SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Homs, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian security forces in Homs have arrested a man accused of writing sectarian and inflammatory slogans on walls across the city of Homs, a security source said.

The source told SANA that the arrest followed the circulation of a video on social media that shows the suspect writing the graffiti.

The suspect has been taken into custody, and legal proceedings are underway ahead of a referral to the relevant judicial authorities.

Johannesburg, Dec.24 (SANA) A newly published scientific study is reigniting debate over human evolution in Africa after researchers suggested that the famous “Little Foot” fossil may belong to a previously unidentified species of early human ancestors.

The fossil, estimated to be more than three million years old, was analyzed in a study published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology. Researchers say its anatomical features do not fully align with any known hominin species, raising the possibility that it represents a distinct branch of the human family tree.

The research was led by Jesse Martin of La Trobe University in Australia, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Cambridge. According to the study, key differences were found in the base of the skull and the length of the spinal cord, features that may distinguish “Little Foot” from other early hominins.

Discovered in South Africa’s Sterkfontein Caves, the fossil was first uncovered in 1994 but was only formally introduced to the scientific community in 2017 after years of careful excavation and analysis. It is regarded as one of the most complete early human skeletons ever found.

Scientists remain divided over the fossil’s precise age. Some place it at around 3.67 million years old, while others argue it is closer to 2.8 million years old. The disagreement underscores ongoing challenges in reconstructing the complex and diverse evolutionary history of early humans in Africa.

Moscow, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said Wednesday that Syrian-Russian relations are entering a new phase, emphasizing that talks between the two countries are now conducted with greater transparency and openness.

Speaking after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, al-Shaibani said the goal is to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic level that serves the interests of both nations, while maintaining balanced and stable relations with all countries.

Al-Shaibani expressed hope that 2026 would mark a turning point for the Syrians, moving beyond the 14-year war and the legacy of the previous regime. He highlighted the lifting of international sanctions on Syria as a key achievement.

The foreign minister stressed that reconstruction efforts are guided by a “genuine national will,” with the government prioritizing the rebuilding of infrastructure and addressing humanitarian needs. He noted that roughly four million homes were destroyed during the war, millions of Syrians remain displaced abroad, and around 250,000 people are still missing since the era of the former regime.

Al-Shaibani also said that in just one year, Syria had successfully halted drug trafficking linked to the previous regime. He underscored the country’s desire to attract foreign investment to boost the economy and create jobs, describing it as a key area for international cooperation.

Russia Reaffirms Support for Syria

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He referred to the Syrian delegation’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, which addressed bilateral relations, regional developments, and coordination on international platforms.

The Russian foreign minister also cited Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow last October as “highly fruitful,” emphasizing that it reinforced Russia’s unwavering support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity.
Lavrov added that the Syrian-Russian Joint Committee on Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation had agreed to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the two nations.

Al-Shaibani and Lavrov also emphasized their rejection of Israel’s repeated violations of Syrian territory, underlining the need to respect international law and relevant resolutions of the international community.

Rejection of Israeli Violations

Al-Shaibani arrived in Moscow Tuesday accompanied by Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra and senior intelligence officials. Together, they discussed political, military, and economic issues of mutual interest with President Putin.

President al-Sharaa visited Moscow on October 15, where he met with President Putin and discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syria expressed its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Libya following the death of Libyan Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Gen. Mohammed al-Haddad, and members of his accompanying delegation in a military plane crash in Turkey, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

“The Syrian Arab Republic expresses its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Libya on the death of the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces and his companions, who passed away as a result of their plane crash,” the statement said.

The ministry said Syria extends its condolences to the leadership of the Libyan Armed Forces and to the families of the deceased, affirming its solidarity and support for Libya during this painful circumstance.

The statement added that Syria affirms the depth of the bonds of brotherhood that unite the two countries and their peoples, asking God to grant mercy to the deceased and patience to their families.

Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh announced late Tuesday the death of the Libyan army chief and his companions after their aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara, at the conclusion of an official visit to Turkey.

DAMASCUS, Dec. 24 (SANA) Minister of Finance Mohammad Yisr Barnieh discussed with Canadian Ambassador to Damascus Gregory Galligan avenues for technical support and capacity building that Canada could provide in the fields of public finance and the financial sector, with a particular focus on affordable mortgage financing and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Damascus, Barnieh highlighted opportunities to benefit from Canada’s experience in areas including education, health coverage, basic services, and private-sector support programs.

The talks also included proposals to organize workshops for Canadian investors in Syria, in coordination with the Syrian-Canadian business sector, chambers of commerce and industry, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the Investment Authority.

For his part, Ambassador Galligan affirmed the Canadian government’s interest in providing the necessary support to Syria, with the aim of ensuring the success of the recovery process, consolidating stability, and advancing reconstruction efforts.

Earlier this month, on Dec. 5, the Canadian government announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria and the removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, citing steps taken by the Syrian government to enhance stability. This move aligns with recent decisions taken by Canada’s allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States.

R.A

Quneitra, Dec. 24 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces attacked women and children while they were collecting wild mushrooms in the northern Quneitra countryside and carried out separate incursions in Quneitra and western Daraa, detaining several civilians in repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

SANA’s reporter in Quneitra reported on Wednesday that an Israeli occupation patrol, consisting of two vehicles, a Hilux and a military Hummer, fired smoke bombs toward women and children in the area between the villages of al-Adnaniyah and Ruihina while they were gathering mushrooms, forcing them to flee the area.

The reporter added that Israeli occupation forces had also infiltrated several locations in both the northern and southern Quneitra countryside on Tuesday, detaining two young men for several hours before releasing them later.

In a separate incident, an Israeli occupation military force infiltrated the town of Jamlah in the western countryside of Daraa at dawn on Wednesday. According to a SANA’s reporter in Daraa, a patrol comprising six military vehicles entered the town, spread through several residential neighborhoods, and carried out search and raid operations that resulted in the detention of two residents before withdrawing from the area.
The incursion caused a state of anxiety among local residents due to the heavy presence of military vehicles inside residential areas.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through incursions and attacks on civilians in southern Syria.

Syria has repeatedly demanded the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from its territory, affirming that all measures taken by the occupation in southern Syria are null and void and have no legal effect under international law, and has called on the international community to assume its responsibilities and deter the occupation’s practices.

R.H

New York, Dec. 24 (SANA) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Wednesday that humanitarian needs across Syria “remain severe,” with 16.5 million people, nearly two-thirds of the population, still requiring assistance.

The UN News website quoted OCHA as saying it continues, together with its partners, to coordinate with the Syrian government and monitor developments in Aleppo, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) has sent emergency medical supplies to health authorities as part of the response to recent developments.

OCHA said coordination efforts are ongoing with relevant authorities while the situation in Aleppo continues to be closely monitored, where a ceasefire agreement was reached last night.

Last Monday, several neighborhoods in Aleppo were targeted with mortar shells, rocket launchers and heavy machine guns by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), killing four civilians and injuring 15 others, according to local authorities. Internal security forces evacuated civilians and worked to ensure their safety following the attacks.

OCHA said explosive ordnance contamination continues to pose a major threat to civilians across Syria. In November alone, 21 people were killed and more than 60 injured, half of them children, due to unexploded ordnance and remnants of war.

On the education front, the UN said 2.5 million children remain out of school, while 40 percent of schools are non-operational nationwide.

Despite limited humanitarian funding, the UN said it and its humanitarian partners reached more than 3 million people each month this year with humanitarian assistance.

Moscow, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani on Wednesday affirmed that Syrian-Russian relations are entering a new era based on mutual respect.

During his meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow, al-Shaibani said: “We continue the reconstruction in Syria with strong national will, and we aspire for balanced relations with all countries.”

Al-Shaibani added that efforts are underway to attract investments to Syria to improve the economic situation.

For his part, Lavrov noted that the meeting discussed various issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial unity and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

On Tuesday, Minister al-Shaibani and Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss political, military, and economic issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on strategic cooperation in the defense industry sector.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh met with Lisa Jean, Country Director of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Syria, to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in the emergency response field and support for the recovery phase.

The talks, held Tuesday in Damascus, emphasized the importance of boosting efforts in the water sector and rehabilitating irrigation canals. They also focused on supporting farmers in facing the effects of drought and enhancing mine clearance programs to provide a safer environment for development.

Minister al-Saleh underlined the importance of cooperation with the DRC and the Syrian government’s commitment to expanding partnerships with international organizations to ensure effective disaster response and sustainable recovery support.

In turn, Jean praised the cooperation with the ministry and reiterated the council’s readiness to continue supporting humanitarian and development programs in Syria.

R.A

Vatican, Dec. 24 (SANA) Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican called on Tuesday for a one-day truce across the entire world on Christmas Day.

“I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” Agence France-Presse quoted Pope Leo as saying as he left his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome to return to the Vatican.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Defense has expressed condolences to Libya following the death of Libyan Chief of Staff General Mohammed al-Haddad and members of his delegation in a military plane crash in Turkey.

In a statement, the ministry said it received the news “with deep sorrow and grief” and extended its sympathy to Libya’s Ministry of Defense. It expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and prayed for mercy on the deceased and strength for their loved ones.

The crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Ankara, ending a visit by the Libyan military delegation to Turkey. Libya’s Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, confirmed the deaths late Tuesday.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Head of Syria’s Investment Authority met Tuesday with a delegation from U.S. energy giant GE Vernova to discuss potential investments and technology transfer to the Syrian market.

The Authority’s Director-General, Talal al-Hilali, outlined Syria’s investment law, highlighting incentives and opportunities for foreign companies. He noted that GE Vernova’s business areas align closely with Syria’s national development priorities and could play a key role in supporting technology transfer and economic growth.

The GE Vernova delegation expressed interest in entering the Syrian market and contributing to the nation’s rehabilitation and development. They also emphasized their readiness to share expertise in education and capacity-building within the relevant sectors.

The meeting is part of Syria’s broader push to attract strategic international investments aimed at developing vital industries and advancing sustainable development.
GE Vernova is a leading global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments.

Rabat, Dec. 24 (SANA) Nigeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, taking early control of Group C.

Semi Ajayi gave Nigeria the lead in the 36th minute, before Tanzania responded after the break through Charles M’Mombwa in the 50th. The Super Eagles quickly restored their advantage just two minutes later, when Ademola Lookman struck a powerful shot past goalkeeper Foba to seal the win.

The result puts Nigeria top of Group C, which also features Tunisia and Uganda.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian businesswomen are seeking new export opportunities for women-led enterprises through their participation in the Motex Khan al-Harir exhibition, currently underway at the Damascus Exhibition City.

The initiative follows the success of another event called Basmet Fan (Art imprint) forum dedicated to supporting women’s creativity and small-scale entrepreneurship. Building on that momentum, the Businesswomen’s Committee at the Damascus and Countryside Chamber of Industry is using Motex as a platform to move women’s fashion products from local showcases to international markets.

“Our goal is to take these projects beyond the local market and into the export arena,” said Wafaa Abu Labdeh, head of the Businesswomen’s Committee. She noted that the exhibition highlights handmade and embroidered garments produced with a high level of craftsmanship.

According to Abu Labdeh, the committee supported participants throughout the production process, from design and sourcing materials to final manufacturing, ensuring that each displayed piece represents a viable small business and reflects the designer’s individual identity.

Eight women-led projects are featured in the committee’s pavilion, presenting collections distinguished by original designs, careful workmanship, and high quality. The displays have drawn interest from Arab traders and international visitors, underscoring the added value of Syrian handmade fashion within an export-focused exhibition.

Participation in Motex provides direct support to Syrian products and contributes to the long-term sustainability of women-owned enterprises.
Fashion designer Suzan al-Barnim, one of the exhibitors, said Motex offers an important opportunity to introduce Syrian women’s fashion to new markets. Her collection includes formal jackets, trousers, skirts, handmade pieces inspired by Eastern aesthetics, and special designs for Ramadan that combine elegance with traditional identity.

The Motex Khan al-Harir exhibition, which focuses on the Spring–Summer 2026 season, opened on Monday. It is organized by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Damascus and Aleppo in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and features more than 250 Syrian companies from the apparel, textile, and logistics sectors.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan al-Halabi, met with Armenia’s Ambassador to Syria, Rouben Kharazian, on Tuesday to discuss expanding cooperation in scientific research and student exchange programs between the two countries.

The talks focused on strengthening academic partnerships, renewing existing agreements, and establishing new mechanisms for collaboration between Syrian and Armenian universities.

Al-Halabi said the ministry is seeking to deepen cooperation in joint scientific research, university accreditation, academic and professional exchanges, medical education, and collaboration between university hospitals. He stated the importance of drafting a bilateral memorandum of understanding to formalize future cooperation.

Kharazian highlighted at the meeting, the long-standing historical ties between the Syrian and Armenian peoples and stressed the importance of revitalizing scientific and cultural cooperation. He noted Armenia’s extensive experience in international student exchange programs and expressed readiness to expand such initiatives with Syrian institutions.

The ambassador said the Armenian embassy is prepared to serve as a liaison between the two ministries of higher education and to coordinate with Armenian education authorities on drafting a new cooperation agreement and developing a roadmap for future bilateral engagement.

Syria and Armenia share deep historical links, including long-established Armenian communities in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, Damascus, and Hasakah. The two countries also maintain city-twinning agreements, including a partnership between Damascus and Yerevan that has been in place since 1998.

Damascus, Dec 23 (SANA) The Syrian Chemical Society, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, held a ceremony on Tuesday evening to mark the 80th anniversary of its establishment, honoring a number of academics, experts, and industrialists working in the chemical sector, as well as winners of the Syrian Scientific Olympiad who have received international awards.

The event, held at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, highlighted the Society’s longstanding role in advancing chemical sciences in Syria and supporting professionals in the field.

Founded in Damascus in 1945 and officially registered in 1960 under No. 440, the Syrian Chemical Society is one of the country’s earliest professional associations. It has branches across several governorates and aims to promote chemical sciences, serve and represent Syrian chemists, defend their professional interests, develop their capacities, and harness chemical sciences in community development and in supporting economic and social development processes.

A/Dh

Moscow, Dec 23 (SANA) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Minister of Defense Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday to discuss a range of political, military, and economic issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on strategic cooperation in the military industries sector.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed ways to advance military and technical partnership in a manner that strengthens the defensive capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army and keeps pace with modern developments in military industries. Discussions focused on upgrading military equipment, transferring technical expertise and know-how, and expanding cooperation in research and development, contributing to the enhancement of Syria’s national defense system and supporting security and stability in Syria and the region.

On the political front, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of continued political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow in international forums. They reaffirmed the necessity of respecting international law and rejected all forms of external interference in the internal affairs of states.

Economically, the meeting addressed prospects for expanding economic and trade cooperation, including support for reconstruction projects, development of infrastructure sectors, and encouragement of investment in Syria. The talks also covered boosting trade exchange and facilitating partnerships in ways that positively impact the Syrian economy and contribute to improving living conditions.

President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s steadfast support for Syria, stressing the importance of preserving Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, and full sovereignty, and rejecting any projects aimed at partitioning the country or undermining its independent national decision. He also renewed Moscow’s condemnation of repeated Israeli violations of Syrian territory, describing them as a direct threat to regional security and stability.

A/Dh

Damascus, Dec. 23 (SANA) Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir met on Tuesday with Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh to discuss ways to enhance security and safety in institutions and companies affiliated with the Ministry of Energy, during a meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus.

The two sides reviewed mechanisms for developing comprehensive security and safety plans, applying approved standards across various departments, and drafting clear policies to ensure the sustainability of preventive measures within the energy sector.

Both ministers stressed the importance of training and qualifying human resources, raising preparedness levels, and strengthening institutional cooperation and coordination in the preparation and implementation of safety procedures, in order to provide the highest levels of protection for workers and facilities.

The meeting comes as part of the Energy Ministry’s efforts to entrench a culture of occupational safety and develop its organizational structure, enhancing its capacity to respond to emergencies and disasters with efficiency and high effectiveness.

Damascus, Dec. 23 (SANA) Transport Minister Yarub Badr on Tuesday discussed a set of visions and ideas for the development of the Damascus International Airport highway with a delegation from Qatar’s UCC Holding, during a meeting held at the ministry headquarters in Damascus.

The company’s delegation presented an outline for upgrading the road extending from Damascus International Airport through the city of Damascus to the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing. The proposal divides the route into four sections based on usage patterns and the surrounding environment.

The presentation included recommendations for rehabilitation works, surface treatments, color schemes and lighting poles, in addition to landscaping, sidewalks and traffic signage, with the aim of enhancing the road’s appearance and meeting high road safety standards.

The meeting also reviewed several international models for airport gateway design, with the objective of developing a modern main entrance for Damascus International Airport that reflects the state’s new visual identity and aligns with international standards.

Minister Badr underscored the project’s strategic importance, stressing the need to prepare standard design plans and submit them to the ministry. He also proposed holding a follow-up meeting to review technical details and the implementation timetable.

The project falls within the Transport Ministry’s efforts to modernize road transport infrastructure and improve traffic safety in line with international standards, while reflecting the state’s new visual identity. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships with experienced regional and international companies and draw on global best practices in designing and implementing key road projects, particularly those linked to airports and border crossings, in support of economic development and the image of Syria’s transport sector.