Iraq Takes Steps to Pursue Those Who Assaulted Syrian Workers Amid Rising Sectarian Rhetoric
March 12, 2025, 1:20 pm

Iraq Takes Steps to Pursue Those Who Assaulted Syrian Workers Amid Rising Sectarian Rhetoric

بغداد تتحرك لملاحقة المعتدين على العمال السوريين

As security events in Syria escalate, particularly in the coastal region during the past week, sectarian rhetoric has noticeably increased in Iraq. This has led to a masked group belonging to a faction known as "Ya Ali Popular Formations" assaulting several Syrians residing in the country, prompting widespread controversy and leading the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a statement today, Wednesday, expressing its anger over these violations. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has also directed the formation of a specialized security team to pursue those involved in these illegal acts.

A video has circulated on social media showing Syrian workers being attacked by a masked group from the aforementioned faction.

The Iraqi government condemned these assaults, emphasizing the necessity of protecting all residents in Iraq. In an official statement, Sabah al-Nu'man, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, noted that "some social media platforms circulated a video showing shameful acts of violence against several Syrian brothers working in Iraq." He immediately confirmed the Prime Minister's directive to form a specialized security team to pursue the perpetrators of these illegal acts, which do not reflect Iraqi values.

Al-Nu'man clarified that "Iraqi authorities will not tolerate the perpetrators of these disgraceful acts, which represent a blatant violation of humanitarian and moral values, in addition to violating Iraqi law." He assured that security forces would take all necessary measures to track down the offenders and ensure they are held accountable according to the law.

The statement also referenced the "fraternal relations between Iraq and Syria," affirming that "the rule of law will be fully applied to anyone proven to be involved in this incident, without any discrimination, to ensure the protection of community security and the dignity of all residents in the country."

Following about five days of sustained incitement, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing its deep discontent with the assaults on Syrians in Iraq, considering them a violation of human rights and international law.

In this context, the Syrian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its solidarity with its people and called on the Iraqi government to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable and to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of Syrians residing in Iraq. It also emphasized the necessity of communication with the Iraqi side to work closely on addressing these violations and to implement swift and effective measures to prevent any future transgressions.

Syrian Investigation Committee Focuses on Justice and Achieving Civil Peace After Violence Terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between Al-Hijri and the Syrian Administration

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.