SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Idleb, Dec. 22 (SANA)  Residents of al-Quniyah village in the western countryside of Idleb celebrated on Monday evening the lighting of the Christmas tree and Nativity scene, with broad participation from the residents of al-Quniyah, al-Yaqoubiyah and al-Jadida villages, in addition to visitors from several Syrian governorates.

Father Khokaz Misrob, parish priest of al-Quniyah, told SANA that the celebration carries deep spiritual and national significance.

“We hope that the light of this blessed holiday will shine over Syria after fourteen years of suffering,” he said.

Father Misrob added that the Christmas tree and Nativity scene symbolize fertility, beauty and goodness that people hope will prevail throughout the country, expressing gratitude for the return of these celebrations in an atmosphere of safety and stability.

Maria Nazarian said that participating in the lighting of the Christmas tree carried a special feeling for her, noting that the smiles on the faces of adults and children reflected genuine joy at the return of these celebrations after a long absence.

Rita Artin said the celebration was held in full freedom and safety, adding that the presence of visitors from different governorates created an atmosphere of shared joy and collective participation, restoring happiness to residents and children.

For her part, Nadine Haddad from al-Jadida village expressed her happiness at the return of Christmas traditions, saying that the gathering of the three villages for the occasion embodied the spirit of love among residents, while visitors from other governorates added to the festive and communal atmosphere.

The event drew large crowds of residents and visitors, who expressed hope that the holiday would mark a beginning of goodness and peace for Syria, reaffirming their commitment to the values of love and fraternity embodied in the message of Christmas.

Deir Ezzor, Dec. 22 (SANA) Syrian security forces uncovered a cache of SAM-7 anti-aircraft missiles on Sunday in the city of al-Bukamal, near the Syrian-Iraqi border. The missiles were prepared for smuggling out of the country, the Interior Ministry said.

The operation, carried out by the Internal Security Directorate of al-Bukamal, followed intelligence suggesting that missiles were being concealed in a local residence for illegal export. A raid was carried out on the house, where the SAM-7 missiles were seized, the Ministry said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

The weapons were confiscated, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling attempt.

The ministry reiterated its ongoing commitment to tackling smuggling and other illicit activities to safeguard the nation’s security and stability.

This operation follows a series of recent anti-weapon smuggling actions. On December 17, authorities in the Damascus countryside disrupted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of weapons, including RPG shells, into Lebanon.

Just days later, on December 20, a joint operation between the Damascus countryside and Daraa security forces led to the arrest of five individuals accused of smuggling arms to illegal groups in southern Syria, to the areas controlled by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and to groups linked to ISIS.

Damascus, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Armenian Catholic Diocese of Damascus organized the “Christmas Street” event at the Church of the Queen of the Universe in Bab Touma neighborhood. Hundreds gathered in a festive atmosphere that blended joy and charitable work in celebration of Christmas.

In a statement to SANA, the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Damascus, Georges Assadourian, affirmed that “the message of Christmas is a message of hope, love, and peace, expressing the Syrians’ will to live despite all the difficulties.” He wished that goodness and peace would prevail throughout the country.

Batoul Nasrallah, owner of the “Chocolate Story” project, explained that her participation in the bazaar helped promote her micro-enterprise. It also provided an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, exchange experiences, and enhance the social and humanitarian nature of the event.

The annual event featured a street lined with diverse food items, a Christmas tree and nativity scene inside the church, a playground for all ages, and a charity bazaar showcasing handmade products, clothing, accessories, and more.

The attendees expressed their delight with the atmosphere, with Gibran Issa emphasizing that the event “reflects the spirit of love and cooperation among the people of the nation, and gives everyone an opportunity to meet and participate in an atmosphere of hope and peace.”

These events create a space for joy, reaffirming life’s continuation despite challenges. They also support social solidarity and reinforce the human values that Christmas embodies for both young and old.

R/D

Daraa, Dec. 22 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces advanced at dawn on Monday into the area between the villages of Maariya and Abdeen in the western countryside of Daraa, southern Syria, where they set up a temporary military checkpoint at the al-Maqsam junction.

SANA’s reporter in Daraa quoted as local authorities saying that ‘’ Israeli forces advanced at dawn into the area between the two villages, setting up a checkpoint that has restricted local movement and sparked concern among residents. Local sources confirmed they are monitoring the situation on the ground and coordinating with relative authorities.’’

Areas of the western Daraa countryside periodically witness Israeli incursions accompanied by the establishment of temporary checkpoints or sudden military movements, negatively affecting daily life and undermining local stability.

On Dec. 6, Israeli forces targeted an abandoned military outpost north of the village of Jamla in the Yarmouk Basin area west of Daraa with four shells. No injuries were reported.

Similar incursions were also recorded a day earlier in the Quneitra countryside, where an Israeli patrol consisting of two military vehicles advanced from the al-Adnaniyah point in northern Quneitra and set up a checkpoint at the Umm al-Azam junction linking the villages of Ruwaihina and al-Mashayrifa. Another patrol advanced west of al-Rafid town in southern Quneitra countryside, while a separate Israeli force of five military vehicles entered the village of Sayda al-Hanout in the same area.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement through repeated incursions into the countrysides of Daraa and Quneitra and attacks on civilians.

Damascus has repeatedly renewed its call for the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions and an end to the Israeli occupation of Syrian territory, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities in deterring these unlawful practices.

Daraa, Dec. 22 (SANA) A young woman was killed on Monday after a hand grenade left over from the former regime exploded in the al-Lajat area of the northern Daraa countryside.

Director of Izra National Hospital Dr. Mahmoud al-Zaabi told SANA that the young woman was brought to the hospital in critical condition after sustaining severe injuries from the explosion, and died a short time later.

Similar incidents continue to occur in several areas of the Daraa countryside, which still suffer from the presence of unexploded war remnants inside homes and on agricultural land, posing a serious threat to civilians’ lives.

On Oct. 18, a grenade explosion inside a house in the town of Khirbet Ghazaleh in the Daraa countryside injured five children with varying degrees of severity.

Unexploded ordnance and war remnants remain a silent legacy of danger hidden among rubble and agricultural fields, representing a major security and humanitarian challenge that threatens the lives and safety of thousands of Syrian families returning to their cities and villages liberated from the former regime.

In a previous statement to SANA, Joseph McCartan, head of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) program in Syria, said that 2024 recorded the highest rates of casualties caused by explosions of war remnants and unexploded ordnance. He noted that 500 victims, killed or injured, were documented across more than 800 contaminated sites in southern, eastern and northern regions, making mine-risk awareness and safety one of the most urgent priorities in the post-liberation phase.

Damascus, Dec. (SANA) In a significant event, the Political Affairs Directorate in the Damascus countryside hosted the premiere of the documentary “Deterring Aggression” on Sunday evening. The screening drew an audience of religious leaders, intellectuals, and numerous official and public figures. This event coincided with similar showings across the country, marking the first anniversary of Liberation Day.

The documentary, running over two hours, offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the military operations during the “Deterring Aggression” battle. For the first time, it unveils pivotal moments leading up to the battle, its aftermath, and the liberation of Aleppo, Hama, and Damascus—an operation that has become a defining chapter in Syria’s modern history.

Following the screening, Amer al-Sheikh, Governor of the Damascus countryside, addressed the audience, stressing that the film serves to document history and prevent any attempts to distort the facts. The documentary also powerfully portrays the fighters’ entry into the liberated areas, symbolizing the justice of their cause and their humanity.

At the conclusion of the event, several key figures involved in the “Deterring Aggression” operation were honored for their contributions.

Produced by the Syrian Radio and Television Production Corporation, “Deterring Aggression” chronicles a pivotal moment in Syria’s history. Spanning eleven days, it captures the resilience, strategic leadership, and detailed planning that ultimately led to hard-won victory.

R/D

Daraa, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) branch in Daraa distributed food assistance on Monday to families arriving from Sweida governorate and residing in Kharba village in the western countryside of Daraa.

Director of the Red Crescent team in Daraa, Adnan al-Falah, told SANA that the teams are working to meet the needs of the arriving families across six shelters in Daraa governorate, in addition to western villages of the Sweida countryside and gathering points for arrivals across Daraa’s rural areas.

“The assistance is provided on a regular basis and includes food, household, health and shelter supplies, according to a program aimed at achieving sufficiency for beneficiaries,” al-Falah said.

The local authority of Kharba village said that food baskets were distributed to 160 families. Each basket contains basic food items including oil, rice, sugar, lentils, chickpeas, bulgur and assorted canned goods.

The Daraa branch of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has previously distributed thousands of food baskets to arriving families, as part of its continued efforts to support affected groups and meet their basic needs.

These efforts have also included winter assistance provided last month in shelters and hosting communities across villages in the eastern countryside of Daraa governorate.

R.A

Rabat, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Moroccan national football team began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign for “Morocco 2025” with a 2-0 win over Comoros on Sunday, in the opening match of the tournament’s 35th edition.

The match, which kicked off Group A action, ended goalless at halftime, with both teams battling for control.

Morocco gained momentum in the second half, with Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. Substitute striker Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a goal in the 74th minute, ensuring a comfortable start for the hosts.

Group A also features Mali and Zambia, who will face each other Monday.

The Africa Cup of Nations, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is held every two years. The most recent edition, in 2023, saw Côte d’Ivoire crowned champions after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

R.H

Homs, Dec. 22 (SANA) A special Christmas celebration took place Sunday evening at the Church of St. Elias in the town of Fairouzeh, eastern Homs, featuring a heartfelt multilingual performance of hymns and carols. The event, attended by local residents and religious leaders, showcased songs in Arabic, Syriac, and English, performed by the church choir of the Syriac Orthodox community.

Mar Timotheos Matta al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous, and Environs for the Syriac Orthodox Church, told SANA that Fairouzeh is celebrating Christmas in an atmosphere of joy and peace. “We hope Syria will soon enjoy peace and security,” he said. “Homs stands as a symbol of love and peace,” he added, emphasizing that the reconstruction of Syria depends on the unity of all its people. “A new Syria can only be built through solidarity,” he concluded.

Maha Semaan, the choir conductor, revealed that 50 women from both the children’s and adult choirs participated in the evening’s performance. The two choirs merged to deliver a diverse musical program that perfectly captured the festive spirit of Christmas.

Attendees expressed their delight at the celebration, saying that the event helped create a joyful atmosphere and highlighted the deeper meanings of Christmas—love, hope, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This celebration is part of the wider Christmas festivities taking place across Homs Province, aimed at preserving cultural and religious traditions while promoting values of joy, love, and peace within the community.

R/A/H

Cairo, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce (FSCC) participated in the meetings of the 136th session of the Council of the Union of Arab Chambers, which concluded in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The participation came within the framework of strengthening Arab economic cooperation, consolidating Syria’s presence on the regional economic stage, and activating the role of the private sector in building partnerships and supporting reconstruction efforts. The meetings also reviewed issues listed on the council’s agenda aimed at deepening Arab economic integration.

FSCC President Alaa al-Ali told SANA that the federation’s participation in the 136th session reflects its commitment to developing joint Arab economic cooperation and reinforcing Syria’s economic presence.

“The federation is keen to activate the role of the Syrian private sector in opening up to Arab and international partnerships in a way that serves the reconstruction process,” al-Ali said.
He added that the meetings provided an opportunity to strengthen communication with Arab federations and chambers and to follow up on agenda items that contribute to supporting the path of Arab economic integration.

On the sidelines of the session, al-Ali held talks with Sameer Abdulla Nass, chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on mechanisms for opening partnerships between the business communities in Syria and Bahrain, in addition to discussing ways to support and develop trade and investment exchange between the two countries.
Both sides stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the chambers of commerce in Syria and Bahrain, in a manner that supports the private sector and boosts opportunities for joint economic growth.

The Union of Arab Chambers is a non-governmental Arab economic organization founded in 1951. It brings together chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture from across the Arab world, with the aim of enhancing trade and investment cooperation, representing the private sector at regional and international forums, supporting Arab economic integration and encouraging intra-Arab trade toward the establishment of a common Arab market.

N/J

Tartous, Dec.22 (SANA) The “Tartous Markets” festival officially kicked off on Sunday at the Old Tartous Hall, offering a diverse range of products to celebrate the holiday season. Featuring 40 local companies, the event provides a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, household essentials, and more, along with discounts of up to 35%.

Engineer Shadi Halima, Chairman of the Tartous City Council, emphasized that the market serves as both an economic and cultural event, fostering community spirit, stimulating the local economy, and helping residents meet their needs. “This event not only contributes to economic growth but also strengthens social bonds and unity,” he noted.

Organizers hailed the festival as a means of reinforcing a message of unity, coinciding with both Liberation Day and the Christmas season. “The festival goes beyond shopping,” they explained, “incorporating entertainment to create a joyful atmosphere for visitors.” The event will run for eight days, from December 21 to December 28.

Festivalgoers expressed their satisfaction with the event, praising the vibrant atmosphere, the wide variety of products, and the attractive discounts.

Doha, Dec. 22 (SANA) Head of the Syrian Central Authority for Auditing and Inspection, Amer al-Ali held separate talks with Russian and Turkish officials on anti-corruption and asset recovery cooperation in Doha, Qatar.

The meetings, held during the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (COSP11), focused on enhancing collaboration on asset recovery, exchanging best practices, and strengthening institutional capacities. The discussions also explored ways to promote transparency, integrity, and bolster international cooperation in combating corruption.

The COSP11, held from December 15 to 19, 2023, brought together participating countries from around the world. The conference served as a key platform for tackling global corruption challenges, addressing urgent issues, and strengthening international cooperation for a more effective global response.

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) CBS Governor Abdulkader al-Husrieh said any step related to changing the national currency will be announced exclusively through an official press conference, stressing that preparations for the process are proceeding as planned and without delay.

In a post published on his official Facebook page on Sunday, al-Husrieh said all arrangements for the currency change are being carried out in direct coordination with the relevant authorities, emphasizing that there has been no postponement in implementation.

He clarified that the timing of any measure related to the currency change will be disclosed solely through a formal press conference, during which citizens and public opinion will be fully briefed on all details with transparency and clarity.

Al-Husrieh added that any information circulated outside this framework or attributed to unofficial sources is inaccurate and does not reflect reality.

He urged the public to rely exclusively on statements issued by the Central Bank of Syria and official channels, noting that efforts are underway to ensure a smooth currency exchange process that would contribute to strengthening the national economy, facilitating citizens’ daily lives, and enhancing confidence among investors and the business community in the Syrian pound.

A/Dh

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) Syrian Investment Authority Director General Talal al-Hilali said on Sunday that the repeal of the Caesar Act represents “a positive step that contributes to removing the constraints that have affected the national economy, and opens new horizons for a phase of economic recovery and for strengthening the investment environment in Syria.”

Al- Hilali said to SANA’s correspondent that the decision “constitutes a real opportunity to reactivate investment activity, attract capital, and support productive and development projects across various sectors,” adding that this would help create jobs and achieve sustainable economic growth.

Al- Hilali also stressed the authority’s commitment to continuing efforts to improve the investment climate, provide the necessary facilities and incentives for investors, and strengthen national and international partnerships in a way that serves the reconstruction process and supports the Syrian economy.

He noted that the next phase requires concerted efforts and effective use of the new developments “in a manner that achieves the supreme national interest and strengthens the path of development and stability.”

In this context, US President Donald Trump had previously signed the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision fully repealing the Caesar Act imposed on Syria since 2019, making the repeal effective.

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) Gold prices in the Syrian market rose by 15,000 SYP per gram of 21-karat gold on Sunday, reaching 1,375,000 SYP, up from Saturday’s price of 1,360,000 SYP.

The Goldsmiths Syndicate set the selling price of 21-karat gold at 1,375,000 SYP per gram and the buying price at 1,345,000 SYP per gram.

The price for 18-karat gold reached 1,180,000 SYP per gram for selling and 1,150,000 SYP per gram for buying.

On Saturday, gold prices in the Syrian market had dropped by 30,000 SYP per gram of 21-karat gold, compared to Thursday’s rates.

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.

FR

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.