AMMAN — In implementation of Royal directives, Jordan joined efforts on Sunday to extinguish wildfires that broke out in several Syrian regions.

 

In support of the firefighting mission, the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) deployed two Black Hawk helicopters from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, equipped with advanced firefighting systems and specialized crews, to help control fires that have rapidly spread across forests, plains, and residential areas.

 

The blazes, intensified by extreme heat and the detonation of war remnants, prompted urgent regional response.

 

The JAF’s participation underscores Jordan’s humanitarian commitment and its readiness to support neighboring and friendly countries in times of crisis and natural disasters.

 

The Syrian government extended its appreciation to Jordan for its swift intervention, commending the Kingdom’s consistent humanitarian efforts and solidarity under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah.

 

With a proven track record in emergency response, the JAF brings significant experience and capabilities in both domestic and international firefighting missions.

 

In parallel, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) sent specialized Civil Defense teams to the Syrian city of Latakia to assist in controlling fires there. According to a PSD statement, the teams were fully equipped with modern machinery and tools to ensure they could carry out their mission effectively and provide maximum support to the affected areas.

 

Syrian authorities said some 100 square kilometres of forest had "turned to ash" in wildfires as firefighters from neighbouring Jordan arrived Sunday to battle a fourth day of blazes in the province of Latakia., AFP reported.

 

Syrian emergency workers have faced tough conditions including high temperatures, strong winds, rugged mountainous terrain in the coastal province and the danger of explosive war remnants, in a country scarred by years of conflict.

 

Minister Raed Al Saleh said on X that "hundreds of thousands of forest trees over an estimated area of around 10,000 hectares in 28 locations have turned to ash".

 

He said some 80 teams including civil defence personnel had been battling the blaze, noting local organisations and residents were also providing assistance, along with teams and firefighting aircraft from neighbouring Jordan and Turkey.

 

Turkey, a key backer of Syria's new authorities, sent assistance including aircraft and fire engines on Saturday.

 

Swathes of forested area and farmland have burned and some villages evacuated as the fires raged including near the Turkish border.

 

The United Nations deputy envoy to Syria Najat Rochdi said in a statement Sunday on X that Damascus "needs more international assistance" to face the fires.

 

A statement from the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula said that "UN teams are on the ground conducting urgent assessments to determine the scale of the disaster and to identify the most immediate humanitarian needs".

 

Nearly seven months after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, Syria is still reeling from more than a decade of civil war that ravaged the country's economy, infrastructure and public services.

 

With man-made climate change increasing the likelihood and intensity of droughts and wildfires worldwide, Syria has also been battered by heatwaves and low rainfall.

 

In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation told AFP that Syria had "not seen such bad climate conditions in 60 years".