SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

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.

Damascus, Dec. 21 (SANA) Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport said it is close to completing the installation of an advanced air navigation system at Damascus International Airport, aimed at reducing disruptions caused by poor weather, particularly dense fog.

In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the authority said the new system includes an integrated navigation suite with an automatic landing system and modern radar. It is expected to become operational within a month and should significantly improve the airport’s ability to handle flights in low-visibility conditions.

The authority added that similar equipment is set to be installed at Aleppo International Airport.

Heavy fog in recent days has reduced visibility at Damascus airport to below internationally accepted operational limits, forcing the diversion or cancellation of several flights. The authority said such measures are standard international practice and stressed that passenger and aircraft safety remains its top priority.

The authority apologized to passengers for delays and inconvenience caused by weather conditions beyond its control, saying coordination with airlines is ongoing to minimize disruption and safeguard passenger rights until conditions improve and the new systems come online.

Earlier this week, the authority announced the diversion and cancellation of multiple flights to and from Damascus and Aleppo airports due to dense fog and low visibility.

Damascus, Dec. 20 (SANA)Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra met with a delegation of dignitaries and notables from the city of Hama, in the presence of several senior officers, to explore ways of strengthening coordination and integration between the military institution and other governmental and civil bodies, in a manner that serves the national interest and supports various shared domains.

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Hama,Dec. 20 (SANA)The Anti-Narcotics Directorate thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of Captagon pills hidden inside the Pullman garage in Hama, prepared for shipment abroad toward Saudi Arabia.

The seized quantity amounted to around 26,000 pills, concealed inside a metal bed and camouflaged within a wooden frame in a professional manner, the Ministry of Interior stated in a statement on Saturday.

The ministry noted that foiling the smuggling attempt highlights the readiness and efficiency of the concerned security authorities.

The ministry added that the relevant authorities took the necessary legal measures, confiscated the seized items, and continue investigations to uncover all those involved and bring them before the competent judiciary.

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Washington,Dec. 20 (SANA) Qatar and the United States stressed the need to support efforts aimed at achieving stability in Syria and boosting its economy, in addition to continuing cooperation in combating terrorism.

This came in a joint statement following the seventh strategic dialogue between the two countries, held in Washington, D.C., with the participation of senior officials from both sides, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA).

According to the statement, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that cooperation between Doha and Washington constitutes a fundamental pillar in supporting peace in the Middle East, including Syria, through strengthening security and addressing regional challenges.

The dialogue addressed key regional and international issues, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, while affirming that the strategic partnership between the two countries serves as a strong force for stability and confronting terrorist threats.

The U.S. side praised Qatar’s leading role in global counterterrorism efforts and its commitment to international standards on combating terrorist financing and money laundering.

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Damascus, Dec. 20 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa said that Aleppo has always held a great and central place in Syria, describing it as the key and gateway to the entire country and the main economic gateway through which Syria will rise again.

In a video address to participants in the “Aleppo the best of all” campaign, President al-Sharaa said that following the lifting of sanctions on Syria and the country’s renewed openness, Aleppo will assume the leading regional position, not only at the local level. He stressed that the city will serve as the primary gateway for economic and commercial activity across Syria.

The President emphasized the importance of eradicating poverty in Aleppo as a first step, before expanding efforts to other provinces in order to lift poverty nationwide.

President al-Sharaa noted that Syria has transitioned from being governed by individuals to being led by its people, underscoring the vital economic, cultural, and social role citizens play across the country.

The President also called for sustained attention to Aleppo’s reconstruction and development, urging that charitable and development initiatives continue. Al-Sharaa highlighted Aleppo’s contributions to Syria’s blessed revolution, stressing that his remarks referred to both the city and its surrounding countryside.

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Rural Damascus, Dec. 20 (SANA) Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, Commander of Internal Security in Rural Damascus Province discolsed Saturday that specialized security units, in cooperation with the Internal Security Command in Daraa Province, carried out a high-profile security operation in the Qudsaya area.

The operation resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in smuggling weapons on behalf of outlawed groups in Sweida Province and areas controlled by the so-called QSD militias, as well as cells linked to the terrorist ISIS organization.

Al-Dallati said the operation was launched following precise and reliable intelligence about suspicious activity at a farm in the area. Security forces swiftly moved to the location, imposed a tight cordon, and carried out a raid.

During the operation, security units seized FPV-type drones with all their accessories, approximately 1.5 tons of TNT explosives, and anti-personnel explosive devices weighing two kilograms each, which had been prepared for use in suicide drones.

All seized items were confiscated, and the suspects were referred to the competent authorities to complete investigations ahead of their transfer to the judiciary to take the necessary legal measures, al-Dallati added.

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