AANES

In this interview, The Syria Report speaks with Mohammad Hassno, CEO of the Assistance Coordination Unit, a Syrian opposition organisation that coordinates humanitarian efforts and facilitates the flow of information between donors, executive agencies, and local partners. 

Since the catastrophic earthquakes devastated parts of northern Syria one week ago, killing 5,800 people, injuring thousands, leaving 5.30 million homeless, and destroying infrastructure and residential buildings, the regime, opposition authorities, and local organisations began carrying out disaster relief efforts in affected areas. 

By the middle of last year, inflation had already reached 55 percent, according to a new consumer price index issued by an independent Syrian organisation. Meanwhile, the government has lifted one of the last tools it used to keep a lid on prices, risking further price increases.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has issued several statements and briefs about its plans for 2023 and its performance in 2022, indicating a notable shift towards prioritising the water, agriculture, and health sectors.

Since late November, Turkey has been attacking areas under the control of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, causing deaths, injuries, and widespread damage to key oil fields, gas plants, power stations, and other civilian infrastructure.

To further cement its governance, the Syrian Salvation Government, the political arm of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, has begun issuing compulsory identification cards for residents in areas under its control. The cards are required to receive essential services and to conduct any transaction.