Kurdish Neighborhoods in Aleppo... Security Responsibility Remains in the Hands of Their Local Forces
Despite not specifying a clear timeline, the agreement's terms include the withdrawal of Kurdish forces while maintaining local internal security, reflecting an attempt to achieve a delicate balance b
April 2, 2025, 10:47 pm

Kurdish Neighborhoods in Aleppo... Security Responsibility Remains in the Hands of Their Local Forces

الأحياء الكردية في حلب - متداولة

The Syrian presidency announced a new agreement with the Civil Council for the predominantly Kurdish areas of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, less than a month after the signing of a historic agreement between President Ahmad al-Shara and Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi.

The new agreement includes 14 points and is considered an extension of the previous understanding between Damascus and the "SDF," whose most prominent components are the People's Protection Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ).

These units have controlled the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods for years, which previously formed an area of dispute between Kurdish forces and the Syrian regime, especially during attacks launched by the armed opposition on Aleppo.

A senior Kurdish official in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria confirmed that "the agreement entered into force immediately upon signing, despite the absence of a specific timeline for implementing all its terms."

Badran Jia Kurd, a member of the Autonomous Administration's negotiating delegation with Damascus, explained that "the focus now is on establishing joint mechanisms and committees to ensure smooth implementation of the agreement."

He indicated that "the People's and Women's Protection Units will withdraw from the two areas and head to areas east of the Euphrates, while security responsibility remains in the hands of local internal security forces."

He also denied any presence of Syrian regime forces in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh under this agreement, which will remain in effect until a comprehensive agreement is reached between Damascus and the "SDF" regarding the latter's areas of influence.

Among the most prominent terms of the agreement:

Recognition of the Kurdish specificity of the two areas.

Preservation of existing civil institutions.

Release of detainees.

Facilitating movement between Kurdish areas in Aleppo and "SDF"-controlled areas in northeastern Syria.

This agreement comes at a time when differences remain between the Kurdish Autonomous Administration and the Syrian regime, where the Syrian Democratic Council (the political umbrella of the "SDF") criticized the formation of the recent Syrian government and the constitutional declaration, considering that they "do not take into account diversity in Syria."

While the current agreement is seen as a step toward reducing tension, the question remains about the parties' ability to achieve a permanent settlement that meets Kurdish demands.

Major Strike Imminent: Reports Suggest Military Attack on Iran Looms Israel Warns Turkey Through Intensive Strategic Raids on Syrian Military Airports

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.