Washington Supports Continued SDF Guarding of ISIS Extremist Prisons
The U.S. position supporting Syrian Democratic Forces' continued prison guard duty reflects recognition of importance in preventing ISIS resurgence
January 22, 2025, 12:13 am

Washington Supports Continued SDF Guarding of ISIS Extremist Prisons

استسلام سجناء داعش في سجن غويران \ تعبيرية \ متداول

The U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have emphasized their absolute refusal to hand over ISIS prisons to the new administration in Damascus, amid escalating concerns about the extremist organization's attempts to exploit current unrest to reorganize its ranks.

An official at Hasakah prison, which holds about 4,500 ISIS fighters including many foreigners, spoke about the risks of increased organization activity, stating: "When the Syrian regime fell... Islamic State seized many weapons, and they will reorganize themselves to attack the prisons."

Security sources highlighted the SDF's success in thwarting two ISIS attempts to storm prisons since Assad's regime fell on December 8, confirming the seriousness of threats posed by the extremist organization.

Reuters correspondents, who were able to visit the heavily fortified Hasakah prison, reported testimonies from three foreign detainees from Britain, Russia, and Germany, while officials confirmed that "prison protection is the responsibility of the Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces only."

The American supportive position of the Kurds was evident in statements by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized that enabling the SDF to continue their mission in "securing foreign terrorist fighters" represents an essential element in preventing the extremist organization's reemergence.

Concerns are mounting about the implications of sharp disagreements between the SDF and the new administration regarding the mechanism for integrating forces into the Syrian security system, as the forces reject the new Defense Ministry's demands for dissolution.

Security experts have raised concerns about extremist elements infiltrating the ranks of forces that controlled Damascus, based on monitoring individuals carrying ISIS flags among these forces.

Military analysts indicate that the SDF's experience in combating ISIS, demonstrated in liberating Raqqa in 2017 and Baghouz in 2019, makes them most capable of continuing the prison guard mission.

Intelligence reports confirm that ISIS seeks to exploit the unstable security situation across most of Syria, despite the new administration's announcement of thwarting an organization attack on a Shiite shrine near Damascus on January 11.

The crisis is complicated by Turkey's intervention, with Ankara demanding the handover of prisons to the new administration in Damascus, considering Kurdish factions a threat to its national security.

Concerns are increasing about the implications of the dispute over prison administration on security stability in the region, especially with ISIS's continued attempts to reorganize and exploit any potential security gaps.

Levant-Reuters

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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.