Syria's intelligence chief, Hussein Al-Salama, declared on Monday that Damascus has transitioned from 'managing crises' to 'building sustainable stability' following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. However, he warned that ongoing Israeli incursions and shelling continue to jeopardize that stability. Al-Salama, director of Syria's General Intelligence Service, spoke at the Fourth UN High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States in New York, part of Counter-Terrorism Week preceding the General Assembly's ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on July 1 and 2.
Regaining Sovereignty and Rebuilding Institutions
Al-Salama stated that Syria has 'regained its sovereignty and its independent decision making' and is in the process of rebuilding national institutions after the 'criminal practices of the former regime' turned the country into 'a fertile environment for extremism and terrorism.' He emphasized that Syrians are now returning home to 'a safe haven' rather than fleeing abroad. The country's priorities include safeguarding national security, contributing to regional stability, engaging in international counterterrorism efforts, cutting off sources of extremist financing, and enhancing security, judicial, and intelligence cooperation with foreign partners.
Ongoing Threats and Israeli Incursions
Despite progress, Syria still faces threats from Daesh remnants, cells linked to the former Assad regime, and groups affiliated with Hezbollah, Al-Salama noted. He specifically highlighted 'the ongoing Israeli threat to its stability,' including incursions, shelling, and the arrest of civilians. On Sunday, renewed Israeli shelling and a ground incursion occurred in the village of Abidin in Daraa province's Yarmouk Basin. Local sources reported that Israeli forces set up checkpoints, searched residents, and fired warning shots, according to Syrian state media. This incident is part of a pattern of near-weekly incursions into southern Syria that persist despite intermittent Syrian-Israeli security talks.
Call for International Support
Al-Salama called for international support to help rebuild Syria's institutions, advocating for long-term projects rather than 'short-term relief projects that leave no lasting impact.' He pledged that Syria would continue its efforts to combat terrorism 'in accordance with its national priorities and in conformity with international law.'
