New PM Asks Syrian Refugees Abroad To Return As Israel Unleashes Wave of Air Raids Across Syria

Syria’s new transitional prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has announced his intention to prioritise the return of millions of Syrian refugees as part of the country’s rebuilding efforts.

Addressing Italy’s Corriere della Sera, al-Bashir assured that “the rights of all people and all sects in Syria” would be safeguarded under his leadership.

Making a direct appeal to displaced Syrians, he stated, “Mine is an appeal to all Syrians abroad: Syria is now a free country that has earned its pride and dignity. Come back.”

However, al-Bashir acknowledged the severe economic challenges facing his administration, revealing the country’s depleted foreign currency reserves. “In the coffers there are only Syrian pounds worth little or nothing. One US dollar buys 35,000 of our coins,” he admitted. He further noted that efforts to gather data on loans and bonds are ongoing, describing the financial situation as dire.

Al-Bashir’s appointment comes after his leadership of the rebel-led Salvation Government in northwest Syria, prior to the 12-day rebel offensive that culminated in the ousting of long-time president Bashar al-Assad. Despite his limited political profile, al-Bashir has pledged to protect citizens, rebuild basic services, and foster unity across Syria.

The transitional government is also navigating external challenges, including significant military activity by Israel. In the past 48 hours, Israel’s military reported conducting 480 strikes across Syria, targeting naval vessels, anti-aircraft systems, and weapons production sites.

International stakeholders, including the United States, are urging the rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to establish an inclusive transitional government rather than assuming direct leadership.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted key expectations for the new government, including respecting minority rights, facilitating humanitarian aid, and preventing Syria from becoming a base for terrorism.

HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate that spearheaded the anti-Assad revolt, has recently sought to downplay its jihadist roots, presenting itself as a unifying force in the country’s political transition.

Meanwhile, Israel has launched a massive military operation in Syria, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirming 480 strikes over the past 48 hours. These include airstrikes and naval attacks targeting 15 vessels, anti-aircraft batteries, and weapons production sites in cities such as Latakia and Al-Bayda. Verified footage shows extensive damage at the Latakia port.

The IDF also revealed it has deployed ground forces into the demilitarised buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military operation aims to “destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel” and described the destruction of Syria’s naval fleet as a “great success.”

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented over 310 Israeli strikes since the rebel overthrow of Assad’s government on Sunday.

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