Syria's new rulers have appointed Maysaa Sabrine, formerly a deputy governor of the Syrian central bank, to lead the institution as the first woman to do so in its more than 70-year history, a senior Syrian official said.
Sabrine, a longtime central bank official mostly focused on oversight of the country's banking sector, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
She replaces Mohammed Issam Hazime who was appointed governor in 2021 by then-President Bashar al-Assad and remained on after Assad was ousted by a lightning rebel offensive on Dec 8.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leader-ahmed-al-sharaa-says-need-to-rewrite-constitution-before-elections-happen-urges-us-to-lift-sanctions-8576403" rel="dofollow">Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them</a>
Since the rebel takeover, the bank has taken steps to liberalise an economy that was heavily controlled by the state, including by cancelling the need for pre-approvals for imports and exports and tight controls on the use of foreign currency.
But Syria and the bank itself remain under strict US sanctions.
The bank has also taken stock of the country's assets after Assad's fall and a brief spate of looting that saw Syrian currency stolen but the main vaults left unbreached, Reuters reported.
The vault holds nearly 26 tons of gold, the same amount it had at the start of its civil war in 2011, sources told Reuters, but foreign currency reserves had dwindled from around $18 billion before the war to around $200 million, they said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World News: Maysaa Sabrine, a former deputy governor, is the first woman to lead the Syrian central bank in its more than 70-year history. She replaces Mohammed Issam Hazime.

Syria's new rulers have appointed Maysaa Sabrine, formerly a deputy governor of the Syrian central bank, to lead the institution as the first woman to do so in its more than 70-year history, a senior Syrian official said. Sabrine, a longtime central bank official mostly focused on oversight of the country's banking sector, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. She replaces Mohammed Issam Hazime who was appointed governor in 2021 by then-President Bashar al-Assad and remained on after Assad was ousted by a lightning rebel offensive on Dec 8. Also read | Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them Since the rebel takeover, the bank has taken steps to liberalise an economy that was heavily controlled by the state, including by cancelling the need for pre-approvals for imports and exports and tight controls on the use of foreign currency. But Syria and the bank itself remain under strict US sanctions. The bank has also taken stock of the country's assets after Assad's fall and a brief spate of looting that saw Syrian currency stolen but the main vaults left unbreached, Reuters reported. The vault holds nearly 26 tons of gold, the same amount it had at the start of its civil war in 2011, sources told Reuters, but foreign currency reserves had dwindled from around $18 billion before the war to around $200 million, they said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Maysaa Sabrine becomes first woman to lead Syria's central bank

New Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa held talks on Monday with Ukraine's foreign minister, the official news agency SANA reported, weeks after Russian-allied president Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power.
Moscow was one of Assad's key backers and had intervened to help turn the tide of Syria's civil war in his favour in 2015, so his toppling was seen as a major setback for Russia, which in 2022 launched an invasion of Ukraine.
"The leader of the new administration Ahmed al-Sharaa met with a Ukrainian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga," SANA reported without providing further details.
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had sent its first shipment of food aid, including 500 tonnes of wheat flour, to Syria.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leader-ahmed-al-sharaa-says-need-to-rewrite-constitution-before-elections-happen-urges-us-to-lift-sanctions-8576403" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them</a>
Despite the war, Ukraine is one of the world's top wheat producers.
Rebels led by Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive on November 27 that saw them take a number of key cities in quick succession before seizing the capital Damascus 11 days later, forcing Assad to flee to Russia.
But despite Moscow's backing for Assad, Sharaa on Sunday noted the "deep strategic interests between Russia and Syria" in an interview with the Al-Arabiya TV channel.
"All Syria's arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts... We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish," Sharaa added.
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World: On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had sent its first shipment of food aid, 500 tonnes of wheat flour, to Syria.

New Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa held talks on Monday with Ukraine's foreign minister, the official news agency SANA reported, weeks after Russian-allied president Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power. Moscow was one of Assad's key backers and had intervened to help turn the tide of Syria's civil war in his favour in 2015, so his toppling was seen as a major setback for Russia, which in 2022 launched an invasion of Ukraine. "The leader of the new administration Ahmed al-Sharaa met with a Ukrainian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga," SANA reported without providing further details. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had sent its first shipment of food aid, including 500 tonnes of wheat flour, to Syria. Also read | Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them Despite the war, Ukraine is one of the world's top wheat producers. Rebels led by Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive on November 27 that saw them take a number of key cities in quick succession before seizing the capital Damascus 11 days later, forcing Assad to flee to Russia. But despite Moscow's backing for Assad, Sharaa on Sunday noted the "deep strategic interests between Russia and Syria" in an interview with the Al-Arabiya TV channel. "All Syria's arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts... We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish," Sharaa added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria’s new leader holds meeting with Ukraine's foreign minister

Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, according to Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This was the first comment on the electoral timetable since Bashar Al Assad was ousted this month. Watch in for more details!

Syria's De Facto Leader Says Holding Polls Could Take Up To 4 Years

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's newly installed leader, during an interview with Al Arabiya TV, three weeks after his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition ousted Bashar al-Assad in a dramatic offensive said that elections in the country could take up to four years.
Noting the importance of Syria's ties with Iran and Russia, Sharaa also called on the United States to lift sanctions while laying out plans for a constitutional overhaul in the nation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leader-ahmed-al-sharaa-says-elections-could-take-4-years-8576265">Syria&rsquo;s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa says elections could take 4 years</a>
<h2>Syria elections</h2>
Sharaa outlined an ambitious roadmap for elections, estimating that the "election process could take four years".
"We need to rewrite the constitution" which could take "two or three years" said Sharaa.
His vision is in line with the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 &mdash; adopted in 2015 &mdash; which calls for constitutional reform and UN-monitored elections as part of Syria's transition.
Previously this month, UN envoy Geir Pedersen also expressed cautious optimism that Syria would "adopt a new constitution... and that we will have free and fair elections" after a transitional period.
<h2>Appeal for sanctions relief</h2>
Sharaa also used the interview to call on the United States to lift sanctions imposed under Assad's regime. "The sanctions on Syria were issued based on the crimes that the regime committed."
He said that he hoped the incoming Donald Trump administration would lift the sanctions.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2024-the-year-that-witnessed-major-political-upheavals-8576228">2024: The year that witnessed major political upheavals</a>
<h2>Foreign ties with Russia and Iran</h2>
The new leader stressed that relations with Russia and Iran, both key allies of ousted Assad, are important.
"Syria cannot continue without relations with an important regional country like Iran, but they must be based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and non-interference in the affairs of both countries," he said.
Sharaa acknowledged Russia's deep strategic role, particularly in defence and infrastructure. "Russia is an important country and is considered the second most powerful country in the world," he said, adding "All Syria's arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts... We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-intel-chief-anas-khattab-vows-reforms-to-end-abuses-8575078">Syria's new intel chief Anas Khattab vows reforms to end abuses</a>
Sharaa also broached the contentious issue of Syria's Kurdish-led forces, which Turkey views as an existential threat due to their links to the PKK. He proposed integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army. &nbsp;
"Weapons must be in the hands of the state alone," Sharaa asserted, adding, "Whoever is armed and qualified to join the defence ministry, we will welcome them."
"Under these terms and conditions, we will open a negotiations dialogue with the SDF... to perhaps find an appropriate solution," he added. &nbsp; Sharaa also broached the subject of the dissolution of his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition, designated as a terrorist organisation by numerous countries. He said that the dissolution would be announced "during the national dialogue conference", but did not specify a date.
(With inputs from agencies)

Emphasising Syria's strategic ties with Iran and Russia, Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa highlighted that alliances with them were important for his country.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's newly installed leader, during an interview with Al Arabiya TV, three weeks after his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition ousted Bashar al-Assad in a dramatic offensive said that elections in the country could take up to four years. Noting the importance of Syria's ties with Iran and Russia, Sharaa also called on the United States to lift sanctions while laying out plans for a constitutional overhaul in the nation. Also read | Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa says elections could take 4 years Syria elections Sharaa outlined an ambitious roadmap for elections, estimating that the "election process could take four years". "We need to rewrite the constitution" which could take "two or three years" said Sharaa. His vision is in line with the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 — adopted in 2015 — which calls for constitutional reform and UN-monitored elections as part of Syria's transition. Previously this month, UN envoy Geir Pedersen also expressed cautious optimism that Syria would "adopt a new constitution... and that we will have free and fair elections" after a transitional period. Appeal for sanctions relief Sharaa also used the interview to call on the United States to lift sanctions imposed under Assad's regime. "The sanctions on Syria were issued based on the crimes that the regime committed." He said that he hoped the incoming Donald Trump administration would lift the sanctions. Also read | 2024: The year that witnessed major political upheavals Foreign ties with Russia and Iran The new leader stressed that relations with Russia and Iran, both key allies of ousted Assad, are important. "Syria cannot continue without relations with an important regional country like Iran, but they must be based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and non-interference in the affairs of both countries," he said. Sharaa acknowledged Russia's deep strategic role, particularly in defence and infrastructure. "Russia is an important country and is considered the second most powerful country in the world," he said, adding "All Syria's arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts... We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish." Also read | Syria's new intel chief Anas Khattab vows reforms to end abuses Sharaa also broached the contentious issue of Syria's Kurdish-led forces, which Turkey views as an existential threat due to their links to the PKK. He proposed integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army. "Weapons must be in the hands of the state alone," Sharaa asserted, adding, "Whoever is armed and qualified to join the defence ministry, we will welcome them." "Under these terms and conditions, we will open a negotiations dialogue with the SDF... to perhaps find an appropriate solution," he added. Sharaa also broached the subject of the dissolution of his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition, designated as a terrorist organisation by numerous countries. He said that the dissolution would be announced "during the national dialogue conference", but did not specify a date. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them

Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in remarks to be broadcast on Sunday, the first time he has commented on a possible electoral timetable since Bashar al-Assad was ousted this month.
Drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, Sharaa said in written excerpts from the interview with the Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, due to be transmitted later on Sunday. He also said it would take about a year for Syrians to see drastic changes.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-intel-chief-anas-khattab-vows-reforms-to-end-abuses-8575078">Syria's new intel chief Anas Khattab vows reforms to end abuses</a>
The comments from Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group that ousted Assad on December 8, came as the new government in Damascus has been seeking to reassure its neighbours that it has moved away from its roots in Islamist militancy.
The group's lightning campaign ended a 13-year civil war but has left a host of questions about the future of a multi-ethnic country previously held together by decades of authoritarian Assad family rule and where foreign states, including Turkey and Russia, have strong and potentially competing interests.
While Western powers largely welcomed the end of Assad family rule in Syria, it remains unclear whether the group will impose strict Islamic rule or show flexibility and move towards democracy.
Sharaa said HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, would be dissolved at a national dialogue conference.
The group was once affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda but has since renounced both and sought to reposition itself as a force for moderation.
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It has repeatedly vowed to protect minority groups who fear the new rulers could seek to impose an Islamist government and has warned of attempts to incite sectarian strife.
In the interview, Sharaa said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, a close Assad ally during the long civil war, which has military bases in the country, reiterating conciliatory signals his government has made previously.
Sharaa said earlier this month that Syria's relations with Russia should serve common interests.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the status of Russia's military bases would be the subject of negotiations with the new leadership in Damascus.
"It is a question not only of maintaining our bases or strongholds, but also of the conditions of their operation, maintenance and provision, and interaction with the local side," he said in an interview with Russian news agency RIA published on Sunday.
Sharaa also said he hoped the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. Senior US diplomats who visited Damascus this month said Sharaa came across as pragmatic and that Washington has decided to remove a USD 10 million bounty on the HTS leader's head.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

World: Drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, Sharaa said in written excerpts from the interview with the Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, due to be transmitted later on Sunday. 

Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in remarks to be broadcast on Sunday, the first time he has commented on a possible electoral timetable since Bashar al-Assad was ousted this month. Drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, Sharaa said in written excerpts from the interview with the Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, due to be transmitted later on Sunday. He also said it would take about a year for Syrians to see drastic changes. Also read: Syria's new intel chief Anas Khattab vows reforms to end abuses The comments from Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group that ousted Assad on December 8, came as the new government in Damascus has been seeking to reassure its neighbours that it has moved away from its roots in Islamist militancy. The group's lightning campaign ended a 13-year civil war but has left a host of questions about the future of a multi-ethnic country previously held together by decades of authoritarian Assad family rule and where foreign states, including Turkey and Russia, have strong and potentially competing interests. While Western powers largely welcomed the end of Assad family rule in Syria, it remains unclear whether the group will impose strict Islamic rule or show flexibility and move towards democracy. Sharaa said HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, would be dissolved at a national dialogue conference. The group was once affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda but has since renounced both and sought to reposition itself as a force for moderation. Also read: Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' It has repeatedly vowed to protect minority groups who fear the new rulers could seek to impose an Islamist government and has warned of attempts to incite sectarian strife. In the interview, Sharaa said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, a close Assad ally during the long civil war, which has military bases in the country, reiterating conciliatory signals his government has made previously. Sharaa said earlier this month that Syria's relations with Russia should serve common interests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the status of Russia's military bases would be the subject of negotiations with the new leadership in Damascus. "It is a question not only of maintaining our bases or strongholds, but also of the conditions of their operation, maintenance and provision, and interaction with the local side," he said in an interview with Russian news agency RIA published on Sunday. Sharaa also said he hoped the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. Senior US diplomats who visited Damascus this month said Sharaa came across as pragmatic and that Washington has decided to remove a USD 10 million bounty on the HTS leader's head. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa says elections could take 4 years

The new head of Syria's intelligence services announced on Saturday a plan to dissolve the institutions that were so feared under the rule of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad.&nbsp;
"The security establishment will be reformed after dissolving all services and restructuring them in a way that honours our people," Anas Khattab said, two days after being appointed to his post by the country's new leadership that overthrew Assad in early December.
In a statement carried by the official Sana news agency, he stressed the suffering of Syrians "under the oppression and tyranny of the old regime, through its various security apparatuses that sowed corruption and inflicted torture on the people".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-director-of-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-a-hamas-terrorist-detains-him-days-after-he-accused-tel-aviv-of-targeting-medical-facility-8574358">Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist'</a>
Prisons were emptied after Assad's fall as officials and agents of the deposed regime fled.
Most of these installations are now guarded by fighters of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the armed coalition that seized power in Damascus.
Numerous Syrians have rushed to former detention centres in the hope of finding traces of relatives and friends who went missing during the 13 years of a devastating civil war that left more than a half million dead.
"The security services of the old regime were many and varied, with different names and affiliations, but all had in common that they had been imposed on the oppressed people for more than five decades," Khattab continued.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), more than 100,000 people died in Syrian prisons and detention centers during the conflict.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assad-loyalists-kill-14-in-ambush-attack-claims-syrias-new-ruling-forces-8567714">Assad loyalists kill 14 in 'ambush attack,' claim Syria's new ruling forces</a>
On Thursday, a general who ran military justice under the former regime was arrested in the west of country, accused of being responsible for sentencing to death thousands of people held in the notorious Saydnaya prison.
And in Europe, several former senior Syrian intelligence officers accused of torture and other abuses have been convicted and jailed since 2022. &nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

The new head of Syria's intelligence services announced on Saturday a plan to dissolve the institutions that were so feared under the rule of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The new head of Syria's intelligence services announced on Saturday a plan to dissolve the institutions that were so feared under the rule of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad. "The security establishment will be reformed after dissolving all services and restructuring them in a way that honours our people," Anas Khattab said, two days after being appointed to his post by the country's new leadership that overthrew Assad in early December. In a statement carried by the official Sana news agency, he stressed the suffering of Syrians "under the oppression and tyranny of the old regime, through its various security apparatuses that sowed corruption and inflicted torture on the people". Also read | Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' Prisons were emptied after Assad's fall as officials and agents of the deposed regime fled. Most of these installations are now guarded by fighters of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the armed coalition that seized power in Damascus. Numerous Syrians have rushed to former detention centres in the hope of finding traces of relatives and friends who went missing during the 13 years of a devastating civil war that left more than a half million dead. "The security services of the old regime were many and varied, with different names and affiliations, but all had in common that they had been imposed on the oppressed people for more than five decades," Khattab continued. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), more than 100,000 people died in Syrian prisons and detention centers during the conflict. Also read | Assad loyalists kill 14 in 'ambush attack,' claim Syria's new ruling forces On Thursday, a general who ran military justice under the former regime was arrested in the west of country, accused of being responsible for sentencing to death thousands of people held in the notorious Saydnaya prison. And in Europe, several former senior Syrian intelligence officers accused of torture and other abuses have been convicted and jailed since 2022. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria's new intel chief Anas Khattab vows reforms to end abuses

Syria’s new authorities have arrested a military justice official who under ousted president Bashar Assad issued death sentences for detainees in the notorious Saydnaya prison, a war monitor said Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Deadly Clashes Continue Amid Power Struggle Post-Assad's Ouster

Syria: New Power Tussle Flares Up | World News | WION Fineprint

Syria: Protests Erupt Over Shrine Desecration Amid HTS Violence | World News | WION

#Gravitas The situation in Syria remains volatile. In Tartous, remnants of the ousted Assad regime reportedly ambushed and killed at least 17 police officers and wounded 10 others. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Assad Loyalists Ambush Syrian Police In Deadly Tartous Clash

At least 14 interior ministry troops were killed in an "ambush" by supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in the west of the country, Syria&rsquo;s new rebel-led authorities have reported.
The attack, which also left 10 personnel injured, happened on Tuesday (December 26) near the coastal city of Tartous, a stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite Muslim sect.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
The incident took place when security forces attempted to arrest a former regime officer who was one of the accused "responsible for the crimes of the Saydnaya prison,&rdquo; a detention facility near Damascus. 
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According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the officer, identified as Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was responsible for issuing "death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners."
The Observatory reported that Hassan&rsquo;s brother and other armed supporters intercepted the security forces, setting up an ambush near the village and targeting a patrol vehicle.
"14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after... a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime" in Tartus province "while performing their tasks of maintaining security and safety," Syria&rsquo;s new Interior Minister, Mohammed Abdel Rahman, said.
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The troops targeted in the ambush were members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led a rebel offensive earlier this month, overthrowing Assad&rsquo;s government. 
Assad fled Syria on December 8 after an 11-day HTS-led offensive. The former president, who ruled Syria since 2000 after succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, left for Russia, where the Kremlin later confirmed he was granted political asylum.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

"14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after... a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime," Syria’s new Interior Minister said.

At least 14 interior ministry troops were killed in an "ambush" by supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in the west of the country, Syria’s new rebel-led authorities have reported. The attack, which also left 10 personnel injured, happened on Tuesday (December 26) near the coastal city of Tartous, a stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite Muslim sect. What happened? The incident took place when security forces attempted to arrest a former regime officer who was one of the accused "responsible for the crimes of the Saydnaya prison,” a detention facility near Damascus. Also read: 15,000 devices failed to explode during Israel's pager operation against Hezbollah: Report According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the officer, identified as Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was responsible for issuing "death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners." The Observatory reported that Hassan’s brother and other armed supporters intercepted the security forces, setting up an ambush near the village and targeting a patrol vehicle. "14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded after... a treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime" in Tartus province "while performing their tasks of maintaining security and safety," Syria’s new Interior Minister, Mohammed Abdel Rahman, said. Also read: Explained: Who is the TTP whose camps were struck by Pakistan in Afghanistan? The troops targeted in the ambush were members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that led a rebel offensive earlier this month, overthrowing Assad’s government. Assad fled Syria on December 8 after an 11-day HTS-led offensive. The former president, who ruled Syria since 2000 after succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, left for Russia, where the Kremlin later confirmed he was granted political asylum. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Assad loyalists kill 14 in 'ambush attack,' claim Syria's new ruling forces

Thousands protested Wednesday in several areas of Syria after a video circulated showing an attack on an Alawite shrine in the country's north. Watch this report for more details!

Syrians protest after video showing attack on Alawite shrine

New Delhi, India
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded. Over 150 of those executed this year were convicted of non-lethal crimes, a practice that rights organizations argue violates international law.
Many of these executions were related to alleged drug smuggling, particularly involving the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, which has been flooding the market from Syria under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Others were accused of non-lethal terrorism, a charge rights groups claim is often used against individuals involved in anti-government protests.
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While Saudi Arabia once held public beheadings in town squares, these areas are now filled with cafes and restaurants, with little trace of their violent history. “Saudi Arabia’s authorities are pursuing a relentless killing spree displaying a chilling disregard for human life while promoting an empty-worded campaign to rebrand their image,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman claimed that Saudi Arabia had “eliminated” the death penalty, except in cases mandated by Sharia law. However, in November 2022, the government carried out its first executions for drug-related offences in nearly three years, overturning a 2021 moratorium on such executions imposed by the Saudi Human Rights Commission.
<h2>Surge in Drug-Related Executions</h2>
As of September 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed 53 people for drug-related offences, a dramatic increase compared to just two such executions in 2023. This rise included the execution of three foreign nationals from Syria and Nigeria between May and June. Since July, the surge has persisted, with 38 of the 53 individuals executed being foreign nationals.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrike-in-afghanistan-civilians-suffer-no-official-confirmation-from-islamabad-786628">Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts</a>
<h2>Increased Execution of Foreign Nationals and Women</h2>
By mid-November, over 101 foreign nationals executed were from 14 Asian and African countries, according to a report from AFP. The total of 101 foreign nationals executed this year is three times higher than the 34 recorded in both 2023 and 2022.
This year’s executions involved individuals from multiple countries, including:
<ul>
<li>21 from Pakistan</li>
<li>20 from Yemen</li>
<li>14 from Syria</li>
<li>3 each from Sudan, India, and Afghanistan</li>
<li>1 each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines</li>
</ul>
The European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) reports a record seven women executed in 2024, with three linked to drug offenses. Most of these women were foreign nationals, mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia.
<h2>Has the story changed on a global scale?</h2>
In 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions across 16 countries, a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 2022, marking the highest total since 2015. However, the number of countries carrying out executions was the lowest on record, excluding China, where execution statistics are considered state secret, and other nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, where access to information is limited.
<h2>Source - Amnesty International</h2>
The increase was largely driven by a 48 per cent rise in executions in Iran, which accounted for 74 per cent of all global executions. The top five countries responsible for the highest number of executions were Iran (at least 853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (at least 38), the US (24), and Iraq (at least 16). All but Saudi Arabia, which saw a slight decline from 196 executions in 2022, experienced an increase in executions compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the number of new death sentences surged by 20 per cent, reaching a total of 2,428 in 2023, the highest figure since 2018.
Two new organizations—the Presidency of State Security and the Public Prosecution Office—were created under royal decrees in 2022 to suppress activists. 
As part of his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image from a country known for strict religious controls and human rights abuses into a global tourism and entertainment hub, the crown prince is investing billions. However, human rights groups have accused the kingdom of sentencing minors to death and using torture to extract confessions.

Reform or Repression? Saudi Arabia's execution tally hit a record 330 in 2024, raising questions about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform agenda. Rights groups decry the surge, including executions for non-lethal offences



New Delhi, India Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded. Over 150 of those executed this year were convicted of non-lethal crimes, a practice that rights organizations argue violates international law. Many of these executions were related to alleged drug smuggling, particularly involving the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, which has been flooding the market from Syria under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Others were accused of non-lethal terrorism, a charge rights groups claim is often used against individuals involved in anti-government protests. Also read | Hundreds hit the streets as protest erupts over burning of Christmas tree near Syria's Hama While Saudi Arabia once held public beheadings in town squares, these areas are now filled with cafes and restaurants, with little trace of their violent history. “Saudi Arabia’s authorities are pursuing a relentless killing spree displaying a chilling disregard for human life while promoting an empty-worded campaign to rebrand their image,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman claimed that Saudi Arabia had “eliminated” the death penalty, except in cases mandated by Sharia law. However, in November 2022, the government carried out its first executions for drug-related offences in nearly three years, overturning a 2021 moratorium on such executions imposed by the Saudi Human Rights Commission. Surge in Drug-Related Executions As of September 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed 53 people for drug-related offences, a dramatic increase compared to just two such executions in 2023. This rise included the execution of three foreign nationals from Syria and Nigeria between May and June. Since July, the surge has persisted, with 38 of the 53 individuals executed being foreign nationals. Also read | Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts Increased Execution of Foreign Nationals and Women By mid-November, over 101 foreign nationals executed were from 14 Asian and African countries, according to a report from AFP. The total of 101 foreign nationals executed this year is three times higher than the 34 recorded in both 2023 and 2022. This year’s executions involved individuals from multiple countries, including: 21 from Pakistan 20 from Yemen 14 from Syria 3 each from Sudan, India, and Afghanistan 1 each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines The European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) reports a record seven women executed in 2024, with three linked to drug offenses. Most of these women were foreign nationals, mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia. Has the story changed on a global scale? In 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions across 16 countries, a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 2022, marking the highest total since 2015. However, the number of countries carrying out executions was the lowest on record, excluding China, where execution statistics are considered state secret, and other nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, where access to information is limited. Source - Amnesty International The increase was largely driven by a 48 per cent rise in executions in Iran, which accounted for 74 per cent of all global executions. The top five countries responsible for the highest number of executions were Iran (at least 853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (at least 38), the US (24), and Iraq (at least 16). All but Saudi Arabia, which saw a slight decline from 196 executions in 2022, experienced an increase in executions compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of new death sentences surged by 20 per cent, reaching a total of 2,428 in 2023, the highest figure since 2018. Two new organizations—the Presidency of State Security and the Public Prosecution Office—were created under royal decrees in 2022 to suppress activists. As part of his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image from a country known for strict religious controls and human rights abuses into a global tourism and entertainment hub, the crown prince is investing billions. However, human rights groups have accused the kingdom of sentencing minors to death and using torture to extract confessions.

Saudi Arabia's bloody year: Record 330 executions undermine reform promises

Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded. Over 150 of those executed this year were convicted of non-lethal crimes, a practice that rights organizations argue violates international law.

Many of these executions were related to alleged drug smuggling, particularly involving the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, which has been flooding the market from Syria under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Others were accused of non-lethal terrorism, a charge rights groups claim is often used against individuals involved in anti-government protests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-protesters-agitate-the-burning-of-christmas-tree-near-syrias-hama-786525">Hundreds hit the streets as protest erupts over burning of Christmas tree near Syria's Hama</a>

While Saudi Arabia once held public beheadings in town squares, these areas are now filled with cafes and restaurants, with little trace of their violent history. “Saudi Arabia’s authorities are pursuing a relentless killing spree displaying a chilling disregard for human life while promoting an empty-worded campaign to rebrand their image,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman claimed that Saudi Arabia had “eliminated” the death penalty, except in cases mandated by Sharia law. However, in November 2022, the government carried out its first executions for drug-related offences in nearly three years, overturning a 2021 moratorium on such executions imposed by the Saudi Human Rights Commission.

<h2>Surge in Drug-Related Executions</h2>

As of September 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed 53 people for drug-related offences, a dramatic increase compared to just two such executions in 2023. This rise included the execution of three foreign nationals from Syria and Nigeria between May and June. Since July, the surge has persisted, with 38 of the 53 individuals executed being foreign nationals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrike-in-afghanistan-civilians-suffer-no-official-confirmation-from-islamabad-786628">Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts</a>

<h2>Increased Execution of Foreign Nationals and Women</h2>

By mid-November, over 101 foreign nationals executed were from 14 Asian and African countries, according to a report from AFP. The total of 101 foreign nationals executed this year is three times higher than the 34 recorded in both 2023 and 2022.

This year’s executions involved individuals from multiple countries, including:

<ul>
	<li>21 from Pakistan</li>
	<li>20 from Yemen</li>
	<li>14 from Syria</li>
	<li>3 each from Sudan, India, and Afghanistan</li>
	<li>1 each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines</li>
</ul>

The European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) reports a record seven women executed in 2024, with three linked to drug offenses. Most of these women were foreign nationals, mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia.

<h2>Has the story changed on a global scale?</h2>

In 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions across 16 countries, a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 2022, marking the highest total since 2015. However, the number of countries carrying out executions was the lowest on record, excluding China, where execution statistics are considered state secret, and other nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, where access to information is limited.

<h2>Source - Amnesty International</h2>

The increase was largely driven by a 48 per cent rise in executions in Iran, which accounted for 74 per cent of all global executions. The top five countries responsible for the highest number of executions were Iran (at least 853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (at least 38), the US&nbsp;(24), and Iraq (at least 16). All but Saudi Arabia, which saw a slight decline from 196 executions in 2022, experienced an increase in executions compared to the previous year.

Additionally, the number of new death sentences surged by 20 per cent, reaching a total of 2,428 in 2023, the highest figure since 2018.

Two new organizations—the Presidency of State Security and the Public Prosecution Office—were created under royal decrees in 2022 to suppress activists.&nbsp;

As part of his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image from a country known for strict religious controls and human rights abuses into a global tourism and entertainment hub, the crown prince is investing billions. However, human rights groups have accused the kingdom of sentencing minors to death and using torture to extract confessions.

Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded.

Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded. Over 150 of those executed this year were convicted of non-lethal crimes, a practice that rights organizations argue violates international law. Many of these executions were related to alleged drug smuggling, particularly involving the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, which has been flooding the market from Syria under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Others were accused of non-lethal terrorism, a charge rights groups claim is often used against individuals involved in anti-government protests. Also read | Hundreds hit the streets as protest erupts over burning of Christmas tree near Syria's Hama While Saudi Arabia once held public beheadings in town squares, these areas are now filled with cafes and restaurants, with little trace of their violent history. “Saudi Arabia’s authorities are pursuing a relentless killing spree displaying a chilling disregard for human life while promoting an empty-worded campaign to rebrand their image,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman claimed that Saudi Arabia had “eliminated” the death penalty, except in cases mandated by Sharia law. However, in November 2022, the government carried out its first executions for drug-related offences in nearly three years, overturning a 2021 moratorium on such executions imposed by the Saudi Human Rights Commission. Surge in Drug-Related Executions As of September 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed 53 people for drug-related offences, a dramatic increase compared to just two such executions in 2023. This rise included the execution of three foreign nationals from Syria and Nigeria between May and June. Since July, the surge has persisted, with 38 of the 53 individuals executed being foreign nationals. Also read | Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts Increased Execution of Foreign Nationals and Women By mid-November, over 101 foreign nationals executed were from 14 Asian and African countries, according to a report from AFP. The total of 101 foreign nationals executed this year is three times higher than the 34 recorded in both 2023 and 2022. This year’s executions involved individuals from multiple countries, including: 21 from Pakistan 20 from Yemen 14 from Syria 3 each from Sudan, India, and Afghanistan 1 each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines The European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) reports a record seven women executed in 2024, with three linked to drug offenses. Most of these women were foreign nationals, mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia. Has the story changed on a global scale? In 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions across 16 countries, a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 2022, marking the highest total since 2015. However, the number of countries carrying out executions was the lowest on record, excluding China, where execution statistics are considered state secret, and other nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, where access to information is limited. Source - Amnesty International The increase was largely driven by a 48 per cent rise in executions in Iran, which accounted for 74 per cent of all global executions. The top five countries responsible for the highest number of executions were Iran (at least 853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (at least 38), the US (24), and Iraq (at least 16). All but Saudi Arabia, which saw a slight decline from 196 executions in 2022, experienced an increase in executions compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of new death sentences surged by 20 per cent, reaching a total of 2,428 in 2023, the highest figure since 2018. Two new organizations—the Presidency of State Security and the Public Prosecution Office—were created under royal decrees in 2022 to suppress activists. As part of his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image from a country known for strict religious controls and human rights abuses into a global tourism and entertainment hub, the crown prince is investing billions. However, human rights groups have accused the kingdom of sentencing minors to death and using torture to extract confessions.

Hama, Syria
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Christian areas of Damascus early Tuesday to protest the burning of a Christmas tree near Hama in central Syria, AFP journalists witnessed.
"We demand the rights of Christians," protesters chanted as they marched through the Syrian capital towards the headquarters of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Bab Sharqi neighbourhood.
The protests come a little more than two weeks after an armed coalition led by Islamists toppled the government of Bashar al-Assad, who had cast himself as a protector of minorities in the Sunni-majority country.
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A demonstrator who gave his name as Georges told AFP he was protesting "injustice against Christians".
"If we're not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don't belong here anymore," he said.
The protests erupted after a video spread on social media showing hooded fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the fighters were foreigners from the Islamist group Ansar al-Tawhid.
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In another video posted to social media, a religious leader from Syria's victorious Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) addressed residents, claiming those who torched the tree were "not Syrian" and promising they would be punished.
"The tree will be restored and lit up by tomorrow morning," he said.
The Islamist HTS movement, rooted in Al-Qaeda and supported by Turkey, has promised to protect minorities since its lightning offensive toppled Assad this month following years of stalemate.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The protests come a little more than two weeks after an armed coalition led by Islamists toppled the government of Bashar al-Assad, who had cast himself as a protector of minorities in the Sunni-majority country.



Hama, Syria Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Christian areas of Damascus early Tuesday to protest the burning of a Christmas tree near Hama in central Syria, AFP journalists witnessed. "We demand the rights of Christians," protesters chanted as they marched through the Syrian capital towards the headquarters of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Bab Sharqi neighbourhood. The protests come a little more than two weeks after an armed coalition led by Islamists toppled the government of Bashar al-Assad, who had cast himself as a protector of minorities in the Sunni-majority country. Also read | US scraps $10mn bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital A demonstrator who gave his name as Georges told AFP he was protesting "injustice against Christians". "If we're not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don't belong here anymore," he said. The protests erupted after a video spread on social media showing hooded fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the fighters were foreigners from the Islamist group Ansar al-Tawhid. Also watch | All weapons to come under state control: New Syrian leader In another video posted to social media, a religious leader from Syria's victorious Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) addressed residents, claiming those who torched the tree were "not Syrian" and promising they would be punished. "The tree will be restored and lit up by tomorrow morning," he said. The Islamist HTS movement, rooted in Al-Qaeda and supported by Turkey, has promised to protect minorities since its lightning offensive toppled Assad this month following years of stalemate. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hundreds hit the streets as protest erupts over burning of Christmas tree near Syria's Hama

Syria's newly appointed leadership has pledged to take decisive action against the growing Captagon trade, which has become a major issue in the region. The drug trade has fueled violence and instability, and the government aims to strengthen efforts to curb its production and distribution across Syria. Watch in for more details!

Syria's Captagon Trade: A Multi-Billion Dollar Problem

Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, hosted high-level talks on Monday with Arab diplomats, including Jordan and Qatar, focusing on reconstruction and future cooperation. Watch in for more details!

Syrian Leader Al-Sharaa Holds Talks With Senior Arab Diplomats

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