A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation has arrived in Syria for the first time since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown last year, marking a symbolic moment in the war-torn nation’s reintegration efforts. The visit — described by the UN as taking place at a “critical moment for the region” — comes days before the first anniversary of Assad’s fall.

Delegation Begins High-Level Talks in Damascus

State media reported that the delegation crossed into Syria via the Lebanon–Syria border on Thursday and planned meetings with “a number of Syrian officials.” Shortly after arrival, the group visited Cobar, a Damascus district devastated during the civil war.

Diplomats will also meet President Ahmed al-Shar’a — the former rebel commander who led the lightning operation that ousted Assad last December — before continuing their regional tour with a visit to Lebanon on Friday and Saturday.

Humanitarian Crisis Still Central

The delegation is expected to raise the country’s dire humanitarian situation.
Millions remain internally displaced, and vast regions continue to suffer from the destruction caused by more than 14 years of conflict.

Political Transition and Sanctions Relief

The visit follows a recent UN Security Council decision to lift sanctions on al-Shar’a, who has made international legitimacy and an inclusive political transition central priorities.

The UN continues to call for a broad-based transitional process representing Syria’s diverse ethnic and sectarian communities.
Damascus, meanwhile, seeks support for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

Sectarian Tensions and Security Concerns

While the government attempts to stabilize the country, sectarian tensions have resurfaced in multiple regions:

• A Bedouin couple was killed south of Homs last month, sparking fears of renewed clashes.
• Similar incidents occurred earlier this year in coastal areas and in Sweida.
• Security forces from the Interior and Defense Ministries were deployed with tribal leaders to calm the situation.

Israel’s Expanding Military Strikes

Over the past year, Israel has expanded its operations deep into southern Syria.
Damascus is struggling to contain increasingly frequent and deadly attacks — including last week’s strike on Beit Jin, southwest of Damascus, which killed 13 people.

Despite this escalation, the al-Shar’a government insists it does not intend to enter a hostile confrontation with Israel.

UN: Rebuilding Dialogue With Syria

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the UN hopes the visit will “strengthen dialogue between the United Nations and Syria.”

The delegation is expected to deliver messages on the UN’s desired path forward for both Syria and Lebanon, especially regarding political reconstruction, humanitarian access and long-term regional stability.