Connect with us

Politics

27 years in Saydnaya prison... He thought Saddam's forces had liberated him

For the detainee (A.S.), who only used two initials as his name, time stopped for him in 1997 when he was arrested by the intelligence services

Published

on

For the detainee (A.S.), who was only identified by two letters, time stopped for him in 1997 when he was arrested by military intelligence on charges of spying for Saddam Hussein’s regime. (A.S.) was an intellectual supporter of Saddam Hussein; that is, what is called the Iraqi right-wing Baath, while the Syrian Baath is the left-wing Baath, but - as he says - he never belonged to either party except for conversations at home and among friends, but military intelligence spied even on people’s dreams, and for this reason it decided to take the man to the death prisons in 1998, which led him to Saydnaya prison.

Death was a daily visitor to all the prisoners, and it was even a dream in such lightless prisons. Even suicide was a dream for them, as the prison and the dormitory (a large room that brings the prisoners together) were empty of anything except the walls, whose color they did not know.

(A.S.) entered prison at the age of thirty; he left his infant son and his young wife, and he never thought that he would come out from underground into a life whose shape and color he had forgotten. The sun that he saw every month was all he saw of the world.

The man tells his story as if it were the tale of the Seven Sleepers who slept for 100 years, but he wasn't asleep. Time, for him, was the breath he took, counting each day in a room no larger than five meters, shared with 30 other prisoners. These aren't stories; they're a reality every prisoner knows: 30 people in a small room, taking turns sleeping, sitting, breathing, and living, without knowing how! These are the rules of prison: to live only one day at a time.

(A.S.) spent 27 years and does not know how humans can endure all this. He was unable to talk about the torture that affected every part of his body and did not stop during the first ten years; ten years of continuous daily torture, but it differed between one jailer and another. There are multiple methods of torture, which he did not dare to talk about because they had become a nightmare.

On December 8, 2024, a new life was written for thousands of prisoners who were counting the days to death, not to life, but God’s will is above all wills, and He freed (A.S.) from prison after all this absence.

The first words the man uttered upon leaving were, “You are Saddam Hussein’s army. Did Saddam Hussein invade Syria?” All the man knew stopped at 1997, and he thought that Assad and Saddam were still alive, only to discover that time had changed and even the place had changed, as he did not know where he was imprisoned.

The man spent hours thinking and reflecting as he tried to understand that it was 2024, and that there was a person named Bashar al-Assad, not Hafez al-Assad. He was in hell alive.

The first shock in the new life was that his son, whom he had left as an infant, was killed in the war, and his wife had continued her life to be with another man and a new family, which she founded after his departure from the face of the earth. This was the shock that ended what remained of his life and his body, which was afflicted with diseases and epidemics.

The only thing that comforts him is the fall of Assad and waiting for the return of his family, whom the Assad regime displaced to Türkiye, but who are preparing to return again.

The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

Politics

Trump vows to retaliate against the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh

Trump confirms imminent response to drone attack on US embassy in Riyadh. Saudi defense ministry reveals details, raising expectations of escalating tensions in the region.

Published

on

Trump vows to retaliate against the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh

In a new escalation of events in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump affirmed that the military and political response to the attack targeting the US embassy in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, would be "soon and decisive." The US president indicated that the administration is currently studying the available options and that details of the anticipated US action would be announced shortly, reflecting Washington's seriousness in dealing with threats against its diplomatic missions.

Details of the attack and the Saudi position

Trump’s fiery remarks came during an exclusive interview with News Nation, which was relayed by the network’s correspondent via the X platform, where the president stressed that the United States would not tolerate this blatant attack, especially as it comes amid escalating regional tensions and the deaths of American soldiers in indirect confrontations during the ongoing conflict with Iran and its proxies in the region.

For its part, the Saudi Ministry of Defense quickly clarified the circumstances of the incident, issuing an official statement in the early hours of Tuesday morning via the "X" platform. The ministry explained that the initial assessment of the incident indicates that the embassy was subjected to a hostile attack by two drones, confirming that the attack resulted in a small fire within the embassy perimeter, which was brought under control without any major damage.

Context of regional and international tension

This incident comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the region, where targeting diplomatic missions is a serious violation of international norms and laws, specifically the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates special protection for embassies. Observers believe this attack not only targets the diplomatic building itself but also represents a direct challenge to American influence in the region and to the deep strategic partnership between Washington and Riyadh.

Historically, US-Saudi relations have been a cornerstone of security in the Middle East, and the United States typically responds firmly to any threats to its interests or those of its strategic allies in the Gulf. Military experts note that the use of drones in such attacks has become a common tactic for armed groups in the region to destabilize it, prompting Washington to bolster its defense systems and vow to deter the perpetrators.

Expected repercussions

This incident is expected to cast a shadow over the political and security landscape in the region, as the anticipated US response could lead to changes in the current rules of engagement. Furthermore, targeting a major and pivotal capital like Riyadh carries serious implications that may necessitate high-level security and military coordination between the United States and Saudi Arabia to ensure regional security and the safety of vital waterways and global energy supplies, which could be affected by any large-scale military escalation.

Continue Reading

Politics

The Yemeni government's priorities: Services in Aden and justice for the southern cause

The Yemeni Prime Minister outlines the government's priorities: currency stability, improving Aden's electricity, and paying salaries, while emphasizing the justice of the southern cause and partnership with the press.

Published

on

The Yemeni government's priorities: Services in Aden and justice for the southern cause

In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and clarifying the government's course of action during the current critical phase, Yemeni Prime Minister Dr. Shaya'a al-Zindani explained that his government's priorities are primarily focused on addressing the escalating service and economic challenges, foremost among them stabilizing the national currency, improving electricity and water services, and ensuring the regular payment of salaries. This statement comes at a time when the country is experiencing immense economic pressure resulting from the ongoing war and the halt in oil exports, which has severely impacted the living conditions of citizens.

Aden: The true test of the state

The Prime Minister emphasized the special place that the interim capital, Aden, holds in the government's program, considering it a symbol of the state and a true test of its ability to succeed and endure. He noted that the government is deeply committed to transforming Aden into a model of security, public service provision, and institutional discipline. He affirmed that the success of this experiment in Aden would send a powerful message of hope to the other liberated governorates, confirming the success of the state project and its capacity for recovery. At the same time, he warned that any chaos or security lapses in Aden would not only affect the city but would also tarnish the image of the nation and the national project as a whole in the eyes of the international community and donors.

Economic and political dimensions

The Yemeni government faces complex challenges, with the electricity sector in Aden and neighboring governorates being among the most intricate due to dilapidated infrastructure and fuel shortages, requiring urgent strategic solutions. Currency stability is also directly linked to citizens' purchasing power, which has eroded significantly in recent years. Through these priorities, the government aims to create a stable environment that will encourage capital inflows and revitalize the economy.

The justice of the southern cause and partnership with the media

On the political front, during a meeting with journalists and media figures in the interim capital, Aden, the Yemeni Prime Minister reiterated that the Southern issue is a just cause , noting that it constitutes a fundamental pillar of any future political settlement and that addressing it in a manner acceptable to the people of the South is a genuine path to stability. In closing, al-Zindani pledged to build strong bridges of partnership with the press and media, emphasizing that restoring trust between citizens and the government begins with honesty and transparency, and that the media is a key partner in uncovering the truth and monitoring government performance.

Continue Reading

Politics

Qatar intercepts two ballistic missiles: Ministry of Defense statement and details of the operation

The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced the successful interception of two ballistic missiles targeting the country. Learn more about the operation and the readiness of the Qatari Armed Forces to protect national sovereignty.

Published

on

The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced today (Tuesday), in an important official statement, the success of its armed forces in repelling a hostile aerial attack, which involved intercepting and destroying two ballistic missiles targeting several areas within the country. This announcement confirms the high level of readiness of Qatar's air defense systems in protecting its airspace and national sovereignty.

Operation details and combat readiness

The ministry explained in its statement that monitoring and tracking systems detected the threat early on, and it was dealt with immediately according to the pre-approved operational plan for handling such scenarios. Air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed the two missiles before they reached their targets or entered the country's airspace, thus preventing any damage.

The ministry stressed that the Qatari armed forces possess the full technical and human capabilities to protect and preserve the sovereignty of the state and its territories, affirming its determination to firmly and forcefully confront any external threat that may affect the security of the homeland or the safety of its citizens.

The importance of air defense systems in the regional context

This event underscores the paramount importance that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Qatar, place on strengthening their military and defense capabilities. Given the recurring security challenges in the Middle East, investment in advanced air defense systems and the ongoing training of military personnel are fundamental pillars for maintaining national and regional stability.

The rapid response and interception of the missiles reflect the efficiency of Qatar's military infrastructure and its ability to neutralize ballistic threats, which are among the most complex threats in modern warfare. This defensive success sends a clear message about the resilience of Qatari airspace and the country's ability to deter any attempts at aggression.

A call for calm and reliance on official sources

In closing, the Ministry of Defense reassured all citizens, residents, and visitors in Qatar, urging them to continue their lives normally and to trust in the security and military forces' ability to provide the necessary protection. The Ministry also stressed the importance of adhering to instructions issued by the relevant security authorities and avoiding the spread of rumors or misinformation on social media platforms, emphasizing that the only reliable source of accurate information is official statements issued by state authorities.

Continue Reading

Trending News