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....