DAMASCUS/WASHINGTON/DOHA/MOSCOW - Syrian ministers from the newly formed transitional government met with members of the ousted Bashar al-Assad's administration on Tuesday to organize the transfer of state institutions and ensure the continuity of public services, according to the Syrian national TV.

Mohammad al-Bashir, the prime minister overseeing the transitional government, said his cabinet, composed of ministers from the transitional government, has been tasked by the general leadership to manage Syria's affairs until March 2025, during which the transitional government aims to assume control of ministries, reintroduce employees to their posts, and restore essential services across the country.

"Our responsibility is to maintain security, protect the integrity of institutions, and prevent the fragmentation of the state," al-Bashir told reporters. "We want to ensure that Syrians receive the services they deserve during this interim phase until a new government is formed that meets the aspirations of Syrian society."

Al-Bashir underscored the need for cooperation from outgoing ministers, particularly in handing over files and responsibilities.

"We hope the ministers from the deposed regime will assist their successors," he said, emphasizing that a smooth transition is crucial to delivering uninterrupted public services to the Syrian people.

Separately, the top commander of the US military in the Middle East visited the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria on Tuesday to be briefed on ongoing efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the US military said.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X that General Erik Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, "visited US military commanders and servicemembers, as well as our Defeat-ISIS partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, at several bases in Syria."

"He received a firsthand assessment of force protection measures, the rapidly evolving situation, and ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from exploiting the current situation," CENTCOM said.

The United States has long partnered with the SDF in the fight to defeat ISIS. The SDF is separate from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group that toppled the government of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Later, Kurilla visited Baghdad, where he met with the Iraqi prime minister and military leaders, along with the US commander of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve "for an assessment of the D-ISIS mission inside Iraq and Syria," CENTCOM said. 

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Also on Tuesday, a spokesperson from Qatar's Foreign Ministry said that Qatar remains committed to maintaining open dialogue with all Syrian groups through its embassy in Doha.

"By sustaining humanitarian operations in Idlib and fostering inclusive engagement, Qatar aims to understand the realities on the ground and support stability in Syria," Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said during a weekly media briefing.

Al Ansari stressed Qatar's readiness to collaborate with regional and international partners to address humanitarian needs and contribute to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.

He also said that Qatar has launched an air bridge to Syria to deliver urgent humanitarian aid. "Two aid planes have already been scheduled. One of these planes is arriving today in Jordan en route to Syria," he said.

He reiterated Qatar's support for Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and underlined the importance of building an inclusive nation in Syria that respects the rights of all its citizens.

UN humanitarians said on Tuesday the humanitarian situation in Syria remains volatile, with continuing hostilities and looting reported in the capital Damascus area but relative calm in the country's northwest. 

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported challenges for aid delivery in parts of the northeast.

The World Food Programme reported that food prices in markets across the country are increasing sharply. WFP and its partners have provided meals to more than 40,000 people in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Latakia, Deir El Zor, Raqqa and Hasaka, according to the agency.

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Meanwhile, Al Ansari said Qatar is working in "full coordination with" Egypt and the US on the mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, "forming a unified approach to peace negotiations."

Calling for applying equal pressure on both sides to ensure an equitable agreement and foster lasting peace in the region, he said "Qatar remains committed to facilitating dialogue and fostering sustainable peace for all parties involved." 

Russia: Al-Assad safe now

Al-Assad, who has been granted asylum, is now safe in Russia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday.

"In such a situation it would be very wrong for me to elaborate on what happened and how it was resolved, but he is secured," local RIA news agency reported, citing Ryabkov.

Commenting on the possibility of the extradition of al-Assad, the Russian diplomat noted that Russia is not a party to the International Criminal Court Rome Statute.

Syrian militant groups waged a major offensive from northern Syria since the end of November, swept southwards through government-held areas, and captured the capital Damascus within 12 days.

Following the offensive, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government collapsed on Sunday. Al-Assad resigned and went to Russia for asylum.