Syrian President Bashar al-Assad names new defence, industry, information ministers: Report

Bashar al-Assad now appears militarily unassailable, but relies heavily on his allies Russia and Iran, as well as regional militias backed by Iran.

By: Reuters | Beirut | Published: January 1, 2018 10:46 pm

Some important parts of Syria remain out of his hands and the economy has been crippled by sanctions. Russia is pushing a diplomatic track to seek a political settlement to the war.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday issued a decree appointing new ministers for defence, industry and information, state television reported. He appointed General Ali Abdullah Ayoub as defence minister, Mohammed Mazen Ali Yousef as industry minister and Imad Abullah Sarah as information minister, state television reported, citing the decree.