Damascus Curfew Lifted as New PM Calls Refugees Home 🌅
Hey, news enthusiasts! Big changes are happening in Syria, and it's a lot to unpack. Let's dive in!
Life Resumes in Damascus 🕌
On Wednesday, Syria's Military Operations Administration lifted the curfew in Damascus and surrounding areas. Residents are being encouraged to return to work and daily life as the nation navigates the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's ouster. That's right—after five decades of Assad family rule, there's a new chapter starting.
Meet the New Leader: Mohammed al-Bashir 🗳️
Taking the reins is interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, appointed just this Tuesday. Al-Bashir, a former regional leader from northwestern Syria, is set to head the transitional government until March 2025.
His appointment follows a swift offensive by a militant alliance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In just 12 days since November 27, HTS-led forces captured Damascus, leading to Assad fleeing the country.
Promises for the Future ✨
The new leadership, dominated by HTS, is reaching out to reassure religious minorities. They've promised that the rights of all religious and ethnic groups will be guaranteed. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has vowed justice for victims of the previous administration, stating that officials involved in torture won't be pardoned.
Clashes and Ceasefires ⚔️
Meanwhile, in the northeast, Kurdish-led forces announced a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Turkish-backed militants in Manbij, a strategic city that's seen fierce clashes recently. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported that 218 combatants have been killed and pledged to withdraw \"as soon as possible.\"
International Moves 🌍
- U.S. Involvement: General Michael Kurilla, chief of U.S. Central Command, visited U.S. bases in Syria and met with SDF partners.
- Turkey's Stance: Turkish-backed forces have captured Tal Rifaat from Kurdish forces. Ankara considers the YPG, the main force within the SDF, as linked to the PKK, which they deem a terrorist organization.
- Iran's Response: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei downplayed Assad's ouster's impact on Tehran's influence, accusing the U.S., Israel, and a \"neighboring country\" of orchestrating the downfall.
- Qatar Reopens Embassy: Qatar plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, aiming to support Syria's reconstruction and provide humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Crisis 💔
The United Nations reports a dire humanitarian situation:
- Hospitals are overwhelmed.
- Food shortages are severe; bread prices in cities like Idlib and Aleppo have surged by 900%!
- Over 1 million people have been displaced since December 27.
- Minefields are obstructing aid delivery, with at least 52 identified recently.
That's all for now, amigos! Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. 🌐
Reference(s):
Curfew in Damascus lifted as interim PM calls refugees to return home
cgtn.com
