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Political aide to the governor of Gilan Province in northern Iran: Air defenses in Rasht shot down a small hostile drone flying over the city
Israeli media: The presence of General Qaani at the “victory celebrations” in Tehran puts an end to the rumors and earlier reports claiming he had been assassinated
Israeli media: There is division within the US administration itself over the extent of what the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities actually achieved
Israeli media: US intelligence also says Iran’s centrifuges remained largely intact
Israeli media: Netanyahu and Trump celebrated too soon, as US intelligence says Iran’s uranium stockpile was not damaged
Israeli Channel 13: The objectives set by Netanyahu for the operation against Iran have not been achieved
Early US intel assessment suggests strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, CNN reports, citing sources
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Israeli media: Between 14 and 16 soldiers were injured in the incident, which reportedly involved two separate units at the brigade and division level

PIJ arrests in Syria highlight regional realignment: NYT

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The New York Times
  • 23 Apr 2025 13:24
3 Min Read

The detention of senior Palestinian officials in Syria marks a notable shift in the country's foreign policy direction, as Damascus aims to reshape its and seek relief from US sanctions.

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  • NYTSyrian government forces are deployed amid heightened security in Damascus, Syria, Friday, March 7, 2025 (AP)

Syrian authorities have made a rare move by arresting two senior members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement, signaling significant shifting alliances in the Middle East, The New York Times reported.

The newspaper indicated the arrests reflect Syria’s evolving stance under its new leadership, which appears to be distancing itself from Iran.

Palestinian officials detained 'without any explanation'

The PIJ confirmed on Tuesday that its leader in Syria, Khaled Khaled, and senior official Yasser al-Zafari, have been in Syrian custody for five days. Syria’s Interior Ministry confirmed the detentions but did not disclose the reasons.

The Palestinian group criticized the arrests, stating that its officials were detained “without any explanation” and “in a manner we would not have hoped to see from brothers.”

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Historically, Syria under President Bashar al-Assad provided operational support for several Palestinian armed factions, including the PIJ. However, since al-Assad was overthrown by armed forces in December, Syria’s new government in Damascus has moved to reassert control and reduce foreign influence.

NYT mentioned that the arrests of senior Palestinian figures mark a notable shift in Syria's foreign policy direction, as the new rulers aim to reshape the country's alliances and regain full authority over armed groups operating within its borders.

Arrests coincided with Republican congressmen visit to Damascus

The report noted that the US has issued conditions for easing its sanctions on Syria, requiring the new government to crack down on extremist groups.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led the coalition that toppled al-Assad, has been seeking relief from these sanctions, which continue to hamper economic recovery and postwar reconstruction.

Following al-Assad’s departure, al-Sharaa quickly requested that the US begin lifting sanctions. While some restrictions on humanitarian aid have been relaxed, most measures remain firmly in place.

The arrests coincided with a visit by Republican congressmen to Damascus, marking the first such visit in many years.

The NYT suggested that the visit highlights a growing interest from the Republicans in Syria's evolving political landscape and suggests increased diplomatic engagement.

Read more: Seven killed in Syria's Aleppo amid surging violence

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