Syrian Civil War: Facts & Timeline

Syrian Civil War: Refugee and asylum-seeker statistics- Over half of Syria’s population is displaced due to the continuation of hostilities, with an estimated 16.7 million people requiring emergency aid in 2024. Approximately 6.5 million are recognized as refugees and asylum-seekers. The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 over concerns such as employment, corruption, and democracy.

In this article, we’ll talk about the Syrian Civil War: Facts & Timeline. We will cover what happened during the war, when it started, how it unfolded over time, and the impact of war.

Syrian Civil War Overview

The Syrian Civil War started in 2011 because people in Syria wanted more freedom. They were tired of their government, led by President Bashar al-Assad which had been in power for a long time and didn’t allow much freedom.

The government used violence to stop the protests, and soon there was fighting all over the country between the government and people who wanted change. This fighting caused a lot of damage and suffering, and many people had to leave their homes to escape the violence. Different groups started fighting each other, and countries like Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States got involved too, supporting different sides.

Over the years, many people have been killed or injured, and millions have had to leave their homes. Despite efforts to make peace, the war is still going on, and many people are still suffering.

Syrian Civil War Key Facts

The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 after protests against the government turned violent. It involves various groups, including the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad, rebel groups, and extremist organizations like ISIL. Countries like Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States have also gotten involved.

The war has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and seeking refuge. Both sides have been accused of committing atrocities, including the use of chemical weapons. Despite attempts at peace talks, the conflict continues, impacting the region and leading to a global refugee crisis.

Date	February 2011 – present
Location	Syria
Participants	Free Syrian Army • Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant
Context	Arab Spring

Syrian Civil War Timeline

Key events in Syria 1946–2010

Here are the key events in Syria from 1946 to 2010:

Year	Event
1946	Syria gains independence from France.
1947	Baʿth party holds its first congress.
1948	Syria joins the Arab-Israeli War.
1949	Multiple military coups occur, leading to political instability.
1951	Military dictatorship is established under Shishakli.
1954	Shishakli is overthrown, and civilian government is restored.
1958	Syria and Egypt merge to form the United Arab Republic.
1961	Syria becomes independent again after a military coup.
1963	Baʿthist officers seize power, beginning Baʿth party rule.
1966	Left-wing Baʿthists led by Jadid seize power.
1967	Syria is defeated in the Six-Day War with Israel.
1970	Assad takes power in a coup, ending Jadid’s rule.
1973	Syria attacks Israel in the Yom Kippur War.
1976	Syria intervenes in the Lebanese Civil War.
1979	Syria is designates a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S.
1980	Islamist opposition to Assad regime grows.
1982	Syrian military suppresses Islamist uprising in Ḥamāh.
1990	Syria joins the U.S.-led coalition against Iraq.
1994	Assad’s eldest son, Basil, dies in a car accident.
2000	Assad dies, and Bashar al-Assad becomes president.
2001	Bashar initiates crackdown on reformist activists.
2004	UN Resolution 1559 calls for Syrian troop withdrawal from Lebanon.
2005	Former Lebanese PM Rafiq al-Hariri is assassinated.
2008	Syria and Lebanon establish diplomatic relations.
2010	Syrian government prohibits teachers from wearing the niqāb.

Uprising in Syria, 2011

Date	Event
Feb 2011	Small protests occur in Syria, inspired by movements in other Arab countries. Security forces make arrests.
Mar 6, 2011	Syrian police detain children for antigovernment graffiti in Darʿā.
Mar 15, 2011	Antigovernment protests spread across multiple Syrian cities.
Mar 19, 2011	Security forces seal off Darʿā to contain protests.
Mar 24, 2011	Security forces reportedly kill dozens in a Darʿā demonstration.
Mar 29, 2011	President Assad dismisses the cabinet amidst rising protests.
Mar 30, 2011	Assad blames foreign conspiracies for unrest in his first speech addressing the protests.
Apr 6, 2011	Syria shuts down its only casino and allows teachers to wear the niqāb.
Apr 12, 2011	Heavy military force is used against protest hubs in Bāniyās and Homs.
Apr 16, 2011	Assad promises to lift the emergency law but offers no concrete reforms.
Apr 19, 2011	Emergency law is lifted, but opposition sees it as a cosmetic change.
Apr 28, 2011	Baʿth Party members resign in protest, and death toll exceeds 500.
May 9, 2011	EU imposes arms embargo and sanctions on Syrian officials.
May 19, 2011	US imposes sanctions on Syrian officials, extended to Assad later.
May 30, 2011	Protesters react to images of a tortured boy, Hamza al-Khatib.
Jun 6, 2011	Government reports soldiers killed by armed gangs; opposition claims soldiers were executed.
Jun 10, 2011	Syrian troops move into Jisr al-Shughūr; residents flee to Turkey.
Jun 20, 2011	Assad blames foreign conspiracies again in his third speech.
Jun 27, 2011	Some opposition leaders hold a rare public meeting in Damascus.
Jul 1, 2011	Large protests occur, especially in Ḥamāh.
Jul 3, 2011	Troops are sent to Ḥamāh, leading to house raids and arrests.
Jul 7, 2011	US ambassador visits Ḥamāh, drawing condemnation from Syria.
Jul 8, 2011	Massive demonstrations continue in Ḥamāh; French ambassador also visits.
Jul 11, 2011	Assad supporters attack US and French embassies in Damascus.
Jul 25, 2011	Cabinet approves a draft law allowing new political parties, criticized by the opposition.
Jul 29, 2011	Defectors announce the formation of the Free Syrian Army.
Aug 3, 2011	UN Security Council condemns Syria for violence against protesters.
Aug 4, 2011	Assad enacts the law allowing new political parties.
Aug 8, 2011	Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia recall ambassadors from Syria.
Aug 17, 2011	Assad claims military operations have ceased in a call with UN Secretary-General.
Aug 18, 2011	Western leaders call for Assad’s resignation.
Aug 23, 2011	UN reports over 2,200 deaths; Human Rights Council investigates.
Sep 2, 2011	EU bans import of Syrian oil.
Sep 8, 2011	Iranian president urges Assad to end violence.
Sep 15, 2011	Syrian National Council is formed.
Sep 27, 2011	Syrian troops clash with army defectors in Al-Rastan.
Oct 2, 2011	Syrian National Council calls for international support.
Oct 4, 2011	China and Russia veto a UN resolution condemning Syria.
Oct 14, 2011	UN reports 3,000 killed since protests began.
Oct 29, 2011	Arab League denounces Syrian violence.
Nov 1, 2011	Syria agrees to Arab League dialogue plan.
Nov 8, 2011	UN reports 3,500 killed; Arab League suspends Syria.
Nov 12, 2011	Free Syrian Army attacks government forces.
Nov 27, 2011	Arab League imposes sanctions on Syria.
Dec 7, 2011	Assad defends government response; elections held.
Dec 13, 2011	UN reports over 5,000 killed; Syria agrees to Arab League peace plan.
Dec 22, 2011	Arab League monitors enter Syria.
Dec 27, 2011	UN official reports ongoing violence despite monitors.
Jan 2, 2012	Arab League confirms withdrawal of some military vehicles.
Jan 4, 2012	Opposition accuses Syria of hiding military forces.
Jan 28, 2012	UN reports over 7,500 civilian deaths.
Feb 4, 2012	Russia and China veto UN resolution; Homs attacked.
Feb 16, 2012	UN General Assembly condemns Syrian crackdown.
Feb 23, 2012	Kofi Annan appointed as peace envoy.
Feb 27, 2012	Syria claims high turnout in referendum.
Feb 29, 2012	UN reports over 7,500 civilian deaths.
May 10, 2012	Suicide bombing kills over 50 at military base.
Sep 25, 2012	Market fire in Aleppo amid heavy fighting.
Nov 11, 2012	Opposition forms National Coalition.

Uprising

In January 2011, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad talked to The Wall Street Journal. They asked if he thought protests happening in other Arab countries would also happen in Syria. Assad thought Syria would be safe from protests because his government opposed the United States and Israel, which he believed matched what most Syrians wanted.

But soon after the interview, protests started in Syria too. This showed that Assad’s situation was more serious than he thought. Syria already had many problems with its politics and economy that made people unhappy. Assad was supposed to bring positive changes when he became president in 2000. However, he didn’t fulfill those hopes. Instead, he used strict rules like his father did, and many people who opposed him faced violence. Assad also changed the economy to help his friends get richer, making the gap between rich and poor bigger.

Another problem was a long drought from 2006 to 2010 which made many farming families poor. They moved to cities for help but found none.

The protests began in Darʿa in March 2011 when children were arrested for writing against the government. People protested for political and economic changes, but the government responded harshly, arresting and shooting at them. This made more people join the protests in other cities too. Videos of the violence spread quickly, making more people angry.

Most protesters were Sunni Muslims, while Assad and his family were from the ʿAlawite minority. Many in the security forces were also Alawite and attacked protesters. At first, people from all religions protested together, but later, divisions became stronger. Assad said the protesters were terrorists and tried to scare minorities into supporting him.

As protests grew so did the violence from the government. Some protesters started fighting back, and in June, Syrian troops attacked a town, sending many people to Turkey as refugees.

Countries around Syria took sides. The United States and Europe criticized Assad and asked him to leave. Countries like Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia also opposed him. But Iran and Russia supported Assad and blocked efforts to condemn him at the United Nations.

Civil war

In 2015, Russia got more involved in the conflict in Syria by sending troops and military equipment to an air base near Latakia. They started airstrikes in September, initially claiming to target ISIL but actually hitting mostly rebels fighting against Assad to support their ally.

Later, in 2016, Russian and Syrian government forces focused on the eastern part of Aleppo, bombing heavily. They didn’t try to avoid civilian casualties, hitting medical facilities and aid workers. This drew condemnation from human rights groups, but they continued until the rebels collapsed in December.

By 2016, ISIL faced pressure from multiple sides, weakening in northern and eastern Syria due to confrontations with Kurdish forces, pro-Assad Syrian forces supported by Iran and Russia, and Turkish-backed rebel groups. The US-led air campaign also weakened ISIL. ISIL’s rivals joined forces and fought against them. Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) cleared ISIL from Raqqa, its capital, with US support.

Western governments intervened more as the conflict continued. The US attacked a Syrian air base in response to a chemical weapons attack in 2017. A year later, US, British, and French forces targeted Syrian chemical weapons facilities.

Israel targeted Iranian military in Syria in 2018, leading to heavy fighting. Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, recaptured rebel-held territories in 2018. They made deals allowing rebels safe passage to Idlib in exchange for surrendering.

In Idlib, tensions rose as Syrian government forces, supported by Russia, launched offensives despite agreements for buffer zones. Turkey intervened to prevent radical groups from taking over. In 2019, Syrian forces launched offensives in Idlib, leading to clashes with Turkish forces.

In 2019, Turkey launched an offensive into Syria’s Kurdish-held northeast region, aiming to destabilize Kurdish separatists and create a safe zone for Syrian refugees. Kurdish forces allied with Assad’s government to counter Turkish advances.

Tensions escalated in 2020 when Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike, leading to retaliation against Syrian forces. A general cease-fire was negotiated by Turkey and Russia shortly after.

Impact of Syrian Civil War

The impact of the war in Syria extends far beyond its borders, affecting millions of lives and leaving a trail of devastation across the country. Efforts to address the humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences of the conflict remain critical to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and fostering stability and recovery in the region.

Humanitarian Crisis:

The war has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 500,000 deaths, and has displaced more than 6 million people. Additionally, the conflict has unleashed a humanitarian crisis characterized by sexual violence, abusive detention practices, and mass arrest campaigns, leaving many Syrians in dire need of assistance and protection.

Economic Collapses:

Syria’s economy has been significantly crippled by the war, experiencing a drastic decline in GDP by more than half between 2010 and 2020. The destruction of physical infrastructure, casualties, and disruption of economic networks have all contributed to the economic devastation faced by the country.

Environmental Degradation:

The conflict has had detrimental environmental consequences, including unregulated logging and intense forest fires that have ravaged over 36% of forested areas in the western part of Syria. This environmental degradation exacerbates the challenges faced by Syrians, further compounding their plight.

Displacement Crisis:

The war has triggered one of the largest displacement crises globally, with an estimated 13 million people forced to flee their homes. This includes 6.2 million internally displaced persons and 5.6 million refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, placing immense strain on host communities and humanitarian resources.

Destruction of Infrastructure and Cultural Heritage:

The war has resulted in the widespread destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. Ancient cities and cultural heritage sites have also been damaged or destroyed, robbing Syrians of their cultural identity and heritage.

Other Impacts:

Beyond the staggering loss of life and displacement, the war has led to the destruction of ancient cities, the use of chemical weapons and bombs, and Turkey’s invasion and occupation of parts of northeastern Syria. These developments exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and further destabilize the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the war in Syria has caused immense suffering and devastation for the Syrian people. With millions displaced, countless lives lost, and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, the impact of the conflict is profound. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with millions in need of assistance and protection. As the conflict continues, efforts to address the root causes of the war, provide humanitarian aid, and work towards a peaceful resolution remain crucial. It is essential for the international community to come together to support the Syrian people and strive for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Related Links

1. Seven Years’ War

2. Thirty Years’ War

3. Korean War

FAQs on Syrian Civil War: Facts & Timeline

What caused the Syrian Civil War?

The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 when Syrians protested against their government, seeking more freedom and democracy. The government’s violent crackdown on the protests led to armed resistance and escalated into a full-scale conflict.

How long has the Syrian Civil War been going on?

The war has been ongoing for over a decade since it began in March 2011.

Who is involved in the Syrian Civil War?

Various groups are involved, including the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad, rebel groups fighting against the government, extremist groups like ISIS, and international actors supporting different factions.

What role has the international community played in the conflict?

Many countries have been involved, either supporting the Syrian government or rebel groups. Russia and Iran support the Syrian government, while the United States and some European countries support rebel groups. Additionally, there have been diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution, but they have had limited success.

What are the main consequences of the Syrian Civil War?

The war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced from their homes and seeking refuge in other countries. It has also led to widespread destruction, loss of life, and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.