The minister stated that firefighting teams have been fighting tirelessly for the sixth consecutive year to control the fires, but strong winds have caused the flames to spread to several villages whose residents have been evacuated.

He explained that firefighting teams from Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Cyprus have joined the efforts, using aircraft or ground equipment.

The absolute priority is the protection of civilians, so no fatalities have been reported, although 10 injuries were reported among Civil Defense members, the Minister revealed.

The Minister explained that adverse weather conditions are exacerbating the spread of the fires, combined with the lack of firebreaks, the absence of adequate forestry infrastructure, the accumulation of dry wood, and the explosion of military remnants in the affected areas.

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