It is deeply regrettable that the Council was not able to agree to a ceasefire resolution that would have saved lives in Idlib, especially as the Assad regime and its allies prepare to launch another offensive on the people of Idlib.

Six years ago, on August 21, 2013, the Assad regime launched a horrific chemical attack with the nerve agent sarin on the Ghouta district in Damascus – killing more than 1,400 Syrians, many of them children.

The United States welcomes news that a ceasefire has been declared in Northwest Syria, but what is truly important is that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop.  We will appreciate any efforts undertaken towards this important goal.

I am pleased to announce that, together with our partners in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, including the Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, the United States has liberated all ISIS-controlled territory in Syria and Iraq—100 Percent of the “caliphate.”

Today at the at the Third Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region,” the United States announced more than $397 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as part of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan for 2019-2020.

We, the Ministers, Secretaries General, and Heads of Delegations of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, met in Washington today at the invitation of United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to review the significant progress of the past year against ISIS and to discuss the next stage in the campaign to ensure the enduring …

The United States calls upon other nations to repatriate and prosecute their citizens detained by the SDF and commends the continued efforts of the SDF to return these foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin.

“We must not lose sight of the fact that what is truly needed is unimpeded, sustained humanitarian access, both in Rukban and throughout Syria…”

January 24, 2019 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against two Syria-based, Iran-backed militias composed of foreign nationals, an Iranian airline linked to designated Iranian airline Mahan Air and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), and an Armenian general sales agent (GSA) providing …

Briefing With Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James F. Jeffrey

The latest “Astana group” meeting on Syria did not yield an agreed list of members for the Syrian Constitutional Committee and thus failed to produce progress toward advancing the political process in this tragic conflict.

the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating nine targets in an international network through which the Iranian regime, working with Russian companies, provides millions of barrels of oil to the Syrian government.  The Assad regime, in turn, facilitates

What we’re looking for is the enduring defeat of ISIS, a reinvigorated and irreversible political process in Syria led by the Syrian people and facilitated by the UN, and de-escalation of the conflict that will include all Iranian-commanded forces departing from the entirety of Syria.

We welcome the news that the UN is finally able to begin delivering aid to the Rukban encampment from Damascus. This delivery comes after months of pressure from the United States, the UN, the UN Security Council, and wider international community for the Syrian regime to allow the UN to deliver critically-needed assistance to the …

In his four years and four months as UN Special Envoy for Syria , Staffan de Mistura has worked tirelessly to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, saved lives by working to deescalate the violence that has engulfed the country, and eased suffering by constantly pressing for unhindered delivery of vital medical and humanitarian …

“The Syrian regime’s butchery is enabled by Russia and Iran. The Iranian regime exports violence, terror, and turmoil. It illicitly procures sensitive items to advance its ballistic missile program and proliferates these missiles all across the Middle East.”

“The ongoing tragedy in Syria is heartbreaking. Our shared goals must be the de-escalation of military conflict, along with a political solution that honors the will of the Syrian people. In this vein, we urge the United Nations-led peace process be reinvigorated. But, rest assured, the United States will respond if chemical weapons are deployed …

We consider any assault on Idlib to be a reckless escalation of the conflict. If Assad, Russia, and Iran continue down the path they are on, the consequences will be dire. The world will hold them responsible. And no number of Security Council meetings will ever change that.

Qatirji maintains strong ties to the Syrian regime and facilitates fuel trade between the regime and ISIS, including providing oil products to ISIS-controlled territory. 

Our diplomats are working closely with the Department of Defense to support upcoming operations in eastern Syria by the Syrian Democratic Forces, and with Coalition capitals to support stabilization initiatives that enable Syrians to voluntarily and safely return to their homes in Raqqa and other former ISIS strongholds.

The United States applauds today’s announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of its generous contribution of $100 million for ongoing, Coalition-supported stabilization efforts in areas liberated from ISIS in Syria.

Secretary Pompeo and Special Envoy de Mistura agreed that all parties needed to move ahead on the political track and that any discussion of reconstruction was premature absent a political solution leading unalterably to both constitutional reform and free and fair elections as described in UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The Syrian regime’s recent notices confirming the deaths of thousands of political prisoners in its custody affirms what the international community has long suspected and can never forget: the regime has systematically arrested, tortured, and murdered tens of thousands of Syrian civilians in response to their legitimate and nonviolent calls for their freedom, rights, and …

The Department of State strongly condemns today’s barbaric ISIS-claimed attacks that took place in Syria’s southwestern Sweida province, deliberately targeting and killing scores of civilians and injuring many more. We extend our condolences to the families of these innocent victims.

We congratulate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on their successful operations to liberate al-Dashisha, Syria, from the scourge of ISIS. Dashisha since 2013 has been a key stronghold and transit route for ISIS fighters, weapons, and suicide bombers between Syria and Iraq. The SDF now controls the area, with Iraqi Security Forces controlling the Iraqi …

The United States welcomes the safe evacuation of more than 400 members of the Syrian Civil Defense, otherwise known as the White Helmets, and their families from southwest Syria. We are glad that these ‎brave volunteers, who have saved thousands of lives, are now out of harm’s way.

This meeting was also an opportunity for Ministers to discuss and pledge immediate stabilization assistance to support areas of Syria liberated from ISIS in Coalition-supported operations.

Senior diplomatic representatives from the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS met today in Morocco to review the global campaign. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition Brett McGurk provided an update on progress in Iraq and Syria and outlined the Coalition’s increasing focus on defeating ISIS’s global networks.

The United States remains deeply troubled by reports of increasing Syrian regime operations in southwest Syria within the boundaries of the de-escalation zone negotiated between the United States, Jordan, and the Russian Federation last year and reaffirmed between Presidents Trump and Putin in Da Nang, Vietnam in November.

The two discussed issues and concerns related to Syria and the bilateral relationship. Secretary Pompeo reemphasized the U.S. commitment to the southwest ceasefire arrangement that was approved by President Trump and President Putin one year ago.

The President has authorized the United States Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State to release approximately $6.6 million for the continuation of the vital, life-saving operations of the Syrian Civil Defense, more commonly known as the White Helmets, and the UN’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM).

The United States remains concerned by reports of impending Syrian government operations in southwest Syria within the boundaries of the de-escalation zone negotiated between the United States, Jordan, and the Russian Federation last year and reaffirmed between Presidents Trump and Putin in Da Nang, Vietnam in November. The United States remains committed to maintaining the …

This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, charity, compassion, and reflection. Eid al-Fitr reminds all of us in the United States and abroad, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to maintain the spirit and lessons of Ramadan throughout the year: to promote peace, to be of service to those who are suffering and …

We welcome the launch on Sunday of operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS terrorists in Dashisha, Syria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlüt Çavusoğlu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met on June 4 in Washington, D.C. They reaffirmed that Turkey and the United States remain committed to addressing their common concerns in a spirit of allied partnership.

It is shameful that a regime that continues to use chemical weapons to murder its own people has the audacity to accept the presidency of the very organization that established the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The United States is concerned by reports of an impending Assad regime operation in southwest Syria within the boundaries of the de-escalation zone negotiated between the United States, Jordan, and the Russian Federation last year and reaffirmed between Presidents Trump and Putin in Da Nang, Vietnam in November.

“On behalf of the United States Department of State, I offer best wishes to Muslims around the world for a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.”

The United States, the Global Coalition, and local partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces, are launching operations to liberate the final ISIS strongholds in Syria. The fighting will be difficult, but we and our partners will prevail.

“We must not let Syria again become a safe haven for ISIS or for any other terrorist group.”

“Iran destabilizes this entire region. It supports proxy militias and terrorist groups. It is an arms dealer to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Iran conducts cyber hacking campaigns.

“The U.S. will remain committed in Syria until ISIS is defeated and the so-called caliphate completely eliminated. We will work to ensure local forces enabled by our regional partners and allies will consolidate these gains, stabilize liberated territories, and prevent the return of ISIS. We will not leave a vacuum that can be exploited by the …

“We did not give diplomacy just one chance. We gave diplomacy chance after chance. Six times: That’s how many times Russia vetoed Security Council resolutions to address chemical weapons in Syria. Our efforts go back even further. In 2013, the Security Council passed a resolution that required the Assad regime to destroy its stockpile of …

“The nations of Britain, France, and the United States of America have marshaled their righteous power against barbarism and brutality. Tonight, I ask all Americans to say a prayer for our noble warriors and our allies as they carry out their missions. We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria.  We …

The United States, along with Cote d’Ivoire, France, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in light of the latest allegations of a chemical weapons attack in Douma

The regime’s history of using chemical weapons against its own people is not in dispute, and in fact nearly one year ago on April 4, 2017, Assad’s forces conducted a sarin gas attack on Khan Sheikhoun, which killed approximately 100 Syrians.

“A responsible Security Council would express its outrage that at least 1,700 civilians were killed during a military campaign that we demanded to come to a halt. “

In the past 16 days, over 500 civilians have died, and some reports put the death toll even higher. This is unacceptable. Thousands of Syrians are in desperate need of medical care, but none of the UN’s list have been evacuated.

“Despite the unanimous call for a ceasefire, the regime’s attacks continue unabated. Hundreds of Syrians have been killed or injured since we passed the resolution on Saturday.”

“It is critical that the Assad regime and its allies comply with our demand to stop the assault on eastern Ghouta and immediately allow food and medicine to reach everyone who needs it.”

00,000 Syrian civilians trapped in eastern Ghouta are living in a “hell on Earth.” That is because attacks by the Assad regime and its backers against these civilians grow worse by the day.

The Assad regime has become a front for Iran, Hezbollah, and their allies to advance the irresponsible and dangerous agenda for the Middle East. On every front of this conflict, we find fighters imported by Iran from Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The United States is extremely concerned about escalating violence in Idlib, the Damascus suburbs of Eastern Ghouta, and other areas of Syria threatened by ongoing regime and Russian airstrikes.

The United States is gravely alarmed by continued allegations of the use of chlorine gas by the Syrian Regime to terrorize innocent civilians, this time in Idlib Province near Saraqib.

“Last year, I also pledged that we would work with our allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the Earth. One year later, I am proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated very close to 100 percent of the territory just recently held by these killers in Iraq and in …

President Trump invited closer bilateral cooperation to address Turkey’s legitimate security concerns.  The leaders discussed the need to stabilize a unified Syria that poses no threats to its neighbors, including Turkey. 

The recent attacks in East Ghouta raise serious concerns that Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime may be continuing its use of chemical weapons against its own people. Whoever conducted the attacks, Russia ultimately bears responsibility for the victims in East Ghouta and countless other Syrians targeted with chemical weapons since Russia became involved in Syria.

We continue to be supportive of addressing the legitimate security concerns of Turkey as a NATO Ally and critical partner in the effort to defeat ISIS. However, we urge Turkey to exercise restraint and ensure that its military operations remain limited in scope and duration and scrupulous to avoid civilian casualties.

The United States will maintain a military presence in Syria focused on ensuring ISIS cannot re-emerge. Our military mission in Syria will remain conditions-based. We cannot make the same mistakes that were made in 2011 when a premature departure from Iraq allowed al-Qaida in Iraq to survive and eventually morph into ISIS.

I hereby call on key European countries to join with the United States in fixing significant flaws in the deal, countering Iranian aggression, and supporting the Iranian people. If other nations fail to act during this time, I will terminate our deal with Iran. Those who, for whatever reason, choose not to work with us …

The fight is still ongoing in Syria. As I write this letter, SDF units are engaged in operations to remove ISIS from the Euphrates River Valley, and we anticipate these operations will continue over the first quarter of 2018. The focus will then shift to stabilization, and the United States is prepared to remain in …

We commend United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and his team for their efforts in the latest round of Syria talks in Geneva. We also note the constructive participation of the Syrian opposition delegation, which stands in contrast to the obstructionism and procrastination of the Syrian regime delegation. ..

The United States notes the successful conclusion of the Riyadh II conference of the Syrian opposition and its work to bring together a diverse array of groups to form a unified delegation that can enter into substantive negotiations in the upcoming round of UN sponsored talks in Geneva.

“Assad and ISIS will no longer be on notice for the use of chemical weapons by Russia’s actions today. The message to anyone listening is clear: in effect, Russia accepts the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”

Senior diplomatic representatives from the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS met today in Jordan to review our global campaign to defeat this terrorist organization. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition Brett McGurk provided an update on progress in Iraq and Syria.

“Today, the OPCW issued a report concluding that the chemical weapon sarin was used in the March 30 attack on the Syrian town of Ltamenah…

“This new report confirms unequivocally what the United States and many in the international community have stated publicly for many months – that the Assad regime carried out the heinous April 4 attack killing approximately 100 innocent Syrian civilians, including many children, and injuring hundreds more.”

The findings issued today by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and United Nations’ Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) have concluded that the Assad regime used chemical weapons on over 100 innocent civilians using the poison gas sarin in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, on April 4, 2017.

“As we’ve said many times before, the United States wants a whole and unified Syria with no role for Bashar al-Assad in the government…” Secretary Tillerson

“Russia has once again demonstrated it will do whatever it takes to ensure the barbaric Assad regime never faces consequences for its continued use of chemicals as weapons.”

We congratulate the Syrian people and the Syrian Democratic Forces, including the Syrian Arab Coalition, on the liberation of Raqqa. The United States is proud to lead the 73-member Global Coalition that supported this effort, which has seen ISIS’s so-called caliphate crumble across Iraq and Syria.

“This regime has fueled sectarian violence in Iraq, and vicious civil wars in Yemen and Syria. In Syria, the Iranian regime has supported the atrocities of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and condoned Assad’s use of chemical weapons against helpless civilians.” President Trump

Ambassador Haley highlighted the success of last week’s high-level meeting to address humanitarian needs in Syria, but cautioned Member States against complacency.

These attacks fit an all-too-familiar pattern in which medical facilities and personnel are victims of strikes by the Syrian regime and its Russian allies.

Maintaining its steadfast commitment to getting lifesaving support to the people of Syria impacted by conflict wherever they are, the United States today announced more than $697 million in additional humanitarian assistance.

“We seek the de-escalation of the Syrian conflict, and a political solution that honors the will of the Syrian people. The actions of the criminal regime of Bashar al-Assad, including ..

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, under any circumstances. We reiterate our commitment not to tolerate such use and to ensure that those responsible face serious consequences.

These cowardly acts of masked men took the lives of civilian volunteers who work tirelessly as first responders in order to save lives in incredibly dangerous environments.

“The second condition we have is that Iran’s military influence, the direct presence of Iranian military forces inside of Syria, they must leave and go home, whether those are Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces or whether those are paid militias, foreign fighters, that Iran has brought into Syria in this battle….

“With the support of Iran, the organization is also fueling the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. Hizballah likes to portray itself as a defender of Lebanese interests, but it’s very clear that its true interests are those of itself and its sponsor — Iran.

Hizballah is a destructive terrorist force. It is a major obstacle to peace. And the dangers it poses are getting larger, not smaller.

This action follows sanctions designations recently undertaken by the United States, similarly aimed at holding the Syrian regime accountable for its repeated use of chemicals weapons on the Syrian people, including the April 4 Khan Shaykhun attack.

“Local governance in Raqqa in the initial phases will be led by a Raqqa civilian council now based just north of Raqqa in Ayn Issa. This council includes nearly 120 individuals, most of whom stayed in Syria during the civil war and escaped from Raqqa and other towns within the province as ISIS moved in…

On June 28-29, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Brett McGurk was in Syria to consult with local partners on the campaign to defeat ISIS. He also witnessed first-hand the humanitarian and stabilization assistance that is underway in liberated areas north of Raqqa

“The United States gives more humanitarian aid than any other country, but money alone is not enough—we must also work to end the conflicts that drive these people from their homes, while tearing apart their countries.”

“As we mark World Refugee Day, we will continue to aid those who have been forced from their homes, address the root causes of their displacement, and foster long-term solutions to humanitarian crises.”

“We will judge ceasefire in southern Syria by results, not words.”

“According to one Syrian human rights group, in just the month of April, the Assad regime killed nearly 500 civilians. That brings the total number of Syrians killed by the regime in just the past five months to over 2,000. The same group reports that the total number of civilians killed by all parties during …

“This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology. ..”

“This time reminds us all of the common values of harmony and empathy we hold dear…”

“If we do not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terrorism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be sadly squandered.”

“As long as the Syrian government continues its campaign of brutal violence against its own people, Treasury will continue targeting the finances of anyone enabling Assad, and will continue intensifying pressure on Assad’s regime in support of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Syria.”

“The Syrian regime has authorized the extrajudicial killings of thousands of detainees using mass hangings at the Saydnaya military prison” – Acting Assistant Secretary Jones

The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the importance of defeating ISIS, de-escalating the violence in Syria, and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches hundreds of thousands of civilians throughout the country…

President Trump emphasized the need to work together to end the conflict in Syria, in particular, underscoring the need for Russia to rein in the Assad regime, Iran, and Iranian proxies….

President Trump and President Putin agreed that the suffering in Syria has gone on for far too long and that all parties must do all they can to end the violence.

Ambassador Haley and Mr. Saleh discussed continued U.S. support for the White Helmets, who risk their lives every day as the first responders, rescuing and giving medical care to civilians caught in the brutal fighting in Syria.

“These sweeping sanctions target the scientific support center for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s horrific chemical weapons attack on innocent civilian men, women, and children…

The United States strongly condemns today’s barbaric attacks against innocent civilians, including women and children, in northern Syria.

” I hope that what the Russian Government concludes is that they have aligned themselves with an unreliable partner in Bashar al-Assad…

The moral stain of the Assad regime could no longer go unanswered. His crimes against humanity could no longer be met with empty words.

We feel the strike itself was proportional because it was targeted at the facility that delivered this most recent chemical weapons attack.

I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched.

We cannot close our eyes to those pictures. We cannot close our minds of the responsibility to act.”

Anyone who uses chemical weapons to attack his own people shows a fundamental disregard for human decency and must be held accountable.

Using starvation as a weapon of war is unconscionable. The Council should strongly condemn the Syrian regime and its allies for their immoral denial of essential goods and medicine as a tool to force their own people to surrender….

“Our discussions today reaffirmed that we will prevent the resurgence of Daesh in previously held territory, and aggressively stop the emergence of new terrorist threats on the ground as well as the recruitment of terrorists online…

Ambassador Haley and Special Envoy de Mistura agreed that all sides must come to the next round of talks prepared to negotiate in good faith.

To our allies and partners around the world: Please understand this order is part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate vulnerabilities that radical Islamist terrorists can and will exploit for destructive ends.

“ISIS’ barbarity is no excuse for Assad’s barbarity. Both used chemical weapons. Both should face the consequences…

“The United States will not hesitate to stand against the forces of terrorism, and that includes standing against the states that sponsor it, in particular the Islamic Republic of Iran….

The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Yildirim for Turkey’s significant contributions to the counter-ISIS campaign, and expressed his condolences for Turkish loss of life in the fight against terrorism…

ISIS attacks against our allies and partners continue to mount. The United States must take decisive action to defeat ISIS….

They agreed on the importance of working jointly to address challenges to regional peace and security, including the conflicts in Syria and Yemen…

The call lasted approximately one hour and ranged in topics from mutual cooperation in defeating ISIS to efforts in working together to achieve more peace throughout the world including Syria.

“we are concerned at reports of a regime offensive, supported by Hizballah militia, in Wadi Barada. The Security Council’s adoption of this text should be seen as a strong signal that such activities must cease.”

We welcome the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2319 to renew for another year the vital work of the Organization for the Prohibition Chemical Weapons (OPCW) – United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) whose mission it is to determine attribution of confirmed chemical weapons (CW) use in Syria.