Syria

Syria seals major shrine for Shia pilgrims to stem virus

Syria says it has a total of sixteen publicly cases and two deaths and UN officials have warned the country was ill prepared for an outbreak and that the confirmed cases could just be the "tip of the iceberg."

Turkish firms racing to deliver 5,000 ventilators for coronavirus patients

Turkish drone maker Baykar Chief Executive Haluk Bayraktar said 100 engineers from his company, defence contractor Aselsan and household electronics maker Arcelik are working together to have the ventilators ready by the end of May.

Khalifa Haftar's recklessness could compound coronavirus threat to Libya

The relentless attacks and revolving door of mercenaries widen Libyans' exposure to the pandemic.

What's the truth behind the coronavirus spread in Syria?

The Assad regime has not been forthcoming with information and if action is not taken, it could become a coronavirus hotspot.

Aid group says Mideast lockdowns hinder humanitarian efforts

The Norwegian Refugee Council said it was unable to reach people in Syria, Yemen and the Gaza Strip, where authorities have imposed strict measures to halt the spread of the virus.

UN chief urges immediate global cease-fire to fight Covid-19

Antonio Guterres calls for an immediate cease-fire around the world including the conflicts in Syria, which is in its tenth year, and in Yemen to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Turkey, Russia conduct second joint patrol in Syria's Idlib

Turkey and Russia agreed on a protocol that urged parties to "cease all military actions along the line of contact in the Idlib de-escalation area starting from 00:01 on March 6, 2020."

Syria confirms first coronavirus case as fears grow it could spread

Iran, a regional Covid-19 epicentre, backs the Assad regime and sends religious pilgrims and militias to Syria where health systems stand ravaged by war. Arrival of the virus in war-torn countries such as Syria and Gaza raises fears of circulation.

Turkey’s foreign minister slams EU's indifference to Syria refugee crisis

In an op-ed he wrote for the Financial Times, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the block's "inaction on Syrian refugees is a stain on human conscience.”

Coronavirus fear cripples refugees living in unsanitary camps

For the displaced living in crowded camps, social distancing and regular hand-washing is not an option

War-torn countries in the Middle East can't afford to battle coronavirus

With millions suffering from years of war and severely degraded medical facilities, countries at war cannot pay the price of a new frontline.

Child dies in fire in Greek migrant camp

The fire burned through two containers used as living quarters by people in the Moria camp, as well as some tents, a spokesman said.