Matthew Dannoun

Washington, Jan.20 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American forces cooperated with the Syrian government to capture terrorists who escaped from Al-Shaddadi prison south of al-Hasakah in northeast of Syria.  “There was an escape attempt from the prison, and we worked with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Syrian government to capture the prisoners. They are among the most dangerous terrorists in the world, and all of them are from Europe,” Trump said in a statement to the American newspaper of New York Post.   Yesterday, the “SDF” released members of the terrorist organization ISIS from al-Shaddadi prison before the Syrian Arab Army entered the city and secured the prison and its surroundings. The Syrian Arab Army held the “SDF” fully responsible for releasing ISIS members from the prison, stressing that it is taking all necessary measures to restore control over the area. SANA 

Damascus, Jan.20 (SANA) Ministry of Defense Spokesman Brigadier General Hassan Abdul Ghani affirmed that the ministry is moving proceeding with a high sense of national responsibility and a sincere commitment to prevent bloodshed and to build a peaceful solution that preserves the country’s unity, security and stability. In a statement issued on Tuesday on the latest developments in northeastern Syria, Abdel Ghani addressed Syria’s Kurdish citizens, describing them as an integral and inseparable part of the Syrian people. “We defend our people and are ready to sacrifice our lives for them. We have pledged to protect our Kurdish citizens, safeguard their property and secure everything necessary for them to remain safe and dignified in their homes, proud of themselves and of their homeland, Syria,” he said. Abdel Ghani added that Syria’s Kurds had suffered grave injustice for five decades, having been deprived of their rights and subjected to systematic exclusion policies that affected t...

Damascus, Jan. 20 (SANA) Syria’s Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that following a recent agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the latest released a number of detainees from the ISIS militant along with their families. The ministry added that SDF units withdrew from guarding al-Hol camp, eastern Hasakah, without coordination with the Syrian government or the U.S.-led coalition, as an attempt to pressure Damascus over counterterrorism efforts. The Interior Ministry affirmed that it was closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures in coordination with the international coalition to preserve security and stability and prevent any threats to public safety. In a related development, the Ministry of Defense announced on its official Telegram channel its full readiness to assume control of al-Hol camp and all prisons holding ISIS militants in the region. It stressed that its priority remained combating the extremist group and r...

Damascus, Jan. 20 (SANA) The Syrian Defense Ministry on Tuesday denied reports of clashes around al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, stressing that the site is secured. The Media and Communications Department of the Ministry of Defense told SANA, “We deny reports of clashes around al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa,” affirming that the prison is fully secured, with military police and internal security forces deployed on-site. The Media Directorate added that the Ministry of Interior remains in continuous contact with the prison administration to ensure that all necessary supplies are provided. SANA 

Raqqa, Jan. 20 (SANA) The Syrian Energy Ministry has begun evaluating newly recaptured oil fields in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, aiming to rehabilitate them and resume production in the future. Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir visited al-Thawra oil field in the Raqqa countryside on Tuesday to assess its condition following its recent recapture by government forces from SDF. Minister al-Bashir toured the site as part of a broader effort to assess newly recovered oil fields in line with national plans. He emphasized the importance of evaluating wells and facilities to identify maintenance and repair needs, noting that restoring the oil sector is essential for sustainable production. Separately, Syrian Petroleum Company CEO Youssef Qablawi inspected al-A’zbah oil field in Deir Ezzor to verify its readiness for operation. The oil fields in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor are among the country’s most productive. al-Thawra (Raqqa) and al-A’zbah (Deir Ezzor) are known for their significant reser...

Damascus, Jan. 20 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Interior said late Monday that its forces had arrested 81 ISIS militants who escaped from al-Shaddadi prison in southern Hasakah province, northeastern Syria, which was under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). In a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the ministry said the prison break resulted in the escape of around 120 ISIS detainees, citing information from a security source. The inmates had been held at the SDF-run al-Shaddadi prison. According to the statement, units of the Syrian Arab Army, accompanied by Interior Ministry special forces, entered the city of al-Shaddadi following the incident. Security forces conducted “targeted and systematic” search operations across the city and its surrounding areas in an effort to track down the fugitives and restore security. The ministry said the operations led to the arrest of 81 escapees, adding that security forces are continuing efforts to locate the remaining fugitives...

Damascus, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Ministry of Interior said in a statement Monday that protecting citizens and ensuring public order, along with preventing the resurgence of terrorism, are national priorities, particularly following recent developments in Hasakah province and accompanying SDF media manipulation and political exploitation of ISIS prisoners. According to the ministry, in line with its constitutional and legal responsibilities, it is fully prepared to assume management and security of ISIS prisons in Hasakah province, applying international standards to prevent security breaches or escape attempts. The ministry also confirmed its readiness for direct coordination with the U.S. as part of joint efforts to prevent terrorism’s return and ensure regional stability. The Interior Ministry held the SDF fully responsible for any escapes or releases of ISIS members from facilities under their control, specifically citing the al-Shaddadi prison incident as a “serious security violation ...

Damascus, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Syrian government said on Monday that it has followed a statement issued by the so-called “autonomous administration” on Jan. 17 and described it as containing “a series of falsehoods and accusations” aimed at misleading international public opinion and sowing confusion. In a statement released today, the government said it “categorically rejects any attempt to use the terrorism file as political or security blackmail,” adding that warnings cited in the statement regarding prisons holding ISIS detainees amount to a political exploitation of terrorism and a form of pressure. The statement said that insisting on linking law-enforcement actions and the restoration of state legitimacy to the risk of activating terrorist cells is an attempt to invert facts and inflame tensions “to preserve an authority imposed by force of arms.” The government said its military and security institutions are fully prepared to carry out their duties in combating terrorism within i...

Hasakah, Jan. 19 (SANA) Syrian Arab Army units began entering al-Shaddadi town, south of Hasakah in northeast Syria, on Monday after the SDF released members of the ISIS terrorist organization from al-Shaddadi prison. In a statement to SANA on Monday, the army’s Operations Command said army units will secure al-Shaddadi prison and its surroundings and conduct sweeping operations in the town and nearby areas to apprehend ISIS detainees who were released. The Operations Command said al-Shaddadi prison and the city’s security facilities will be handed over immediately to the Ministry of Interior after security and sweep operations are completed. It added that the army leadership had contacted mediators and SDF leaders with the aim of handing the prison over to internal security forces to secure it and its perimeter, but that the SDF leadership refused. The Operations Command held the SDF fully responsible for releasing ISIS members from al-Shaddadi prison, stressing that army units will t...

Damascus, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Operations Command of the Syrian Arab Army said Monday that certain terrorist groups, including the PKK and remnants of the deposed regime, are attempting to disrupt the implementation of the ceasefire agreement by targeting Syrian Arab Army forces. The Command told SANA that “These groups carried out two attacks against Syrian forces deployed in the Jazira region, resulting in the martyrdom of three soldiers and injuries to others.” Earlier Monday, the Command announced the Syrian Army has begun deploying forces in the Jazira region in northeastern Syria to secure the area under the agreement reached with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It added that the army units have so far secured Tishreen Dam, the northern countryside of Raqqa, and the western countryside of Hasakah. Late Sunday, President Ahmad al-Sharaa signed a ceasefire and full integration agreement with the SDF. The agreement consists of 14 points that provide an immediate and comprehensive ...

Damascus, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Army Operations Command announced Monday that the army has begun deploying forces in the Jazira region in northeastern Syria to secure the area under the agreement reached with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Command told SANA that the army units have so far secured Tishreen Dam, the northern countryside of Raqqa, and the western countryside of Hasakah. The Command urged civilians to follow instructions from army units and to move in the area only when necessary. Late Sunday, President Ahmad al-Sharaa signed a ceasefire and full integration agreement with the SDF. The agreement consists of 14 points that provide an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, along with full administrative and military handover of Deir Ezzor and Raqqa governorates to the Syrian government. The move was widely welcomed by Arab and international actors. SANA 

Mecca, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Muslim World League on Monday welcomed a ceasefire agreement and a deal to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions, voicing support for Syria’s security, stability and territorial integrity. In a statement, the League’s Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said the organization stood in full solidarity with the Syrian government and people against threats to the country’s stability, sovereignty and unity. Al-Issa said the League backed efforts by the Syrian government to protect all components of Syrian society, safeguard national resources and achievements, preserve civil peace and extend the rule of law across the country. President Ahmad al-Sharaa signed the ceasefire and integration agreement with the SDF on Sunday. The move was widely welcomed by Arab and international actors. SANA 

Riyadh, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its welcome of the ceasefire agreement and the integration of the SDF, with all their civil and military institutions, into the Syrian state. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday: “The Kingdom hopes this agreement will contribute to boosting security and stability, building state institutions, and enforcing the rule of law in a way that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for development and prosperity.” The statement reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for the Syrian government’s efforts to promote civil peace and preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity. The statement praised the efforts made by the United States in reaching this agreement. President Ahmad al Sharaa today signed the ceasefire agreement and the full integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state institutions. SANA 

Ankara, Jab.18 (SANA) Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced support for the signing of a ceasefire agreement and the full integration between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. In a statement, the ministry expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to accelerating efforts aimed at establishing reinforcing stability and security in Syria, based on the unity and territorial integrity of the country. The statement underscored that any progress toward stability must rest on preserving Syria’s sovereignty and the safety of its territory. SANA 

Damascus, Jan. 18 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Army regained full control of the Euphrates Dam on Sunday, returning management of its water and hydroelectric facilities to specialized governmental staff and technicians after years of SDF organization control. The Euphrates Dam is a critical infrastructure for Syria’s water and energy supply. Its hydroelectric station, located on the dam’s right bank, houses eight generating units, each capable of producing 110 megawatts, providing electricity to large parts of the region. The dam also contains the Euphrates Lake, or Lake of al-Tabqa, which stretches roughly 80 kilometers long and up to 8 kilometers wide, covering an area of approximately 640 km². It has a maximum storage capacity of 14.1 billion cubic meters of water at a level of 304 meters above sea level, making it a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and electricity generation. The structure itself measures 4.5 kilometers in length, with a base width of 512 meters, a top width o...

Raqqa, Jan. 17 (SANA) The Operations Command of the Syrian Arab Army announced late Saturday that army forces have secured full control of al-Tabqa Military Airport in Raqqa province and have expelled the PKK terrorist militias from the area. Also Saturday night, the command said that army forces have taken control of the Mansoura Dam (formerly al-Baath Dam) and the towns of Ratla and al-Hammam in the Raqqa countryside. The advance now places them within 5 kilometers of the western entrance to the city of Raqqa. SANA 

Washington, Jan.16 (SANA) U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Friday reaffirmed Washington’s efforts to de-escalate the situation in Syria and to resume talks between the Syrian government and the SDF organization to implement the March 10 agreement. In a post published on his X account on Friday, Barrack said: “The United States remains in close contact with all parties in Syria, working around the clock to reduce the tension, prevent escalation, and return to integration talks between the Syrian government and the SDF.” Earlier this month, on January 9, Barrack stressed the importance of implementing the March 10 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF organization, and said the United States welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods. SANA 

Aleppo, Jan. 15 (SANA) Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib on Thursday condemned what he described as “criminal practices” by the SDF organization against civilians east of Aleppo, including intimidation, assaults, and preventing residents from crossing through the safe passage announced by the Syrian Arab Army in the Deir Hafer town. In his statement, al-Gharib said SDF organization fired shots into the air and around civilians in an apparent attempt to stop them from leaving, calling the actions a blatant violation of international laws and conventions that guarantee civilian protection and freedom of movement. The governor held the SDF fully responsible for the violations and urged the international community, humanitarian agencies, and human rights organizations to take urgent action to halt such practices and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians without threats or pressure. Earlier Thursday, the Syrian Arab Army’s Operations Command announced the opening of a humanitarian corridor ...

Tartous, Jan. 15 (SANA) The Interior Ministry said on Thursday that the Internal Security Directorate in the city of Baniyas, Tartous province on Syria’s coast, has arrested Ali Ramez Mohammad, who is accused of targeting positions of the Internal Security Forces and the army during the March events last year. The ministry said the arrest was carried out based on what it described as reliable information. In a separate operation, the ministry said the directorate also arrested Shadi Mohammad Mayhoub, who was formerly affiliated with the Republican Guard during the rule of the ousted regime. According to the ministry, Mayhoub is accused of participating in the massacre of al-Balaya village in the countryside of the city of Daraya, in Damascus Countryside, in which a number of civilians were killed. The two operations come as part of ongoing efforts to pursue those involved in criminal acts and attempts to undermine security and stability, as well as those responsible for violations and ...

Damascus, Jan. 13 (SANA) An intelligence source confirmed Tuesday that the SDF organization are recruiting individuals wanted by the Syrian state, as well as fugitives, in exchange for allowing them to remain in SDF organization-controlled areas. The source told SANA that large numbers of the ousted regime loyalists and people wanted for various crimes have joined the ranks of the SDF organization, noting that these criminals are being recruited with support from Iran and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The source also stated that PKK terrorists, in coordination with the SDF organization, are responsible for targeting Aleppo with Iranian-made drones, and that they are providing remnants of the ousted regime with explosive devices and tools for booby-trapping to attack civilian gatherings, as well as Syrian army and security forces. Furthermore, the military intelligence apparatus has successfully foiled several terrorist operations during escalations by the SDF organization in the ...