Joint Statement on Recent Unrest in Deir Ezzor
September 5, 2023, 4:10 pm

Joint Statement on Recent Unrest in Deir Ezzor

قسد \ متداول

On 27 August 2023, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced in a statement published on their official website the launch of Operation “Security Reinforcement” in areas they control in Deir Ezzor province. The statement outlined the objectives of the operation as aimed at “eradicating the ISIS terrorist cells; thwarting their potential attacks; pursuing criminals responsible for perpetrating injustices against the local population; enforcing the law; and tracking down smugglers who exploit the populace’s livelihoods.”

On 30 August 2023, the SDF made a second statement, announcing their decision to dismiss the Commander of the Deir Ezzor Military Council, Ahmed al-Kh’bail (Abu Khawlah). The statement said that the arrest was carried out upon the order of the Public Prosecution in North-eastern Syria (NES).

In the early days of Operation “Security Reinforcement”, clashes between the SDF-commissioned forces and the Deir Ezzor Military Council were limited to several towns and villages in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor province, notably in the town of Al-Busayrah. Later, the confrontations expanded to several areas in the province’s eastern countryside, including the towns of Theeban and al-Shuhail.

In another field development, hundreds of armed tribal elements joined the confrontations. Several tribal figures emphasized that the tribal armed groups were not defending the Deir Ezzor Military Council and its leader, Ahmed al-Kh’bail, but that they were driven by their own demands, including their right to secure their areas.

Over the past few days, numerous statements have been made by tribal leaders, dignitaries, civil society activists, and intellectuals. They stressed the necessity of ceasing hostilities to spare civilians’ lives. They also highlighted the negative humanitarian and security consequences for the residents and the region if clashes continue. Additionally, the U.S.-led Coalition issued a statement on 1 September 2023, calling for a ceasefire in Deir Ezzor.

The current situation has resulted in civilian casualties; multiple deaths and injuries have been recorded, while the continuation of hostilities threatens to deprive the population of essential supplies as many routes leading to Deir Ezzor have been severed. Moreover, there have been attempts at exploiting the current security chaos by several groups involved in the hostilities, many of which have attacked public and private properties, such as water pumping stations and hospitals, amidst heightened concerns that other groups may take advantage of the current upheavals to sow discord among the NES components.

Considering the situation relayed above, the undersigned organizations call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties and cooperation to restore calm to Deir Ezzor province through direct dialogue. Additionally, the organizations strongly condemn the media campaigns that accompanied the recent turmoil and their attempts to depict the situation as a “Kurdish-Arab” dispute. They, therefore, demand an end to media incitement against any Syrian component.

The undersigned organizations call for prioritizing the protection of civilians and holding all those allegedly involved in violations against civilians accountable. Therefore, they demand that:

First: Syrian Democratic Forces and the U.S.-led Coalition:

Expedite the provision of essential supplies to areas of Deir Ezzor affected by the hostilities, neutralize public utilities, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and facilitate the movement of humanitarian organizations to assist the affected.

Establish an independent legal committee to initiate a transparent and independent investigation into attacks against civilians during the recent events in the affected areas of Deir Ezzor and ensure justice for all wronged individuals.

Second: Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Council:

Immediately address the local demands by commencing discussions that ensure the active participation of Deir Ezzor’s residents. To achieve this, they must hold consultations with local community representatives, tribal leaders, civil society organizations, intellectuals, and independent individuals, including on the cooperation with local leadership to select suitable representatives for civil and security administrations.

Adopt clear and serious oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent violations against civilians and impunity. This should be done in consultation with local community representatives and civil society organizations.

Third: Local Community Representatives, Tribal Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, Intellectuals, and Independent Individuals in Deir Ezzor:

Launch local consultations to involve civil leadership and civil society activists in developing a comprehensive vision for civil and security administration in the region.

Engage in negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces and the U.S.-led Coalition to convey the demands of the local community related to their involvement in civil and security administrations.

BY: stj-sy.org

RSF calls for release of journalist held in Rojava Over Haifa Balcony

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.