Syria interim president names new government dominated by allies

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday announced a new transitional government dominated by close allies and including one woman, replacing caretaker authorities in place.

The new cabinet retains key figures from the interim leadership. Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, previously interim chief of foreign affairs authority, was appointed foreign minister, while former intelligence chief Anas Khattab was named interior minister.

Marhaf Abu Qusra, who oversaw defense affairs in the interim administration, will serve as defense minister. The government also introduced several structural changes, including the creation of a ministry of emergency and disasters to address natural and humanitarian crises, as well as a dedicated ministry of youth and sports.