SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec. 25 (SANA) Syrian security forces have conducted a second operation against ISIS members in the Damascus area, killing a senior ISIS figure known as the “Wali of Hauran.”

The Interior Ministry said that specialized units in Damascus countryside, working with the General Intelligence Directorate and in coordination with international coalition forces, carried out a precise operation in the town of Al-Buweida, near Qatana southwest of Damascus. The operation was based on verified intelligence and careful field surveillance.

The ministry said the raid resulted in the neutralization of Mohammed Shahadeh, also known as Abu Omar Shaddad, one of ISIS’s senior commanders in Syria, who posed a direct threat to local security and the safety of residents.

The ministry emphasized that the operation reflects effective coordination between national security agencies and international partners, and forms part of ongoing efforts to preemptively strike terrorist groups, strengthen stability, and protect civilians.

On Wednesday, internal security forces also carried out an operation targeting an ISIS hideout in Maadamiya, southwestern Damascus resulting in the arrest of the group’s local leader in Damascus (Wali of Damascus) and several of his aides.

Ankara, Dec.25 (SANA) The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday that Turkish authorities have detained 115 suspects linked to the ISIS terrorist organization following intelligence indicating plans to carry out attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations in the country.

According to a statement cited by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, investigations conducted by the Counterterrorism Directorate of the Istanbul Security Department revealed information suggesting that ISIS was preparing assaults targeting non-Muslims during the holiday period.

The statement said that simultaneous raids were carried out at 124 locations across Istanbul, during which firearms, ammunition and a number of organizational documents were seized. The operations resulted in the arrest of 115 suspects, while efforts are continuing to apprehend others who remain at large.

Two days earlier, Turkish intelligence announced the capture of a senior ISIS leader in an operation conducted in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Earlier this month, on December 5, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that 233 individuals suspected of either belonging to or financing ISIS were arrested during coordinated security operations carried out across several Turkish provinces.

Daraa, Dec.25 (SANA) A school vaccination campaign targeting first- and sixth-grade students of basic education was launched on Wednesday in schools across Daraa city and its surrounding areas in southern Syria, benefiting around 10,000 male and female pupils.

Ali al-Hariri, head of the School Health Department at the Daraa Directorate of Education, said the campaign was launched at the governorate level, starting from Daraa city, and will continue until all targeted pupils receive the required vaccines.
He added that all medical supplies, transportation and logistical requirements needed to ensure the success of the campaign have been secured.

Al-Hariri said the general health situation in all Daraa schools is good, with no infectious diseases or epidemics recorded, based on regular reports submitted by doctors and health assistants who carry out periodic school visits.

Health assistant Fatima Muslimani said the campaign will later expand to include all schools across Daraa governorate, targeting around 60,000 pupils in total, in line with the approved plan.

A number of students highlighted the importance of the vaccination campaign in protecting their health, expressing appreciation for the efforts of the School Health Department in providing essential vaccines and monitoring public health conditions in schools.

The school vaccination campaign comes as part of the Ministry of Education’s strategy, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, to limit the spread of diseases affecting children through continued supplementary vaccination programs.

R.H

Damascus, Dec.25 (SANA) The Damascus countryside branch of the Syrian Union of Visual Artists opened on Wednesday an art exhibition titled “Syria through the Eyes of Visual Artists,” featuring around 45 artworks by 34 artists at the Louay Kayyali Hall in the Arab Cultural Center in Damascus.

The exhibited works represent a range of artistic schools, including realism, expressionism, abstraction and cubism, alongside documentary-style pieces that reflect the suffering of Syrians during the years of the Syrian revolution and capture details of their daily lives.

Mahmoud Salem, head of exhibitions and activities at the Damascus countryside branch of the union, said in a statement to SANA that the exhibition comes as a national artistic celebration accompanying Syrians’ joy over victory and liberation.

He noted that artists expressed this stage through brush, color and creative work, in the same way the Syrian street conveys its feelings and experiences.

Salem said realism and expressionism are among the artistic approaches closest to expressing the current situation in Syria, given their ability to convey pain and hope together with direct visual honesty. He stressed, however, the artist’s freedom to choose style and tools, while respecting all schools of visual art.

Salem emphasized that art today plays a central role in reinforcing national awareness, describing the artist as an integral part of society whose artwork serves as a visual document reflecting the life, emotions and experience of the Syrian people at a pivotal stage.

The exhibition opening was attended by the head of the Syrian Union of Visual Artists, Mohammad Sobhi al-Sayyid Yahya, along with a large gathering of artists and intellectuals.

The Damascus countryside branch of the union has organized a series of exhibitions in several areas of the governorate to mark Liberation Day, the most recent of which was an exhibition by artist Abdul Latif Hashem at the Cultural Center in Zabadani.

DOHA, Dec.25 (SANA) Syrian national team weightlifter Mohammad Al-Kateb won a total of 14 medals at the Arab Weightlifting Championships, the West Asia Weightlifting Championships and the Qatar Cup, which are currently being held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, in the Gulf region.

At the Arab Championships, Al-Kateb secured three medals — gold, silver and bronze — in the youth category, in addition to two silver medals in the men’s category.

In the West Asia Championships, he won three gold medals in the youth category and three silver medals in the men’s category.

Al-Kateb added further podium finishes at the Qatar Cup, earning one silver medal and two bronze medals.

Other Syrian lifters also recorded notable results. Khaled Amiesh won three bronze medals in the West Asia youth category, while young athlete Lujain Zarqa claimed three gold medals in the West Asia girls’ category and three silver medals in the Arab Championships girls’ category.

The competitions are part of the official regional calendar of Olympic weightlifting and feature youth and senior lifters from Arab and West Asian countries.

Quneitra, Dec. 25 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces carried out raids on several villages in the southern Quneitra countryside on Thursday morning, local sources reported.

SANA’s reporter in Quneitra said that two Israeli vehicles entered villages, including Tel Ahmar Gharbi, Kudna, Ayn Ziwan, and Suwaisa, where they stopped and searched residents.

The raids follow an incident on Wednesday evening when Israeli forces targeted al-Mantara Dam in northern Quneitra with a drone.

Syria has consistently demanded an end to Israeli violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, and urged the international community to take action to prevent further violations.

Damascus, Dec. 25 (SANA) Christian communities across Syria marked Christmas on Thursday with prayers and church services, expressing hopes for peace, security, and stability in the country and whole world.

Churches in Damascus, Homs, Tartous, and other cities held Christmas Masses attended by worshippers from various Christian denominations, as clergy emphasized themes of reconciliation, unity, and hope.

In Damascus, Christmas services were held at several major churches, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Dormition, where Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef al-Absi led Mass alongside senior clergy. In his sermon, he highlighted the values associated with Christmas, including tolerance and compassion, and hopes of peace for Syria and the wider world.

At the Mariamite Cathedral, Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi presided over Christmas Mass, describing the holiday as a message of joy and peace and calling on Syrians to work together for the country’s future.

Christmas services were also held by Syriac Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Chaldean, and Latin Catholic communities in the capital, with church leaders stressing reconciliation, forgiveness, and social cohesion. Several clergy expressed appreciation for security measures around churches during the celebrations.

In Homs, worshippers gathered at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in the city’s historic al-Hamidiyah district for Christmas Eve Mass. Church leaders described the occasion as a symbol of resilience and unity in a city that was heavily damaged during the war. Candles were lit during the service, symbolizing hope and renewal.

In Tartous, Christmas Masses were held in multiple churches with large attendance from families. Clergy highlighted the shared traditions between Syria’s religious communities and described Christmas as a moment of national unity, bringing together Christians and Muslims alike through mutual greetings and shared customs.

Many worshippers said the holiday was not only a religious celebration but also a reminder of common human values, including peace, solidarity, and cooperation. Across the country, priests used the occasion to call for unity among Syrians and for continued efforts to rebuild the country and restore normal life.

Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays for Syria’s Christian communities, who have maintained centuries-old traditions despite years of displacement and hardship caused by the war.

Damascus, Dec. 25 (SANA) Residents of Saydnaya, a historic town north of Damascus, celebrated Christmas Eve on Wednesday with a festive street carnival organized by the Agia Sophia Ceremonial Band of the Melkite Greek Catholic community.

The “Prince of Peace” carnival wound through the town’s main streets, featuring live music, Christmas hymns, and handmade displays of traditional holiday symbols, including the Nativity scene, the star, and the Christmas tree. Religious icons commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ were also on display. Residents and visitors lined the streets to watch the procession.

Father Taher Youssef, parish priest of Agia Sophia, said that the celebration highlighted Christmas as a message of joy and peace, expressing hope that it would inspire unity and reconciliation in Syria and beyond.

Nadia al-Sheikh, head of the ceremonial band, said the performances and artistic displays aimed to reflect the spiritual meaning of Christmas, offering a message of hope for the future.

Local residents welcomed the event, noting that it brought a festive atmosphere to the town. Many described the carnival as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and promote values of love and peace during the holiday season.

Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays for Christian communities, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is traditionally observed with church services, family gatherings, and public celebrations, emphasizing themes of peace, solidarity, and goodwill.

HOMS, Dec.25 (SANA) The town of Al-Hawash in the western countryside of Homs, witnessed festive Christmas celebrations on Wednesday, marked by a community carnival that included lighting a landmark bearing the phrase “I Love Al-Hawash,” alongside entertainment activities and the distribution of gifts.

Speaking to SANA, Father Polycarpos Rizk, priest of the St. Elias Parish in Al-Hawash, said celebrating Christmas offers an opportunity to promote the values of goodness and peace, expressing hope that peace would prevail throughout Syria.

He said the lighting of the landmark represents a first step stemming from the sincere feelings of the town’s residents, reflecting their love for their village and pride in their national identity. Rizk stressed that every village is an integral part of Syria, and that joint efforts are essential to building a future based on love and equality, where all citizens share a common destiny.

Residents taking part in the carnival said the event spread joy among families and reinforced values of solidarity and social cohesion. They voiced hope that Christmas would bring goodness to Syria and its people, and that the new year would usher in peace, stability and joy for all Syrians.

The carnival came as part of wider community initiatives celebrating Christmas and promoting values of love and peace, while reaffirming the unity and solidarity of Syrians despite ongoing challenges.

R.H

Damascus, Dec.25(SANA)The Internal Security units in Damascus Countryside, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate and International Coalition forces, carried out a tightly coordinated security operation targeting one of ISIS’s hideouts in the city of Maadamiya. The operation resulted in the arrest of the organization’s leader in Damascus, along with several of his aides.

“Our specialized units, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate and International Coalition forces, carried out a precise security operation targeting one of ISIS’s hideouts in Maadamiya, Damascus Countryside, following extensive monitoring and intensive intelligence surveillance.” Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of Internal Security in Damascus Countryside, said in a statement released by the Ministry of Interior on its Telegram channel.

Al-Dalati added that the operation led to the arrest of the terrorist group’s leader in Damascus,known as the “Wali of Damascus”,identified as Taha al-Zoubi, also called “Abu Omar Tibiya,” along with several of his aides. A suicide belt and a military weapon were seized in his possession. He stressed that this represents a crippling blow to the organization and highlights the high readiness of Syria’s security apparatus to confront any threat to the safety of the governorate and its surroundings.

Al-Dalati concluded: “We send a clear message to anyone who dares to engage in terrorism or support ISIS: the hand of justice will reach them wherever they are, and they will find no refuge on our land. Syria’s security is a red line, and we will continue to strike with an iron fist until the complete eradication of the remnants of terrorism and its hideouts.”

MHD

Lattakia, Dec, 24 (SANA) Lattakia’s Internal Security Commander Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz Hilal al-Ahmad announced that special units of the Internal Security Command, in cooperation with the Counterterrorism Branch and a unit of the Syrian Arab Army, carried out a “qualitative security operation” on Wednesday morning targeting a group belonging to a cell known as “Saraya al-Jawad,” affiliated with the criminal Suheil al-Hassan, in the countryside of Jableh.

In a statement by the Ministry of Interior on Telegram, al-Ahmad said the cell was involved in assassinations, summary executions, the planting of improvised explosive devices and attacks targeting Internal Security and Syrian Arab Army positions. He said the group had also been preparing to target New Year celebrations, posing what he described as a direct threat to civilian safety.

Al-Ahmad said security forces conducted careful surveillance and tracking before encircling the area and the house where the suspects were holed up. Civilians were evacuated and secured outside the operational zone “out of concern for their safety and to prevent any harm,” he said.

He added that despite repeated calls for the suspects to surrender, they refused to comply, leading to a clash that lasted about an hour. The operation resulted in the arrest of one cell member and the killing of three others, while four security personnel sustained light injuries.

Al-Ahmad said Internal Security units seized improvised explosive devices, various weapons, ammunition and military uniforms during the operation. The arrested criminal was referred to the Counterterrorism Directorate to complete investigations, ahead of referral to the competent judiciary to take the necessary legal measures.

He stressed that efforts are continuing to fully dismantle the cell and eliminate its extensions, underscoring that security forces will persist in pursuing criminal cells linked to remnants of the deposed regime and will not relent in their national duty to protect citizens and safeguard security and stability.

Earlier today, a security source told SANA that clashes had broken out between Internal Security units and a group of wanted outlaws near the city of Jableh in the Latakia countryside, resulting in injuries among several Internal Security personnel.

Damascus, Dec 24 (SANA) Minister of Information Dr. Hamza al-Mustafa met on Wednesday with Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Sudanese Embassy in Damascus, to discuss avenues for enhancing media cooperation between Syria and Sudan, expanding media partnerships, and exchanging expertise in managing press affairs during transitional stages.

Minister al-Mustafa reaffirmed Syria’s solidarity with Sudan, underscoring the importance of adopting “constructive media” during transitional periods—media that balances freedom of expression with the stability of state institutions, particularly in confronting disinformation campaigns and fake accounts.

The Sudanese diplomat, for his part, commended Syria’s experience in safeguarding state structures and reclaiming its regional role, describing it as a pioneering model in the Arab world.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to activate memoranda of understanding that include cooperation between the two national news agencies, as well as news exchange and joint production in the fields of art and drama.

Damascus, Dec.24 (SANA) The Central Bank of Syria (CBS) affirmed on Wednesday the continued legal tender status of all currently circulating banknotes of the Syrian pound.

The Bank called in a statement all financial institutions to comply with and adhere to the directives regarding the handling of all banknotes of the local currency, and not to take unilateral measures concerning the acceptance or rejection of specific categories.

It stressed that the legal status and binding force of all Syrian currency banknotes currently in circulation remain valid until any contrary instructions are officially issued, in accordance with the proper procedures and by decree announced to the public through appropriate media outlets.

The Central Bank of Syria added that the statement comes in response to the recent actions of some financial institutions that have refused to accept certain banknotes of the Syrian pound—particularly the 1,000- and 2,000-pound categories—without awaiting any official directives on the matter from the Central Bank of Syria.

MZN

Quneitra, Dec. 24 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces targeted al-Mantara Dam in the northern countryside of Quneitra on Wednesday evening using a drone, according to SANA correspondent.

The correspondent said the drone dropped several munitions near the dam with the aim of preventing civilians from approaching the site. Israeli forces also fired a flare toward Tal Kroum, located near the town of Jeba in the central Quneitra countryside. No civilian injuries were reported.

Earlier today, an Israeli occupation force assaulted women and children while they were collecting mushrooms in the area between the villages of al-Adnaniyah and Ruweihina in the northern Quneitra countryside, by firing smoke canisters toward them, the correspondent said.

Israel continues what Syria describes as aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through incursions into southern Syria and attacks on civilians.

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

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi met on Wednesday with a delegation from Beirut Islamic University (BIU), Faculty of Islamic studies, headed by Dean Ali Hassan al-Tawil, to discuss cooperation in the field of Islamic studies education and the development of relations with the university following the fall of the deposed regime.

During the meeting, held at the ministry headquarters, the two sides discussed the possibility of assessing the university’s status and its academic and scientific programs with a view to potential endorsement by the ministry. Al-Halabi said the ministry applies specific standards for endorsing universities, noting that Beirut Islamic University would be provided with those criteria for review and could be endorsed if the required conditions are met.

The meeting also addressed the state of Islamic studies education in Syria and recent steps taken in this field, including opening university admission to holders of Sharia high school certificates, expanding Islamic studies education through the establishment of new faculties at several universities after liberation, unifying curricula across Islamic studies faculties, and the ministry’s efforts to regulate Islamic studies education outside the university framework.

For its part, the university delegation outlined the status of Islamic studies education in Lebanon, including universities, institutes and schools. The delegation pointed to difficulties faced by graduates of private Syrian Sharia institutes in Lebanon due to a lack of recognition, and to requirements for Syrian students in Lebanon to obtain legal residency in order to enroll in Sharia schools rather than attend as auditors. The delegation also reviewed the university’s curricula, academic system and the degrees it awards.

Beirut Islamic University – Faculty of Islamic studies is an educational institution affiliated with Dar al-Fatwa in the Lebanese Republic. It was established by a presidential decree in 1996 and includes the Faculty of Islamic studies, the Higher Institute for Sharia Judiciary, the Faculty of Islamic Arts, the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the University Institute of Technology. The university grants specialization diplomas, master’s degrees and doctorates in several fields.