SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Homs, Dec. 90 (SANA) Syria’s Central Agency for Financial Control said it has uncovered a serious corruption case involving manipulation of invoices for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment at Homs University Hospital, with the value of the violations estimated at millions of Syrian pounds.

In exclusive information to SANA, the agency said its Homs branch detected the case after a contractor supplying medical equipment submitted a formal report. The contractor stated that the hospital’s direct-purchase committee had requested inflating invoice values above real market prices by between 10 and 15 percent, in exchange for granting the supplier the largest share of the hospital’s orders.

According to the agency, the resulting financial differences from the inflated invoices were to be handed over to members of the procurement committee after the contractor received his dues through official channels. The methods used were aimed at circumventing applicable laws and regulations.

The agency confirmed that the report was handled in accordance with established legal procedures and that necessary measures were taken in coordination with the competent bodies. Official records were prepared, and members of the hospital’s procurement committee were arrested red-handed while receiving bribe payments derived from the manipulated invoice differences.

The suspects are to be referred to the competent judiciary to be held accountable under applicable laws, the authority said.

The Central Agency for Financial Control stressed that it will continue to carry out its oversight role with firmness and responsibility, pursuing all cases that affect public funds. It said it would not tolerate any violation or abuse of public trust, emphasizing that combating corruption, protecting public money, and strengthening accountability and transparency in public institutions are national priorities that allow no compromise. It noted that the most recent disclosure involved financial corruption amounting to about 8.49 billion Syrian pounds at the formerly known “Dar al-Baath,” dating back to the era of the deposed regime, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, accountability and the protection of public funds.

Damascus, Dec.30 (SANA) Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al‑Shaibani, received on Tuesday Mr. Nuh Yilmaz in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

During the meeting, Al-Shaibani received a copy of credentials of Yilmaz as the Ambassador of Turkey to the Syrian Arab Republic.

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Damascus, Dec. 30 (SANA) Syria’s Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa said the launch of the new Syrian currency marks a pivotal step in managing the banking sector and monetary affairs, while noting that the move is also accompanied by many questions and expectations.

In an editorial article published Tuesday in al-Thawra al-Souria newspaper, al-Mustafa referred to remarks by President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the official ceremony held Monday to unveil the new currency. The president, the minister said, sought to correct public perceptions about the meaning and limits of replacing the currency so it does not become a source of fear or unrealistic hopes.

Al-Mustafa wrote that the president stressed that replacing the currency “does not at all mean announcing the immediate death of the old currency,” nor does it aim to push citizens to get rid of it quickly or “at any price,” even if the old notes carry images that remind people of “a time of tyranny and its heavy pains.”

The information minister also cited remarks by Central Bank of Syria Governor Abdulkader Husrieh, who said the old Syrian pound remains valid for circulation and that the exchange process will be gradual. According to the article, the governor set a “comfortable” time margin of three months, renewable, allowing markets and citizens to adapt calmly to the new reality.

The minister said the immediate effects of the currency replacement are expected to include easier cash circulation by reducing problems linked to worn-out notes, lowering transportation and storage costs, and simplifying daily settlements in Syrian pounds. Tackling inflation, creating jobs and improving living standards, however, remain dependent on broader production, development and financial reform policies beyond any single monetary step.

The information minister described the most sensitive aspect of the transition as its impact on relations between people, including debts, contracts, rents, dowries and mutual obligations.

Al-Mustafa concluded by stressing that the launch of the new currency should not drive Syrians to squander their savings, emphasizing that the move is a technical step with national and social dimensions. He said it could become the beginning of a broader recovery path if handled wisely by the state, institutions and citizens alike, as a tool to organize the market and enhance confidence rather than create fear or sell illusions.

Quneitra, Dec. 30 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday advanced into al-Asha village in the southern countryside of Quneitra province and detained a civilian after firing shots toward a shepherd, according to a SANA correspondent in the area.

The correspondent said the forces opened fire in the direction of a shepherd before entering the village and detaining him. No injuries were reported.

Earlier in the day, an Israeli unit comprising two Hummer vehicles and two Hilux pickups moved from western Tal al-Ahmar toward the village of Ein al-Zaytoun. The unit set up a temporary checkpoint between Ein al-Zaytoun and the town of Kudna, SANA correspondent said.

At the same time, a column of Israeli soldiers numbering about 100 advanced from western Tal al-Ahmar toward eastern Tal al-Ahmar, according to SANA correspondent.

Syrian authorities say Israeli occupation forces continue what they describe as aggressive policies and repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through incursions into areas of southern Syria and attacks on civilians.

Damascus has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Syrian territory, asserting that all measures taken by Israel in southern Syria are “null and void” and have no legal effect under international law. Syria has also urged the international community to assume its responsibilities and deter what it describes as occupation practices.

On Monday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Syrian Golan for six months.

Damascus, Dec.30 (SANA) Syrian Foreign Minister, Assad Hassan al‑Shaibani, received on Tuesday Mrs. Nathalie Fustier, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria.

Talks during the meeting focused on the latest developments regarding the humanitarian situation in Syria and UN’s efforts to support humanitarian and developmental tracks.

The discussions also highlighted the Syrian government’s priorities and ways to strengthen joint cooperation in order to assist Syria during its recovery phase.

The talks further addressed mechanisms to support reconstruction, provide necessary assistance to refugees and create favorable conditions for their safe and descent return.

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Damascus, Dec. 30 (SANA)Ghiras Alkhaeer, a Syrian humanitarian organization, has completed the first phase of a project to rehabilitate war-damaged schools in cooperation with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), including the construction of 60 temporary classrooms in Idleb and Aleppo provinces, in northwest Syria.

The organization said the classrooms were fully equipped with desks, blackboards, tables, and chairs, providing a safe and suitable learning environment for students affected by years of conflict.

Project director Mohammad Jomaa said in a statement to SANA on Tuesday that “work is currently ongoing to restore the 34 targeted schools,” noting that the project aims to ease severe overcrowding in schools caused by widespread damage to educational infrastructure during the war.

He added that the initiative supports the education process, helps reduce pressure on students and teaching staff, and ensures the continuity of education in affected areas.

According to the Ministry of Education, more than 40 percent of schools in Syria have been damaged, with nearly 8,000 schools in need of rehabilitation. Authorities have restored 1,003 schools so far, while work continues on around 1,015 others as part of broader government efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure.

Founded in 2014, Ghiras Alkhaeer has carried out humanitarian activities in northern Syria, as well as in Turkey and Lebanon, focusing primarily on orphan support. In November, the organization launched a new program titled “A Smile of Hope” in partnership with KSrelief to assist orphans and their families across Syria

DAMASCUS, Dec. 30 (SANA) The Ministry of Interior said Tuesday that mistakes by certain individuals cannot be generalized or used as a pretext to justify other violations or abuses, stressing that vandalism and mob-like actions targeting public or private property are categorically rejected.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba said that imitating the destructive behavior of the former regime or engaging in acts that damage property runs counter to the values of the Syrian state and the ethics of the Syrian revolution.

“Such conduct is alien to the authentic national identity of Syrians,” al-Baba said in a statement to SANA on Tuesday.

He emphasized that the Interior Ministry will not allow reckless or unlawful actions, regardless of the justifications presented, and reaffirmed the ministry’s full commitment to protecting all Syrian citizens within the framework of the law and the authority of the state.

Al-Baba added that the Syrian state firmly rejects any acts of vandalism or assaults that infringe upon the dignity or property of citizens, noting that such acts constitute clear violations of the law and that legal measures will be taken against those responsible.

The spokesperson called on residents of Latakia Governorate, in coastal Syria, to adhere to the law and refrain from actions that could undermine public security or national unity, including inciting rhetoric or irresponsible individual behavior, and from supporting those seeking to spread chaos and destabilize the country.

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Damascus, Dec. 30 (SANA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced that all fee-based consular services at Syrian diplomatic and consular missions worldwide will be temporarily suspended from the morning of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, until the evening of Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Mohammad Al-Omar, Director of the Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry, told SANA that the temporary suspension applies to all transactions that require payment of fees. He emphasized that this measure is being implemented as part of end-of-year and start-of-year financial and administrative arrangements, aimed at ensuring accurate accounting procedures and smooth management of all fee-related services across Syrian missions abroad.

Al-Omar added that all Syrian diplomatic and consular missions are scheduled to resume normal consular services on Monday, January 5, 2026, and urged applicants to plan their visits accordingly.

The Ministry confirmed that this temporary suspension is part of routine financial arrangements and will not affect the provision of other consular services that do not require fee payments.

R.K

Capitals, Dec. 30 (SANA) The Earth is set to witness a rare astronomical event on August 2, 2027, as the longest total solar eclipse of the century takes place, lasting up to six minutes and 22 seconds.

According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, this eclipse will be the most significant since 1991 and will not occur again over land until 2114, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event for astronomers and skywatchers worldwide.

The eclipse will be total across large parts of North Africa and will be visible, either totally or partially, in Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

The Egyptian city of Luxor is expected to be one of the best locations globally to observe the phenomenon, prompting many tourists to plan trips that combine eclipse viewing with visits to the region’s renowned archaeological sites.

Astronomy experts noted that in certain areas, the moon will completely cover the sun, plunging the region into near-total darkness for several minutes, creating a rare and striking spectacle.

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Berlin, Dec. 30 (SANA) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that 2025 was the most devastating year for millions of children globally, particularly in Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as other conflict zones.

The agency reported that hunger, disease, and war have severely affected children’s lives. For the first time, both Sudan and Gaza faced famine in the same year, caused by war and conflict. In Darfur, famine was recorded in 2024 and 2025, while in Gaza, parts of the city suffered famine during the summer after war and a blockade restricted aid. About 100,000 children in Gaza continue to face severe food insecurity.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 35,000 cases of sexual violence against children were documented, alongside the worst cholera outbreak in 25 years.
Christian Schneider, Executive Director of UNICEF Germany, said, “Child hunger and poverty are not inevitable disasters—they reflect a failure in global policies and societal responsibility. Children bear the heaviest burden, despite being innocent.”

UNICEF reports that one in five children now lives in conditions of war, disease, or displacement—nearly double the figure from the mid-1990s—and grave violations against children and attacks on aid workers reached unprecedented levels in 2025.

The agency has launched a $7.66 billion appeal to fund its 2026 humanitarian operations, aiming to reach 73 million children with emergency aid and long-term support.

Tartous, Dec. 30 (SANA) The Syrian Counter-Terrorism Branch in Tartous has arrested Adib Ali Suleiman, a former security official implicated in multiple crimes during the era of the ousted regime, the Ministry of Interior reported.

Colonel Abdul-Al Muhammad Abdul-Al, head of Internal Security in Tartous, stated that the operation targeted Suleiman, who previously headed Branch 220 of Military Security, known as the Sa’sa’ Branch.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Suleiman played a direct role in coordinating security and military operations, including facilitating the entry of foreign armed groups into Syria, such as Hezbollah fighters, and deploying them in southern regions, particularly in Quneitra Governorate.

The investigations also reveal his involvement in organized smuggling networks, in coordination with Hezbollah leaders, including the illegal import of narcotics intended for export. Suleiman reportedly oversaw extensive recruitment within militias affiliated with the ousted regime and maintained direct contacts with foreign entities.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the detainee has been referred to the competent judicial authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Damascus, Dec.30 (SANA) Four Syrian choirs came together on the stage of the Damascus Opera House for a festive musical evening marking the farewell to 2025, blending Christmas hymns with choral performances in a celebration of music, hope and togetherness.

The concert opened with the Mar Afram Syriac Choir, conducted by Maestro Shadi Amil Sarwa, performing hymns in Syriac and Aramaic, followed by a piece dedicated to displaced families and those still unable to return to their homes. A solo performance by a child choir member highlighted the impact of conflict on children, setting a reflective tone for the evening.

The program continued with performances by the “Itr Choir” (Perfume choir), led by Maestro Hussein Kaddour, which brought together singers of different ages in well-known Christmas hymns. The Syrian National School Choir, conducted by Maestro Riad Marashli, added an international flavor by performing joyful holiday songs in English.

The Qasid Choir, under Maestro Kamal Skiker, also took part, performing Christmas pieces and songs by the late Lebanese artist Wadih el-Safi, reflecting the region’s shared musical heritage.

The evening concluded with a joint performance by all participating choirs alongside the Dixieland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Dalama Shehab, in a collective finale that was met with warm applause from the audience.

Damascus, Dec.30 (SANA) Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra met in Damascus with Major General Patrick Gauchat, Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)and the accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed mission-related issues and ways to enhance coordination on matters of mutual interest.

Damascus, Dec.30 (SANA) Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar met with Minister of Administrative Development Mohammad Hassan al-Skaf on Monday to discuss plans to develop and restructure the Ministry of Economy and Industry in line with current requirements and the economic and administrative changes taking place in Syria.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Damascus, focused on a number of key issues, including strengthening coordination among administrative units and exploring ways to improve electronic service systems to streamline procedures for beneficiaries.

Al-Shaar stressed that restructuring is a fundamental step toward enhancing institutional performance efficiency and improving the quality of services provided. He underscored the importance of aligning the administrative structure with current economic challenges.

For his part, al-Skaf highlighted the need to modernize administrative systems, develop human resources, and activate work mechanisms in order to achieve greater flexibility and effectiveness in government performance.

The meeting comes within the framework of the government’s broader approach to updating the administrative structure of public institutions, raising their efficiency in line with economic recovery requirements, and improving the business environment in Syria.

R.K

Damascus, Dec.30 (SANA)   US President Donald Trump praised the efforts of President Ahmed al-Sharaa in leading Syria, expressing hope that Syria and Israel would reach an understanding in the period ahead.

US media quoted Trump as making the remarks during a meeting with the Israeli prime minister in the US state of Florida on Monday, where he said he respects President al-Sharaa and described him as “a strong man doing a good job for the prosperity of his country.”

Trump added that he hopes Syria and Israel can reach an understanding, noting that developments in Syria this year have been remarkable. He reiterated that the United States is working to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East, stressing that Damascus is an integral part of that peace.

Earlier this month, Trump said that what Syria has witnessed this year was “amazing,” reaffirming Washington’s efforts to promote sustainable stability across the region.

On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Trump said he is seeking to reach the second phase of the ceasefire agreement as quickly as possible. He acknowledged that the agreement faces obstacles preventing progress to advanced stages, while noting efforts to create new momentum to move the process forward.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation continues to violate the ceasefire agreement that entered into force on October 10, through ongoing attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and by obstructing and preventing the flow of humanitarian and relief aid to the devastated areas.

Homs, Dec 29 (SANA)  A national Christmas evening blending patriotic songs with traditional Christmas hymns was held at St. Elias Church in the town of al-Hawash in the Homs countryside, highlighting the values of national belonging, love and peace during the Christmas season.

The event featured performances by the Children’s Choir of St. Elias Church and the Our Lady of the Valley Choir, combining national anthems with Christmas carols in a program that underscored the central place of the homeland in collective and spiritual life.

Mai Al-Waisi, head of the Children’s Choir at St. Elias Church, said the evening conveyed a message about the importance of the homeland as a foundation in people’s lives, noting that holding the event during the Christmas season reflected the idea that love of country is inseparable from celebration and faith.

She added that the children’s choir includes 50 members, and that the first part of the program focused on national songs expressing pride in the homeland and aspirations to build it through love and peace.

Father Polycarpos Rizk, priest of St. Elias Church, said the evening’s spiritual atmosphere elevated the audience through the voices of children and youth, combining religious praise with expressions of devotion to the homeland.

Meanwhile, Deacon Jawarjios Deeb, supervisor of the Our Lady of the Valley Choir and a servant of the al-Hawash parish, said the second part of the evening featured Christmas hymns performed by the emerging choir from the St. John of Damascus School for Byzantine Church Chant and Music.

He said the hymns placed the audience in the spirit of Christmas while reinforcing values of love and peace and linking national songs with Christmas traditions.

The evening was part of a broader series of cultural and spiritual activities taking place across towns in the Homs countryside during the holiday season.

R.A

New York, Dec.29 (SANA) Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said that Israel has been occupying the Syrian Golan for nearly sixty years, and the UN General Assembly reaffirmed Syria’s sovereignty over the Golan this month, with 123 countries voting for the necessity of Israel’s complete withdrawal from the area.

“Israel continues fortification operations in the disengagement zone, while also persisting in violating international laws. In contrast, Syria has demonstrated full commitment to international legitimacy despite repeated incursions, assaults on Syrian civilians and acts of abduction.” Olabi added in a session of the UN Security Council Monday.

He added that “Israel” is obstructing the work of the UN peacekeeping force in the occupied Syrian Golan, and it must withdraw from Mount Hermon and abide by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Today, the United Nations Security Council has approved the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Syrian Golan for six months.

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Damascus, Dec. 29 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa officially launched the new national currency Monday at the Conference Palace in Damascus, the ceremony was attended by Mrs. Latifa al-Droubi.

President al-Sharaa and the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdulkader Husrieh, unveiled the new banknotes during the event.

President al-Sharaa said the redenomination marks the end of an era and the start of a new stage for Syria, emphasizing that removing zeros from the old currency eases transactions but does not itself improve the economy. He stressed that economic growth depends on higher production, lower unemployment, and a stable banking sector.

President al-Sharaa called for calm during the transition, assuring citizens that old notes will be exchanged gradually according to a structured timeline. The new notes, reflecting Syria’s heritage, aim to simplify trade, reduce dollar dependence, and restore confidence in the Syrian pound.

Advisor Abdulah Al-Shamma noted that the reform strategy rests on five pillars: monetary stability, a transparent exchange market, a robust banking sector, secure digital payments, and sustainable international financial integration.

Damascus, Dec.29 (SANA) Governor of the Central Bank of Syria (CBS) Abdulkader Husrieh said on Monday that the banknotes redenomination will take place over 90 days, extendable if needed, adding the step helps stabilize prices as pricing during this phase will be in both the old and new currencies.

“Our vision is to make the Central Bank of Syria the national pillar of stability, and within this vision came the decision to replace the currency. It is a technical process that does not change the value of the currency, but is merely a redenomination,” Husrieh added during a dialogue panel at a celebration to launch the new Syrian banknotes.  

CBS Governor affirmed that the Bank has benefited from the experiences of successful countries in currency redenomination, such as the French and German experiments, especially since they followed the end of a war or a major political change.

“We received the central bank in a catastrophic state because of the practices of the deposed regime, and despite the challenges, we succeeded in achieving stability,” Husrieh said.

He added that the currency redenomination will not affect the exchange rate, and it is expected to help people rely more on the Syrian pound in their daily transactions.

He called on citizens to boost confidence in the Syrian pound and to be reassured about the currency renomination process.

“We emphasize that the replacement deadlines we have set are essential to ensure the smooth progress of this process, and that there is no room for increased inflation or rising prices,” Husrieh added.

He demanded merchants and money change dealers to abide by the regulations and laws, and not to exploit the currency exchange process.

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Lattakia, Dec. 29 (SANA) Internal Security forces in the Jableh area arrested Zulfiqar Mahmoud Deeb, identified as a member of the deposed regime’s remnants, during a high-precision security operation carried out in Baabda village, the Interior Ministry said on Monday via Telegram.

The ministry said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was involved in terrorist attacks that targeted army and internal security positions along the coast on March 6. It added that the suspect is also implicated in acts of desecration of the bodies of martyrs who were killed during those attacks.

The Interior Ministry said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to pursue the deposed regime’s remnants and anyone who threatens the safety of the country and its citizens, emphasizing that justice will take its course and that security services will continue their work relentlessly to uproot all pockets of terrorism.