Timeline of the Syrian civil war (January–July 2014)

It was confirmed that 34 foreign ISIL and Jund al-Aqsa fighters had been executed in the previous few days by rebels in the Jabal al-Zawiya area.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-07/243312-34-jihadists-dead-after-rebel-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-activists.ashx#axzz2pdWJiZa1|title=34 jihadists dead after rebel clashes in Syria's Idlib: activists|publisher=AFP|date=6 January 2014|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228192343/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-07/243312-34-jihadists-dead-after-rebel-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-activists.ashx#axzz2pdWJiZa1|url-status=dead}} ISIL retreated from Mayadin in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, without any fighting with rebel forces.{{cite web|last=Lundquist |first=Lisa |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/today-in/2014/01/the_head_of_the_al.php |title=Today In |publisher=The Long War Journal |date=2014-01-07 |access-date=2014-02-10}} East of Rastan, in the Homs Governorate, ISIL attacked a rebel headquarters, killing 15 rebel fighters.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=13530&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UsxlifRDufU|title=Clashes Athalasalamahtantql to Homs and killed 15 fighters in the vicinity of Rastan|publisher=Syriahr.com|access-date=22 October 2014}} During the day, it was revealed that during the previous evening, ISIL executed up to 50 prisoners in the Qadi al-Askar district of Aleppo. The dead included media activists, relief workers, and other civilians.{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/01/al-qaeda-linked-group-kills-aleppo-captives-2014175161198234.html|title=Al-Qaeda group kills Aleppo prisoners: report|publisher=Al Jazeera English|date=7 January 2014|access-date=10 January 2014}} According to the opposition SOHR, 42 people were executed, including, 21 rebel fighters and five media activists.{{cite news|url=http://azstarnet.com/ap/international/syria-rebels-seize-al-qaida-base-in-north/article_4d277c9b-d910-5b7a-80c7-4e290b4aaad4.html|title=Syria rebels seize al-Qaida base in north|agency=Associated Press|date=8 January 2014|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140109012627/http://azstarnet.com/ap/international/syria-rebels-seize-al-qaida-base-in-north/article_4d277c9b-d910-5b7a-80c7-4e290b4aaad4.html|archive-date=9 January 2014}}

Rebels captured the ISIL headquarters in Aleppo city at the Children's hospital in the Qadi Askar district. ISIL forces lost control over opposition-held areas of the city and retreated to Al-Inzarat on the northeastern outskirts of Aleppo. 300 hostages held by the radical jihadists were set free.{{cite news|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/529206-aleppo-free-of-isis-control|title=Aleppo free of ISIL control, rebel commander says|publisher=NOW News|date=8 January 2014|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108124218/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/529206-aleppo-free-of-isis-control|archive-date=8 January 2014}} In Ar-Raqqah, the hospital was abandoned, bodies were lying in the central square and there was no power or water leaving the city "completely paralyzed", according to an opposition activist. At this point, ISIL controlled two key routes out of Raqqa: to the east toward the Iraqi border and also the road north to the Turkish frontier.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/01/08/260771319/as-rebels-fight-rebels-grim-reports-from-a-syrian-city|title=As Rebels Fight Rebels, Grim Reports From A Syrian City|publisher=NPR|date=8 January 2014|access-date=9 January 2014}} The head of the al-Nusra Front, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, confirmed that fighting had taken place between his organization and ISIL and called for mediation and an end to the "infighting."{{cite news|url=https://www.zamanalwsl.net/en/news/3197.html|title=Al-Qaeda's ISIL vows to 'crush' Syrian rebels|publisher=Zaman Alwsl|date=8 January 2014|access-date=10 January 2014}} Late in the day, ISIL started a counterattack, as it launched car bomb assaults targeting opposition checkpoints. Three attacks took place in Al-Bab, Hreitan, and Jarabulus in the Aleppo Governorate, Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. He said similar overnight attacks took place in the Aleppo Governorate, while one occurred in Mayadin in the eastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate. The attack in Al-Bab killed nine people.{{cite news|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/529393-jihadists-battle-back-in-north-syria-says-monitor|title=Jihadists battle back in north Syria, says monitor|publisher=AFP|date=9 January 2014|access-date=9 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109141324/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/529393-jihadists-battle-back-in-north-syria-says-monitor|archive-date=9 January 2014}}

A car bomb killed 18 people, including women and children, in central Hama province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights organization.{{cite web | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/09/world/meast/syria-civil-war/?hpt=zite_zite4_featured | title=Car bomb blast in Syria; deaths reported | date=9 January 2014 | access-date=3 January 2015}}{{cite news | url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4475028,00.html | title=Car bomb kills 18 in Syria's Hama province | newspaper=Ynetnews | date=9 January 2014 | access-date=3 January 2015}} The New York Times reported that Islamic extremist groups in Syria with ties to al-Qaeda try to identify, recruit and train Americans and other Westerners who had traveled there to get them to carry out attacks when they return home.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/world/middleeast/syrian-groups-try-to-recruit-us-travelers.html?_r=0 | title=Syria Militants Said to Recruit Visiting Americans to Attack U.S. | work=The New York Times | date=9 January 2014 | access-date=3 January 2015}}

ISIL managed to push back rebel forces on the eastern approaches to Ar-Raqqah. ISIL forces also killed 20 rebel fighters in fighting in the town of Al-Bab in Aleppo province,{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-idINDEEA090DT20140110|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214602/http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-idINDEEA090DT20140110|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2016|title=Al Qaeda group fights back against Syria rebel assault|publisher=Reuters|date=10 January 2014|access-date=10 January 2014}} and managed to capture wheat silos and mills just outside the town.{{cite news|url=http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/01/11/500-reported-killed-in-rebel-infighting-in-syria/|title=500 Reported Killed In Rebel Infighting In Syria|agency=Associated Press|date=11 January 2014|access-date=11 January 2014}} ISIL commander Abu Omar al-Shishani entered the town with a convoy of 30 vehicles and troops after he lifted the ISIL's siege of Deir-az-Zor airport.{{cite news|url=http://www.trust.org/item/20140110141636-k51tv/|title=protest march in Aleppo, 10 January 2014|publisher=Reuters|date=10 January 2014|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=28 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128073852/http://www.trust.org/item/20140110141636-k51tv/|url-status=dead}}

Rebels moved a convoy including tanks and technicals to Saraqeb in preparation to push ISIL out.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-fighting-idUKBREA0A0D620140111|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305162725/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-fighting-idUKBREA0A0D620140111|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2016|title=Rebels clash in north Syria, bodies pile up in hospital - monitors|publisher=Reuters|date=11 January 2014|access-date=11 January 2014}} Heavy fighting erupted and it was reported that rebels took over most of the town, and besieged hundreds of ISIL fighters. Earlier in the day, five rebels were killed on the outskirts of Saraqeb when their car hit a bomb.{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/01/11/NGO-Syria-jihadists-kill-rebels-in-bombing.html|title=NGO: Syria jihadists kill rebels in bombing|publisher=Alarabiya|date=11 January 2014|access-date=11 January 2014}} Meanwhile, ISIL forces managed to capture the border town of Tal Abyad, while in Ar-Raqqah ISIL fighters captured a rebel checkpoint and the train station.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-11/243797-syria-jihadists-kill-5-rebels-in-bombing-activists.ashx|title=Syrian troops advance on Aleppo area: activists|publisher=AFP|date=11 January 2014|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207141046/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-11/243797-syria-jihadists-kill-5-rebels-in-bombing-activists.ashx|url-status=dead}} ISIL fighters also dumped the corpses of dozens of their foes at the village of Jazra, to the west of Ar-Raqqah. Dozens of bodies of ISIL fighters were also reportedly in Ar-Raqqah's hospital. Rebels managed to regain territory lost in previous days in Aleppo province and were defending against ISIL counterattacks. 20 rebels were killed in fighting in the town of Anadan,{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Article.aspx?id=243780#axzz2q2AGSJoF|title=Rage grows against both ISIL and rebel leaders|publisher=The Daily Star|date=11 January 2014|access-date=11 January 2014}} while 30 rebels were killed in three days of fighting in the village of al-Tiba, northeast of Sekhna.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=13705&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UtK3s_RDufV|title=294 died yesterday, including 210 combat battalions of regular troops and|publisher=Syriahr.com|access-date=22 October 2014}}

It was confirmed that rebel forces had captured the eastern part of Saraqeb with the local ISIL commander surrounded with his fighters in the center of the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.aawsat.net/2014/01/article55327081|title=Syrian opposition and ISIS continue Idlib battle|publisher=Asharq Al-Awsat|date=12 January 2014|access-date=3 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112155329/http://www.aawsat.net/2014/01/article55327081|archive-date=12 January 2014}} Fighting was still continuing in Ar-Raqqah between ISIL and remnants of rebel units, including the Al-Nusra Front,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-qaeda-idUSBREA0B0JD20140112|title=Group linked to al-Qaeda regains ground in northeast Syria|publisher=Reuters|date=12 January 2014|access-date=12 January 2014}} although by this point ISIL had captured much of the city.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-13/700-dead-in-syria-in-a-week-report-says/5196470|title=Syria conflict: 700 killed in eight days in early January, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says|publisher=ABC|date=12 January 2014|access-date=12 January 2014}} According to an opposition activist, 95 percent of Ar-Raqqah and its countryside were under ISIL control. ISIL forces had also captured the towns of Hrietan and Basraton in Aleppo province. It was also reported that the bodies of 70 rebels were delivered to Ar-Raqqah's hospital after they were executed by ISIL following their capture of Tal Abyad. Another report put the number of executed prisoners at 100.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-raqqa-idUSBREA0B0MX20140113|title=Al Qaeda Syria unit executes dozens of rivals in Raqqa: activists|publisher=Reuters|date=12 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}} Syrian State TV claimed that a rebel mortar attack killed 19 people in the government-controlled Ghouta and Karm al shami areas of the city of Homs.{{cite web | url=http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/syrian-mortar-attack-kills-at-least-19/story-e6frfkui-1226800950718?from=public_rss | title=Syrian mortar attack kills at least 19 | date=13 January 2014 | access-date=19 January 2015}}

It was reported that ISIL had won the battle of Raqqa, capturing most of the province and the provincial capital.{{cite news|url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syria,-anti-Assad-rebel-infighting-leaves-700-dead,-including-civilians-30013.html|title=Syria, anti-Assad rebel infighting leaves 700 dead, including civilians|publisher=AsiaNews|date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}} ISIL had also captured Al-Bab{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=262022447 |title=Al-Qaida-Linked Group Ousts Rivals From Syria Town |agency=Associated Press |date=13 January 2014 |access-date=13 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113222812/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=262022447 |archive-date=January 13, 2014 }} and Beza'a, while the rebels were gaining ground in Jarabulus near the Turkish border.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-13/243941-isis-jihadists-seize-most-of-north-syria-town-activists.ashx#axzz2q2AGSJoF|title=ISIS jihadists seize 'most' of north Syria town: activists|publisher=The Daily Star|date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}} Another mass execution of prisoners was also reported near the village of Qantari, about 80 kilometers north of Raqqa, when ISIL killed 46 captured fighters of the Ahrar ash-Sham rebel group. 14 rebels were also executed in Homs province{{cite web|url=http://news.msn.co.nz/article.aspx?id=8783409|title=Jihadists seize Syria town, 'execute 60'|publisher=AAP|date=14 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}

It was reported that rebels captured the villages of Masqan,{{cite news|url=http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/01/14/news-opposition-forces-seize-masqan-aleppo-isil-tightens-grip-over-al-bab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118181644/http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/01/14/news-opposition-forces-seize-masqan-aleppo-isil-tightens-grip-over-al-bab|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2014|title=Opposition forces seize Masqan in Aleppo as ISIL tightens grip over Al-Bab|publisher=Syria Newsdesk|date=14 January 2014|access-date=17 January 2014}} Kafar Kalbin and Kafra in Aleppo province, while ISIL took full control of Raqqah city after the last remaining rebels retreated.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/01/isil-recaptures-raqqa-from-syrias-rebels-2014114201917453586.html|title=ISIL recaptures Raqqa from Syria's rebels|publisher=Aljazeera.com|access-date=22 October 2014}} Meanwhile, the rebels also captured the prison in Jarablus, releasing 70 prisoners from ISIL custody.{{cite news|url=http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/01/14/news-rebel-factions-oust-isil-most-jarablos-aleppo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118174953/http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/01/14/news-rebel-factions-oust-isil-most-jarablos-aleppo|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2014|title=Rebel factions oust ISIL from most of Jarablos in Aleppo|publisher=Syria Newsdesk|date=14 January 2014|access-date=17 January 2014}} 46 Palestinians and Syrian residents in the Yarmouk Camp died of starvation and lack of medical care since October, from a Syrian Army enforced blockade.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jan/14/syria-dozens-die-starvation-damascus-camp?CMP=twt_gu | title=Syria conflict: dozens die of starvation in besieged Damascus refugee camp | newspaper=The Guardian | date=15 January 2014 | access-date=19 January 2015}}

An ISIL car bomb in Jarablus killed 26 people, of which 23 were rebel fighters and three were civilians. Meanwhile, in Saraqeb fighting was continuing and opposition sources reported that the local ISIL commander, a Belgian, was killed. ISIL denied the claim.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-bomb-qaeda-idUSBREA0E11N20140115|title=Car bomb blamed on al Qaeda kills 26 in north Syrian town|work=Reuters|date=15 January 2014 |access-date=22 October 2014}} Between 15 and 17 January, rebels captured Jibreen, Hardntin Kfarrakeshr,{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=13878&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Utc78fRDufU|title=Phalange fighter captures the villages and Jibreen Hardntin Brive Aleppo|publisher=Syriahr.com|access-date=22 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=13884&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Utc74vRDufU|title=Combat battalions controlled Alr another village Brive Aleppo|publisher=Syriahr.com|access-date=22 October 2014}} Sheikh Ali, Aajel, 46th base, Orum al-Sughra and Reef al-Muhandiseen, while ISIL retreated from the village of Kafarjoum, which held what was believed to be the largest ISIL arms depot in all of Syria.{{cite news|url=http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/01/18/news-al-mujahideen-army-ousts-isil-ratyan-aleppo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122030300/http://syrianewsdesk.com/en/2014/01/18/news-al-mujahideen-army-ousts-isil-ratyan-aleppo|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2014|title=Al-Mujahideen Army ousts ISIL from Ratyan in Aleppo|publisher=Syria Newsdesk|date=18 January 2014|access-date=18 January 2014}} ISIL also withdrew from Saraqib, burning their vehicles as they retreated, while at the same time ISIL recaptured Jarabulus.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-isil-idUSBREA0G0UO20140117|title=Syrian rebels push Qaeda affiliate from northwest stronghold|work=Reuters|date=17 January 2014 |access-date=22 October 2014}}

A suicide bomber killed 4 people and injured 26 in the Lebanese town of Hermel, a Hezbollah stronghold{{cn|date=November 2024|reason=The Reuters article does not justify the claim of this being a Hezbollah stronghold.}} near the Syrian border.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-bomb-idUSBREA0F0AJ20140116 | title=Suicide car bomb kills three in Hezbollah stronghold near Syria | newspaper=Reuters | date=16 January 2014 | access-date=19 January 2015}}

A rocket fired from Syria into the Lebanese border town of Arsal killed seven people and wounded 15.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-syria-rocket-idUSBREA0G0IX20140117 | title=Rocket fired from Syria kills seven in Lebanese border town | newspaper=Reuters | date=17 January 2014 | access-date=19 January 2015}}

2 suicide car bombs exploded at the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing, killing 16 people including six rebels.{{cite web|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2014/01/20/97001-20140120FILWWW00609-syrie-16-morts-dans-un-double-attentat.php |title=Syrie: 16 morts dans un double attentat |publisher=Lefigaro.fr |date=2014-01-20 |access-date=2014-02-10}} The same day, ISIL forces seized control of the Al-Jarah military airport. In Manbij, a large suicide car explosion killed 20 people, including rebels, women and children{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1357&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Ut5Gp7RKGM9 |title=3 suicide car explosions in Aleppo and Idlib |publisher=Syriahr.com |date=2014-01-20 |access-date=2014-02-10}} By 23 January, ISIL was in full control of Manbij{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-24/245120-zawahri-urges-end-to-deadly-clashes-between-rebels-and-jihadists.ashx#axzz2rEUjd2s1|title=Zawahri urges end to deadly clashes between rebels and jihadists|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|access-date=22 October 2014|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207091852/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-24/245120-zawahri-urges-end-to-deadly-clashes-between-rebels-and-jihadists.ashx#axzz2rEUjd2s1|url-status=dead}} and completely secured Darkush the following day.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1374&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UuKf1hA1jct|title=ISIS have completely taken over the town of Darkoush|publisher=Syriahr.com|access-date=22 October 2014}}

It was reported that ISIL senior Commander Sameer Abid Mohammed al-Halefawi (aka Haji Bakr) was killed by rebels in Tal Rifaat, near Azaz,{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/key-al-qaida-militant-reportedly-killed-syria-170552209.html|title=Key Al-Qaida Militant Reportedly Killed in Syria|publisher=Yahoo|date=27 January 2014|access-date=23 October 2014}} and at least two other ISIL senior commanders were captured at Hreitan. Four ISIL fighters and three rebels were killed in the fighting.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-28/245513-isis-leaders-killed-captured-in-aleppo.ashx#axzz2repUOO3l|title=ISIS leaders killed, captured in Aleppo|publisher=The Daily Star|date=28 January 2014|access-date=28 January 2014}} ISIL confirmed the death of top ISIL leader Haji Bakr on 2 February.{{cite news|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/02/isis_confirms_death.php|title=ISIS confirms death of senior leader in Syria|publisher=The Long War Journal|date=5 February 2014}}

• Al-Qaeda's general command broke off its links with ISIL, reportedly to concentrate the Islamist effort on unseating President Bashar al-Assad.{{cite news|last=Holmes|first=Oliver|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-qaeda-idUSBREA120NS20140203|work=Reuters|title=Al Qaeda breaks link with Syrian militant group ISIL|date=3 February 2014|access-date=6 July 2014}}
• By mid-February, al-Nusra Front had joined the battle in support of rebel forces, and expelled ISIL forces from the Deir ez-Zor province in Syria.{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/02/10/Islamist-rebels-oust-ISIS-from-Syria-s-Deir-Ezzor.html|title=Islamist rebels oust ISIS from Syria's Deir Ezzor|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=10 February 2014|access-date=21 May 2014}}

A three-day truce was agreed; civilians were allowed to evacuate from a rebel-held area of the Syrian city of Homs after more than 18 months under a government blockade.{{cite news|title=Hundreds of civilians evacuated from besieged Syrian city|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aid-workers-to-return-to-homs-syria-despite-being-attacked/|access-date=20 May 2016|work=CBS News|date=9 February 2014}}

• The BBC reported more than 1,000 civilians evacuated Homs during the truce, which had been extended to this day.{{cite news|title=Syria conflict: Aid and evacuations continue in Homs - BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26148194|access-date=20 May 2016|work=BBC News|date=12 February 2014|language=en-GB}}
• Russia said it would veto a U.N. resolution on humanitarian aid access in Syria, claiming that the draft was an effort to prepare for military strikes against President Bashar al-Assad's government.{{cite news|title=Russia says will veto Syria aid resolution in current form|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-russia-aid-idUSBREA1B0HN20140212|access-date=20 May 2016|work=Reuters|date=12 February 2014}}

ISIL retreated from the border town of Azaz and nearby villages, choosing instead to consolidate around Raqqa in anticipation of an escalation of fighting with al-Nusra.{{cite news|last=Sly|first=Liz (for The Washington Post)|title=Renegade al-Qaida faction withdraws from Syrian border town of Azaz|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/04/isis-al-qaida-rebels-syria-azaz|access-date=20 March 2014|work=The Guardian|date=4 March 2014}}

The United States expelled all Syrian diplomats and closed the Syrian embassy in Washington D.C.{{cite news|last1=Gordon|first1=Michael R.|title=U.S. Orders Syrian Embassy and Consulates to Suspend Operations|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/world/middleeast/syria-told-to-suspend-diplomatic-activities-in-us.html|access-date=17 May 2016|work=The New York Times|date=18 March 2014}}

The Israeli Air Force launched several air strikes on Syrian military sites, killing one Syrian soldier and wounding 7 others, in retaliation for a bombing that wounded four of its troops in the Golan Heights.{{cite news|author1=Laura Smith-Spark|author2=Michael Schwartz|title=Israel retaliates in Syria after bomb attack against Israeli troops - CNN.com|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/19/world/meast/israel-syria-violence/|access-date=17 May 2016|work=CNN|date=19 March 2014}}

Clashes erupt in Tripoli, Lebanon between Syrian government supporters and detractors, leaving 3 dead.{{cite news|last1=Fry|first1=Maddy|title=Lebanese fighters and civilians killed and wounded in ethnic violence|url=https://time.com/33293/3-dead-in-lebanon-in-spillover-clashes-from-syria/|access-date=17 May 2016|work=Time Magazine|date=21 March 2014}}

Turkish F-16s shot down a Syrian MiG-23 aircraft for purportedly violating Turkish airspace.{{cite news|title=Syrian jet shot down by Turkey|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10717257/Syrian-jet-shot-down-by-Turkey.html|access-date=17 May 2016|work=Telegraph.co.uk|date=23 March 2014}}

The Syrian Army shelled the YPG-held neighbourhood of al-Msheirfah in Al-Hasakah city.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=2014&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UzTfffldXX4|title=Clashes between YPG and ISIS around Hasakah|access-date=24 October 2014}} The Syrian Kurdish news agency ANHA, citing a YPG source, stated that the attack began at 11:30 AM, and that mortar shells fired by the army struck the YPG's "Martyr Shiyar" office and a cotton mill, causing material damage.{{cite news|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/index.php/2013-02-14-17-53-15/12014-2014-03-27-12-25-45 |script-title=ar:النظام يقصف مقرات وحدات حماية الشعب في حسكة |date=27 March 2014 |publisher=Hawar News Agency |language=ar |access-date=28 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330043608/http://www.hawarnews.com/index.php/2013-02-14-17-53-15/12014-2014-03-27-12-25-45 |archive-date=March 30, 2014 }} This incident occurred while the YPG was fighting off an ISIS attack against the town of Jaz'ah near Ya'rubiyah.{{cite news|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/index.php/2013-02-14-17-53-15/12019----30---- |script-title=ar:مقتل أكثر من 30 مرتزقاً في محيط جزعة |date=27 March 2014 |publisher=Hawar News Agency |language=ar |access-date=28 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416133235/http://www.hawarnews.com/index.php/2013-02-14-17-53-15/12019----30---- |archive-date=April 16, 2014 }}

Members of the pro-government National Defence Force shot a YPG fighter in Qamishli city. The YPG responded by launching an operation in the Qadour Bek district of Qamishli, killing seven pro-government fighters and detaining 10 others. It was also reported that the YPG captured parts of the Qadour Bek district, including the Customs Building and the Qamishli's Bread Factory.[http://aranews.org/en/home/kurdish-region/1145-kurdish-ypg-forces-respond-to-syrian-regime-militants-in-qamishli.html Kurdish YPG forces respond to Syrian government militants in Qamishli] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182528/http://aranews.org/en/home/kurdish-region/1145-kurdish-ypg-forces-respond-to-syrian-regime-militants-in-qamishli.html |date=March 21, 2014 }}

Chemical weapons are used again in Syria, this time on the town of Kafr Zita, Hama.{{cite web|title=Timeline of Syrian Chemical Weapons Activity, 2012-2015|url=https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Timeline-of-Syrian-Chemical-Weapons-Activity|website=www.armscontrol.org|access-date=13 May 2016}}{{cite news|title=U.S. Examines Possible Chemical Weapons Use in Syria|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-examines-possible-chemical-weapons-use-syria-n86026|access-date=13 May 2016|work=NBC News}}

Iraqi helicopters reportedly destroyed an ISIL convoy in Syria. This was possibly the first time that Iraqi forces struck outside their country since the Gulf War.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27179916|title=Iraq hits 'jihadist convoy' in Syria|publisher=BBC News|date=27 April 2014|access-date=11 June 2014}}

Rebels withdraw from the besieged city of Homs in accordance with the U.N.-brokered deal between them and the Syrian government.{{cite news|title=Rebels evacuated from Homs, cradle of Syrian uprising|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-homs-idINKBN0DN0LQ20140507|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202205022/http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-homs-idINKBN0DN0LQ20140507|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 2, 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Reuters India|language=en-IN}}

Russia and China veto a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have asked the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes in Syria.{{cite news|last1=Sengupta|first1=Somini|title=China and Russia Block Referral of Syria to Court|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/23/world/middleeast/syria-vote-in-security-council.html?_r=0|access-date=10 May 2016|work=The New York Times|date=22 May 2014}}

• Syrian rebels completely secure Khan Shaykhun and its surroundings in the 2014 Idlib offensive, capturing the al-Salam checkpoint west of the town.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=19442&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.U4OAEvl_tIk|title=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان - المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|access-date=13 December 2014}}

• The Jordanian Foreign Ministry deemed Syrian ambassador in Amman Bahjat Suleiman persona non grata, giving him 24 hours to leave the kingdom. It said he had violated diplomatic protocol by posting repeated comments on social media that criticized Jordan and its Gulf allies. Syria declared Jordan’s charge d’affaires in Damascus persona non grata in response.{{Cite news |date=2014-05-26 |title=Jordan, Syria bar envoys in tit-for-tat diplomatic row |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-jordan-idUKBREA4P08L20140526 |access-date=2022-05-05}}

Syria presidential election takes place in government-controlled areas, amidst an opposition boycott. While the West denounces the election as rigged and "meaningless", delegations from Assad's main supporters, including Russia, Iran and Venezuela, praise the election as transparent and free.{{cite news|title=Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wins third term - BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27706471|access-date=4 May 2016|work=BBC News|date=5 June 2016|language=en-GB}}

The Syrian government announces Assad was re-elected, claiming that Assad had won with 88.7% of the vote and a turnout of 73.47% of eligible voters.

The Syrian government declares a general amnesty for all citizens;{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=President Bashar al-Assad of Syria Declares 'General Amnesty' for Prisoners|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/10/world/middleeast/syrian-leader-assad-declares-amnesty-for-prisoners.html|access-date=4 May 2016|work=The New York Times|date=9 June 2014}} Assad would later fail to follow through and release any political prisoners.{{cite news|last1=Samaan|first1=Maher|last2=Barnard|first2=Anne|title=Assad, in Rare Admission, Says Syria's Army Lacks Manpower|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/world/middleeast/assad-in-rare-admission-says-syrias-army-lacks-manpower.html|work=The New York Times|date=26 July 2015}}

The OPCW releases a preliminary report indicating more chemical weapons have been used since the August 2013 attacks, confirming France's suspicions that the Syrian government has still been using chlorine gas attacks.{{cite news|title=Syria probably used chlorine gas in attacks this year, weapons inspectors say|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/chlorine-gas-likely-used-in-attacks-in-syria-this-year-international-weapons-inspectors-say/2014/06/18/a7ec09cc-f71d-11e3-a606-946fd632f9f1_story.html|access-date=4 May 2016|newspaper=Washington Post}}

The final stockpile of "declared" chemical weapons is shipped out of the country.{{cite news|title=Watchdog: Last 'declared' chemical weapons leave Syria - CNN.com|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/23/world/meast/syria-chemical-weapons/|access-date=4 May 2016|work=CNN}}

The Syrian Air Force bombs Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-held towns in Iraq, killing at least 57 civilians.{{cite news|title=Syrian warplanes reportedly strike in Iraq, killing 57 - CNN.com|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/meast/iraq-crisis/|access-date=4 May 2016|work=CNN}}

Bashar Assad is sworn in to serve his third seven-year term as President of Syria.{{cite news|last1=Saad|first1=Hwaida|author-link=Hwaida Saad |last2=Cowell|first2=Alan|title=Assad Begins a Third Term in Syria, Vowing to Look After Its People|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/17/world/middleeast/assad-sworn-in-for-third-term-as-syrian-president.html|access-date=29 April 2016|work=The New York Times|date=16 July 2014}}

• Syria's Shaer gas field in Homs Governorate was seized by ISIL. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 90 National Defence Force guards defending the field were killed, as were 21 ISIL fighters.{{cite news|title=Islamic State fighters seize Syria gas field|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/07/islamic-state-fighters-seize-syria-gas-field-2014717134148345789.html|access-date=18 July 2014|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=19 July 2014}} The SOHR later put the death toll from the fighting and the killing of prisoners at 270 soldiers, militiamen and staff, and at least 40 ISIL fighters.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-attack-idUSKBN0FO05O20140719|title=Islamic state killed 270 during Syrian gas field takeover: monitor|work=Reuters|date=19 July 2014|access-date=19 July 2014}}

• ISIL captures a Syrian 17th Division base near Raqqa and beheads several captured soldiers, whose heads are displayed in Raqqa.{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/isis-captures-syrian-military-base-raqqa-beheads-captured-soldiers-605356 |title=ISIS Captures Syrian Military Base in Raqqa, Beheads Soldiers |author=Johnlee Varghese |date= 25 July 2014 |work=International Business Times}} 32 jihadists and 42 Syrian Army members were overall killed on this day in clashes between ISIL and Syrian Army in Hasakeh, Raqqa and Aleppo provinces.{{cite news |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=67317 |date=25 July 2014 |title=74 killed in IS assault on Syria regime territory |publisher=Middle East Online |access-date=28 August 2015 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019070024/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=67317 |url-status=dead }}

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{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (2014-01)}}

Category:Timelines of the Syrian civil war

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Category:2014 in Syria

Category:Lists of armed conflicts in 2014