SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Homs, 28. Dec (SANA) Al-Qusayr Field Hospital in Homs province in central Syria has received a new anesthesia machine as part of the “Fajr Al-Qusayr” campaign, aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the region.

The hospital’s director, Mohammad Idris, told SANA that the equipment was donated by Dar Al-Zahraa Hospital in the Lebanese city of Tripoli and will help enhance medical services for residents of the al-Qusayr area, home to around 160,000 people.

He added the new machine will improve patient care and support the hospital’s surgical capacity.

Opened in October, the hospital has 60 beds and includes an operating theatre, a 12-bed intensive care unit, a dialysis center equipped with six modern machines, and a physical rehabilitation center for patients with physical, hearing, and psychological disabilities.

Last month, the “Fajr Al-Qusayr” campaign raised approximately $10.08 million to fund service and development projects in the al-Qusayr area in southwestern Homs countryside.

Lattakia, Dec. 28 (SANA) The Interior Ministry announced that the Internal Security Directorate in Jableh arrested Basil Issa Ali Jamahiri, linked to the Suhil al-Hassan criminal cell, and confiscated weapons and ammunition.

On Sunday, the Ministry posted on its Telegram channel that the arrest was part of a security operation carried out by the Internal Security Command in Lattakia province. The operation targeted the so-called “Saraya al-Jawad” criminal cell in Dweir Baabda village, located in the Jableh countryside.

The Ministry added that the arrested individual provided detailed information during questioning about the locations of weapons and ammunition. Specialized teams subsequently seized machine guns and various types of ammunition, following proper procedures.

Earlier, on December 24, the Lattakia Internal Security Directorate announced a special security operation targeting a group affiliated with the “Saraya al-Jawad” cell in the Jableh countryside, suspected of carrying out killings and targeting the Army and Interior Security Forces.

R.A

Damascus, Dec. 28 (SANA) The Syrian National Library in Damascus hosted the cultural event “Jasmine Meets Olive” on Saturday, highlighting Syria’s rich cultural diversity and celebrating the unity between Arab and Kurdish communities. The event also honored individuals who supported families displaced from Eastern Ghouta to Afrin in 2018.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Directorate of Children’s Culture, the event featured an art exhibition showcasing 82 works by 38 children and adolescents from Arab and Kurdish backgrounds. Their creations, including paintings and handcrafted items, were presented by the Anbar Community Center in collaboration with the Idleb Women’s Empowerment Support Center.

The celebration included musical and theatrical performances emphasizing shared cultural heritage. Kurdish musician Fathi Sheikho’s buzuq performance and the Salmiya-based choir Hanaya performed Damascene folk songs alongside patriotic classics, while young actors from the “Stars of Free Syria” troupe honored martyrs of the Syrian revolution.

Aref Jweijati, Deputy Director of Children’s Culture at the Ministry of Culture, said the event aimed to promote coexistence after decades of exclusionary policies of the former regime, while Salah al-Din Karo, Director of Afrin Religious Endowments, praised the humanitarian support provided by Afrin residents to displaced families.

The exhibition highlighted collaboration between Arab and Kurdish youth, reflecting a shared commitment to cultural expression and national unity. Students like Nazliya Nasser of Afrin expressed aspirations for freedom and empowerment through mandala-inspired artwork, while others showcased embroidery, woodworking, and recycled crafts, guided by local empowerment programs.

Bervian Bozo, coordinator of the Anbar Center’s Afrin office, emphasized that the event reinforced social cohesion between Syria’s Arab and Kurdish communities. Khaled Taffour, director of Afrin’s Teacher Preparation Institute, added that cultural diversity is a source of national strength when nurtured through dialogue and cooperation.

The event concluded with tributes to community leaders who supported displaced families, along with performances, poetry readings, and theatrical sketches, underscoring the resilience and unity of Syrians across ethnic and cultural lines.

R.A

Homs, Dec. 28 (SANA) Syrian civil defense teams, supported by the Syrian army, rescued several people from drowning late Sunday as they attempted to cross the Syrian–Lebanese border through an unofficial route.

The incident occurred near the villages of al-Shabruniyeh and al-Dabbousiyeh, close to the town of Talkalakh in western Homs province, where a group of people tried to cross the Southern al-Kabir River amid heavy rainfall and strong currents.

Munir Qaddour, head of the Talkalakh Civil Defense center, said rescue teams were dispatched after reports of people being swept away near al-Shabruniyeh, an area known for illegal border crossings. He said rising water levels and fast-moving currents forced rescuers to proceed on foot, accompanied by army personnel.

After several hours, rescuers located two women and a young man. They were given first aid at the scene and later transferred to Talkalakh National Hospital for treatment. Survivors told rescuers that the group consisted of 11 people, four of whom managed to return to Lebanon, while others were carried away by the river.

Search efforts were suspended after teams were unable to safely enter the river due to the dangerous conditions, Qaddour said. A reinforcement unit, including divers and specialized rescue vehicles, was later deployed, but operations were postponed because of safety concerns. Coordination with Lebanese authorities was planned to resume the search from the Lebanese side of the border.

One survivor, Maria al-Samman, said she was part of multiple groups attempting to cross from Syria into Lebanon, describing the route as particularly hazardous during winter due to swollen waterways. She said Syrian forces reached them before they could complete the crossing the river and transferred them to emergency services.

Another survivor, Syrian refugee Nayef Riya, said Lebanese security forces had detained him while he was traveling to work in Lebanon and escorted him and others to a border area opposite al-Dabbousiyeh, where they were instructed to cross the river back into Syria. He said most were unable to cross due to heavy rain and strong currents, while he was rescued after being swept away.

Unofficial border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, particularly in western Homs province, are frequently used despite the risks.

Maaloula, Dec. 28 (SANA) Local tourism authorities and cultural groups on Saturday opened a traditional handicrafts exhibition in the historic town of Maaloula, northeast of Damascus, featuring handmade works by artisans from the capital and surrounding areas.

The exhibition, titled “Our Victory Is Celebration,” was organized by the Tourism Directorate in Damascus countryside in cooperation with two cultural associations and is being held at Saint George Hall. The event coincides with Liberation Day, Christmas and the New Year.

On display are a variety of traditional Syrian crafts, including handwoven textiles, natural wood products, copperware, fine art pieces, chandeliers, and decorative items made from cement and wool inspired by the Christmas season. The exhibition also includes artistic and folkloric performances.

Father Jalal Ghazal of Saint George Monastery said the event reflects a renewed sense of social openness in the country and expressed hope for stability and peace.

Mohammad al-Qassem, director of tourism for Damascus countryside, said Maaloula was chosen for the exhibition because of its historical and cultural significance. He added that bringing together artisans from Damascus and its countryside supports local cooperation and contributes to tourism development in the area.

Adnan Tanbakji, head of the Authentic Traditions Association, said participating artisans presented works reflecting Syria’s traditional craftsmanship, noting strong public attendance since the exhibition opened.

Mohammad Talal Taqi al-Din, secretary of the al-Sharqiyat Association, said the group was represented by six artisans, along with participants from Maaloula and nearby towns. He said the timing of the exhibition, which coincides with Christmas, added symbolic value to the event.

Artisans taking part said the exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase their work and pass on traditional skills to younger generations through training and education, helping preserve Syria’s cultural heritage.

Rabat, Dec. 28, (SANA) Uganda and Tanzania played out a 1–1 draw on Saturday in a Group C encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Tanzania took the lead just before the hour mark through Simon Msuva, who found the net in the 59th minute. Uganda responded late on, with Ouchi Ikpezo scoring the equalizer in the 80th minute to secure a point for his side.

The result leaves both teams with one point from the group, sitting third and fourth respectively, behind group leaders Tunisia and second-placed Nigeria.

Damascus, Dec. 28 (SANA) Border Guard forces of the Syrian Arab Army arrested five people in rural Tartous while attempting to enter Syrian territory illegally.

The Department of Media and Communication at the Ministry of Defense told SANA that initial investigations revealed some of those arrested were members of the defunct regime, noting that they will be referred to the competent authorities to complete investigations and necessary legal procedures.

This operation comes as part of the ongoing efforts of the Syrian Arab Army to safeguard the borders and prevent any illegal infiltration attempts, thereby ensuring the security of the nation and the integrity of its territory.

MHD

Damascus, Dec. 27 (SANA)  The Syrian Arab Republic expressed its strong condemnation and outright rejection of the announcement of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, describing the move as a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and a direct infringement on the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Such unilateral measures lack any legal legitimacy and cannot produce any international effect, as they are based on imposing a fait accompli situation that contradicts established norms of international relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stressed in a statement on Saturday.

The ministry added that Syria affirms that any attempts to create parallel entities or support separatist projects constitute a dangerous precedent threatening regional security and stability, with serious political and security repercussions for the countries and peoples of the region.

It reaffirmed Syria’s firm position in support of the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and its absolute rejection of any attempts aimed at dismantling states or undermining their territorial integrity.

It is noteworthy that on 26 December, the Israeli occupation authorities announced mutual recognition with the Somaliland region, making Israel the only state to take such a step since Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991. The announcement was met with broad rejection from the international community, as well as Arab and Islamic countries, which reaffirmed their support for the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and considered the move a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

MHD

Idleb , Dec. 27 (SANA)The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management honored, during an official ceremony held Saturday, at the Cultural Center in Idleb, the families of Syrian Civil Defense martyrs and wounded, in tribute to their sacrifices and in reverence for their memory

Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh said in his speech that honoring the families of martyrs and the wounded is both a national and humanitarian duty.

He stressed that their sacrifices will remain deeply rooted in the conscience of Syrians, as the Syrian Civil Defense embodied the highest forms of dedication in confronting disasters and protecting lives.

For his part, Director of the Syrian Civil Defense Organization, Munir Mustafa, noted that the occasion reflects the organization’s commitment to its humanitarian mission and affirms that the families of martyrs and the wounded are partners in the humanitarian journey.

He reiterated the Civil Defense’s determination to continue fulfilling its duty with dedication and sincerity.

The ceremony was attended by Presidential Media Advisor Dr Ahmad Zidan and Idleb Governor Mohammad Abdul Rahman.

The sacrifices made by the Syrian Civil Defense personnel have reinforced values of loyalty and responsibility within society, becoming an integral part of Syria’s humanitarian legacy.

MHD

London , Dec. 27(SANA)The United Kingdom strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in Homs city on Friday, reaffirming its commitment to stand by the Syrian people in building a stable future.

“The UK strongly condemns the terrorist attack targeting worshippers at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs. This was a cruel attempt to undermine peace and stability. We stand with the people of Syria in their efforts to build a stable and secure future,” The UK’s Special Envoy to Syria, Ann Snow, posted on platform (X) on Saturday.

A terrorist bombing struck the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs yesterday, leaving eight people dead and more than eighteen injured. The attack sparked widespread condemnation and denunciation at Arab, regional, and international levels.

MHD

Hama, Dec. 27 (SANA) Syrian security authorities in Hama province said Saturday they are investigating a fatal domestic incident in the al-Bayad neighborhood, in which a father killed his wife and three daughters before taking his own life.

Brig. Gen. Mulham al-Shantout, head of internal security in Hama, said preliminary findings suggest the killings were linked to ongoing family disputes. Investigators are also examining whether the father had been under significant psychological stress in recent weeks.

Al-Shantout added that the evidence at the scene indicates that a Kalashnikov rifle was used at close range. Forensic tests found gunpowder residue on the father’s hands, and ballistic analysis confirmed that the recovered bullets matched the weapon.

He said that the surveillance footage from the entrance of the home shows the father retrieving the rifle from a nearby room where it had been hidden before returning inside. Authorities are reviewing the footage as part of the ongoing investigation.

A forensic report indicated the deaths occurred approximately 13 hours before security forces arrived at the scene, al-Shantout pointed out.

Al-Shantout added that the investigation is continuing and that further details will be released once official findings are finalize

Abdul

Cairo, Dec. 27 (SANA) Egypt’s Grand Mufti on Saturday condemned the terrorist bombing that struck a mosque in Homs in central Syria, describing the attack as a major crime and a violation of the sanctity of places of worship.

Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Egypt’s Grand Mufti and head of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Institutions Worldwide, said in a statement that targeting worshippers inside mosques represents a grave breach of religious and moral principles, as well as a violation of the widely shared commitment to protecting civilian lives and houses of worship.

He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The bombing targeted the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs on Friday, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 18 others. The attack triggered widespread condemnation at the Arab, regional, and international levels.

Daraa, Dec. 27 (SANA) Syria’s Interior Ministry said on Saturday that internal security forces in the southern province of Daraa had arrested a man involved in serious crimes and of having ties to the former regime’s security services.

In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the ministry identified the man as Imad Mohammad Abu Zreiq. Preliminary findings from the investigation indicated that he maintained direct links with security agencies during the period of the former regime, which he used as cover to carry out grave violations.

According to the statement, the crimes include the killing of civilians, armed robberies, and the operation of an organized network involved in the trafficking and smuggling of narcotics both inside Syria and across its borders.

The ministry said the man provided detailed information during questioning about the location of weapons and ammunition depots in the town of Nasib. Security units subsequently moved to the sites and seized large quantities of weapons and ammunition.

The confiscated materials included mortar shells of various calibers, Katyusha rockets, Metis anti-tank missiles, heavy and medium machine guns, assorted ammunition, and wireless communication devices, the statement said.

The Interior Ministry added that the man has been referred to the competent judicial authorities for further legal action.

Hama, Dec. 27 (SANA) Pushing himself forward in a wheelchair, Ibrahim Suleiman al-Ali is traveling dozens of kilometers from a displacement camp in northwest Syria to his hometown of Shaizar, near Hama in central Syria.

Blind, with both legs amputated and limited use of his hands, al-Ali is fulfilling a promise he made to himself after years of displacement — to return home once the country was freed from the former regime.

Al-Ali began his journey on December 25 from al-Wardah displacement camp in Deir Hassan, in Syria’s Idleb province, where he had lived for years after being injured in shelling during the war. By Saturday, he had reached the outskirts of Hama city and planned to continue despite cold winter weather and difficult road conditions.

“I will continue, no matter how hard it is,” al-Ali said, adding that completing the journey was a personal vow — a way to reclaim his life after everything he had lost.

Al-Ali is traveling with the help of a companion, while an ambulance with a medical team follows at a distance in case of emergency. Each kilometer is physically demanding, but he says the emotional pull of returning home after years away is what sustains him.

For many, al-Ali’s journey has become a symbol of Syrians’ resilience and determination to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their homeland, despite the scars of war that remain visible on both the land and its people.

Cairo, Dec. 27 (SANA)
The Arab Parliament strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its solidarity with Syria in this tragedy.

In a statement published on its official website on Saturday, the Parliament declared its absolute rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, stressing that targeting places of worship is a cowardly terrorist act rejected by all religions, laws, and norms.

The Parliament expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Aden,Dec.27 (SANA) The Republic of Yemen condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its full solidarity with Syria in its efforts to combat terrorism.

In a statement qouted by the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the country’s firm position rejecting and condemning terrorism in all its forms.

The statement emphasized Yemen’s full solidarity with Syria and its support for the efforts it is exerting to combat terrorism, in a way that contributes to strengthening security and stability and protecting civilians.

Yemeni Foreign Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the Syrian state and people, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, and lasting security and stability for Syria and its people.

Eight people were killed Friday and 18 others were injured in a terrorist explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood in Homs, central Syria.

The act sparked widespread Arab, regional and international condemnation.

NJ/ ME

Quneitra,Dec.27 ( SANA) Israeli occupation forces on Saturday carried out a new incursion into the village of Taranga, reaching the outskirts of the town of Jabata al-Khashab in northern Quneitra countryside.

SANA reporter in Quneitra said that an Israeli army force, consisting of six military vehicles, entered from the direction of Telloul al-Hamr, passing through the area between the towns of Beit Jinn and Hadar, reaching the village of Taranga.

They continued their advance towards the town of Jabata al-Khashab, where they were spotted on the southern outskirts of the town and in one of the surrounding high ground.

“The forces conducted a brief patrol in the area, while a drone flew overhead, before departing towards the village of Ofania in the northern countryside of the province”, the reporter added.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and repeated breaches of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through incursions into the southern Syrian countryside and attacks on civilians.

Syria has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from its territory, stressing that all measures taken by Israel in southern Syria are null and void and have no legal effect under international law.

NJ/ME

Damascus, Dec. 27 (SANA) The Circassians (Adyghe) in Syria represent a rich model of social and cultural diversity, carrying with them from their original homeland in the North Caucasus an ancient heritage and deeply rooted traditions, they succeeded in integrating into Syrian society while preserving their cultural uniqueness and historical identity, becoming an integral part of the Syrian national fabric.

From the North Caucasus to the Levant

The original homeland of the Circassians is the North Caucasus, historically known as “Circassia,” which stretched across central and western North Caucasus from the Caucasus Mountains to the Don River and the Sea of Azov, reaching Chechnya. At one stage, it covered an area of about 400,000 square kilometers.

Syrian writer and researcher of Circassian origin, Adnan kabartai told SANA in English that the Circassians historically consisted of 17 tribes, five of which became extinct, leaving 12 tribes. This is symbolized by the 12 stars on the Circassian flag.

Migration and Preservation of Identity

The Circassians migrated to several countries including Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Palestine, where they preserved their cultural identity rich in arts and traditions. According to kabartai, the Circassian population in Syria today is around 200,000, distributed across the governorates of Quneitra, Damascus, and Aleppo. They actively participated in all aspects of Syrian life while maintaining their language and customs.
Settlements in Syria.

Circassians settled in several villages in northern and central Syria, such as Manbij, Khanasir , and Ras al-Ain, as well as Tal Amri and Ayn al-Niser. In Damascus, they concentrated in Marj al-Sultan in Eastern Ghouta, one of their largest communities, in addition to neighborhoods such as al- Muhajreen, Rukn al-Din, Qudsaya, and Harasta.

The Golan also became a major settlement area, particularly the village of Beer Ajam, which hosted about 80 percent of the Circassian population due to its mountainous nature resembling their original homeland.

Integration While Preserving Traditions

The Circassians integrated into Syrian society across political, intellectual, and cultural spheres, contributing to public life while preserving their traditional rituals—especially weddings, which continue to follow inherited customs influenced by Syria’s rich environment.

Circassian Wedding Rituals

Marriage customs are among the most distinctive Circassian traditions. Sometimes they involve “Khutifa” (abduction) in cases of parental opposition, carried out under strict codes known as “Kwasa,” meaning slipping away from the family home to begin a new life. The ritual starts with a prior agreement between the young couple, followed by a symbolic notification to the village, then the completion of engagement and marriage procedures according to tradition.

Traditional Dress as a Symbol of Identity

Circassians maintain a strong bond with their land and heritage, with traditional clothing serving as a key symbol of identity. Men wear the woolen “Qalpaq,” a leather belt, the Circassian dagger “shashka,” and the traditional coat “A chokha.” Women’s attire is distinguished by artistic embroidery reflecting social status and occasion.

Arts, Music, and Dance

Arts hold a special place among the Circassians. The “Qafa” dance, known as the dance of princes, is one of the most famous, accompanied by romantic accordion melodies. Traditional instruments include the accordion, violin, bjemi, flute, and Apkhyarestа.

Circassian Cuisine

Circassian cuisine is notable for its unique flavors. Among its most famous dishes is “Ships Pasta,” made of meat, walnuts, hot pepper, rice, and bulgur. Another specialty is “Haliva” pies stuffed with cheese, potatoes, or pumpkin, usually served at breakfast with tea.

Ongoing Cultural Presence

Highlighting Circassian heritage, the Circassian Charity Association in Damascus recently inaugurated a book and document exhibition as part of a cultural event that shed light on Circassian history and presence in Syria, and their role within the national fabric, with the participation of researchers and cultural figures.