Russia Makes New Arrangements in Northeast Syria

Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)
Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)
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Russia Makes New Arrangements in Northeast Syria

Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)
Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)

Russia arranged for the Syrian army to enter into some areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in an attempt to organize the situation in the east of the country.

Earlier, Russian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Moscow is exerting intensive efforts to contain the military escalation in northern Syria, following the military drills and exercises carried out by various parties.

Furthermore, forces allied with Turkey are sending large reinforcements to the countryside of al-Hasakeh and Raqqa.

The Russian military police intensified direct contacts between the Syrian army and the SDF leadership, including the regional Kurdish forces.

Meanwhile, Russia is limiting the Iranian deployment in Qamishli, according to local sources. Moscow issued an order to prevent the transfer of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members into the areas controlled by the SDF through Qamishli airport.

The Eye of the Euphrates network stated that the Russian decision was made in coordination with the Syrian army. Moscow believes the Iranian presence in the area is not justified, especially since there is no military escalation there.

The Russian military command in Syria informed the army in Qamishli of a decision to prevent the transfer of IRGC from the Syrian provinces to al-Hasakeh. Some 150 Iran-affiliated fighters are deployed in areas near Qamishli airport.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that militias affiliated with Iran had redeployed in towns and villages from al-Mayadin to al-Bukamal, on the Syrian-Iraqi border.

Meanwhile, Syrian regime agencies in Deir Ezzor are preparing for a settlement in mid-November, similar to the one that happened in the Daraa governorate under the auspices of Russia.

Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Damascus has started forming special settlement committees to include all wanted persons.

The Ministry of Interior formed a committee to issue a status settlement document that ensures its holder will not be prosecuted. The relevant military and security checkpoints were notified, according to the sources.

The Secretary of the Deir Ezzor branch of the Baath Party, Raed al-Ghadban, had announced earlier the regime's intention to carry out a "comprehensive settlement" in the province.



Egypt: New Entry Rules for Syrians

The Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced easing measures for community members wishing to leave Egypt (Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation)
The Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced easing measures for community members wishing to leave Egypt (Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation)
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Egypt: New Entry Rules for Syrians

The Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced easing measures for community members wishing to leave Egypt (Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation)
The Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced easing measures for community members wishing to leave Egypt (Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation)

Egypt has tightened its entry rules for Syrians, while the Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced on Thursday measures to help Syrians wishing to leave Egypt and return home.

The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority recently directed airlines to stop accepting Syrian passengers from abroad unless they hold a temporary non-tourist residence permit in Egypt. Airlines that fail to comply face fines.

This follows an earlier decision in December barring Syrians with European, Gulf, US, or Canadian residencies, as well as Schengen visa holders, from entering Egypt without prior security clearance, according to the Syrian Community Association in Egypt.

Molhem Al-Khan, Board Director of the Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation, said the restrictions are driven by security concerns, as Egypt seeks to prevent individuals who may threaten national security from entering.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that a lack of security coordination with Syria’s current administration has prompted Egypt to take extra precautions.

Former Egyptian Assistant Interior Minister Farouk Al-Moqrahy said the measures aim to protect Egypt from people linked to banned groups like the Muslim Brotherhood or other extremist organizations.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Moqrahy said the new rules reflect Egypt’s broader efforts to address security risks amid ongoing instability in the region.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced free travel permits for Syrians in Egypt who wish to return home but lack valid passports.

In a statement on Thursday, the Embassy said permits are issued the same day without appointments. Applicants need to provide an ID and a photo.

The initiative aims to help Syrians unable to renew their passports and support those eager to return to Syria.

Around 1.5 million Syrians live in Egypt, according to the International Organization for Migration, with 153,000 registered as refugees by the UNHCR.

Following the leadership change in Syria after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, some Syrians in Egypt are preparing to return home. Many have recently visited the Syrian Embassy in Cairo to renew passports or obtain travel permits.

The Embassy now offers free travel permits to make it easier for those wishing to return. Al-Khan said this step is part of efforts by Syria’s interim government to support refugees returning home.