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      Matthew Kynaston

      Matthew Kynaston

      Location

      Articles

      Ismail Al Shalil, whose family home in the Syrian city of Palmyra was occupied by Iran-backed militants and then destroyed in an Israeli strike last year (Matt Kynaston for The National)
      Play02:17
      VideoInside the abandoned Iranian bases in Palmyra

      Tehran’s influence in Syria has nose-dived since the fall of the Assad regime, confounding its regional aims

      MENAMarch 14, 2025
      Mourners shouted familiar chants and party slogans throughout the day. Matt Kynaston for The National.
      Play02:28
      Israeli jets scream over Nasrallah funeral as weakened Hezbollah remains defiant

      Tens of thousands of mourners turn out for the slain leader’s commemoration in a show of force after the movement was pushed out of Lebanese politics.

      MENAFebruary 23, 2025
      21 men from the Southern Operation's Room were killed during the advance towards Damascus in December that lead to the falling of the Assad regime. Matt Kynaston for The National.
      Play02:19
      Armed factions in Syria demand rights amid integration

      As Syria aims to integrate its many military factions into the state security force, The National speaks to a deputy commander to understand the challenges.

      MENAFebruary 21, 2025
      The Sayyida Zaynab shrine is widely believed as the resting place of Zaynab, sister of Imam Husayn, a 7th century religious figure who is among the most revered in Shi’ite Islam. Matt Kynaston for The National.
      Play01:49
      ‘Islamic unity’ in the protection of Sayyida Zaynab shrine

      The National is shown around a sacred site for Shiite Islam that was previously used to justify the intervention of Iran-backed militias in the Syrian civil war.

      MENAFebruary 19, 2025
      Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri greets supporters during his visit to the grave of his father, late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, on the 20th anniversary of his assassination, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, 14 February 2025. Rafik Hariri was assassinated, along with 21 other people, when a massive explosion hit his motorcade in Beirut, Lebanon, on 14 February 2005. EPA / WAEL HAMZEH
      Play02:16
      Twenty years on from Rafic Hariri killing a ‘golden opportunity’ exists

      Thousands gather in Beirut to remember the former prime minister assassinated on February 14, 2005, as Lebanon looks to the future with new optimism

      MENAFebruary 14, 2025
      The National met with relatives of victims who have been killed as violence in the southern town of Sanamayn has increased since the fall of the Assad regime. Matt Kynaston / The National.
      Play02:26
      WatchISIS victims families fear more violence in Syria

      Residents in southern Syria are worried about an emboldened ISIS, following the fall of the Assad regime

      MENAFebruary 13, 2025
      The National also discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) making facility in one of the warehouses. Matt Kynaston for The National.
      Play02:00
      Syrian security forces uncover huge weapons cache in western Homs

      Mortars, rockets and launchers were discovered in raids hunting for the weapons and cells of Assad regime forces.

      MENAFebruary 04, 2025
      Father Fadi al-Barkil bows at the alter of the 1,700-year-old Church of St Sergius and Bacchus in Maaloula, as he delivers a service on 19 January 2025. Matt Kynaston for the National.
      Play03:25
      Syrian Christians in Maaloula pray for equality

      Christians in the ancient mountain town of Maaloula are uncertain about the new Islamist government.

      MENAFebruary 02, 2025
      Residents were happy to be leaving Rukban camp, where many had been living for more than a decade. Matt Kynaston for The National.
      Play03:15
      Syrians in remote desert refugee camp hail Assad’s downfall - but cannot leave

      Families who fled regime’s onslaught want to return to cities such as Palmyra, even though they know their homes are destroyed.

      MENAJanuary 30, 2025
      Khaldoun Al Raba stands in front of what is left of the Temple of Bel, after it was destroyed by ISIS in 2015. Mr Al Raba has been a tour guide at the site for more than 15 years. Matt Kynaston / The National
      Play02:52
      Syrians despair at the loss of their ancient heritage

      The ancient city of Palmyra was demolished, desecrated and looted during the civil war.

      MENAJanuary 27, 2025
      The leader of the US-backed Syrian Free Army warned that such a move could embolden extremists. Matt Kynaston for The National.
      Play01:16
      Col Salem Turki Al Antri warns further US troop withdrawal from Syria ‘would be a nightmare’

      The leader of the US-backed Syrian Free Army warned that such a move could embolden extremists.

      MENAJanuary 23, 2025
      Thick smoke rises from explosions as Israeli forces reportedly demolish dwellings in the border town of Khiam in southern Lebanon, days into a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. AFP
      Israel's repeated strikes rattle nerves in Lebanon amid crumbling truce

      Nine people killed in wave of Israeli strikes on Monday evening, sparking fears fragile ceasefire might collapse

      MENADecember 02, 2024
      Rescue workers dig through an Israeli strike site at Aitou the day after at least 24 people were killed including 12 women and 2 children. Matt Kynaston / The National.
      Special reportKilled without warning: Pattern of Israeli strikes on Lebanon may amount to war crimes

      Investigation reveals how its military systemically targeted civilians before the ceasefire came into effect

      MENANovember 29, 2024
      People and rescuers try to put out a fire at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a densely populated neighborhood in Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek on November 6, 2024. Israel expanded operations in Lebanon in September 2024 nearly a year after Hezbollah began exchanging fire in support of its ally, the Palestinian Hamas movement following its attack on Israel in October 2023. (Photo by Nidal SOLH / AFP)
      Play03:41
      Civilians bear the brunt in Baalbek

      Israeli strikes on Bekaa Valley over the past week have killed more than 160 people

      MENANovember 08, 2024
      Mortada Mhanna, the head of Tyre's emergency response receives a phonecall from someone claiming to be the IDF, instructing him to leave his home. Matt Kynaston / The National
      Play03:04
      The municipal workers defying Israeli eviction orders in Lebanese city

      Staff determined to stay in the area despite violence and calls to leave

      MENAOctober 21, 2024
      More Articles

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