UN Security Council discusses Syria's territorial integrity in closed talks
The UN Security Council held closed-door talks on Syria, focusing on the need to maintain the country's territorial integrity. Russia reported a general consensus among members, while the US is exploring ways to engage with Syrian rebel groups. The US is reviewing its approach to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a leading rebel faction previously linked to al-Qaeda. The State Department indicated that changes in sanctions could occur based on the group's actions. Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted after a swift offensive by Islamist-led rebels. Following his departure, tens of thousands of prisoners were released, and many Syrians are now seeking to return home from Turkey.