alongside the Syrian army.

After years of siege, government forces backed by Russia and Iran recapture all of Aleppo, Syria's largest city. The victory marks a major strategic turning point in the war.

The US launches 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Shayrat Airbase after a sarin attack on Khan Shaykhun. In April 2018, the US, UK, and France conduct a second round of strikes after the Douma chemical attack.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by US airpower, capture the last ISIS-held territory at Baghuz. The territorial caliphate is defeated, though thousands of fighters and families are held in detention camps.

Turkey launches Operation Peace Spring, invading northern Syria to push back Kurdish SDF forces. Turkey establishes a "safe zone" along the border. The US withdraws from the area, drawing criticism from allies.

Syria's economy collapses under sanctions, war destruction, and the Lebanese financial crisis. The currency loses 90% of its value. COVID-19 adds further strain. The UN reports 83% of Syrians live below the poverty line.

After over a decade of suspension, the Arab League readmits Syria. Assad attends the summit in Jeddah, marking his gradual diplomatic rehabilitation. Several Arab states reopen embassies in Damascus.

An estimated 500,000-600,000 people have been killed. Over 13 million Syrians have been displaced — 6.8 million internally and 6.5 million as refugees abroad. The war is one of the deadliest humanitarian crises of the 21st century.

A coalition led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham launches a surprise lightning offensive, capturing Aleppo, Hama, and Homs in rapid succession. The Syrian army collapses with minimal resistance as rebel forces advance toward Damascus.

Opposition forces capture Damascus, ending the Assad family's 54-year rule. Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia. A transitional government is established under HTS leadership, reshaping the Middle East after 13 years of devastating war.