The Military Operations Administration in Syria announced Monday that its forces are close to completing the control of the capital, Damascus, and preserving public property.

The Operations Administration confirmed in a statement that "the new government will begin its work immediately after its formation."

Meanwhile, media sources reported the selection of Mohammad al-Bashir, the head of the Salvation Government affiliated with the opposition, to lead a new Syrian government to oversee the transitional phase.  

The Administration urged the public to "disregard false reports claiming the existence of underground or hidden prisons," emphasizing that "all prisons in Syria have been fully opened."

It also announced the arrest of some people who were inciting sectarianism among the crowds and threatening citizens and minorities, vowing to deal firmly with "any attempts to sow discord or issue threats, as the homeland belongs to everyone, and we will preserve its unity and the security of its citizens."

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Additionally, the Operations Administration said it strictly prohibits any harassment of journalists working for Syrian TV, Syrian Radio, and social media pages, as well as any threats against them under any circumstances, and vowed to deliver year-long sentences for anyone who violated the decision.

The Administration emphasized the crucial role of protecting media professionals and ensuring their freedom to work in service of the nation and society, stating, “Transparency is our approach, and we are committed to turning the page on the past to build a better future.”

Separately, the Syrian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources called on all workers in production sites to return to their workplaces starting Tuesday.  

Syrian opposition proposes 18-month transition plan

On Sunday, Hadi al-Bahra, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum that Syria should undergo an 18-month transition period to create "a safe, neutral, and quiet environment" for free elections.

In a monumental development for the Middle East, armed groups, now serving as the transitional government forces of Syria, seized control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of war waged on the country.

Al-Bahra, the president of the Syrian National Coalition, proposed that Syria should draft a new constitution within six months, with a referendum serving as the foundation for the first election under the new framework.

"The constitution will say, are we going to have a parliamentary system, presidential system, or mixed system? And based on this, we do the election and the people choose their leader," al-Bahra explained.