SDF, Damascus Conduct Settlement Operations

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)
TT
20

SDF, Damascus Conduct Settlement Operations

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)

The Military Council of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held a meeting with the dignitaries and sheikhs of different regions of al-Hasakah Governorate, while regime forces sought to impose “compromises” in Deir Ezzor.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that the Military Council of SDF organized a meeting with tribes’ dignitaries from al-Hasakah province, in al-Ivan Hall, south of Darbasiyah, to address the demands of the people and to consult with tribes’ dignitaries on the release of 850 detainees arrested by the SDF.

It noted that the detainees were arrested on charges of belonging to ISIS.

Tribes’ dignitaries have also called on improving the living conditions of the people in the region, providing basic services, adequate fuel for agriculture, and supporting the agricultural sector.

SOHR sources reported that Syria Democratic Forces were preparing to release a large number of detainees arrested earlier for “belonging to ISIS”, as it was expected that at least 850 prisoners, mostly from Deir Ezzor and al-Hasakah, would be freed. This development came after mediation by tribes’ dignitaries in the region.

In parallel, SOHR pointed to “settlement and reconciliation” operations that the regime’s security services started in the city of Deir Ezzor and Al-Mayadin, in the presence of high-ranking leaders and intelligence officers.

It added that the head of the Syrian General Intelligence Department, Major General Hossam Louka, and the leaders of some security branches, arrived in the city of Al-Mayadin, which is under the control of pro-Iranian militias, to start the “settlement” operations for those wanted by the security branches and those who have failed the mandatory service.



Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
TT
20

Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Barrack met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

Hezbollah has condemned Israel's strikes on Iran and expressed full solidarity with its leadership.

Hezbollah on Thursday expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following threats by Israeli leaders that he could be killed.

In a statement, Hezbollah said that “threats to assassinate (Khamenei) are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.”

But the group has stopped short of making explicit threats to intervene.

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Killing Khamenei would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.