BEIRUT - Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a "transitional government" on Saturday in the Syrian capital of Damascus.

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.

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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.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government collapsed on Dec 8, 2024, following a 12-day offensive spearheaded by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied militant groups.

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Since Assad's ouster, HTS commander al-Sharaa has led interim authorities, seeking to establish a new political framework for the country.