1st Egyptian plane carrying aid arrives in Syria

CAIRO

An Egyptian plane carrying 15 tons of humanitarian assistance arrived in Syria’s capital Damascus, the first humanitarian aid from Egypt to Syrians after the ouster of the Bashar Assad regime last month.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that the civilian cargo plane, operated by EgyptAir, was loaded with 15 tons of relief aid, medicines, and food provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

"This effort complements Egypt’s longstanding support for the Syrian people, particularly as Egypt continues to host large numbers of Syrians and provides them with essential services," it added.

The aid delivery came days after a phone call between the foreign ministers of both countries.

Speaking to the private Egyptian news channel AlQahera News from Damascus, Egypt’s Ambassador to Syria Osama Khader said: "Today, we witnessed the arrival of the first Egyptian aid plane, a gesture from the Egyptian people to their Syrian brothers."

He confirmed that the aid will be distributed by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in coordination with its Egyptian counterpart.

The ambassador also revealed plans for additional aid flights, depending on the evolving situation.

Aid planes from Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also been arriving in Damascus. Earlier on Saturday, the fifth Saudi aid plane landed in Damascus. Qatar has sent three aid planes so far.

Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party's regime, which had been in power since 1963.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

A new administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa has now taken charge.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi