6 fighters killed in clashes, tension increased after Assad’s fall

The situation has once again become tense in Syria. On Wednesday, six Islamist fighters were killed in clashes between supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and occupying groups. According to the report of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, these fighters were trying to arrest a former minister of the Assad government. The killed fighters were affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Who was the officer they were trying to arrest?

The officer who was tried for arrest is accused of having given hanging orders against thousands of prisoners. The incident once again highlights the ongoing unrest and division within Syria.

Impact on minorities and the situation after the fall of Assad

The situation in Syria remains extremely sensitive since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

• Hundreds of people have been killed in the violence so far.
• Most of the dead were from the Alawite community, a branch of Shia Islam to which Assad belonged.
• The ongoing violence and division in the country has made the life of common citizens more difficult.

The new Syria: priorities of the interim administration

Assad al-Shaibani, the foreign minister newly appointed by Syria’s interim administration, pledged a new direction on Wednesday.

• He promised that Syria’s new administration would represent every section of society.
• Emphasized on giving Syria its former role on the international stage.

Foreign Minister al-Shaibani said:

“Our aim is to ensure that every citizen in the new Syria experiences dignity, freedom and security.”

Emphasis on protecting the rights of all Syrian people

Al-Shaibani said on social media platform X that:

• “Protecting the rights and interests of the Syrian people” will be the main objective of creating the new administrative structure.
• Proper representation of all ethnic and social groups will be ensured.
• The priority will be to guarantee the return of displaced people to their homes.

Syria’s future and youth participation

Al-Shaibani said several important things regarding the future of Syria:

1. Appeal to the youth:
   • He invited the youth to rebuild the country and lead it towards innovation and progress.
   • Said, “We need the efforts of youth to shape the present and chart the future.”
2. Warning to Iran:
   • Al-Shaibani warned Iran against “spreading chaos” in Syria.
   • He appealed to respect the will of the Syrian people.

The end of Assad and the new beginning of Syria

Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted on December 8 following attacks by the militant coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is now out of the Syrian political scene.

• Iran, a longtime ally of Assad, is still trying to maintain its role in Syria.
• The interim administration has appointed Assad al-Shaibani, who is supported by HTS, as foreign minister.