Administration of North and East Syria discusses Syria’s drug crisis with Saudi Arabian, UAE, and Jordan in Amman meeting

06 October 2023

• 
  

• 

• 
  

20/09/2023

AMMAN — Informed sources have revealed that a significant four-way meeting took place in the Jordanian capital, Amman, involving representatives from the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan, alongside representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The meeting primarily focused on key issues related to Syria.

The gathering followed the recent breakdown of negotiations between Arab nations and the Syrian government concerning the illicit drug trade and the prevention of drug smuggling into Arab countries.

During the meeting, the participants delved into the broader Syrian crisis, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts among the three Arab nations and AANES. A significant aspect of the discussion centered on sharing information regarding the production and smuggling of Captagon from areas controlled by the Syrian regime to Jordan and Gulf Arab countries.

The meeting highlighted the necessity of leveraging the legislation passed by the US Congress aimed at disrupting drug production and dismantling smuggling networks associated with the Syrian regime and Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

The meeting was reportedly convened at the request of the United States, which urged the three Arab nations to extend their support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF has demonstrated its effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, and the meeting emphasized the critical role of supporting both the SDF and the Internal Security Forces (ISF) of North and East Syria.

As a result of the meeting, a unanimous decision was reached regarding the establishment of a coordination office in Amman. This office will comprise representatives from AANES, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, alongside the United States. Its primary objective will be to coordinate efforts to effectively combat drug production and smuggling in Syria.