AANES sends firefighting teams to support wildfire response in Latakia
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) dispatched on Wednesday emergency crews to assist Syrian Civil Defense teams in battling large-scale wildfires in the Latakia countryside, northwest Syria.
The wildfires, described by local authorities as “deliberately set,” raged for seven consecutive days across the mountainous areas of Latakia.
Shifting winds exacerbated the crisis, spreading flames to new areas and complicating containment efforts, according to the Syrian Civil Defense.
In response, municipalities in northeastern Syria sent a convoy including fire trucks, ambulances, and approximately 150 personnel—comprising firefighters, drivers, and paramedics—to aid in the emergency response.
On Tuesday, the AANES had publicly declared its readiness to assist, affirming its willingness to coordinate efforts to help bring the fires under control.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of several individuals suspected of intentionally igniting the fires in Latakia’s forests. Investigations are ongoing.