Syria has declared the devastating wildfires in Latakia province fully extinguished after 12 days of fierce battling. However, officials caution that the environmental and social impacts will persist for years.
Raed al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, stressed that while the immediate danger has passed, the recovery phase is only beginning. He outlined plans to implement a national wildfire early warning system and enhance forest protection through stronger community involvement.
Firefighters faced major obstacles including unpredictable winds, difficult mountainous terrain, and dangerous remnants of war such as landmines. Years of neglect left forests vulnerable, with insufficient firebreaks contributing to the spread.
Al-Saleh warned of severe long-term consequences, including soil erosion, vegetation loss, and increased risk of landslides — risks worsened by ongoing drought and climate change, the worst in decades.
The ministry used advanced tools such as satellite imaging, drones, and weather monitoring stations to track fire behaviour and direct response efforts. Al-Saleh expressed gratitude to support teams from Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar, as well as local volunteers and government agencies, calling their cooperation “an historic achievement for the nation.”
Governor Mohammad Othman reported that more than 16,000 hectares of forest were destroyed, alongside 2,200 hectares of farmland.
The fires damaged 45 villages and displaced approximately 1,200 families.
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Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent can...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 ar...
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterren...
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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
Hundreds of protesters have torn down fences surrounding a planned luxury development site in Albania, as public anger continues to mount over construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
George Russell continued Mercedes's dominant qualifying form by securing pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton ensured an all British front row with second place for Ferrari.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
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Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
France’s parliament has formally recognised state responsibility for the use of the toxic pesticide chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe, marking a significant step in addressing decades of environmental contamination and public health concerns.
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Wildlife researchers have identified dozens of previously unknown insect species during an expedition to Angola’s remote Lisima Plateau, a conservation group announced on Wednesday.
Global weather forecasters predict a strong El Niño will develop in the second half of 2026, bringing hotter, drier conditions to much of Asia while increasing rainfall in parts of North and South America.
Google has asked U.S. regulators for permission to release up to 32 million sterilised mosquitoes in California and Florida as part of its experimental “Debug” programme aimed at reducing populations of disease-carrying insects.
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