Syria is facing dire humanitarian problems and an uncertain political transition after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Germany on Monday kicked off a new pledging round of aid for Syria, as the EU hosts a donor drive for the war-torn country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The EU has held its annual donor drive for Syria for the past eight years -- but it mainly focused on supporting refugees in neighbouring countries and avoided any contacts with the Assad regime.

Syria’s military fired rockets and shells at Lebanon on Sunday after accusing Iran-backed Hezbollah of executing three Syrian army personnel, sparking unusual tensions between the two war-ravaged neighbors.

Syria’s army attacked Lebanon after it said three soldiers were kidnapped, brought to Lebanon and killed by Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah denied involvement.