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During a Secret Meeting in Turkey, Severe Divisions Shake the Syrian Opposition
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Turkey's limited role in the meeting highlights Ankara's inability to control the warring factions, signaling a decline in its influence and capacity to shape events in northern Syria

A media report has revealed details of a controversial meeting that brought together military and political factions of the Syrian opposition and Turkish officials at Gaziantep Airport in southern Turkey. The report, published by Syria TV, indicated that the four-hour meeting would be "pivotal, with its results directly impacting northern Syria."
The meeting included representatives from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the intelligence agency, alongside members of the Syrian National Coalition, the Interim Government, the Negotiations Committee, the Tribal and Clan Council, as well as leaders from the Syrian National Army (SNA). The meeting revealed a significant split within the Syrian opposition.
Turkey’s role was limited to facilitating the session and providing a brief on Ankara’s efforts concerning the Syrian issue. A Turkish intelligence official stated that Turkey and Qatar remain the only two countries still supporting the Syrian opposition.
Regarding the "Abu al-Zendin Crossing," the Turkish side emphasized that its reopening was purely for commercial reasons, noting that trade exchanges continue through smuggling operations conducted by some factions of the Syrian National Army.
The head of the Syrian National Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, discussed the challenges facing civilians in northern Syria, viewing the protests as a natural reaction reflecting the concerns of Syrians. Meanwhile, the head of the Syrian Interim Government, Abdurrahman Mustafa, presented what he called "achievements" in northern Syria.
The meeting witnessed unexpected tension when Saif Boulad, commander of the "Hamza Division," praised the work of the Interim Government and blamed the National Coalition. Additionally, leaders of the "Joint Force" criticized the performance of the Tribal and Clan Council.
A clear rift emerged between the leaders of the "Liberation and Construction Movement" and the "Sham Front" on one side, and the Interim Government on the other. The commander of the "Sham Front" accused the head of the Interim Government of failure, claiming that his presence in office was the main reason for the protests.
In response, the head of the Interim Government accused the "Sham Front" of stealing $17 million from the Bab al-Salamah crossing, threatening to revoke the legitimacy of two factions accused of inciting protests and sit-ins in northern Syria.
By the end of the meeting, a clear division was evident among the parties involved, with expectations of potential escalation against the Interim Government in the areas of Azaz, al-Bab, and Afrin in rural Aleppo.
It is worth noting that the Syrian opposition and its armed factions have committed severe human rights violations in the areas under their control. Human Rights Watch documented in a 2023 report that opposition factions supported by Turkey were involved in arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances of civilians in northern Syria. The report also highlighted the factions' role in looting civilian properties and seizing their lands.
Levant - Agencies
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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