300 Killed Around Tishrin Dam.. Congress Prepares to Punish Turkey
Turkish efforts to control northern Syria areas face escalating U.S. opposition manifested in military support and new sanctions bill
December 22, 2024, 9:42 pm

300 Killed Around Tishrin Dam.. Congress Prepares to Punish Turkey

شمال سوريا ومليشيات أنقرة \ ليفانت نيوز

The Syrian Observatory informed Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath networks about fierce battles erupting around Tishrin Dam, noting 300 casualties from armed factions and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Observatory noted SDF's use of drones in confrontations, pointing to intensified U.S. military presence in northern Syria, monitoring military supplies arriving in Ain Issa, with "10 U.S. cargo planes recently landing in Hasaka."

SDF previously warned of Turkey and its allies in Syria amassing huge military reinforcements south of border-adjacent Ain Al-Arab city, with SDF's official spokesperson revealing forces' communication with Washington-led coalition to thwart any expected Turkish aggression.

This emerged alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statement, confirming his country will take "all necessary measures" to protect its security if new Syrian authority fails to dispel its concerns regarding Kurdish organizations.

In an interview with France 24, when asked about possible military action, Fidan responded with "all necessary measures," while SDF revealed losing 5 fighters following attacks by pro-Turkey forces on Manbij and Tishrin Dam, confirming repelling attacks while destroying several tanks and armored vehicles.

SDF showed footage of confrontations with pro-Turkey armed groups in Manbij, while Farhad Shami, SDF Media Center director, viewed Ankara as seeking to marginalize Kurds from Syrian political process.

An Autonomous Administration official told Reuters that negotiation channels with Turkey are available, but northern events reveal Ankara's hostile intentions that could drag the region toward new confrontation, according to his expression.

Amid fears of comprehensive Turkish military operation against Kurds in northern Syria, two U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation to impose punitive measures on Ankara.

Confrontations intensity escalates in northern Syria since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime fall on December 8, with Washington intervening to establish fragile ceasefire in region between Turkey and SDF.

The proposed project, known as "Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024," allows implementing sanctions targeting prevention of further Turkish or Turkish-backed attacks against SDF, which threaten ISIS return and pose U.S. national security risk.

U.S.-backed SDF announced Thursday its readiness to confront Turkey and its affiliated groups in Kobani city northern Syria.

SDF played pivotal role in defeating ISIS between 2014 and 2017 with U.S. air support, continues overseeing organization detainees in detention centers, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of ISIS efforts to rebuild capabilities in current phase.

Levant-Agencies

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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.