SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

The Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce (FSCC) has welcomed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s call on U.S. lawmakers to support a full and permanent repeal of the Caesar Act.

Chairman of the FSCC, Alaa Omar al-Ali, told SANA that the move reflects a realistic understanding of the political and economic transformations Syria has undergone since the fall of the Assad regime. He added that the call highlights the importance of “opening a new page in economic cooperation between the two countries.”

Al-Ali said that the Caesar Act is a significant obstacle to Syria’s economic recovery efforts, continuing to directly impact the lives of civilians while restricting U.S. companies’ ability to engage in development projects and reconstruction.

He noted that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s call to abolish the law represents an important step toward paving the way for rebuilding the national economy and enhancing international cooperation. Al-Ali urged relevant U.S. stakeholders to respond to this call and take practical steps toward lifting the sanctions.

On the 10th of this month, the U.S. Senate voted to repeal the Caesar Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Wednesday that it had received the bodies of 30 Palestinians from Israeli authorities through the Red Cross, bringing the total number of bodies received to 195.

In its daily report, the ministry stated that its medical teams continue to process the bodies in accordance with established protocols, pending the completion of examinations, documentation, and delivery to the families.

“Some of the bodies show signs of abuse, including beatings, bound hands, and blindfolded eyes,” the ministry added.

The released bodies are part of the U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel aimed at halting the war in the Gaza Strip.

The ministry also reported that families have so far identified 57 bodies through an online reference system established to match remains with missing persons.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Damascus, Clemens Hach, hailed the visit of the German trade delegation to Syria as an important step towards reconnecting with Syrian partners and enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.

In a post on X , Hach described the delegation’s first visit to Damascus in 14 years as a significant opportunity to develop future economic relations. The delegation participated in the Syrian-Austrian-German Business Forum, which provided a platform for strengthening ties.

“The delegation expressed admiration for the clarity of the economic vision presented during the forum,” Hach added.

Held on Monday, the forum brought together a wide range of representatives from Syrian economic bodies and institutions, as well as businessmen and investors from Syria, Germany, and Austria. The event was attended by the German and Austrian ambassadors to Damascus.

The Israeli forces on Wednesday arrested 45 Palestinians during raids in several areas of the West Bank.

According to the Palestinian authorities, the Israeli forces stormed a number of cities and towns including Qalqilia, Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin, raiding homes and tampering their contents before arresting dozens of residents.

Meanwhile, Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque and carried out provocative tours, while others attacked Palestinian lands and olive trees near Ramallah.

Israel continues to escalate its aggression in the West Bank through daily raids, arrests, and widespread acts of destruction against Palestinian citizens.

The Internal Security Forces have taken urgent action to protect residents of the al-Fardan camp in Idleb countryside, following the kidnapping of a girl by an outlawed militant group and grave violations committed against civilians.

Brigadier General Ghassan Bakir, Commander of the Internal Security Forces in Idleb, stated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on its Telegram channel that these measures were “in response to complaints from al-Fardan camp residents about the severe violations committed by an outlawed armed group, led by the so-called Omar Diaby.” Among the latest incidents was the kidnapping of a girl from her mother.

After receiving multiple calls from the camp’s residents, Internal Security Forces quickly began taking decisive steps to ensure civilian safety. “We deployed forces to the camp, surrounded it, and set up checkpoints at key locations to secure the entrances and exits,” Bakir explained.

He added that Internal Security leadership had attempted to “negotiate with the leader to surrender,” but he “refused, fortified himself inside the camp, and blocked civilians from leaving. He also began firing at security personnel and terrorizing families.” This, Bakir noted, indicated that Diaby was using civilians as “human shields,” making him fully accountable for their safety.

Bakir reiterated that the primary priority of the Internal Security Forces is to safeguard civilians. “We will continue to take all necessary legal and security measures to uphold the law and protect the public,” he concluded.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has carried out a strike on the Bryansk Chemical Plant, a key facility within Russia’s military-industrial complex.

According to a statement by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, the General Staff said that the Ukrainian Air Force, in coordination with ground, naval, and other defense components, targeted the Bryansk Chemical Plant on Tuesday evening.

In response, the Russian Security Service (FSB) announced Wednesday that a camp related to Ukrainian forces in the Chernihiv region had been hit.

Meanwhile, the Head of Russia’s Republic of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, reported that a facility in the republic was struck this morning by Ukrainian drone attacks, with no casualties recorded.

The Syrian national triathlon team has arrived in Bahrain to participate in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which will be held from October 23 to 25.

The team consists of Tawfiq Jolo, who will compete in the men’s race alongside 37 athletes from 21 countries, and Rand Al-Hadi, who will race in the women’s event with 24 athletes from 14 countries. Both athletes aspire to achieve strong performances in the competition.

The team will compete in the Super Sprint triathlon, which consists of three main events: the individual Super Sprint triathlon for men and women, and the mixed Super Sprint relay event.

In a statement to SANA, Dana Shabat, President of the Triathlon Federation, highlighted that both Jolo and Al-Hadi are at a high technical level, having undergone intensive preparations over the past few months.

Triathlon, a relatively new sport in Syria, combines three consecutive disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running—requiring exceptional physical endurance and skillful transitions between each stage.

The Ministry of Interior opened on Wednesday a new Internal Security Headquarters on Arwad Island, located in Tartous Governorate, in a move aimed at enhancing security and ensuring long-term stability in the region.

Colonel Abdel Aal Mohamed Abdel Aal, Head of Internal Security in Tartous Governorate, inaugurated the facility, which is expected to play a key role in maintaining order and preserving security on the island.

Israeli forces launched a new incursion into al-Hamidiya village in Quneitra countryside on Wednesday, accompanied by heavy engineering equipment, including two excavation machines, a bulldozer, and a transport truck. SANA reporter said.

The reported added that the forces began excavation work at a site where they have maintained a presence for approximately six months.Israeli forces continue their incursions in violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, international law, and UN resolutions.

Syria strongly condemns these actions and urges the international community to take decisive action to halt them.

Syrian Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdel Razzaq discussed on Wednesday with Saudi Ambassador Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel, ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation at housing and real estate sectors.

The two parties, discussed the pioneering Saudi experience in housing and providing funds for individuals, as a successful pattern which could be applied in developing housing policies in Syria.

The two sides agreed on holding upcoming meetings between them in participation with specialists in the two countries to discuss axes of future cooperation which includes studying the comprehensive Saudi experience at housing, enhancing data governance and implementing digital transformation concepts in this vital sector.

At the end of the meeting the Ambassador al-Mujfel called the Syrian side to examine the Saudi experience at privatizing the public sector companies and developing governance and financing systems, noting to his country readiness to exchange technical and institutional experiences in this regard.

In a joint operation between Syria and Iraq, authorities have intercepted a significant drug shipment and arrested several suspects connected to transnational smuggling networks. The operation resulted in the seizure of 108 kilograms of hashish and more than 1.27 million Captagon pills.

In a statement shared on its Telegram channel, the Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed that the operation was carried out through close intelligence sharing and field coordination between Syria’s Anti-Narcotic Directorate and Iraq’s General Directorate for Drug Control. The operation also led to the arrest of several individuals wanted by international law enforcement agencies for their involvement in cross-border drug trafficking.

“The operation is part of a series of ongoing international efforts carried out by Syria’s Anti-Narcotic Directorate in collaboration with both neighboring and allied countries,” the statement read. It emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader framework of continuous security and intelligence coordination aimed at tackling the global drug trade.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding society from the dangers of drugs, describing it as a national and ethical responsibility. “We will remain resolute in our efforts to protect our youth and national security from the devastating effects of drug trafficking,” the statement added.

“We will continue working closely with our international partners to enhance cooperation and ensure the safety and stability of Syria and the wider region,” it concluded.

This operation underscores the growing collaboration between neighboring countries in combating the global drug trade, a significant issue for the Middle East.

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the international community to intensify its efforts and cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Laurence emphasized that “the Gaza Strip is entering a critical phase, requiring all parties to take responsibility and ensure that this political momentum translates into lasting peace and security.” He highlighted the importance of countries working together to ensure the agreement’s successful implementation.

This statement comes as Israeli forces continue to violate the ceasefire, which took effect on the 10th of October. Since then, Israeli forces have launched numerous attacks on Palestinian civilians, resulting in dozens of casualties.

Head of the United Nations Human Rights Office in the West Bank, Ajith Sunghay, has confirmed an unprecedented escalation in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in support of Israeli forces.

UN News center quoted Sunghay as saying at a press conference in Ramallah that the intensifying Israeli assaults during the olive harvest season, are part of a broader pattern of violations aimed at severing Palestinians from their land and facilitating illegal settlement expansion. He warned of catastrophic consequences, noting that between 80,000 to 100,000 Palestinian families rely on the olive harvest as a primary source of livelihood.

Sunghay emphasized that the denial of Palestinians’ rights to life, livelihood, security, dignity, and self-determination by Israeli authorities is both unlawful and unacceptable. He stressed that no matter how long the occupation persists, it must not be normalized, and that Israel is legally obligated to end the occupation and reverse its annexation of the West Bank.

He also highlighted that in 2023, approximately 96,000 dunams of olive-planted land in the West Bank were left unharvested due to Israeli discriminatory policies, resulting in losses exceeding $10 million for Palestinian farmers. The same pattern continued during the 2024 harvest season.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has called for the full and permanent repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, arguing that the law is no longer serving its intended purpose following the fall of the Assad regime and the rise of a new Syrian government.

In a letter sent Tuesday to key U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representatives Brian Mast and Gregory Meeks of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, John Murphy, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for a bipartisan effort to end the law.

“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, I write in support of the bipartisan effort to fully and permanently repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (Caesar Act),” the letter read. Murphy added that with the collapse of the Assad regime and the emergence of a transitional government, the Caesar Act no longer aligns with U.S. strategic interests.

While the Caesar Act was originally designed to hold the Assad regime accountable for its human rights abuses, the Chamber argues that other sanctioning mechanisms are now available to achieve the same objective.

The letter also stressed the negative impact the Caesar Act continues to have on American businesses, restricting their ability to invest and engage in trade with Syria. Despite some waivers and executive actions from the Trump administration, the six-month renewal cycle and the risk of “snapback” sanctions create an environment of uncertainty that discourages long-term investment and planning.

American companies, the letter argued, need clarity and predictability to compete effectively in global markets. With the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the Caesar Act’s future, U.S. firms are at a competitive disadvantage, allowing foreign competitors to take the lead in shaping Syria’s economic future.

Murphy concluded by urging Congress to act swiftly and completely repeal the law. “Repealing the Caesar Act will not only advance U.S. economic interests but also contribute to regional stability and the long-term prosperity of the Syrian people,” he said.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate voted to include a repeal of the Caesar Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Arenillas in Ecuador’s El Oro province at 7:05 p.m. local time on Tuesday, with tremors felt across 11 provinces including Guayaquil.

“The epicenter was 43 kilometers south of Machala at a depth of 83 kilometers in a seismically active border zone with Peru. “According to the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute.

 Authorities reported no casualties or major damage, and emergency teams are assessing coastal areas while monitoring for aftershocks.

On World Food Day, the Saudi Ambassador to Damascus announced that Saudi Arabia has implemented 1,056 humanitarian projects globally, with 110 of those in Syria, focused on improving food security and supporting vulnerable populations.

During a ceremony organized by the Saudi Embassy in Damascus, Ambassador Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel emphasized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. He said that the Relief Center has invested over $8 billion in food-related projects worldwide, of which more than $145 million directed toward 110 projects in Syria alone, aiming to assist those most in need while bolstering global food security.

Al-Mujfel further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on food security and agricultural development, noting that these sectors are key to achieving the goals of its Vision 2030. He added that the agricultural sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP reached approximately 109 billion riyals in 2023, and increased to 114 billion riyals in 2024, signaling sustainable growth in this vital industry.

In terms of food security, al-Mujfel noted that Saudi Arabia ranks 41st in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, advancing two spots from the previous year. He also pointed to the Kingdom’s investments in major agricultural initiatives, such as the $9 billion livestock city being developed in Hafr Al-Batin, which aims to increase local production and support self-sufficiency.

“World Food Day serves as a reminder that achieving food security requires global collaboration, strategic investments, and collective action for the benefit of our nations and peoples,” ambassador al-Mujfel stated.

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammad Al-Saleh, told SANA, underscored the significance of World Food Day in promoting sustainable resource management and consumption. He emphasized that securing access to food is a fundamental right and an essential part of strengthening national identity and culture.

Minister al-Saleh also drew parallels between the resilience needed in agriculture and the ongoing rebuilding process in Syria. “Just as a farmer plants a seed today and patiently awaits the harvest, Syria’s journey of rebuilding, which began after liberation, is a testament to endurance and hope,” he said.

Marianne Ward, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Syria, also spoke on the importance of the day. “World Food Day highlights the urgent need for global food security,” she said, noting that nearly 800 million people worldwide still face hunger and uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. “The WFP and the international community must continue to work together to change this reality.”

Ward also praised Saudi Arabia’s advancements in agricultural technology, which have positioned the country as a leading wheat producer. The WFP hopes that Saudi Arabia’s agricultural expertise can be transferred to Syria’s dry climate, helping to restore the country’s food security and agricultural viability.

World Food Day is observed every year on October 16, a day designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to raise awareness about global hunger and the importance of sustainable food systems.

Two civilians were killed and five others were injured when militants targeted a civilian car in the Kafr Mars area of Jabal al-Summaq in northern Idleb countryside.

The director of Internal Security in Harem, Idleb, told SANA that the armed attack was carried out by unknown militants on a motorcycle, resulting in two fatalities and five others being injured, some with varying degrees of severity.

The security official confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, as part of efforts to ensure citizen security and regional stability.

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa held an open dialogue with members of the Syrian community in Qatar on the media landscape and the ministry’s efforts to rebuild the national media discourse to reflect the country’s achievements and the sacrifices of its people.

At the meeting organized by the Syrian embassy in Doha, the minister stressed the critical role of media in strengthening ties between Syria and its expatriates, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to fostering deeper collaboration across media and cultural platforms.

Syrian ambassador Bilal Turkiah opened the meeting with a welcoming speech, expressing pride in the community’s positive role in preserving national values and cultural identity, and in representing Syria honorably within Qatari society.

During the open discussion, Minister al-Mustafa responded to participants’ questions on media affairs, expatriate issues, and cultural initiatives. Attendees exchanged proposals on how to enhance communication between Syrian media institutions and expatriate communities, aiming to convey the true image of Syria and reinforce national belonging among younger generations.

Internal Security in Lattakia Governorate has successfully thwarted an attempted kidnapping of a local jeweler following a targeted security operation that led to the arrest of all members of the criminal gang.

The Ministry of Interior said in a statement, published late Tuesday on its Telegram channel, that the suspect, Khodr Ali Ibrahim Mohammad, from the village of Al-Qatilibiyah in Latakia countryside, attempted with his gang to kidnap jeweler George Abdullah Zakour in the city of Latakia. Mohammad was assisted by an individual linked to a cell of the former regime.

The ministry added that the Internal Security Directorate executed a precise ambush as part of the operation, resulting in the capture of all gang members.

Investigations have been ongoing to uncover the full circumstances, motives, and any parties behind the crime.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry and the General Establishment for Geology and Mineral Resources in Syria held a video meeting on Tuesday with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the joint committees between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed means of enhancing joint industrial cooperation, activating investment and manufacturing opportunities in priority sectors, and exchanging technical and administrative expertise.

They also reviewed ways to facilitate the establishment of joint projects that contribute to supporting industrial development and strengthening the productive base in both countries.

The two sides underscored the importance of continuing technical coordination between the specialized working teams to ensure the implementation of the items agreed upon within the joint action plan, in preparation for holding subsequent meetings to assess the progress achieved and to develop practical mechanisms to overcome obstacles facing industrial cooperation.

The meeting comes within the framework of a series of sessions aimed at activating the six agreed-upon tracks between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the aim of developing bilateral relations in the fields of economy, investment, industry, trade, and energy.