عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Alarming COVID-19 Transmission Rates in Syria

A health worker tests an internally displaced Syrian boy as part of security measures to avoid coronavirus, in Azaz, Syria, March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi
A health worker tests an internally displaced Syrian boy as part of security measures to avoid coronavirus, in Azaz, Syria, March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi
    Qamishli - Kamal Sheikho
TT
20
TT

Alarming COVID-19 Transmission Rates in Syria

A health worker tests an internally displaced Syrian boy as part of security measures to avoid coronavirus, in Azaz, Syria, March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi
A health worker tests an internally displaced Syrian boy as part of security measures to avoid coronavirus, in Azaz, Syria, March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi

The civil authority in northwest Syria ordered the closure of public places in Idlib, Jarabulus, and Al-Bab, amid an alarming rise of COVID-19 transmission rates among residents.

Syria reported a total of 5,719 COVID-19 cases and 241 deaths across its areas. The government's ministry of health reported 44 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 3,877. Meanwhile, the death toll stood at 178 after three new deaths were recorded.

For its part, the Health Board of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said it recorded its highest virus tally of 96 cases, which brought the total number of infections to 1,304.

Also, opposition-ruled areas recorded 654 virus cases and six deaths, one of them was reported in a refugee camp.

In regime-ran areas, Damascus reported the highest number of cases, amounting up to 1,346 infections and 82 deaths. The capital was followed by Aleppo with up to 904 infections and 22 deaths.

Moreover, the Syrian Interim Government published a report saying that only 600 doctors are available to provide health care for four million residents in northwest Syria, which means one doctor for every 10,000 individuals.

The report revealed that there are 201 beds in the intensive care units which means one bed to every 21,000 patients. It also said only 96 ventilators are working with full capacity; 30 of them are for children.

Muhammad Hallaj, the director of Syria’s Response Coordination Group (SRCG), said that the main concern is that the pandemic could spread in the camps and become uncontrollable.

Officials from AANES see that the hike in virus cases during the past days is alarming. Joan Mustafa, the joint head of AANES, stressed that the irresponsibility of individuals in dealing with the pandemic is putting the region at risk, stressing that everyone must be cautious.

Most Viewed

 
Arab World

Egyptian-American Discussions Address Red Sea Tensions

An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
TT
20
TT

Egyptian-American Discussions Address Red Sea Tensions

An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 

Recent escalations in the Red Sea have prompted high-level discussions between Egyptian and American defense officials concerning the impact of Houthi attacks on maritime security and the global economy.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth engaged in a telephone conversation with Egypt’s Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Abdel Majeed Saqr, to underscore the robust strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt.

According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, the two leaders explored means to enhance mutual interests, focusing on the significance of Red Sea security. They addressed the destabilizing actions of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, which have adversely affected the Suez Canal and the broader global economy.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi discussed regional mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability. The Egyptian presidency reported that the leaders deliberated on developments in the Middle East and mediation initiatives to reestablish calm, positively influencing Red Sea navigation and mitigating economic losses.

Trump, via his Truth Social platform, highlighted the substantial military progress made against the Houthi group, who have been responsible for attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. He also noted discussions with Sisi regarding the situation in Gaza, potential solutions, and military readiness.

The United States initiated military operations against the Houthi group on March 15, following the group’s declaration to resume attacks on ships linked to Israel traversing the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Since November 2023, numerous global shipping companies have altered their routes to avoid the Red Sea due to the Houthi attacks, which the group claims are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This rerouting has led to significant economic repercussions, particularly for Egypt. Sisi revealed that the Suez Canal has suffered monthly revenue losses of approximately $800 million as a result of the ongoing instability in the region.

Egypt has consistently expressed support for efforts aimed at ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, given the adverse effects on the Suez Canal. However, Egyptian officials have emphasized their reluctance to join any military alliances.

Military expert Major General Samir Farag stated that while Egypt seeks assistance in securing Red Sea navigation, it prefers not to participate in military coalitions, having previously declined involvement in the US-led “Prosperity Guardian” initiative. Farag also linked the restoration of security in the Red Sea to the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, noting that attacks on vessels subsided during the truce.

Similarly, Ambassador Hussein Haridi, a former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister, indicated that the United States has shown interest in involving Egypt in Red Sea affairs. He suggested that the recent communication between the defense ministers of both nations aligns with this context.

Haridi underscored Egypt’s position that, despite being significantly affected by Red Sea tensions, the root cause lies in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.