Syrian Administration Calls for Weapon Surrender Amid Rising Tensions
The new Syrian administration has urged individuals associated with the regime of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, as well as citizens who have found weapons, to surrender them to authorities. Interior Minister Mohammad Abdul Rahman emphasized the importance of this initiative for national security and public safety, stating that a deadline has been set for compliance. Failure to surrender weapons by the end of this period will result in legal consequences. The government aims to facilitate the surrender process to ensure it is smooth and accessible for all citizens.
This call for disarmament comes at a time of escalating tensions in northeastern Syria, where the Turkish government has expressed concerns over potential conflicts between Turkish forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned that such a conflict could lead to a resurgence of the Islamic State, posing a significant security threat to Syria, Turkey, and Europe. The UN envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, echoed these concerns, advocating for a political resolution to the tensions to avoid dire consequences for the region.
Refugee Returns and Regional Implications
In a related development, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that over 25,000 Syrian refugees have returned to Syria in the past two weeks. The Turkish government is facilitating this process by allowing families to take their belongings and vehicles back with them. Additionally, a new immigration management office will be established in Ankara's embassy in Damascus to support the return of Syrians.
Jordan has also reported that approximately 12,800 Syrians have returned since the fall of the Assad regime, indicating a broader trend of repatriation among Syrian refugees. As the Syrian opposition gains control over more territories, including the city of Manbij, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the Kurdish population in the region. The new Syrian administration is attempting to reassure Kurds and encourage their integration into the new government to prevent further violence.
