Syria appoints assistant defense minister for eastern region

ISTANBUL

Syria on Tuesday appointed an assistant defense minister for the eastern region, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Assem Ghalyoun, director of media and communications at the Syrian Ministry of Defense, said Sipan Hamo was appointed to the post covering the eastern region of the country.

The appointment comes under a Jan. 30 “comprehensive agreement” between the government and the terrorist organization YPG/SDF aimed at ending division in the country and launching a new phase of integration. It said the deal covering the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli and the integration of military forces complements a previous agreement signed on Jan. 18.

The latest agreement followed a military operation by the Syrian Army in which it regained large areas in eastern and northeastern Syria after repeated SDF violations of a March 2025 accord.