From New York.. The Head of Syrian Intelligence Defines Damascus's Security Priorities

SadaNews - Syrian intelligence chief, Hussein Salameh, stated that his country is witnessing a qualitative transformation, shifting from crisis management to sustainable decision-making, during a speech he delivered at a counter-terrorism conference at the United Nations in New York.

In his speech at the fourth conference of heads of counter-terrorism agencies at the United Nations, Salameh talked about "Syria's new future and its story that is completely different from its past", noting that "the state has regained its sovereignty and independent decision-making after liberation, and has rebuilt its national institutions and regional and international relations".

He added that "Syrians are returning to their homeland today as a safe haven, instead of fleeing across the seas in fear and escape from the oppression of security agencies", emphasizing that "the criminal practices of the previous regime and the international community's negligence represented a dangerous turning point that turned Syria into a fertile ground for extremism and terrorism".

Goals of the New Phase

The head of the Syrian intelligence agency highlighted the primary priorities of his government in the new phase, which begins with protecting Syrian national security, contributing to the security of neighboring countries, and actively engaging in international efforts to combat terrorism, focusing on preventing the return of extremist organizations, drying up their funding sources, and enhancing security, judicial, and intelligence cooperation with international partners.

Salameh clarified that "this path is not limited to security alone, but adopts a comprehensive humanitarian approach that places justice at the forefront of its priorities, and addresses social and economic challenges", pointing out that "international partners now view Syria as a key partner in regional and international stability".

He stressed Syria's need for organized support directed towards institutions, rather than short-term projects that do not leave a sustainable impact, warning of "challenges and threats that go beyond ISIS terrorism to include cells linked to the remnants of the Assad regime and others associated with Hezbollah militias".

Israeli Intrusions

During his speech, Salameh referred to the situation in southern Syria regarding "Israeli threats to Syria and the undermining of its stability through intrusions, shelling, and arrests of civilians", indicating that what happened in the western countryside of Daraa two days ago is "clear evidence of that".

The United Nations is organizing a conference on June 29-30 for heads of counter-terrorism agencies in member states, with Salameh's participation being the first of its kind for a Syrian intelligence chief.

Salameh's presence in New York extends Syria's movements on this issue, after he participated alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shabani on February 8, in the ministerial meeting of the international coalition against ISIS in Riyadh, marking the first Syrian participation since the coalition's establishment in 2014, following Damascus's accession as the ninety member in November 2025.

Source: Al Jazeera