Syria's al-Sharaa agrees with ex-rebel factions to merge under Defence Ministry
The Hindu
Syria's new leader consolidates rebel factions under Defence Ministry to prevent clashes, appoints former rebel as defence minister.
Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa reached an agreement on Tuesday (December 24, 2024) with former rebel faction chiefs to dissolve all groups and consolidate them under the Defence Ministry, according to a statement from the new administration.
Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir had said last week that the Ministry would be restructured using former rebel factions and officers who defected from Bashar al-Assad's army.
Mr. Sharaa will face the daunting task of trying to avoid clashes between the myriad groups.
Syria's new rulers appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency that toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government.
Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule.
Explosion at Turkish explosives factory kills 12, injures 3; no sabotage suspected, according to CNN Turk.
South Korea's opposition seeks to impeach acting leader Han Duck-soo, deepening political turmoil and neighbourly concerns.
Rosatom defends Rooppur nuclear project against Bangladesh anti-graft commission's allegations, emphasizing transparency and commitment to combat corruption.
President Biden signs defence bill with pay raises, China countermeasures, and objections to transgender medical treatment restrictions.
U.N. organisation prepares to deploy in Syria to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus commit to protect human rights in the troubled South Asian nation.
New York woman set on fire: Here is what to know about Sebastian Zapeta, charged for murder after setting woman on fire in New York City subway.
Criticism of Pakistan's military courts for sentencing civilians linked to attacks on military facilities, sparking concerns over fair trials.
Former President Bill Clinton hospitalised at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital after developing a fever, in good spirits.
Israel's Defense Minister confirms assassination of Hamas leader, threatens similar action against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
U.S. probes China's semiconductor industry for anticompetitive practices, raising concerns over global economic security and supply chain resilience.