US Central Command executed a precision airstrike in Syria, eliminating Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, a senior leader of Al Qaeda’s affiliate, Hurras Al Din. Concurrently, STG Engineering refuted claims regarding the annulment of its Tartous port management contract. Statements from involved parties highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in Syria.
On Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the successful execution of a precision airstrike in Syria, resulting in the death of a senior leader of an Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras Al Din (HaD). The operation targeted Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, the group’s senior military leader. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, stated, “As we have said in the past, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and US, allied, and partner personnel in the region.”
In a separate development, STG Engineering, a Russian company managing Syria’s Tartous commercial port, has confirmed that it continues its operations as normal, countering reports suggesting that its contract had been annulled. Earlier media claims had indicated that Syria’s newly established administration had terminated the contract initially signed under former President Bashar Al Assad, who fled to Moscow following a rapid rebel offensive in December.
Reports from January indicated that the head of Tartous customs had claimed that the port investment contract with STG Engineering was cancelled due to failure to fulfil the obligations associated with the 2019 agreement, which required infrastructure investment. However, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, clarified to reporters that no formal notification had been received regarding any annulment, stating, “It is impossible to terminate the agreement unilaterally, because it has been ratified by both the president and the parliament, and no one has notified us.”
Trifonov elaborated on the procedural requirements for contract termination, noting, “It has to go through the parliament and the president. Any statements have no legitimate basis because the cancellation of the presidential decree and ratification by the previous parliament is a whole procedure. What someone is saying now is just words.” Meanwhile, when contacted for comments regarding their involvement, JSC Stroytransgaz stated that it has no legal or organizational ties to STG Engineering and abstained from commenting further on the issue.
In the context of US military operations and continued Russian involvement in Syrian affairs, these developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The precise targeting of an Al Qaeda leader and the ongoing operational assurances from STG Engineering reflect broader efforts made by both parties to assert control and maintain stability within the tumultuous landscape of Syria.
In summary, US Central Command conducted a precision airstrike in Syria, killing Al Qaeda leader Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay. Concurrently, STG Engineering affirmed its continuing management of Tartous port, contradicting claims of contract annulment circulating in media. This highlights ongoing tensions and the intricate geopolitical situation in Syria, as both military and economic interests converge in the region.
Original Source: www.gulftoday.ae
