UN Chief Guterres Visits Syria in Historic Trip

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to visit Syria on Saturday, marking the first visit by a serving U.N. chief since the civil war began in 2011. This visit is significant as it occurs after the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces in late 2024, which ended a conflict that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.

Guterres will meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former leader of al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, among other officials. His discussions will focus on Syria's opportunity for a post-war transition and the restoration of its international standing.

Guterres has expressed concern over recent sectarian violence in Syria, including the deaths of nearly 1,500 Alawites and hundreds of Druze. Sharaa's administration is working to rebuild Syria's economy and diplomatic relationships after years of isolation.

The U.S. has eased sanctions on Syria, indicating a shift in international relations.