SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) The Ministries of Health and Higher Education and Scientific Research launched the medical “Shifa 3” campaign on Sunday at the National University Hospital in Damascus, under the slogan “Hand in Hand for Syria.”

This initiative aims to offer free specialized medical and surgical services to the most vulnerable citizens, in collaboration with the “Shifa Med” team and the Independent Doctors Association (IDA). It also involves the participation of distinguished Syrian physicians from both within Syria and abroad.

Dr. Ali Qadri, a specialist in interventional cardiology with the Shifa Med team, explained that the campaign builds upon the successes of “Shifa 1” and “Shifa 2,” during which approximately 600 cardiac procedures were performed. He added that the goal is to treat a total of 750 patients across all three campaigns, with 150 patients expected to benefit from this current phase.

The campaign will cover 11 medical and surgical specialties, including cardiology, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery, ensuring the continuity of specialized healthcare for those in greatest need. Dr. Qadri also highlighted the involvement of Syrian doctors returning from abroad, particularly from Germany, noting that their participation reflects a strong commitment to strengthening Syria’s health sector and sharing their expertise for the benefit of Syrian patients.

“Shifa 3” will extend to five governorates—Damascus, Homs, Daraa, Aleppo, and Idleb—building on the successes of the previous campaigns, which saw more than 1,600 surgeries and thousands of patient consultations.

Rabat, Dec. 21 (SANA) The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicks off this evening in Morocco, with matches taking place across six cities over the course of 29 days. Beyond being a major sporting event, the tournament is seen as a critical test for Morocco’s readiness to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

All eyes will be on the Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the opening match will feature Morocco against Comoros. The match is scheduled to start at 10:00 PM Damascus time, marking the start of the competition, which runs through January 18.

The opening ceremony will begin at 8:30 PM Damascus time, just before the match. It will showcase a mix of musical and artistic performances celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage, as well as Morocco’s own identity. Fireworks and visual displays will highlight the history and iconic symbols of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco has made extensive preparations for the tournament, including upgrades to stadiums, infrastructure, and transportation, ensuring a professional and memorable experience for both fans and teams. The country is committed to meeting the highest safety and quality standards throughout the event.

Jerusalem, Dec. 21 (SANA) Israeli airstrikes on Gaza’s Shuja’iyya neighborhood killed three Palestinians on Sunday, in a continued violations of the ceasefire agreement in place since October.

Medical officials said one man was killed in a drone strike targeting a gathering of civilians, while two others were killed near a fuel station in the same district. Since the ceasefire took effect, more than 400 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,100 injured as a result of Israeli attacks.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces wounded two Palestinians and detained 11 others during raids carried out in Jericho, Hebron, Ramallah and Salfit.

Witnesses reported that Israeli forces searched homes and damaged property during the raids. Israeli bulldozers also uprooted olive groves near the village of Yasuf, north of Salfit.

Separately, groups of Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the protection of Israeli forces.

The latest incidents come amid continued tensions across the Palestinian territories, where daily raids, arrests, land seizures and attacks on civilians persist despite international calls to uphold the ceasefire and protect civilians.

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Idleb, Dec. 21 (SANA) Syrian Health Minister Musab al-Ali inaugurated a group of new health facilities in Idleb province on Sunday, as part of the government’s strategy to improve healthcare services for local residents. The facilities include two health centers in Harem and Jisr al-Shughur, and a hospital in Saraqib, in Idleb countryside.

Saraqib Hospital, the first to open in the city after Syria’s liberation, is set to provide essential medical services to citizens, offering hope to the residents, alleviating civilian suffering, and improving access to vital healthcare.

The new facilities are equipped with the latest medical equipment and technology, providing advanced healthcare services, including diagnosis, treatment, and emergency care, bringing vital medical support closer to residents in post-war areas.
Governor of Idleb, Mohammad Abdul Rahman, and local officials attended the opening ceremonies.

Latakia, Dec. 21 (SANA) The Internal Security Command in Latakia Governorate on Sunday held a graduation ceremony for a new batch of recruits joining the ranks of the Internal Security Forces, as part of the Ministry of Interior’s qualification and training programs.

The ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Abdulaziz Hilal al-Ahmad, Commander of Internal Security in the governorate, along with a number of officials.

According to the Ministry of Interior’s Telegram channel, the graduates presented a well-executed field demonstration reflecting a high level of discipline and operational readiness, and showcasing their ability to carry out various security tasks with efficiency and professionalism, underscoring the quality of the training programs undertaken during the course.

The event also included honoring the top three graduates, in addition to the training staff, in recognition of their efforts and in reinforcement of a culture of excellence and positive competition within institutional work.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the development of qualification and training programs aimed at supplying the security system with well-prepared personnel possessing the necessary physical and cognitive capabilities, thereby ensuring the protection of citizens and enhancing security and stability.

Last month, the Ministry held a graduation ceremony for a new batch of Police School recruits in Tartous Governorate. In September, it also celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the Trainer Preparation Course (Foundational Level) at the Police School in Damascus, marking a notable achievement in the development of security cadres.

Damascus Countryside, Dec. 21 (SANA) The Criminal Investigations Branch in the Damascus countryside, in cooperation with the Internal Security Directorate in al-Tel town, has arrested two individuals involved in the kidnapping of a citizen and demanding ransom for his release.

In a statement published on the ministry’s official Telegram channel, the operation followed a report of a citizen being abducted from the al-Adawi neighborhood of Damascus. The kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a sum of money in exchange for his release.

After surveillance and precise investigative work, security forces identified the whereabouts of the suspects in the al-Tel area, where they were apprehended. The kidnapped citizen was freed and safely returned to his family, according to the statement.

The ministry said preliminary investigations revealed that the two suspects were also involved in the kidnapping of another citizen from the Masaken Barzeh neighborhood, where they had received a ransom of $100,000.

Part of the ransom was recovered and returned to its owner by a decision of the public prosecutor, the statement said.

The two suspects have been referred to the competent judicial authorities to face legal action in accordance with the laws in force.

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) Syrian internal security units, in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate, carried out a security operation on Sunday in the Daraya area, southwest of Damascus, targeting a hideout of the ISIS terrorist group.

Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security in Damascus countryside, said in a statement that the operation led to the dismantling of the cell and the arrest of its leader, along with six other members. Various weapons and ammunition, intended for planned attacks, were also seized.

Al-Dalati noted that the raid was based on detailed investigations, accurate intelligence, and continuous surveillance of the cell’s movements over the past several weeks. He concluded that the operation is part of the Interior Ministry’s broader strategy to eliminate sources of terrorism, prevent threats to community security, and ensure peace and stability in the country.

Damascus, Dec.21 (SANA) The Ministry of Agriculture launched the “Homeland Sapling” campaign along the Damascus International Airport Road in southern Syria, aiming to plant 5,900 saplings of various species across an area of 25 hectares.

The campaign was launched with the participation of Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr, alongside popular and student groups and Arab organizations.

Washington, Dec. 21 (SANA) The United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey on Saturday called for full commitment to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip during a meeting held in Miami.

U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the parties reaffirmed their “full commitment to the entirety of the President’s 20-point peace plan,” urging all sides to uphold their obligations, exercise restraint, and cooperate with monitoring arrangements.

“Further consultations will continue in the coming weeks to advance the implementation of phase two” Witkoff added .He pointed out that “the first phase has yielded progress including expanded humanitarian assistance, the return of hostage bodies, partial force withdrawals, and a reduction in hostilities”

Officials from Turkey, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt discussed mechanisms for reviewing the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire and preparing for the transition to the second phase, amid ongoing international and United Nations calls for an end to the Israeli aggression and for ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.

Israeli occupation forces continue to violate the ceasefire agreement, which entered into force on October 10, through systematic attacks on Palestinians and by tightening the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Damascus, Dec. 21(SANA) The Ursid meteor shower will reach its peak this evening, lighting up the skies across the northern hemisphere, including Syria. This annual event marks the final major meteor shower of the year.

According to Nabil al-Beesh, an advisor with the Syrian Astronomical Society, the Ursids are considered a moderate-to-light meteor shower, with an average of 10 meteors per hour. The meteors are caused by dust debris left behind by Comet 8P/Tuttle, which orbits the sun and was first discovered in 1790.

Al-Beesh pointed out that viewing the shower doesn’t require telescopes or binoculars, and it can be seen with the naked eye, provided observers are in dark areas, away from city lights, and the sky is clear.

The meteors of this shower appear to radiate from a point near the “Little Bear” constellation, close to the North Star, which is why it is named the Ursid meteor shower. The shower typically occurs from December 17 to 25, with its peak happening on the night of December 21 and the early morning hours of December 22.

The Ursid meteor shower has been a regular astronomical phenomenon for nearly a century, offering a unique opportunity for astrophotography enthusiasts to close out the year.

Madrid, Dec. 21 (SANA) Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 win over Sevilla in their La Liga encounter on Saturday, cutting Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to just one point.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for the hosts with a header in the 38th minute, while Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory with a penalty in the 86th minute.

With the win, Real Madrid now sits in second place with 42 points, one behind leaders Barcelona. Sevilla, on the other hand, remains in mid-table with 20 points, ranked ninth.

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) On the occasion of Liberation Day, the Arab Cultural Center in Barzeh opened a handicrafts exhibition featuring works by creative Syrian women, under the auspices of the Damascus Culture Directorate and organized by the Turkmen Development Association, as part of efforts to support Syrian women and strengthen their presence in the cultural and social spheres.

The organizers said the exhibition aimed at empowering active women in society, providing them with raw materials, and marketing their products through participation in upcoming bazaars and exhibitions, thereby contributing to improving the economic conditions of Syrian families.

They added that the exhibition reflects a rich aspect of Turkmen folklore within Syria’s diverse national fabric and highlights the role of women in preserving and reviving cultural heritage.

The participants in the exhibition expressed their joy, stressing that the goal of this activity is to showcase their work, to the largest number of people and to highlight the creativity of Syrian women.

It is worth noting that the Turkmen Development Association, a newly established civil initiative officially launched in Syria in June 2025, aims to highlight the cultural and social identity of Syrian Turkmen and support women and families through productive and handicraft projects, in addition to participating in cultural and folkloric activities that promote social cohesion.

Geneva, Dec 21 (SANA) A UNHCR official has predicted that nearly one million Syrian refugees could return to their country by 2026, following Syria’s gradual recovery since the fall of the former regime on December 8, 2024.

Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, head of the UNHCR mission in Syria, stated in an interview with Anadolu agency that more than 1.3 million refugees have already returned since that date. In addition, nearly two million internally displaced persons have gone back to their areas of origin, bringing the total to over three million people in a short period.

He noted that Syria’s recovery after a long war will not be immediate, but he praised the Syrian government and people for successfully reconnecting the country with the world in a relatively short time.

Llosa said this return is a positive sign but emphasized that coordinated international support is needed to improve economic conditions. He noted that lifting sanctions and encouraging private investment will be key to accelerating the reconstruction process.

He also praised Turkey for hosting refugees and supporting Syria after the recent political changes.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, recently called for continued assistance to ensure the ongoing return of Syrian refugees. Meanwhile, the United States approved the repeal of the Caesar Act as part of the 2026 Department of Defense budget.

Homs, Dec. 21 (SANA) The Christmas tree at St. Elias Church in Al-Qusayr, Homs Countryside, in central Syria, was lit Saturday as part of the city’s Christmas season festivities, amid an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The event drew large crowds from the local community, who gathered to celebrate this spiritual and national occasion. This year’s Christmas coincided with the first anniversary of Syria’s liberation, sending a message of hope, renewal, and joy for a new Syria.

Speaking to SANA, Father Issam Kasouha, pastor of Al-Qusayr, said Christmas conveys a message of peace for all Syrians, calling for collective efforts to rebuild the homeland and strengthen bonds of love among its people.

Edward Ghanem, one of the organizers, said the tree lighting symbolizes the residents’ joy in marking the birth of the Messenger of Peace and the dawn of a new Christmas turning past hardships into a renewed spirit of unity.

Several residents expressed happiness at participating in the celebration, noting that the tree lighting brings together all Syrian society and reflects the spirit of community and solidarity.

The celebration also featured artistic and musical performances by scout and youth groups, creating a festive atmosphere that embodied the spirit of the holiday.

The event is part of a series of activities organized by the church to mark the Christmas season, reaffirming its role in strengthening community ties and preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the region.

Quneitra, Dec. 21 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces carried out new incursions on Sunday into areas of the northern and southern countryside of Quneitra.

SANA’s reporter in Quneitra said that an Israeli patrol comprising two military vehicles advanced from the al-Adnaniyah point in the northern countryside and set up a checkpoint at the intersection of Umm al-Adham village, which links it with the villages of Ruwaihiniyah and al-Mushayrifa.

The reporter added that another Israeli patrol advanced west of the town of al-Rafid in the southern countryside, where it fired randomly into the air, with no reports of injuries. Meanwhile, a patrol consisting of five military vehicles advanced into the village of Saida al-Hanout in the southern countryside.

Israeli occupation forces had also advanced yesterday into several villages in the southern and central countryside of Quneitra.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through repeated incursions into the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa and attacks on civilians. In response, Syria has repeatedly called for the implementation of United Nations resolutions and an end to the Israeli occupation of Syrian territory, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities in deterring these illegal practices.

Damascus, Dec.21 (SANA) The historic halls of Khan As’ad Pasha in Damascus hosted an art exhibition titled “Sham” on Saturday, showcasing around 80 artworks in celebration of Liberation Day.

The exhibition, in its 13th edition, was jointly organized by Fayrouz Forum and the Directorate of Fine Arts at the Ministry of Culture as part of ongoing cooperation between the two institutions. For the first time, the exhibition brings together contributions from both established and emerging artists, ranging in age from 4 to 35. Wassim Abdel Hamid, director of fine arts at the Ministry of Culture, told SANA that he is pleased with this collaboration, which supports young artists and children.

Abdel Hamid also said the exhibition reflects the directorate’s commitment to supporting the arts sector. He noted that the ministry’s plans for next year focus on assisting graduates of colleges, institutes, and technical centers, as well as introducing new initiatives aimed at developing artistic activity.

Exhibition supervisor and director of Fayrouz Forum, artist Fayza al-Halabi, said Khan As’ad Pasha was chosen for its historical and symbolic significance to Damascus. She added that the exhibition’s title, “Sham,” was intended to express the sense of joy shared by Damascus and Syrians more broadly during the month of liberation.

Founded in 2009, Fayrouz Forum provides ongoing training courses in drawing for children and architecture students, along with a range of other artistic programs.

Aleppo, Dec. 21 (SANA) The community-led ‘Aleppo, the Best of All’ campaign raised $426 million on its final day, marking a significant achievement that reflects broad popular and official support for recovery and reconstruction efforts in the province.

Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib said at the campaign’s closing ceremony that the wide participation sent a message of loyalty to the city, citing its history and resilience.

The three-day campaign, launched on Dec. 18, was organized as a community initiative with official participation. It aims to restore and improve the city’s infrastructure and public services across multiple sectors, while supporting service and development projects to enhance economic and social stability in Aleppo city and its surrounding areas. The campaign drew broad participation from the financial and commercial sectors, official institutions, and large segments of the local community.

In a video address to participants on the final day, President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Aleppo remains Syria’s primary economic hub and a key pillar of reconstruction and development, particularly following the lifting of sanctions. He highlighted the city’s longstanding contribution to economic and commercial activity nationwide and underscored the importance of continued development and charitable initiatives to combat poverty and promote sustainable growth.

The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to ensure essential services for residents. The funds are expected to help local authorities rehabilitate the city’s infrastructure damaged by the bombardment of the former regime.