Lattakia, SANA – Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Saleh, announced that Syrian authorities have reached out to the EU for support in extinguishing wildfires raging in Lattakia’s countryside for the sixth consecutive day. He noted that firefighting aircraft from Cyprus are expected to assist in suppressing the flames later on Tuesday.
In statements to Syrian News Channel al-Ikhbariya, the Minister explained that strong winds last night caused the fires to spread into the village of al-Ghassaniya (Falak), located in northern Lattakia countryside. Civil Defense teams successfully evacuated women and children, extinguishing parts of the fire with support from village youth who worked hand-in-hand with emergency crews.
The Minister also mentioned that teams from Turkey and Jordan are actively participating in firefighting operations, alongside aircraft from Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Sixteen aircraft contributed to efforts yesterday, with up to 20 expected to be deployed today.
He emphasized that the top priority remains the protection of civilians. No fatalities have been recorded thus far, despite the fire’s expansion across several areas. However, ten Civil Defense personnel sustained injuries—mostly due to smoke inhalation.
He added that weather conditions are significantly contributing to the spread of the fires, citing the lack of firebreaks in mountainous terrain, an abundance of dry wood, and unexploded remnants of war—all of which hamper containment efforts.
Etemad/Manar Salamah
