SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) The Damascus Authority for Drinking Water on Thursday signed a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to improve water access in the city of al-Malihah, Damascus countryside. The project is supported by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

The agreement includes the construction of a new 300-cubic-meter elevated water tank, the rehabilitation of another tank of the same capacity in the western part of the town, and the connection of both to the local water network. Officials say the project will provide drinking water to more than 70,000 residents and reduce pressure on Damascus’s primary water sources, the Fijeh and Barada springs.

Deputy Minister of Energy for Water Resources, Engineer Osama Abu Zeid, noted that the support from the King Salman Center is crucial for rehabilitating water networks damaged over years of war and for creating conditions for the return of displaced residents. He said roughly 60% of the drinking water infrastructure in affected areas has been damaged.

Hiroshi Takabayashi, Director of UN-Habitat in Syria and Lebanon, said the project will improve access to safe drinking water and praised the King Salman Center for its experience in humanitarian work.

Al-Malihah’s water infrastructure has been severely damaged for years, limiting residents’ access to safe drinking water. The Ministry of Energy, together with international partners, is working to restore water networks and improve water security, which is expected to stabilize local communities and support the return of displaced families.

Madrid, Dec. 18 (SANA) Atlético Madrid booked their place in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey with a 3–2 victory over Baleares in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

French forward Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring in the 16th minute and added a second in the 72nd, while Raspadori netted in the 20th minute. Baleares’ goals came from Gerardo Boni in the 28th minute and Keita in stoppage time.

Elsewhere in the competition, Cultural Leonesa pulled off a shock by eliminating Levante with a 1–0 win, and Racing Santander edged past Villarreal 2–1.

Washington, Dec. 18 (SANA) OpenAI has announced an upgraded version of ChatGPT’s image-generation feature, saying the new release delivers images up to four times faster than its predecessor following the rollout of the GPT-5.2 model.

In a statement, the company said the updated tool is better at understanding and adhering to user intent, enabling precise edits without altering elements that users do not want changed. This applies to original images, newly generated visuals, and subsequent rounds of editing.

OpenAI described the feature as offering expanded creative and editing capabilities, positioning it as a “portable creative studio” that allows users to make practical adjustments and reimagine images in new ways.

Tartous, Dec. 18 (SANA) The Anti-Narcotics Branch in Tartous province dismantled a narcotics trafficking network following a security operation carried out in several neighborhoods of the city, resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

A security source told SANA that the operation led to the seizure of 14 packets of hashish, approximately 4,700 Captagon pills, 430 controlled prescription pills, and 28 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Security forces also confiscated an amount of foreign currency in U.S. dollars.

The source added that the suspects were referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and the completion of legal procedures prior to their appearance before the competent court.

Since the liberation on December 8, 2024, Syria’s government has pledged to combat drug trafficking, conducting hundreds of raids on criminal networks and foiling dozens of attempts to smuggle drugs to neighboring countries.

Damascus Countryside, Dec. 18 (SANA) The Syrian Ministry of Education, in cooperation with World Vision International, inaugurated on Thursday 15 schools in Damascus Countryside after their rehabilitation and restoration, marking Liberation and Victory anniversary.

The schools, located in Douma, Adra al-Jadida, al-Kiswah, Qatana, and Qudsaya, were reopened following extensive renovation works that included classrooms, doors, windows, furniture, corridors, external walls, courtyards, and electrical networks, aimed at providing a safe and suitable learning environment.

Director of Damascus Countryside Education Fadi Nizhat noted that the new facilities will ease overcrowding in classrooms following the return of displaced families, while ensuring access to a secure educational environment.

Mohammad al-Hannoun, Director of School Buildings at the Ministry, stated that 67 schools have been rehabilitated in Damascus Countryside, with work ongoing on 65 more. Nationwide, 950 schools have been restored, and efforts continue on an additional 1,000 schools to guarantee safe learning spaces for all Syrian children.

World Vision representative said the rehabilitation of the 15 schools was completed within two months, describing the project as a pivotal step toward improving education quality in partnership with the Ministry.

On the occasion of Liberation and Victory anniversary, the Ministry of Education also inaugurated 130 rehabilitated schools across Syrian governorates during December.

World Vision International is a global humanitarian non-governmental organization supporting children, families, and communities affected by crises through sustainable development and educational projects.

Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) The ancient Damascus craft of Aghabani continues to thrive, blending hand-printed fabrics with intricate silk embroidery to produce works of art that embody both tradition and beauty. Despite the rise of modern industrial techniques, artisans in the capital remain committed to preserving the entirely handmade process.

Wasim Dabbaneh, a master craftsman active since the 1990s, explained that the process begins with selecting 100% linen or cotton-linen fabric for its durability and ability to hold embroidery. Patterns are hand-printed using carved wooden blocks, ensuring precise, repeated designs before the fabric moves to the embroidery stage.

“Artesian embroidery is done entirely by hand on traditional manual sewing machines,” Dabbaneh said. “The work requires patience, precision, and experience. The value of Aghabani lies in the manual craftsmanship.”

Color is also key to each piece’s identity. Artisan Mohammad al-Hindi said neutral shades like ivory and white form the base, while red, navy, and olive threads add decorative touches that appeal to both local buyers and international markets.

Once completed, the embroidered fabrics are cut and sewn into finished products ranging from tablecloths up to six meters long, napkins, placemats, and traditional garments including men’s and women’s jellabiyas and abayas.

Aghabani’s appeal extends beyond Syria, with growing demand in European and American markets due to its artistic and cultural value. Artisans continue to innovate within the craft while staying true to techniques preserved over centuries.

Both Dabbaneh and al-Hindi emphasized the importance of training a new generation of artisans to ensure the craft’s survival as Aghabani is more than a craft—it is a reflection of Syrian cultural identity and artistic heritage.

Dating back hundreds of years, Damascus’ Aghabani remains a symbol of the city’s rich cultural legacy, bridging the past and present through meticulous handmade artistry.

Homs, Dec.18 (SANA) Syrian visual artist Mai al-Halwani opened her latest exhibition, “Arteries with Wings”, in Homs Wednesday, presenting 40 paintings that explore the rhythm of life and deep human emotion through her signature expressionist style.

Hosted at the Palace of Culture and organized by the Union of Visual Artists, the exhibition showcases al-Halwani’s innovative use of color and line, combining elements of miniature art and decorative motifs to create visually rich and often surreal pieces.

Speaking to SANA, al-Halwani described the show as her first in Homs since the city’s liberation. “Arteries symbolize life, while wings represent freedom,” she said, highlighting the personal and societal themes embedded in her work. Some pieces also reference the Syrian revolution, reflecting the artist’s commitment to using art to evoke beauty and resilience in a city still recovering from years of war.

The exhibition has drawn attention from local artists and cultural figures. Artist Ibrahim Salameh praised the effort and creativity behind al-Halwani’s paintings, noting their complexity and attention to detail, while Ibrahim Hazim described the show as “comprehensive and visually striking.”

The exhibition runs for two days, with half of the proceeds going to the Syrian Development Fund.

Quneitra, Dec. 18 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces advanced early Thursday into villages in the southern Quneitra countryside in southwest Syria, raiding al-Hiran village and the al-Dara’iya hill west of al-Mu’allaqa, arresting a young man and bulldozing land.

SANA’s  reporter in Quneitra said a force consisting of seven military vehicles entered al-Hiran at about 5 a.m., searched a house and detained a young man.

The reporter added that another occupation force, comprising two tanks, two military bulldozers and a military vehicle, advanced into the al-Dara’iya hill area, where it carried out bulldozing inside an abandoned military outpost. The force fired shots into the air to intimidate residents in surrounding areas, causing fear and anxiety among civilians.

Israeli occupation forces had carried out similar incursions into several villages in the Quneitra countryside a day earlier.

Israel continues aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through repeated incursions into southern Syria, including raids, arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, destruction of property and the bulldozing of agricultural land.

Damascus has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Syrian territory, stressing that all measures taken by Israel in southern Syria are null and void and have no legal effect under international law. Syria has urged the international community to assume its responsibilities, deter occupation practices, ensure a full withdrawal from southern Syria and a return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) The Syrian Ministry of Health has reported a notable increase in acute respiratory illnesses in recent weeks, attributing the rise primarily to seasonal influenza. The Ministry emphasized that the number of severe cases remains within expected levels compared to previous years.

According to a statement on its Telegram channel, data from the National Influenza Surveillance System up to the 48th epidemiological week of 2025 show a clear increase in viral activity. The laboratory positivity rate has risen to 45.3%, up from 28% in the previous update.

Laboratory tests indicate that Influenza A virus, predominantly the H3N2 subtype, is currently dominant both regionally and globally. The novel coronavirus continues to circulate but at a limited ongoing level.

During epidemiological weeks 47 and 48, Influenza A accounted for approximately 93% of positive cases, compared with 7% for SARS-CoV-2. These findings support the conclusion that the current increase in respiratory illnesses is primarily driven by seasonal influenza.

The Ministry said that National treatment protocols continue to be applied, calling on citizens to adhere to general preventive measures and to visit health centers if respiratory symptoms appear, particularly children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with chronic conditions.

Aleppo, Dec. 18 (SANA) The Aleppo Palace of Justice hosted Thursday the second public hearing in the trial of defendants accused of violations during events in Syria’s coastal region.

Judge Jomaa al-Anzi, head of the National Independent Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding into the coastal incidents, said Wednesday that the hearings reflect the Syrian government’s commitment to conducting open trials. He said this approach aims to break cycles of violence, end impunity, and strengthen transparency and accountability.

In a post on X, al-Anzi added that the proceedings also seek to protect the legal rights of all defendants and enhance community oversight of the judicial process. He noted that international and civil human rights organizations are attending the hearings.

Al-Anzi said millions of Syrians are awaiting broader implementation of transitional justice mechanisms. He stressed that the complexity of the cases requires careful preparation to ensure accountability for crimes committed during the era of the former regime.

The first public trial sessions began on Nov. 18 at the Aleppo Palace of Justice, involving 14 defendants accused of violations during the coastal region events of March 6.

Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture has begun discussions with the World Bank on a support program aimed at addressing key priorities in the country’s agricultural sector.

A technical team from the ministry met via video conference with World Bank officials, including Isabelle Liou, the bank’s agriculture sector lead for Syria and Lebanon, to outline a potential intervention project focused on sector needs. The discussions covered plans to rehabilitate olive nurseries, olive presses, and pistachio production facilities, the ministry said in a statement.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Bassel al-Suwaidan said the sector requires extensive rehabilitation and emphasized the need to introduce water-smart agricultural technologies under a clearly defined framework.

Participants also discussed challenges facing the livestock sector and identified priority needs expected to be incorporated into the proposed intervention plan.

Liou said technical studies are currently underway to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Syria’s agricultural sector, with a focus on ensuring project sustainability. The studies also aim to identify requirements related to agricultural inputs and food value chains.

Both sides agreed to hold regular technical meetings to finalize the proposed project and prepare an implementation document, with the goal of generating tangible economic impact and supporting agriculture as a key sector in Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery.

Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, thanked the U.S. Senate on Wednesday for its support for the Syrian people and the vote to repeal the Caesar Act.

In a post on the X platform, al-Shaibani said, “We consider this step a positive development that opens new horizons for cooperation and partnership between our country and the world.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed the Department of Defense budget bill for fiscal year 2026, which includes a provision repealing the Caesar Act, a sanctions law imposed on Syria in 2019 over crimes by the former regime. The bill passed with 77 votes in favor and 20 against and has been sent to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.

Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani said Wednesday that the repeal of the U.S. Caesar Act marks a significant shift in Syria’s international engagement, reopens economic channels and paves the way for renewed cooperation, particularly in the tourism sector.

Al-Salhani told SANA the move would be a “turning point” allowing Syria to re-enter global economic and tourism networks after years of isolation. He said the change would have an immediate impact on tourism, a sector closely tied to cross-border movement, investment, and international exchange.

“We are determined to reposition Syria within the international economic and tourism system,” al-Salhani said, adding that Syria’s future can no longer be viewed separately from its global environment.

He added that the tourism sector is entering a new phase focused on sustainability, modernization, and long-term investment. The government aims to improve tourism offerings, raise service standards, and attract foreign capital, he said, adding that the lifting of sanctions would help Syria reassert itself as a cultural and humanitarian destination in the region.

Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. Senate approved the fiscal year 2026 defense budget bill, which includes a provision to repeal the Caesar Act, a sanctions law imposed on Syria in 2019 aimed at punishing the former regime. The measure passed with 77 votes in favor and 20 against and has been sent to President Donald Trump for signature to take effect.

Cairo, Dec. 18 (SANA) Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al -Saleh, accompanied by a delegation, took part in the First Arab Regional Forum on Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness, held under the slogan “Together for Better Coordination and Effective Response.”

The forum opened Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, with the participation of high level delegations from Arab states, regional and international organizations, and UN agencies.

It aims to enhance coordination, avoid duplication, and maximise synergy across various fields of work, while benefiting from expertise in governance, technology, climate monitoring, and humanitarian response, and mobilising resources for sustainable and inclusive early warning solutions.

In his speech at the forum, Minister Al Saleh stressed that disaster preparedness is no longer a deferred option but an urgent necessity requiring a fundamental shift in mindset, from responding after disasters occur to adopting proactive preparedness and early warning approaches. He described the forum as a first step toward an integrated Arab system for early warning and disaster readiness that protects lives and strengthens security and stability.

For his part, Deputy Minister Dr Ahmad Qaziz spoke during a session titled “Early Warning Systems in the Arab Region: Reality and Future,” where he presented the Ministry’s experiences in crisis and disaster management and outlined its vision and plans for the coming period.

Over two days, the forum discusses key issues related to strengthening the effectiveness of early warning systems, improving technical links between warning and response, and examining the role of technology, communications, and sustainable financing in building Arab capacities to confront the increasing frequency and intensity of natural and non-natural disasters in the region.

In his speech at the forum, Minister al- Saleh stressed that disaster preparedness is no longer a deferred option but an urgent necessity requiring a fundamental shift in mindset, from responding after disasters occur to adopting proactive preparedness and early warning approaches. He described the forum as a first step toward an integrated Arab system for early warning and disaster readiness that protects lives and strengthens security and stability.

Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, Ambassador Khaled bin Mohammed al Manzlawi, stated in his opening remarks that the forum represents a high level Arab platform for exchanging expertise, enhancing coordination among Arab states and partners, and shaping a shared regional vision aligned with international initiatives. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Arab League through the “Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2030.”

The forum is held in partnership with several international bodies, including the International Telecommunication Union, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the World Meteorological Organization, and the World Food Programme, along with specialized Arab regional organizations and centers.

MHD

Damascus, Dec. 17 (SANA) Aleppo is preparing for its anticipated campaign “Aleppo for All,” a city that has shaped a distinctive identity across many fields, including music and its rich vocal heritage, one of the most prominent components of Syrian cultural identity. For centuries, Aleppo has been synonymous with qudud and muwashahat, which were never merely musical genres but a complete artistic school that helped shape Arab musical taste.

Aleppine Muwashahat… Andalusia with a Levantine soul

The art of muwashahat is one of Aleppo’s most valued musical traditions. It reached its peak in the late 19th century, when Aleppine musicians refined the Andalusian form with exceptional craftsmanship, transforming it into what later became known as Aleppine Muwashahat. These compositions are distinguished by their rhythmic diversity and rich modal structures, giving them a unique artistic character that remains both authentic and ever-renewing.

Aleppine Qudud… one melody, many stories

Aleppine qudud form the second pillar of Aleppo’s musical identity. Initially inspired by Andalusian melodies, they evolved into a deeply rooted popular art. The term qudud refers to songs built on familiar tunes with entirely new lyrics, allowing singers to express emotions and human stories in a direct and sincere manner.

Types of Qudud… diverse sources, one spirit

Aleppine qudud are divided into several types, most notably:

– Popular Qudud: traditional songs passed down through generations, with unknown authors and composers.
– Muwashah-based Qudud: built on the classical muwashah structure with new wording, drawing from three main sources:

• traditional muwashahat and religious chants from Sufi gatherings
• folk and heritage songs
• foreign melodies, especially Turkish and Persian.

The uniqueness of Aleppine Tarab

Aleppine tarab is distinguished by a unique blend of spirituality and classical artistry. Rooted in religious chanting and expanding into secular singing, it relies on Eastern maqams such as Rast, Bayat, and Saba, along with precise and varied rhythms. This distinctiveness established Aleppo’s tarab as a musical school of its own, producing figures who shaped the course of Arab music.

Evolution of melodic structure… a critical reading

Musician Mohammad Qadri Dallal notes in his book Religious Qudud that some modern qudud feature complex and challenging melodies with wide intervallic leaps, requiring highly trained voices, especially in muwashah-based qudud and those built on instrumental compositions.

And Tunisian writer Ilyas Boudan notes…
that the origins of Qudud trace back to religious songs performed in Sufi gatherings before their sacred lyrics were replaced with romantic ones while preserving the original melody, hence the name Qudud, meaning “according to the measure of the old tune.”

Icons of Aleppine Tarab… voices that shaped history

Aleppines enriched their musical heritage with diverse genres such as Qudud, Muwashahat, Mawwal, and Taqtuqa, which later evolved at the hands of major Arab musicians.

Sheikh Omar al Batsh is considered one of the most prominent muwashah composers, having trained many renowned singers and composers, including Sabri Mudallal and Abdul Qader Al Hajjar.

Aleppo produced giants of Arab music such as Sabah Fakhri, Sabri Mudallal, and Shadi Jamil, who carried qudud and muwashahat to global audiences. The late Sabah Fakhri, in particular, revived this heritage with his powerful voice and classical training, presenting it to new generations in an accessible and captivating form. Among the most famous qudud are Ya Mal Al Sham, Qadduk Al Mayyas, and Taht Hawdajha.

Aleppine Qudud on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List

In December 2021, during its 16th session in France, UNESCO inscribed Al-Qudud Al-Halabiya (Aleppine Qudud) onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising it as a crucial step for preserving Syria’s national identity and a source of resilience, with this traditional music performed in Aleppo’s cultural spaces.

The Jordanian Journal of Arts noted that this recognition encouraged specialized studies on the history, origins, and artistic characteristics of qudud. Aleppine researcher Mohammad Qajja described UNESCO’s decision as an honorary achievement for Aleppo and for Syrian and Arab musical heritage.

With the inclusion of Aleppine Qudud on the global heritage list, the responsibility of cultural institutions and local communities grows to safeguard this legacy and transmit it to future generations through lectures, festivals, and exhibitions—affirming that Aleppo will remain the capital of Arab tarab, a haven of culture and art, and a living musical identity that endures.

MHD

Tripoli, Dec. 17 (SANA) Health Minister Musab al-Ali discussed with Mohammed al Ghuj, Acting Minister and Secretary General of the Libyan Ministry of Health, prospects for strengthening joint health cooperation between Syria and Libya, on the sidelines of preparations for the 63rd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, scheduled to be held tomorrow, December 18, in Tripoli.

The meeting addressed preparations for the Arab ministerial gathering, in addition to discussing ways to enhance cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, exchange technical expertise, and build health capacities, contributing to strengthening the joint Arab health system and promoting integration among Arab countries in the health sector.

Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding areas of partnership and intensifying coordination in ways that serve shared health interests and enhance the response to current health challenges.

The meeting comes as part of the Health Minister’s visit to Libya to participate in the 63rd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers and to hold a series of bilateral meetings with his Arab counterparts and officials, aimed at strengthening health cooperation, exchanging expertise, and supporting efforts to improve health services across the Arab region.

MHD

Damascus, Dec. 17 (SANA) President Ahmad al- Sharaa held a session on Wednesday in Damascus with a delegation from the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Civil Affairs, headed by Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The session reviewed the key achievements accomplished during the year, examined the current state of operations and existing challenges, and discussed mechanisms to enhance performance and improve services provided to citizens.

The discussions also covered future project plans, particularly the new national ID card project, in addition to reviewing proposals from several leading and specialized companies in this field.

MHD