China deputy UN envoy calls for end of foreign occupation in Syria
Although Syrian forces have managed to regain control of most of Syria's regions in cooperation with Russia and Iran, the US, Turkiye, and militants backed by them continue to occupy its northern parts.
China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations urged for the end of foreign occupation in Syria, calling on the entities to withdraw their military presence from the Arab country.
Geng Shuang highlighted the importance of holding Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity during a UN Security Council briefing on Wednesday, discussing the current situation in the nation.
The top diplomat stated that Syria cannot establish a stable political system without a favorable security environment, which has also been hindered by "Israel's" illegal attacks.
Geng expressed China's support for the Syrian government's efforts to combat terrorists operating in the country while calling on the international community to join forces with Damascus in line with international law and Security Council resolutions for additional assistance.
The Chinese envoy criticized the unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria and the illegal plundering of the nation's resources, which have significantly weakened Damascus' economic and social recovery and development.
Much of Syria's lands have been occupied by US and Turkish forces, as well as militants backed by them.
Although Syrian forces have managed to regain control of most regions in cooperation with Russia and Iran, militants and foreign forces continue to occupy many of its regions.
China urges humanitarian donors to continue their aid projects in Syria
Geng also discussed Syria's humanitarian situation, attributing the stability of the cross-border relief mechanism to the collaboration between Damascus and the United Nations.
The deputy envoy urged donors to continue funding humanitarian projects in Syria while guaranteeing their aid commitments.
He also commended UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen's efforts of working with all Syrian-owned and led political parties.
The Norwegian diplomat stated that Syria has not been spared from the rising tensions in the Middle East, referring to the Israeli occupation's ongoing aggressions in the country, notably in the Homs, Hama, and Daraa provinces.
Pedersen also urged for immediate de-escalation of hostilities and collaborative efforts to combat terrorism amid the attacks committed by the ISIS terrorist group in Syria.
US bolsters military bases in Syria with weapons convoy from Iraq
The US army has dispatched another convoy of weapons, fuel, and military equipment from Iraq illegally to northeastern Syria, a Syrian military source told Sputnik on August 18.
"US troops brought a military convoy of 40 trucks with logistical equipment, weapons, ammunition, and tanks loaded with fuel from Iraq to the [Syrian] governorate of al-Hasakah through the al-Waleed border crossing," the source said.
Sputnik had reported on August 17 that a convoy of 43 trucks illegally entered al-Hasakah in Syria, heading toward a US military occupation base in the area.
The US military is continuing to bolster its occupation bases in the al-Hasakah province and other areas in northeastern Syria.
Earlier this month, the US deployed additional Apache helicopters and military equipment to al-Hasakah, a Syrian military source cited by Sputnik said.
"US forces have reinforced their bases with 15 Apache helicopters to improve their ability to conduct attacks," the source said.
The source told the agency that a US military plane landed at the Kharab al-Jir base, carrying military equipment, air defense missiles, logistics materials, and 25 service members.