The Syrian Future Movement follows with immense pride the announcement of the departure of the first Syrian national rescue team, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from Damascus International Airport to Venezuela, to participate in search and rescue and humanitarian relief efforts following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, resulting in 920 deaths and more than 3,360 injuries, amidst widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this humanitarian initiative, which reflects a qualitative shift in Syria’s international role, as it marks the first time a national search and rescue team has participated in a humanitarian response outside its borders.
We also highly value the directives issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which embody the Syrian leadership’s commitment to the spirit of humanitarian solidarity, and the efforts of the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, which worked to prepare and dispatch this team of 15 search and rescue specialists, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that this mission is being carried out in partnership with the International Rescue Team of the Qatari Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya). The Qatari team is providing heavy equipment and machinery, while the specialized Syrian team is conducting the field search and rescue operations.
We see this cooperation as a model of joint humanitarian work, confirming that Syria, despite the challenges it faces, is capable of extending a helping hand to afflicted peoples and contributing to alleviating human suffering wherever it may be.
The Syrian Future Movement recalls its unwavering support for humanitarian work and international solidarity, published on its official website, including the statement on the “Fundraising Campaign to Aid Flood Victims in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa” (dated June 2, 2026). In that statement, it emphasized that humanitarian disasters test the unity of the national fabric and the ability of society to shoulder its humanitarian responsibilities, and it called for the development of emergency response mechanisms at the national level.
While the Syrian Future Movement appreciates this historic mission, it also notes that it represents the beginning of a long road to strengthening Syria’s presence in international humanitarian work.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Strengthening the capabilities of national search and rescue teams by investing in training and equipment, and exchanging expertise with specialized international teams, following the Qatari model, to ensure readiness to participate in future humanitarian missions.
- Expanding the scope of humanitarian cooperation with countries and international organizations, and participating in relief and disaster response missions worldwide, reflecting Syria’s commitment to the values of human solidarity.
- Documenting this experience and utilizing it to develop national relief mechanisms, thereby contributing to increased efficiency in disaster response within Syria and achieving integration between local and international efforts.
- Enhancing the media’s role in highlighting these humanitarian initiatives and conveying a positive image of the new Syria, capable of giving and showing solidarity, following the humanitarian role that countries have always played in times of crisis.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms its pride in this humanitarian step, which embodies the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation, and confirms that the new Syria, despite the challenges, is capable of extending a helping hand to afflicted peoples.
We also commend the efforts of all parties who contributed to the success of this mission, and we wish the Syrian team success in carrying out their humanitarian tasks and a safe return home.
For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive of every effort that strengthens Syria’s position in the international community and contributes to building a more humane and compassionate world.
