Home / Blueprint Defence Magazine / Photostory / CONFLICT ZONE: Crisis in Syria

CONFLICT ZONE: Crisis in Syria

Foreign firepower at the fore

Jaisal Kaur
Updated On: Jan 10 2026 | 4:45 AM IST
Syrian security forces after clashes between Syrian troops and Druze fighters in Sweida, Syria, in July 2025 (Photo: Reuters)1/5
Syrian security forces after clashes between Syrian troops and Druze fighters in Sweida, Syria, in July 2025 (Photo: Reuters)

On December 19, 2025, the United States (US) military launched massive retailiatory airstrikes, dubbed as Operation Hawkeye Strike, in which over 70 Islamic State targets across central Syria were attacked.
Earlier on December 8, Syria’s capital Damascus witnessed a big military parade to mark the first anniversary of the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. In 2024, an offensive led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham had ended the brutal 14-year civil war.
However, the country’s struggles persist under the new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. On November 28 last year, Syria saw one of its deadliest strikes, initiated by Israel against a Lebanese militant group.
Since December 2024, Israel has unleashed over 600 attacks on Syria, averaging about two strikes daily, according to the global conflict monitor Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Fighting against the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah, Israel aims to prevent the seizure of weapons by “extremists”. Meanwhile, the rebels have been backed and armed by Türkiye, the US, and Gulf Arab states. Moreover, over 100 chemical weapons sites are still present in Syria, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons reported last year.
The power shift has also led to a major arms trafficking crisis and the proliferation of weapons, with small arms, light weapons, and leftover Russian weapons captured and diverted by civilians and armed groups.
The lead picture showcases the arsenal of the Syrian security forces, featuring the AK-47 and AKM–type assault rifles used in clashes with Druze fighters in 2025.
 

The Soviet-era Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan military cargo jet, one of the world's largest planes (Photo: Antonov)2/5
The Soviet-era Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan military cargo jet, one of the world's largest planes (Photo: Antonov)

The second picture highlights Russia’s Soviet-era Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan cargo military jet, which arrived in Syria in October 2025.
 

3/5
A Russian Pantsir-S1 air defence system captured by rebels (Photo: US ODIN)

The third picture shows the Russian Pantsir-S1 self-propelled air defence system, which combines surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft cannons, seized by the rebels in late 2024.
 

4/5
A BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle in Qusayr in 2025 (Photo: Reuters)

The next picture features Syrian soldiers riding atop a BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle as they clashed with Lebanese troops in Qusayr last year.
 

5/5
A Bedouin fighter with a Soviet-made rifle after clashes resumed with Druze gunmen in Sweida in July 2025 (Photo: Reuters)

The last picture spotlights a Bedouin rebel with a Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant M91/30, a robust bolt-action five-shot rifle, in July 2025. 
 

Premium ContentPremium ContentSubscription ExpiredSubscription Expired

Your access to Blueprint has ended. But the story is still unfolding.

No longer a subscriber? There’s a new reason to return.

Introducing Blueprint - A magazine on defence & geopolitics

Introducing Blueprint - A magazine on defence & geopolitics

Like what you read? There’s more in every issue of Blueprint

From military strategy to global diplomacy, Blueprint offers sharp, in-depth reportage on the world’s most consequential issues.

Exclusive pricing for Business Standard digital subscribers

Choose your plan

Exclusive Pricing

Choose your plan

58% off
₹6,000

Blueprint Digital

₹2,500

annual (digital-only)

₹208/Month

70% off
₹12,000

Blueprint Complete

₹3,500

annual (digital & print)

₹291/Month

41% off
₹6,000

Blueprint Digital

₹3,500

annual (digital-only)

₹291/Month

62% off
₹12,000

Blueprint Complete

₹4,500

annual (digital & print)

₹375/Month

Subscribe NowSubscribe NowRenew NowRenew Now

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Browse all Plans

Here's what's included:

  • Access to the latest issue of the Blueprint digital magazine

  • Online access to all the upcoming digital magazines along with past digital archives

  • * Delivery of all the upcoming print magazines at your home or office

  • Full access to Blueprint articles online

  • Business Standard digital subscription

  • 1-year unlimited complimentary digital access to The New York Times (News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter, The Athletic)

Written BY :

Jaisal Kaur

Jaisal Kaur
First Published: Jan 10 2026 | 4:45 AM IST

In this article : Syria crisisPhoto feature

Next Story