AANES units on standby as wildfires rage in western Syria

By Atoun Jan

TABQA, Syria (North Press) – Firefighting and emergency teams affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) have been on standby for over 24 hours, ready to enter government-held areas in western Syria to help contain widespread wildfires, a local fire chief told North Press on Saturday.

Ahmed Mahdi, commander of the Hasakah Fire Brigade, said the teams are prepared to assist in areas of Hama and Latakia experiencing extensive fires. “Around 80 personnel from firefighting, medical, and maintenance units, supported by 20 fire engines, two ambulances, and several emergency vehicles, are ready to deploy immediately once permission is granted,” Mahdi said.

Since last Wednesday, villages in the Jableh countryside, southeast Latakia, have been in a state of high alert as fires spread from the Al-Ghab Plain in Hama to the villages of Beit Yashout and Ain Al-Sharqiya. Local residents have joined firefighting efforts alongside Syrian Civil Defense teams and volunteers.

Mahdi added that units from across AANES regions are currently stationed in the city of Tabqa, prepared to move quickly once Damascus authorizes their passage.

On Saturday, Raed Al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management in the Syrian Interim Government, reported that firefighting teams are continuing to extinguish remaining fire outbreaks in the valleys of Kasab, northern Latakia.

The situation highlights ongoing coordination challenges between AANES-led emergency services and government-held areas, while the readiness of AANES teams underscores their role in regional emergency preparedness and humanitarian support.

Authorities have not confirmed a timeline for approval, but AANES teams remain on standby, ready to reinforce firefighting efforts in affected areas.