Syrian Defense Minister Major General Marhaf Abu Qusra announced the death of 31 soldiers and injuries to 60 others during operations to clear mines left by the former regime. In an interview with CNN, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Sheibani pledged to build a strong, united Syria that benefits regional security.

Al-Sheibani stated that building a strong Syria would benefit Israel, noting that the Syrian people were “shocked” by attacks following the departure of militias loyal to the former regime. He explained that normalization talks have become difficult due to Israeli strikes after the fall of Assad’s regime, accusing Israel of supporting outlaws and obstructing the Syrian government from resolving the issue.

He added that Israel’s actions complicated matters and placed the Druze community in a very difficult and embarrassing position. He emphasized that Syria poses no threat to anyone in the region, including Israel, but these new policies of cooperation and peace have been met with threats and strikes.

Al-Sheibani also noted that the Syrian people welcomed U.S. moves to lift sanctions imposed on the former regime, describing the U.S. stance since the day of liberation as “very positive,” which received strong support from the Syrian people, including sanction relief.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qusra revealed that 31 engineering corps soldiers were killed and 60 injured, including 12 disabled due to amputations during mine-clearing operations of unexploded ordnance left by the former regime. He explained that engineering teams made significant sacrifices over nine months of fieldwork, including the loss of 16 vehicles during missions.

He added, “Despite all this, we have not lost the determination to continue.”

Mines pose a daily threat to civilians in Syria and hinder residents from returning to their areas. Therefore, Syrian engineering teams continue to clear these areas despite the high risks and losses.