SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

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.

Calm has returned to the southern neighborhoods of Homs, with the Internal Security Forces extending the curfew until 5:00 PM Monday in several areas of the city. The curfew was imposed after a double murder in Zaydal sparked violence.

SANA reporter in Homs confirmed that southern neighborhoods of the city are witnessing calm, while security forces continue to reinforce their presence to ensure stability.

The curfew affects the neighborhoods of Al-Abbassiya, Al-Armen, Al-Muhajireen, Al-Zahra, Al-Nuzha, Al-Ikrima, Al-Nazihin, Ashira, Zaydal, Karm Al-Zaytoun, Karm Al-Louz, Al-Weroud, and the Police Housing district. Authorities have urged residents to comply with the curfew for their safety and to aid the ongoing investigation.

The curfew was initially imposed on Sunday after the bodies of a man and his wife were discovered in their Zaydal home, both victims of a violent murder. Sectarian messages found at the crime scene raised concerns that the incident might provoke sectarian tensions in the region.

In a statement to Al-Ikhbariya, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Nour El-Din Al-Baba clarified that no material evidence yet links the crime to sectarian motives. He noted that the slogans at the scene were likely intended to mislead investigators and incite strife.

He warned against the spread of fabricated stories on social media, urging citizens to rely on official sources for information.

Health Update: 18 Injured in Random Shootings

Dr. Abdul Karim Ghali, Director of Health in Homs, confirmed that hospitals received the bodies of the two victims, Abdullah Al-Aboud Al-Nasser Al-Khalidi and his wife, as well as 18 injuries, most from random gunfire.

Security Deployment to Prevent Escalation

In response to the violence, Internal Security Forces have deployed throughout Homs to maintain order, protect property, and prevent further sectarian escalation.

The victims’ family emphasized their rejection of using this tragedy to stir sectarian conflict and reiterated their commitment to legal avenues for justice.

Al-Zara Power Plant, located in Hama, is undergoing critical maintenance on its second steam unit to restore its full generating capacity, after output dropped to just 145 megawatts.

The Ministry of Energy announced that engineering and technical teams, in collaboration with the Saudi company “Energy Care,” are conducting annual maintenance to return the unit to its full capacity of 217 megawatts. The plant, which has a total capacity of 660 megawatts across three units, is a key contributor to Syria’s national electricity grid.

Mohammad Fadila, Director of the General Electricity Generation Corporation, visited the site to monitor progress. He emphasized the importance of completing repairs by mid-December to ensure the unit is restored to full capacity, which will help stabilize the national power supply.

Al-Zara is one of Syria’s largest steam-powered plants, with each unit generating 217 megawatts. It plays a critical role in meeting the country’s electricity needs.

This maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to improve the plant’s performance and reliability, ensuring a stable electricity supply and improved operational efficiency in the months ahead.

Syria will participate in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO 2025) in Singapore from November 26 to 28, alongside more than 95 countries. This year’s theme is “The Future of Robots.”

The Excellence and Creativity Commission announced that five Syrian teams will compete: Marsalis, Open Mind Latakia, Monsters Inc, VLNs, and SQ-391.

The Commission noted that Syria’s participation reflects a commitment to fostering innovative communication between humans and machines. The goal is to inspire creativity and develop solutions that enable robots to perform tasks that address the challenges of the modern world.

The World Robot Olympiad is one of the largest global competitions in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Earlier this year, 127 teams from across Syria participated in the first stage of the National Robotics Championship, organized by the Excellence and Creativity Commission.

The second cohort from the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management in Syria has begun a specialized training program in the Qatari capital, according to a statement published today on Lekhwiya’s official account on platform X.

In its post, Lekhwiya (Qatar Internal Security Force) said it received the Syrian participants as they launched an intensive program supervised by instructors from the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, noting that the sessions are designed to bolster the Syrian emergency team’s preparedness for disasters and humanitarian crises.

Lekhwiya stated that the training aims to “enhance the readiness of the Syrian team to handle disasters and humanitarian emergencies efficiently, and strengthen its capacity for effective emergency response.”

The program builds on cooperation developed earlier this year, when the Syrian Civil Defense Organization (White Helmets) signed a partnership and training agreement with Lekhwiya on January 20. The earlier agreement covers specialized instruction in disaster management and provides support equipment for search-and-rescue operations.

The 11th “Syria HIGH TECH” Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Exhibition continues to draw attention, with local companies presenting innovations in AI, IT, and wireless internet services.

The event underscores Syria’s growing interest in digital transformation, with a focus on adopting modern technologies across various sectors.

Rami Al-Mujahid, public relations manager at the Syrian Association for AI and Entrepreneurship, said the group aims to integrate AI into industries through training and participation in events. “AI should be part of every project, and it’s crucial for Syria to stay competitive,” he said.

Aziz Al-Ajmi, sales manager at Atfa Tech, noted to increased competition and transparency in the market, benefiting consumers and opening foreign market opportunities. He added the exhibition provided a chance to connect with international suppliers.

Abdullah Zghoul, CEO of Twin Tech, which offers outdoor wireless internet, highlighted the company’s use of high-speed, non-shared Wi-Fi with public IP technology. He said the exhibition allowed Twin Tech to build new partnerships and create local jobs, expressing optimism about Syria’s tech future despite foreign companies’ slow entry.

The exhibition, organized by the Arab Group for Exhibitions and Conferences with the Ministry of Communications, features 225 local, regional, and international companies.

The Internal Security Forces in Homs have extended the curfew until 5:00 PM Monday across several city neighborhoods to ensure security following violence triggered by a double murder in the province.

The city’s Internal Security Forces announced the extension in a statement posted on the Homs Governorate’s official Telegram channel, specifying that the curfew will affect the following neighborhoods: Al-Abbassiya, Al-Armen, Al-Muhajireen, Al-Zahra, Al-Nuzha, Al-Ikrima, Al-Nazihin, Ashira, Zaydal, Karm Al-Zaytoun, Karm Al-Louz, Al-Weroud, and the Police Housing district.

Authorities have urged residents in these areas to comply with the curfew for their safety and to assist with ongoing investigations.

The curfew was initially imposed at 5:00 PM Sunday after the discovery of the bodies of a man and his wife, both victims of a violent murder in their home in Zaydal. Police reports suggest that sectarian messages were found at the crime scene, indicating a potential attempt to provoke sectarian tensions in the region.

Homs woke up today to a heinous crime whose perpetrators clearly sought to drag people into the swamp of sectarian strife, exploiting divisions that had already been entrenched by decades of sectarian policies and the systematic sectarianization adopted by the defunct regime as its sole strategy for survival and continuity in power.

Despite the gravity of the crime and the rush of some residents toward retaliatory reactions, both the state and society succeeded in containing the perpetrators’ attempt before it escalated. A swift calm was achieved thanks to rapid security deployment and the combined efforts of the governorate and various actors, whether governmental or community-based.

The issue of civil peace tops the priorities of the Syrian government, and there is no doubt that much must be done to entrench it as a lived reality, including the pursuit of transitional justice, accountability, and community reconciliation.

Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir announced the arrival of the second and final batch of the Saudi oil grant to Syria, estimated at one million barrels of crude oil, bringing the total shipment to 1.65 million barrels.

“I extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government, and people, for this generous support, which reflects the depth of fraternal ties between our two brotherly nations,” Al-Bashir stated on Sunday in a post on (X).

The first batch, estimated at 650,000 barrels, had arrived at the Baniyas oil terminal on Syria’s coast on 17 November.

It is noteworthy that Syria signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia to provide 1.65 million barrels of crude oil, aimed at supporting local needs and strengthening economic and developmental cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

MHD Ibrahim

Mufti of Homs, Sheikh Sahel Junaid, affirmed that the new Syria will not be driven by blind hatred, but by justice and the pursuit of truth, through the awareness of its people and the wisdom of its leadership.

He stressed that the recent events witnessed in Homs Governorate will not succeed in undermining social unity or igniting discord among its citizens.

In a speech regarding the crime that took place in the town of Zaidal, which resulted in the killing of a man and his wife, Mufti Junaid expressed his deep sorrow. He stressed that those criminals who plotted to ignite discord will not achieve their goals in the face of the awareness of the residents and their solidarity with the state and its institutions.

The Mufti clarified that victorious Syria will not be led by discord or revenge, but by justice, the rejection of oppression, and the upholding of rights. He affirmed that the state and its competent authorities will pursue the perpetrators and bring the oppressors to justice.

MHD Ibrahim

Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba announced that there is no material evidence so far to suggest that the crime committed Sunday in Zeidel town, in Homs countryside, was sectarian. He noted that initial investigations revealed that the slogans accompanying the crime were written with the intent to mislead, incite sectarian strife, and obscure the identity of the real perpetrator.

Al-Baba explained in a phone call with Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV that the available information so far indicates the crime was criminal in nature, though attempts are being made to exploit it to stir sectarian tensions.

The spokesman noted that the Internal Security Command in Homs, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Army and military police, took immediate measures including deployment, setting up checkpoints, and patrolling neighborhoods. These steps helped contain the situation and minimize losses. He praised the role of residents and community leaders in strengthening civil peace and preventing sectarian discord.

He affirmed that cooperation between security forces and local communities in Homs has been commendable, and efforts continue to restore calm across all neighborhoods. He added that security forces arrested several troublemakers who attempted to vandalize and damage civilian property.

Al-Baba stressed that certain parties are trying to exploit the events by spreading false and fabricated narratives on social media, aiming to destabilize the situation and undermine civil peace. He urged citizens not to be misled by fake or deceptive news intended to incite discord.

The Interior Ministry spokesman concluded by affirming that the criminal investigation unit in Homs is making outstanding efforts to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.

MHD Ibrahim

President Ahmad al-Sharaa has issued a series of presidential decrees appointing the leadership of the newly established General Authority for Borders and Customs.

Decree No. 264 for 2025 appointed Qutaiba Ahmad Badawi as President of the Authority with ministerial rank.

Decree No. 265 for 2025 named Khalid Muhammad al-Barad as Deputy President of the Authority for Customs Affairs, while Decree No. 266 for 2025 appointed Ahmad Ali Mustafa as Deputy President for Maritime Affairs.

These appointments follow the issuance of Decree No. 244 for 2025, which established the General Authority for Borders and Customs as an independent public institution with legal personality and full financial and administrative autonomy, reporting directly to the Presidency of the Republic and headquartered in Damascus.

The Authority is tasked with unifying and overseeing operations across Syria’s land and sea border crossings, ports, free zones, and customs, as well as developing logistics and trade services, enhancing internal oversight, and implementing digital systems to streamline procedures.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. (244) of 2025 establishing a public authority named the “General Authority for Borders and Customs”. The authority enjoys legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and is directly linked to the Presidency of the Republic. Its headquarters will be located in Damascus.

MHD Ibrahim

The discovery of mass graves across Syria continues to reveal the magnitude of atrocities committed by the deposed regime against the Syrian people, who rose against decades of authoritarian rule. According to the Wall Street Journal, the country has become a site of mass burials containing the remains of thousands of forcibly disappeared and detainees who perished in prison.

Many graves are uncovered by chance, either during the clearing of rubble from destroyed homes or through searches in farmland. The sites range from expansive fields holding tens of thousands of victims of systematic killings to smaller graves containing just dozens of bodies.

Documented Graves and Ongoing Investigations

The International Center for Transitional Justice, together with the Syrian organization Lawyers and Doctors for Human Rights, has documented 134 mass graves so far, with evidence suggesting more remain undiscovered. Experts say these findings underscore the widespread human tragedy under the deposed regime, which systematically killed thousands and imprisoned tens of thousands under conditions of torture and extreme abuse.

Challenges in Identifying Victims

The graves and the scale of killings present unprecedented challenges for Syria as it seeks to recover from authoritarian rule. Families remain in distress, many unaware of the fate or burial sites of their loved ones. Identifying victims requires extensive forensic expertise, DNA testing equipment, and significant financial resources—estimated at around $200 million.

Each newly uncovered grave reopens old wounds, prolonging grief and leaving families without closure.

National Efforts Toward Justice

The crimes of the deposed regime have prompted calls for accountability. In May, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued decrees establishing the National Commission for the Missing, tasked with investigating the fate of thousands of disappeared persons, and the National Commission for Transitional Justice, charged with uncovering grave human rights violations and holding perpetrators accountable.

On November 18, the National Commission for the Missing signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to enhance technical and professional cooperation. Earlier, on November 5, a joint announcement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Independent International Commission on Missing Persons (IIMP) reaffirmed support for national efforts to clarify the fate of missing Syrians, irrespective of circumstances or affiliations.

These initiatives aim to provide transparency, justice, and long-overdue closure for families affected by the decades-long repression.

The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums in Syria announced that it is closely monitoring inaccurate reports circulating on social media, alleging the discovery of a “cave containing large quantities of ancient gold” in the town of al-Hara, Daraa countryside.

In a statement on Sunday, the Directorate clarified that what was actually found, following a field inspection by its specialised team, was a Roman-era tomb uncovered during construction work for a building’s foundations. This discovery is entirely different from the rumors of a golden cave.

The Directorate noted that several pottery artifacts dating back to the same period were found. These items hold typical museum and scientific value for such sites, and there is absolutely no truth to claims of large amounts of ancient gold.

It added that security authorities secured the area, while its teams continue documentation and archaeological studies of the site and the artifacts, in line with established scientific standards.

The Directorate stressed that Syria’s cultural heritage is a national treasure that must be preserved through scientific methodology, and that any genuine discoveries will be announced transparently through official channels only.

MHD Ibrahim

Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib discussed Monday with Mehmet Tahmazoğlu, mayor of Şahinbey district in Turkey’s Gaziantep Province ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.

The meeting focused on developing mechanisms for the twinning partnership between Aleppo and Şahinbey Municipality, as well as exploring opportunities for joint projects in public services, infrastructure, and urban planning.

Earlier this month, on November 4, the governor held talks with a Turkish delegation that included Sevvalay Tuncer, head of environmental policy and urban planning at Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), Fatma Şahin, mayor of Gaziantep, and several officials, to advance bilateral cooperation and activate the twinning agreement between Aleppo and Gaziantep.

Amer Dhawa