Signs of Conflict and Escalating Tensions Between Public Security and the Fifth Corps in Daraa
Intensified security presence in areas controlled by the Fifth Corps indicates a strategic shift in the region's power balance, warning of a potential conflict over control and influence in a province
April 11, 2025, 8:24 pm

Signs of Conflict and Escalating Tensions Between Public Security and the Fifth Corps in Daraa

توترات في درعا

Groups affiliated with the Fifth Corps in the towns of Sayda and Al-Hirak in eastern rural Daraa have begun surrendering themselves and their military equipment to Public Security forces, which have recently deployed heavily in the area, in what appears to be a preemptive move amid increasing indicators of imminent score-settling.

These rapid developments raise serious questions about the motives behind this sudden movement and its timing, especially with no previous signs of reconciliation or agreement between the parties.

This coincided with a widespread arrest campaign in the town of Al-Jiza targeting members of the Fifth Corps, in a move that indicates an unprecedented escalation in confrontation between the two sides. This campaign may just be the beginning of a larger operation aimed at undermining the Fifth Corps' influence in areas that have been considered their untouchable strongholds for years.

Public Security in the town of Jbab issued a short deadline of maximum two hours, demanding all Fifth Corps members surrender their weapons to the town's police station, while imposing a curfew and requiring residents to stay in their homes. Their announcement warned of legal prosecution for anyone who fails to comply with these instructions. Giving such a short deadline with threats of prosecution reflects a deliberately escalatory approach that may push the other party into a critical corner, forcing them to either confront or surrender.

Public Security convoys continue to position themselves in most areas and towns surrounding Busra al-Sham, the main stronghold of the Fifth Corps, in a clear strategy to encircle this military formation. This gradual siege of Busra al-Sham paints a grim picture of potential imminent clashes, especially with the continued flow of reinforcements and no signs of de-escalation or dialogue.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported hours ago that Public Security convoys have spread in the town of Al-Sahwa near Busra al-Sham, while another military convoy arrived in Al-Jiza. This systematic deployment appears to be a gradual tightening of security around the Fifth Corps' areas of influence, reminiscent of previous military tactics in the region that ended in open confrontations.

These movements were accompanied by directives issued by Public Security Administration and the Ministry of Defense through mosque loudspeakers in the town of Sayda in eastern rural Daraa, demanding the immediate surrender of all weapons belonging to the Fifth Corps.

The use of mosques and loudspeakers to deliver warnings reflects a desire to send a firm and public message, adding a psychological dimension to the increasing pressure on Fifth Corps elements and their sympathizers.

This escalation comes a day after security and military forces spread throughout the streets of Busra al-Sham and imposed a curfew, alongside an attack by security forces targeting a group of Ministry of Defense personnel, resulting in three people being seriously injured, including a former leader of anti-regime factions, all of whom were taken to the hospital.

As events escalate, fears grow that the region may slip into a new cycle of violence that could undermine years of fragile stability achieved with difficulty.

Residents of Busra al-Sham have accused Fifth Corps elements and leadership of attempting to assassinate and arrest elements who joined the Ministry of Defense, without providing details about the nature of these accusations or evidence supporting them.

This exchange of accusations increases the intensity of social polarization and pushes local residents to line up behind one side against the other, threatening to transform any potential conflict into a dispute with deeper social roots that will be difficult to contain in the future.

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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.