SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

The City Council of Aleppo and Turkey’s Şahinbey Municipality signed a cooperation protocol on Monday aimed at strengthening joint work, improving public services, and exchanging expertise to advance the local administration system.

The agreement was signed by Talal Al-Jabri, head of Aleppo’s City Council, and Mehmet Tahmazoğlu, mayor of Şahinbey district in Gaziantep Province, in the presence of Aleppo Governor Azzam Al-Gharib. The protocol is part of Aleppo Governorate’s efforts to activate the city’s broader participatory planning vision, establishing a technical partnership designed to transfer successful practices and apply them in ways that benefit the city and its residents.

Future cooperation under the protocol will cover key sectors central to public services and urban development, including waste management and environmental sanitation, improving traffic engineering and transportation systems, and expanding the development and rehabilitation of public parks and green spaces.

The protocol also highlights collaboration in urban planning and urban transformation, as well as mechanisms for developing real estate management and evaluating municipal assets to enhance resources and support sustainable development across the city.

Amer Dhawa

The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed that the double homicide that occurred yesterday in the town of Zaydal falls strictly within the criminal framework and is not sectarian in nature, according to Ministry spokesperson Noureddin al-Baba.

Speaking at a press conference in Homs on Monday, al-Baba explained that preliminary investigations indicate the sectarian writings found at the crime scene were intended to mislead and incite discord in the city. He emphasized that the heinous act is condemned by all societal standards, and that authorities continue to pursue the perpetrators and uncover the details of the crime.

Al-Baba praised the awareness and unity of Homs residents, which played a decisive role in preventing attempts to exploit the incident to create divisions. He expressed confidence in the city, noting its longstanding reputation as a model of coexistence.

The spokesperson highlighted the swift and effective response of various government agencies, acknowledging the significant cooperation of local residents, including community elders and tribal leaders, who helped curb the impact of the crime and rejected any acts of sabotage.

Regarding the curfew decision, al-Baba stated that its extension will depend on field developments. Security checkpoints, he noted, are temporary measures applied across multiple areas, not Homs alone.
Daily life in Homs’ neighborhoods has begun returning to normal, with citizens resuming movement and commercial activity, thanks to efforts to contain the situation, he added.

The press conference was attended by the Commander of Internal Security in Homs, General Marhaf al-Nassan, along with a number of neighborhood elders.

The town of Zaydal witnessed a violent double murder yesterday morning, involving a man and his wife. The crime caused tension in Homs, prompting a major deployment of internal security forces in southern neighborhoods and surrounding areas to restore order and prevent exploitation of the crime.

Wife of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Mrs. Latifa Al-Droubi, took part Monday in the opening ceremony of the ‘WISE 2025’ Summit in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the attendance of a number of prominent international figures, foremost among them, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.”

Mazen

Israeli occupation forces carried out multiple incursions into Syrian villages in the Quneitra countryside Monday’s evening, according to a SANA correspondent.

A force composed of three vehicles entered the village of Ruweihina, setting up a checkpoint near the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) post on the road linking Ruweihina with Bir Ajam and Zubaida villages.

Another Israeli force, consisting of three Humvee vehicles, advanced into the village of Bariqa, establishing a temporary checkpoint at the Kabbas junction in the village center before withdrawing.

Earlier in the day, a separate incursion by five Israeli vehicles moved toward the village of al-Samadiyah al-Sharqiyah, continuing toward Tal Krum Jaba in the northern part of the province.

Syria condemns Israel’s ongoing aggressive policies and repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. These actions, which include incursions into southern Syria, arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, property destruction, and plundering of agricultural lands, are considered illegal under international law.

Syria continues to demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory and calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities, prevent further violations, and ensure Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Syria in accordance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani welcomed on Monday a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Sweden, headed by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, and Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, for wide-ranging discussions on bilateral cooperation.

The meeting covered an expanded agenda of issues of mutual interest, with both sides reviewing current bilateral files and exploring mechanisms to strengthen cooperation across economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian fields.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the talks included the proposal to establish a Syrian–Swedish Business Council, aimed at boosting economic partnership, facilitating trade, and encouraging Swedish investments in Syria as part of the broader efforts to support economic recovery.

Discussions also addressed pending matters related to refugees and expatriates, with both sides underscoring the importance of constructive dialogue to resolve existing challenges in a manner that safeguards humanitarian considerations and national priorities.

On the political and diplomatic track, the two parties reaffirmed the importance of enhancing diplomatic relations and expanding communication channels between Damascus and Stockholm. They also reviewed prospects for strengthening cooperation within international forums and multilateral frameworks.

The talks also covered transitional justice and its role in supporting long-term stability, in addition to reviewing ongoing efforts connected to reconstruction and the creation of an environment conducive to broader international engagement in rebuilding Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his country’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, saying that Syrians should determine their own future.

Speaking to reporters upon returning from the G20 summit in South Africa, Erdoğan said Turkey seeks peace and prosperity across the region, particularly in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.

He emphasized that Ankara has no territorial ambitions and understands the heavy costs of instability in Syria.

Erdoğan also criticized Israel, describing its actions in the region as “illegal” and destabilizing.

He underlined that Turkey will continue to act according to its strategic priorities.

Earlier this week, Erdoğan told his ruling party’s parliamentary group that Turkey stands ready to assist in Syria’s reconstruction, noting that “Syria’s security is inseparable from Turkey’s security.”

The Homs City Council began removing debris and cleaning streets in the Al-Muhajirin and Armenians districts on Sunday, following acts of vandalism and arson that damaged property and vehicles the previous day.

In a statement, the Homs Governorate said municipal teams will continue working throughout Monday and Tuseday to complete debris removal and restore affected streets to normal conditions as quickly as possible.

The statement added that civil defense crews, represented by the Directorate of Emergencies and Disasters, responded to all fires, controlling and extinguishing them. Preliminary assessments reported 19 homes, 29 vehicles, and 21 commercial shops damaged during the incidents.

Authorities confirmed that the criminal investigation into the Zaydal crime is ongoing, with results to be announced once finalized. The governorate also stressed continued coordination with tribal and community leaders to prevent uncontrolled reactions and maintain public calm, while local teams engage with residents in affected neighborhoods to reassure them.

All relevant agencies and institutions are operating in high coordination, while field teams continue evaluating the situation and providing necessary support until the aftermath of the events is fully addressed.

Yesterday, Internal Security Forces cordoned off the Zaydal crime scene, where a man and his wife were killed, and deployed reinforcements to stabilize southern Homs neighborhoods.

Israeli forces carried out a new ground incursion on Monday in the northern countryside of Quneitra.

SANA reporter in Quneitra stated that a force consists of five military vehicles advanced towards the village of Eastern Samadaniyah Al-Gharbia and continued in the direction of Tal Kroom Jaba.

A similar Israeli forces on Sunday carried out an incursion in the area between Jabata al-Khashab, Ofania and Ain Al-Bayda, northern Quneitra countryside, where forces also set up a temporary checkpoint near Umm Batna and Al-Ajraf, southern Quneitra countryside obstructed the movement of pedestrians.

Israel’s incursions into Syrian territory violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, international law, and United Nations resolutions. Syria has consistently condemned the attacks and called on the international community to take firm action to stop them.

The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has finalized contracts for the development, expansion, and operation of Damascus International Airport, partnering with an international consortium led by Urbacon Holding, along with Turkish companies Cengiz and Kalyon, and the American firm Assets. Once completed, the expanded airport will serve as a critical hub connecting Syria to the global aviation network.

Under the $ 4 billion agreement, the airport’s capacity is expected to increase to 6 million passengers annually by the end of 2026, following upgrades to Terminals 1 and 2. Additionally, a new terminal (Terminal 3) will be constructed in three consecutive phases. The first phase will add 10 million passengers annually, bringing the total capacity to 16 million over three years.

In the second and third phases, two further expansions of 7.5 million passengers each will be implemented, raising the airport’s final capacity to 31 million passengers annually upon project completion.

Officials expect the project to generate over 90,000 direct and indirect jobs, strengthening the airport’s position as a key regional hub for trade, tourism, and logistics. It is also seen as a critical component of Syria’s broader efforts to modernize and revitalize its aviation sector.

Hesco, an international design firm, will oversee the airport’s redesign, with contributions from leading engineers, including a team from the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. The project will feature innovative, internationally-compliant architectural designs, and will include the construction of a 5-star hotel to accommodate travelers and airline companies.

As part of the agreement, an estimated $250 million will be invested to purchase new aircraft, modernizing Syria’s fleet and expanding its capacity for regional and international flights.

 The Syrian men’s national football team will face South Sudan on Tuesday in an Arab Cup qualifier playoff in Doha, Qatar.

The Syrian squad has been preparing at a training camp in Doha. Midfielder Mohammad Anz has joined the team, while Simon Amin and Antonio Yacoub are expected to join soon.

The match is scheduled for 6 PM Damascus time at Hamad al-Kabir Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The Arab Cup qualifier playoffs are being held in Qatar, with 14 lower-ranked Arab national teams participating. The qualifier will determine the seven teams that will advance to the final tournament, which will feature 16 teams and be hosted in Qatar from December 1 to 18, 2025.

The Saudi oil tanker RELIABLE WARRIOR arrived at Baniyas Port on Monday, delivering one million barrels of crude oil. This delivery marks the second and final shipment under the grant agreement between Saudi Arabia and Syria, aimed at supporting the country’s struggling energy sector.

Ahmad Qabahjee, Deputy Executive Director of the Syrian Petroleum Company, confirmed the delivery, which follows an earlier shipment of 650,000 barrels. “This is the final batch of the Saudi oil grant, totaling one million barrels. It will play a crucial role in meeting Syria’s energy needs,” he said in a statement to the press.

The Saudi grant is intended to alleviate ongoing electricity shortages in Syria and improve the country’s energy infrastructure. The crude oil will be refined into fuel for power plants, helping to improve electricity supply for both residents and key industries. The grant also aims to increase the availability of essential petroleum products like diesel and gasoline, supporting Syria’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

On November 17, the Saudi tanker PETALIDI delivered 650,000 barrels of oil to Baniyas under the same agreement. The total delivery, now complete, amounts to 1.65 million barrels of crude oil, a pledge made by Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

A delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, headed by Major General Abdul Rahman Al-Sarhan, Chief of Training, took part in the 29th session of Arab Armed Forces Training Chiefs, held in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

In his opening remarks, Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Affairs and National Security at the Arab League, Ambassador  Khalil Ebrahim Al Thawadi, said the session, titled “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Developing the Future Capabilities of Armed Forces and Its Impact on Operations and Training,” reflects Arab military leaderships’ commitment to advancing the training of armed forces and supporting joint Arab cooperation.

He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in planning and supporting military operations, including various applications in modern weapons systems.
Al-Dhwadi added that the main objectives of the Arab Armed Forces Training Chiefs conferences are to prepare guidance studies that enhance the skills of military personnel and students at military colleges, as well as to strengthen the capabilities of training leaders through continuous research and development of methods across all fields, ultimately benefiting armed forces personnel.

He affirmed the Arab League’s commitment to organizing military training to achieve its goals, facilitate dialogue, exchange experiences, and enhance coordination among Arab armed forces in multiple areas.
The five-day conference, inaugurated yesterday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo under the chairmanship of Tunisia, addresses the role of self-directed learning in developing the future capabilities of armed forces and its impact on operations and training.

A woman and her daughter were injured in an explosion caused by war remnants inside a stove in the town of Bdama, located in the Idleb countryside.

According to a post from the Syrian Civil Defense on its Telegram channel, the explosion occurred when heating materials, which had unknowingly contained war remnants, were ignited by heat. The Civil Defense teams quickly responded, providing first aid and transporting the injured to the nearest medical facility for treatment.

The Civil Defense urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid storing war remnants in heating materials to prevent such accidents. “We urge residents to exercise caution and ensure the safety of their homes,” the post stated.

Earlier this month, on November 5, a child was killed and two others were seriously injured when a cluster bomb, left behind by the former regime, exploded in the Abu Duhur area of eastern Idleb while the children were playing in a field.

Minister of Administrative Development Mohammad Hassan Skaf met with Jordan’s Ambassador to Syria, Sufian Salman al-Qudah, at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus to discuss expanding Syrian-Jordanian cooperation in public administration and institutional development.

Both sides highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination and the exchange of expertise across all administrative fields to support improved government performance and raise the quality and efficiency of public services.

Minister Skaf reviewed the ministry’s work to rebuild institutions following liberation and to restructure the Syrian public sector. He noted that these efforts aim to establish effective mechanisms for oversight and accountability, review and amend existing legislation, and align public-sector structures with principles of governance, transparency, and combating corruption and administrative inefficiency. He added that clarifying roles and defining responsibilities are central to achieving a more efficient administrative system.

Ambassador al-Qudah emphasized the significance of the meeting in strengthening historic ties between the two countries and enhancing joint Arab cooperation. He expressed Jordan’s readiness to collaborate in all areas, particularly public administration and the improvement of services provided by government bodies.

During his visit to Amman on October 20, Minister Skaf held discussions with Jordan’s Minister of State for Public-Sector Reform, Badria al-Belbisi, on institutional reform and capacity development. The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding focused on capacity building and human-resource development in the Syrian public sector.

Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar met with Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah at the Ministry of Economy headquarters in Damascus to examine ways to advance Syrian-Jordanian economic cooperation and broaden trade exchange between the neighboring countries.

According to information provided during the meeting, the ministers reviewed priority files including the facilitation of import and export movement, the upgrading of commercial infrastructure, and steps to streamline customs procedures to support smoother cross-border trade.

Al-Shaar stressed the importance of easing customs processes and improving trade-related facilities to enhance the efficiency of goods movement between Syria and Jordan. He emphasized that strengthened cooperation between the public and private sectors in both countries would benefit their national economies.

For his part, Dr. Qudah expressed Jordan’s interest in expanding trade with Syria, noting particular opportunities in industry, agriculture, and energy. He underscored the need to address obstacles that impede the flow of goods and reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to fostering a stable and practical environment for joint economic activity.

In a concrete step, both sides agreed to activate full import and export channels for all commodities starting early next year, a move expected to increase trade volumes and provide greater opportunities to businesses and public institutions in both countries.

The ministers concluded the meeting by affirming the importance of continued coordination between Damascus and Amman to advance trade and economic cooperation in a manner that supports the interests of both peoples.

Syria’s Ministry of Education has entered into a partnership with Clasera, a Saudi-American company renowned for its e-learning solutions, to develop an integrated educational platform designed to enhance the country’s education system.

Youssef Annan, Assistant Minister for Educational Affairs, met Monday with Abdullah Ghazal, Clasera’s Business Development Consultant, to discuss the creation and implementation of this new platform. The initiative aims to streamline educational management, improve teaching methods, and provide essential training for Syria’s educational staff.

During their meeting at the Ministry in Damascus, both parties reviewed the platform’s operational framework and its potential role in modernizing the educational process. They discussed how the platform would facilitate teacher-student interaction, enhance administrative efficiency, and introduce new teaching methods.

They also explored the idea of creating an interconnected electronic system that would link documents and transactions between the Ministry, its regional offices, and schools across the country, simplifying administrative procedures and improving overall institutional performance.

Clasera, which operates in over 45 countries and supports 14 languages, offers a wide range of e-learning services to educational institutions and Ministries of Education worldwide.

Austrian authorities have charged two former Syrian officials; Brigadier General Jamal (Khaled) al-Halabi and Lieutenant Colonel Musab Abu Rukbeh, from the ousted Assad regime with serious crimes against civilians in detention.

The Public Prosecution stated that the two officers are accused of committing systematic violations, including torture, physical violence, and sexual assault, against detainees during the war in Syria, specifically between 2011 and 2013 in the city of Raqqa. Investigators have identified at least 21 victims so far.

The decade-long investigation began after the officers entered Austria in 2015 as asylum seekers, presenting themselves as victims of the war. Their identities were later confirmed by Syrian survivors, including Mohammed al-Hajj, who had been arrested and tortured in Raqqa in 2012.

Al-Hajj recognized Abu Rukbeh at an Austrian asylum center and provided crucial testimony that helped trigger a comprehensive legal case against both Abu Rukbeh and al-Halabi, who had overseen torture operations at the State Security Branch.

Further inquiries revealed that al-Halabi had reached Europe through France, and media reports suggest he may have maintained contacts with foreign intelligence agencies during his tenure in Syria’s security services.

Syrian lawyer Asid al-Mousa, alongside teams of attorneys and human rights organizations, played a key role in documenting testimonies and gathering evidence, enabling Austrian authorities to build a substantial case. This case is considered one of Europe’s most significant cross-border justice efforts related to war crimes in Syria.

The Ministry of Health received 16 new ambulances on Monday at its headquarters in Damascus, donated by the International Charity Organization in the United Arab Emirates to support emergency and ambulance services across the country.

Dr. Hussein Al-Khatib, the assistant health minister, said, in a statement to SANA, that Syria’s health sector continues to require support to strengthen services and expand coverage.

He expressed appreciation to the UAE government and its people for the contribution, noting that the new vehicles will immediately reinforce frontline response capacity.

Khaled Abdul Wahab Al Khaja, secretary-general of the International Charity Organization, said the donation reflects the organization’s humanitarian mission and the strong ties between the two countries. He added that the aid package includes the 16 ambulances, 50 dialysis machines to be allocated later, maintenance support for several hospitals, and the establishment of new health centers to assist the national healthcare system.

Dr. Najeeb Al-Naasan, director of emergency and ambulance services at the ministry, said the ambulances are expected to improve the ministry’s ability to respond to critical cases, especially in underserved areas. He explained that the vehicles will be distributed based on population density, available medical facilities, and existing service gaps, with the aim of saving lives and reducing mortality rates.

Founded in 1984, the International Charity Organization operates in 23 countries and implements a wide range of sustainable humanitarian projects, including health programs, water well initiatives, orphan sponsorships, medical treatment support, and community service programs.