Damascus Hosts ‘Wounds That Forged Victory’ Forum for Military Veterans
The city of Damascus has hosted the inaugural session of the “Wounds That Forged Victory” forum, an initiative organized by the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Wounded Affairs. The event is the first in a series of planned regional meetings aimed at providing support and recognition to military personnel who sustained severe injuries during the conflict.
Designed to facilitate the long-term well-being of wounded veterans from Damascus and its surrounding countryside, the forum focuses on enhancing their integration into community life and publicly honoring their sacrifices. The event serves as a platform for these individuals to engage with state institutions and receive acknowledgment for their service.
During the opening proceedings, Brigadier General Ahmad Issa Al-Sheikh, Assistant Minister of Defense for the Southern Region, addressed the attendees. He emphasized that the injuries sustained by these soldiers were the essential price for the nation’s current stability and dignity. He underscored that the path toward future national development remains heavily reliant on the resilience and intellectual contributions of the wounded, noting that the state views them as essential partners in shaping the future of the country. He urged veterans to remain steadfast and reject any feelings of frustration, highlighting their historical role in overcoming significant security challenges.
Brigadier General Hussein Al-Talib, Director of the General Administration at the Ministry of Defense, described the physical scars carried by the soldiers as symbols of courage and national duty rather than mere markers of trauma. He stated that the victory achieved by the state is incomplete without a continued commitment to those who fought for it. Al-Talib reiterated that the care provided to these veterans is a permanent responsibility of the state, serving as a social and moral contract that remains a top priority for the ministry.
Addressing the evolution of the program, Brigadier General Hudhayfah Al-Sheikh Suleiman, Director of the Directorate of Wounded Affairs, clarified that the “Wounds That Forged Victory” title represents a transition from viewing these soldiers as participants in past battles to recognizing them as active contributors to a new chapter in Syrian history. He explained that the Ministry of Defense is actively shifting its approach to move beyond basic healthcare. The goal, he noted, is to transition veterans from recipients of standard care into empowered individuals who play an active, productive role in society through rehabilitation and specialized programs.
The directorate emphasized that the commitments made during the forum represent a broader institutional policy, promising that the sacrifice of these individuals will remain a core focus of ongoing national initiatives. As the forum proceeds with upcoming sessions in other provinces, officials reiterated that the physical traces of their service are being treated with the utmost respect, and the state intends to ensure these soldiers are supported as they move forward in their civilian lives.
