SDF Claims Arrest of 40 ISIS Members in al-Hasakah
November 7, 2024, 12:20 pm

SDF Claims Arrest of 40 ISIS Members in al-Hasakah

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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alleged the conclusion of combing operations under what they termed the "Permanent Security" operation in the countryside of al-Hol city in northeastern Syria, which—according to their claims—aims to eliminate ISIS cells.

The SDF reported that it had completed combing operations in the northern countryside and extensive areas of the southern countryside, extending to border areas with Iraq. The operation resulted in "clashes with two terrorist cells, during which one member was killed and another injured, and 40 members were arrested, in addition to seizing weapons and ammunition," as announced on their official website.

This announcement comes as part of the SDF's attempts to present itself as an effective force in the fight against terrorism, especially following terrorist attacks such as the stabbing incident in Germany, claimed by ISIS, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

Political analyst Samer al-Ahmad told Syria TV that the SDF seeks to highlight its security activities as a means of pressure and to gain support, especially after its failure to conduct elections that it aimed to use to strengthen its legitimacy in northeastern Syria.

Al-Ahmad pointed out that the SDF is working to link its security operations to global terrorist events, presenting itself as a necessary security barrier that protects regional and international interests.

Conversely, researcher Amer al-Abdallah notes that some criticisms are directed at the SDF regarding its exploitation of security operations to strengthen its grip on the region, as some of its leaders have been accused of collusion with ISIS members to achieve political and security interests. Al-Abdallah affirmed in his conversation with Syria TV that there are areas in southern al-Hasakah and the Deir ez-Zor countryside that the SDF has not fully controlled, allowing the organization to operate there, which the SDF later exploited to carry out raids and arrests.

In a related context, Bassam Ishaq, representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the SDF, stated in remarks to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that what they hear from American officials from both parties has not gone beyond "verbal promises." He added that caution is the prevailing sentiment following Trump's victory, indicating that the SDF is waiting to understand the new president's plans regarding northeastern Syria and the future of the approximately 900 U.S. troops, especially since Trump had ordered their withdrawal in 2019 before halting that decision under pressure from his advisors and the Pentagon.

Ishaq also noted that the situation remains unclear regarding how Trump will deal with Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, amid concerns that any potential deal between Washington and Ankara might come at the expense of the SDF.

Reading the repercussions of the US elections Tensions Escalate Between Al-Hassoun and Al-Mushahada Tribes in Al-Bukamal

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.