US Central Command executed a precision airstrike in Syria, killing senior Al Qaeda affiliate leader Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay. CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism to protect US interests. Meanwhile, STG Engineering clarified its ongoing contract management at Tartous port amid rumors of annulment by the new Syrian administration, with its CEO asserting the legitimacy of their agreement.
On Saturday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it executed a precise airstrike in Syria, resulting in the death of a notable leader within an Al Qaeda affiliate, identified as Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay. Talay served as the senior military authority for Hurras Al Din (HaD), which has ties to Al Qaeda. CENTCOM underscored its commitment to pursuing terrorists to protect the U.S. homeland and its allies in the region.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to combating terrorism, stating, “As we have said in the past, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region.”
Amid these developments, STG Engineering, a Russian firm managing the Tartous commercial port in Syria, clarified that it remains operational and its contract has not been annulled, contrary to some media reports. Allegations surfaced earlier regarding the Syrian administration under President Assad canceling the contract after he fled to Moscow following a rebel offensive.
Reports indicated that the port investment contract was claimed to be annulled due to the Russian company’s failure to meet the infrastructure investment terms mandated in 2019. However, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, disputed these assertions, emphasizing that the termination process would necessitate lengthy bureaucratic procedures and formal notifications.
Trifonov articulated that, “It is impossible to terminate the agreement unilaterally, because it has been ratified by both the president and the parliament, and no one has notified us.” He further explained that claims of annulment lack legitimacy as they would require proper legislative processes.
Additionally, information surrounding the Russian company’s involvement had incorrectly attributed the port management to STG Stroytransgaz, which later clarified it had no association with STG Engineering regarding the Tartous port contract.
In conclusion, CENTCOM successfully targeted and eliminated a senior Al Qaeda leader in Syria, affirming the United States’ commitment to counter-terrorism efforts. Meanwhile, STG Engineering maintains its operational status at Tartous port, despite conflicting media reports about its contract. The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of international relations in the region and the importance of accurate reporting in geopolitical matters.
Original Source: www.gulftoday.ae
