Syrian Army to leave Sweida | Trump: Powell Axe Unlikely | Hook News Brief

Hook News Brief | 17.07.25

SYRIA TO WITHDRAW ARMY FROM SWEIDA

Syria says it has begun withdrawing its army from Sweida. This is after the US intervened, joining efforts made by Arab nations to bring an end to the horrific violence. Sectarian clashes have been taking place in Syria’s southern region of Sweida since Sunday. Members of the religious minority Druze community have clashed with Bedouin fighters and the Syrian army. Reports say that the death toll has crossed 350.

ISRAEL CONDEMNED FOR SYRIA AIRSTRIKES

Meanwhile, Israel has conducted multiple attacks on Syria’s capital Damascus. Israel bombed the Syrian defence ministry, killing at least 3 people and injuring 34. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says the attacks were aimed at protecting the Druze community. The European Union called on Israel to halt its strikes, saying they jeopardised the lives of civilians. The United Nations has condemned the Israeli strikes. And Iran has demanded an end to what it called Israel’s “unhinged aggression” in Syria.

TRUMP SAYS HE’S “UNLIKELY” TO FIRE FED CHAIR POWELL

US President Donald Trump says its “highly unlikely” that he will fire Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve. Trump made this statement after reports emerged that he met with Republican lawmakers on Tuesday, to discuss firing Powell. Such a move would go against the norm of the US central bank working independently. After reports of Trump’s meeting emerged, 30-year US Treasury bond yields surged above 5%. It's after this that Trump said he was unlikely to fire Powell.

TRUMP MAKING COCA-COLA SUGARY AGAIN

Meanwhile, Trump says that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its drinks in the US. Coca-Cola has been using high-fructose corn syrups in its American sodas. The switch would make Coca-Cola's US products similar to those it sells in Mexico. Trump called it a good move for the beverage giant, saying that real cane sugar is “just better!”