SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Hama, Dec. 20 (SANA) Two people were killed and three others were wounded on Saturday when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the town of al-Sabboura, in eastern Hama province, central Syria.

The shooting occurred on Market Street in the town early in the day, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, adding that security forces quickly secured the area and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

The ministry said it was committed to maintaining public security and would pursue those involved in the incident.

Ankara, Dec 20 (SANA) Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler underscored the strategic importance of stability and security in Syria for Turkey’s national security, highlighting the growing coordination between Ankara and Damascus.

Speaking to media representatives in Ankara on Saturday, Guler said there is “close communication, strong coordination, and constructive cooperation” between the two countries with Syria is moving toward reconstruction, peace, and reintegration into the international community.

Addressing the March 10, 2025 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Guler said that integrating SDF units into the Syrian army should follow a clear roadmap and a realistic timetable.

The minister also criticized Israel’s approach in Syria, accusing it of fueling tensions against Damascus and warning that such actions risk destabilizing the region’s fragile balance. He emphasized that Turkey’s priority remains safeguarding stability and combating terrorism within the framework of international law.

On Friday, the Turkish Defense Ministry reiterated that Syria’s security and stability are essential pillars for regional peace, warning that Israeli strikes and expansionist policies pose a threat to the wider Middle East.

Damascus, Dec 20 (SANA) Handmade and woolen products, wooden artifacts, icons, and various Christmas decorations adorned the ambiance of the Christmas bazaar held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Dormition in Damascus.

Organized by the Cathedral’s fellowship, the bazaar brought together fifty women presenting their own creations, offering families easy access to seasonal essentials. According to organizer Mary Al‑Ahmar, the annual event is designed to encourage women to showcase their handicrafts and provide them with a platform to sell their products.

Participants also highlighted the bazaar’s social dimension. Dunia Ayoub presented items made by members of the “Faith and Light” association for people with disabilities, aiming to demonstrate their abilities and open a market for their work. Other contributors offered festive sweets, handmade ceramics shaped into Christmas motifs, and natural beauty products, emphasizing the charitable spirit and affordable prices of the event.

Beyond commerce, the bazaar reflects the resilience and solidarity of Syrian society, turning holiday markets into symbols of community cooperation and hope.
FR

Doha, Dec 20 (SANA) The head of Syria’s Central Authority for Control and Inspection(CACI), Amer al-Ali, affirmed that combating corruption is a strategic and irreversible choice, and a fundamental basis for rebuilding the state on the principles of good governance and the rule of law in Syria.

In a speech delivered at the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP), held in Doha, al-Ali stated that Syria’s participation in this conference, as an observer member, comes at a pivotal stage in its institutional history. He emphasized that it reflects a clear and serious orientation of the new Syrian government toward establishing an integrated system of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Al-Ali explained that the looted and smuggled funds outside Syria are not merely numbers in bank accounts, but represent services, hospitals, and homes. He stressed that recovering them is a sovereign right, calling on friendly states and governments to support Syria’s efforts to reclaim these funds in accordance with international legal procedures and frameworks.

He concluded his speech by reaffirming Syria’s commitment to partnership with countries and international organizations, noting that Syria is currently working to complete the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP) is the largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption and economic crimes, and serves as the main decision-making body of the Convention—the only legally binding global instrument against corruption.

Amman, Dec 20 (SANA) – The Jordanian Armed Forces announced Saturday that the Royal Jordanian Air Force joined coalition operations in carrying out airstrikes against ISIS positions in southern Syria.

In an official statement, the military confirmed that the strikes were conducted in coordination with the United States as part of the international coalition’s ongoing campaign against the terrorist organization.

The operation aims to prevent extremist groups from exploiting southern Syria as a staging ground to threaten regional security, particularly amid reports that ISIS has been attempting to reestablish its presence and rebuild its capabilities in the area.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that American forces also conducted extensive strikes at dawn against dozens of ISIS targets in Syria, in response to the recent attack near Palmyra that targeted joint Syrian–U.S. forces.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to combating ISIS and called on the United States and coalition members to support its efforts to eliminate terrorism

Tripoli, Dec 20 (SANA) Syrian Health Minister Musab Al-Ali paid a field visit on Saturday to several medical institutions in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers.

The tour included the Al-Dahmani Polyclinic, the National Oncology Hospital, and the Emergency Medicine and Support Center, where the minister reviewed medical services, ambulance readiness, and response mechanisms.

Al-Ali also discussed with Libyan officials the functioning of the health system, human resources management, and medical supply chains, as part of an exchange of expertise and exposure to Libya’s healthcare model.

The visit coincided with the 63rd Arab Health Ministers’ Council meetings, which opened Thursday in Tripoli with Syria’s participation, focusing on strengthening Arab cooperation in public health, emergency response, and the development of health systems.

Quneitra, Dec 20 (SANA) – Israeli forces carried out a new incursion on Saturday into several villages in the southern and central countryside of Quneitra.

SANA’s reporter in Quneitra said that an Israeli patrol consisting of seven military vehicles advanced from Tel Ahmar al-Gharbi, passing through the village of Kodna and reaching Ain Ziwan, where it set up a temporary checkpoint in the center of the village. The patrol blocked the road linking Ain Ziwan with Suweisa before withdrawing from the area.

The reporter added that another Israeli unit, made up of three Humvees and one Hilux vehicle, entered the village of Al-Ajraf in the central countryside. The force established a temporary checkpoint, stopping and searching passersby before pulling back. No arrests were reported.

Israel continues its incursions into the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa, in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, while Syria repeatedly calls 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 such practices.

Amman, Dec 20 (SANA) The Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA) on Saturday opened the 76th regular session of its Executive Council in Amman, with representatives from member states, including Syria, meeting to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Syria’s delegation, led by Mudar al-Okla, Director General of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, described the session as a milestone for Arab scientific collaboration. He said discussions focused on expanding nuclear energy applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, and scientific research to improve services and build national capacities.

Al-Okla noted that participants agreed to organize joint visits and exchange expertise among Arab specialists, enabling direct access to successful national experiences and fostering practical cooperation programs. He added that Syria’s participation reflects its intention to re-engage in Arab scientific initiatives and restore its role as an active partner.

He also expressed Syria’s readiness to host future agency activities and provide the necessary facilities to ensure their success, stressing the importance of continued coordination and joint programs to advance peaceful nuclear applications as a tool for sustainable development in the region.

The session will continue until December 22.

Damascus, Dec 20 (SANA) Syria’s Bar Association said on Saturday that the U.S. decision to repeal the sanctions law known as the “Caesar Act” represents a legal and diplomatic shift that could pave the way for a new phase in international relations.

In a statement published by the state news agency SANA, the association noted that the move may contribute to restoring social stability and security in Syria, emphasizing that citizens have an inherent right to rebuild their country and live in dignity and peace.

The statement added that the next stage will require strengthening national solidarity and intensifying collective efforts to launch a comprehensive reconstruction process aimed at achieving sustainable development.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law the 2026 Defense Department budget, which included a provision fully repealing the “Caesar Act,” imposed on Syria in 2019.

Quneitra, Dec.20 (SANA) Israeli forces carried out on Saturday an incursion into several villages in southern Quneitra countryside.

SANA reporter in Quneitra said that an Israeli patrol consisting of seven military vehicles advanced from Tel Ahmar Gharbi, took the road through the village of Kudna, and reached the village of Ayn Ziwan, where it set up a temporary checkpoint in the middle of the village and cut off the road connecting Ayn Ziwan and the village of Suwaisa, before leaving the area.

Israel continues its aggressive actions, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement by advancing into the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa, while also attacking civilians.

Syria has repeatedly called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory and urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in ending these illegal practices.

Occupied Jerusalem, Dec. 20 (SANA) Israeli forces carried out a series of raids across the West Bank Saturday, detaining several Palestinians in different towns and villages.

According to the Palestinian News Agency WAFA, the troops stormed the eastern area of Nablus in the early hours, while a foot patrol entered the village of Madama, south of the city, arresting a number of residents.

In Hebron, Israeli forces launched a campaign of raids, arresting three Palestinians after searching several homes and ransacking their contents in Dura and Karmil town, south of the city. Additional raids targeted the villages of Tarqumiyah, Idna, Beit Kahil, and al-Dhahiriya, where homes were searched, residents were detained and mistreated.

In Ramallah, the forces raided several houses in the villages of Shibtin and Ni’lin, west of the city, arresting a young man from Ni’lin.

 Washington, Dec.20 (SANA) The U.S. Department of War (Pentagon) announced that U.S. forces carried out strikes at dawn Saturday targeting dozens of ISIS terrorist sites in Syria, in response to its terrorist attack that targeted joint Syrian-American forces near Palmyra last Saturday.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed earlier Syria’s commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring that the organization has no safe havens on its territory, calling on the US and member states of the International Coalition to join in supporting Syria’s efforts against terrorism.

“Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a post on X platform.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people,” he added.

Shortly after the Pentagon’s announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation in a post on his platform “Truth Social” as a “very harsh retaliatory response,” adding: “We are launching very strong strikes against ISIS strongholds in Syria”.

Trump added “We struck extremist ISIS elements in Syria who were trying to reorganize after their defeat,” adding the Government of Syria, led by a man who is working very hard to bring greatness back to Syria, and is fully in support”.

The U.S. president went on to say that he ordered a “large-scale strike” against the terrorist organization, describing it as “highly successful and precise; we hit every target with extreme accuracy, and we are restoring peace by force.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released details about the ISIS targets and the number of sites hit in the strike. In a statement, it explained that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery struck more than 70 targets across central Syria, noting that “the operation employed over 100 types of precision munitions targeting infrastructure sites and weapons caches known to belong to the organization.”

CENTCOM also stated that U.S. and coalition forces “carried out 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the killing or capture of 23 terrorist elements” following the Palmyra attack.

NJ/ Mazen

Riyadh, Dec.20 (SANA) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed repeal of US sanctions imposed on Syria under “the Caesar Act,” affirming that the step represents a positive development that contributes to supporting efforts to restore stability and improve humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria.

“The move is likely to help create a more favorable environment for enhancing economic recovery and reopening the Syrian economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation,” Secretary-General of GCC, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, said in a statement Saturday.

He added the repeal of the Caesar Act helps facilitate the delivery of basic services to the brotherly Syrian people and contributes to Syria’s gradual reintegration into its regional and international surroundings, in a way that serves the interests of the peoples of the region and strengthens security and stability.

Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed GCC states’ position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

U.S. President, Donald Trump, signed late Thursday the 2026 Department of Defense budget law, which includes a provision that fully repeals the Caesar Act imposed on Syria since 2019.

NJ/ ME

Damascus, Dec.20 (SANA ) Syrian artist, Wasfi Al-Ma‘asarani, returned to Damascus and its audience in the “Victory” concert, organized by Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Artists’ Syndicate and the Syrian American Council, at Dummar Cultural Complex theater on Friday,  after his songs had toured the world in support of the revolutionary Syrian people.

The concert featured a selection of al-Ma‘asarani’s national anthems that accompanied the course of the Syrian revolution, especially those he performed alongside the late Abdul Baset al-Sarout. The audience joined in singing some of his most famous works, including “Ala Al-Hodlak,” “Janna Janna,” “Skaba,” and “Shid Al-Himma.” The evening concluded with the song “Mawtini,” which embodied feelings of pride and belonging.

Speaking to SANA, al-Ma‘asarani affirmed that art and music are tools for enhancing national awareness, noting that patriotic songs had lost their meaning during the era of the deposed regime when they were turned into a means of glorifying the tyrant, but today they express freedom and optimism.

Wasfi al-Ma‘asarani is a Syrian singer and composer, born in the city of Homs, and has been residing in the Czech Republic since 2000. He initially focused on Western music before turning to patriotic songs with the outbreak of the Syrian revolution; his first such work was “Daraa is Calling.”

Hama, Dec. 20 (SANA) The Gardenia female’s Choir presented Friday a musical evening at Salamiyah Cinema in eastern Hama countryside, featuring songs that have left a lasting mark in memory, drawn from children’s programs and animated series.

The Choir leader, Safana Bakleh, told SANA that the ensemble seeks to build bridges among Syrians through music, noting that these melodies form part of the collective childhood memory.

She explained that the choir has previously performed in Darayya in Damascus countryside, then in Afrin, and now in Salamiyah, with plans to continue in other locations.

Art activist, Asaad Eido stressed that the choir represents a unique artistic style in Syria, built mainly on female voices. He underlined its power to enchant audiences and spread joy, considering such cultural efforts as vital today as they foster unity around a shared artistic vision.

Marah Araour, a theater actress, emphasized that the choir’s performance was distinguished by its joyful simplicity, seeking to unite the audience in affection and harmony while showcasing emerging talents.

Damascus, Dec.20 (SANA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Syria’s commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring that the organization has no safe havens on its territory, calling on the US and member states of the International Coalition to join in supporting Syria’s efforts against terrorism.

“The Syrian Arab Republic extends its heartfelt condolences to families of the victims among Syrian and American security personnel who were killed in the terrorist attacks that took place in Palmyra and northern Syria last week. This loss underscores the need to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism.” Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.  

The ministry added: “Syria reaffirms its steadfast commitment to fighting ISIS and ensuring that it has no safe havens in Syrian territory, and will continue to intensify military operations against the organization in all areas it threatens.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic also calls on the United States and member states of the International Coalition to join in supporting Syria’s efforts in combating terrorism, in a way that contributes to protecting civilians and restoring security and stability in the region.”

Last Saturday, an armed member of ISIS infiltrated a meeting site in the city of Palmyra, which included officials from the Badiyah security command along with a delegation from International Coalition forces, and opened fire on the joint Syrian–American forces.

The attack resulted in the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter, in addition to wounding other Americans and Syrian security personnel.

Following this cowardly terrorist attack, carried out by an ISIS member, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that its units carried out a decisive and high-level security operation in Palmyra last Sunday.

The operation was conducted in full coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate and International Coalition forces, based on precise intelligence information, and led to the arrest of five suspects, who were immediately placed under investigation.

ME

Damascus, Dec 20 (SANA) – The authorities in Damascus, the Syrian capital, confirmed Saturday the theft of the statue of Saint Paul, granted in 1999 by the Pope of the Vatican to the Church of the Monastery of Saint Paul, located in the Bab Kisan area of Old Damascus.

In a statement, the Damascus Press Department clarified the circumstances of the incident, following the spread of contradictory reports.

It noted that it carried out a field visit to the site of the theft, gathered testimonies from the church administration and witnesses, and coordinated with the police station of the capital’s Qassaa neighborhood to review the preliminary results of the investigation.

According to the available information, the stolen statue is made of solid copper and was gifted to the church on the occasion of the Pope’s historic visit to Damascus, which gives it high religious, cultural, and symbolic value.

Initial investigations indicate that the theft occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, and was carried out by several individuals using simple tools, without resorting to heavy machinery.

Authorities believe the main motive was the economic value of the copper, describing the perpetrators as individuals driven by profit, with no other objectives identified so far.

The relevant authorities assured that it continues to closely monitor the progress of the investigation, in coordination with the competent bodies, in order to fully clarify the incident and strengthen the protection of the city’s religious and heritage sites.

ME

Aleppo, Dec. 20 (SANA) The community campaign of “Aleppo, the Best of All,” raised more than $270 million on its second day, with broad official and popular participation, to support reconstruction projects and essential services in the city.

Ali Keda, Assistant Secretary-General of the Presidency for Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the initiative represents a message of loyalty to a city that has endured with its people and history, embodying national belonging and responsibility toward Aleppo and Syria as a whole.

He praised the noble efforts and initiatives undertaken by the city’s residents and guests to strengthen solidarity among Syrians, stressing that the people of Aleppo deserve the best.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan al-Halabi, for his part, emphasized that the true rebuilding of Aleppo lies first in its people, then in its stones ,noting that education is the shortest path to growth and prosperity.

For his part, Aleppo’s Mufti Ibrahim Shasho declared the start of the “zero hour” for rebuilding the city, affirming that Aleppo will remain a symbol of dawn, hope, and love, and that it always rises from the rubble.

The people of Aleppo expressed gratitude to President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his strong support of the city, stressing that the responsibility of reconstruction is a collective mission defined by hope and joint action.

The three-day campaign, aims to support the rehabilitation of infrastructure and fund reconstruction projects across key service and economic sectors.

Similar initiatives have been witnessed across several Syrian provinces this year, aimed at supporting reconstruction and improving living and service conditions in areas damaged by the deposed regime’s bombardment.

NA/ ME