The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that two consecutive earthquakes, measuring 5.2 and 4.2 on the Richter scale, struck Hama in central Syria on Friday, with just a three-minute interval between them.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 4.8 magnitude earthquake near Salamiyah, east of Hama, at a depth of 10 kilometers below the surface on the same day.
The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre verified that a 5.2 magnitude quake, occurring at a depth of 7 kilometers, hit central Syria as well.
Additionally, the Lebanese National News Agency reported that a strong “earth tremor” was felt by residents in Kesrouan, Jbeil, and Beirut areas.
Earlier this week, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake also rocked central Syria and was felt in various parts of Lebanon, according to official media in both countries.
It’s worth noting that on February 6, 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria just before dawn, claiming approximately 60,000 lives.
According to Damascus, the 2023 quake resulted in the death of more than 1,400 people in regime-controlled areas and over 4,500 in opposition-held regions in northwest Syria.
Earlier this month, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler linked the possibility of withdrawing Turkish forces from Syrian territory to the adoption of a new constitution in Syria and ensuring the security of the shared border between the two countries.
This statement was made in a written interview with Reuters in response to a question about the potential withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria.
Güler stated, “We are ready to provide all possible support for the adoption of a comprehensive constitution, holding free elections, and creating an inclusive environment of normalization and security.
Only when this is achieved, and when our border security is fully ensured, will we take all necessary steps within the framework of mutual coordination.”
