SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

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.

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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.

Homs, Dec. 27 (SANA) Funeral of the victims of the terrorist bombing that took place yesterday at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs has begun, with popular and official participation.

Damascus, Dec.27 (SANA) Central Bank of Syria (CBS) Governor, Abdelkader Husrieh, affirmed on Saturday that the new lira is not merely a means of exchange, but a symbol of the success of the Syrian revolution, belonging and confidence in the ability to rise again.

“With the launch of the new Syrian pound, we are not merely celebrating a banknote; we are celebrating our sovereignty and our national identity,” Husrieh said in a post on Facebook. 

He added that there are many international experiences that confirm a national currency becomes strong when people unite around it.

“At the Central Bank of Syria, we will carry out our role as we understand it well, fully aware of the scale of the challenges and opportunities, and committed to responsibility, transparency, and protecting the national currency. The foundation remains the unity of the people and their trust, because a strong currency begins with its people’s belief in it”, he added.

Husrieh announced Thursday that the nationwide exchange of old banknotes for new ones will begin on January 1. The process will be carried out through 66 companies and 1,000 dedicated outlets across the country.

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Beirut, Dec.27 (SANA)-The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called on “Israel” to cease what it described as “aggressive behavior,” announcing that one of its soldiers was injured by new Israeli shelling near one of its positions in southern Lebanon.

“Heavy machine gunfire from Israeli army positions south of the Blue Line impacted close to a UNIFIL patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra,” UNIFIL said on Saturday according to AFP.

The statement also referred to another incident yesterday in the town of Kfar Shuba in southern Lebanon, saying that one of its patrols reported gunfire from the Israeli side near its position while it was carrying out a routine operational mission.

Israeli occupation forces continue to violate international law and international will by repeatedly targeting UNIFIL. In recent months, the temporary international force in southern Lebanon has been subjected to repeated incidents of Israeli gunfire and shelling near its positions and patrols, resulting in a number of injuries.

Damascus, Dec. 27 (SANA)Temperatures continue to drop Saturday across Syrian regions, falling below their annual average as the country comes under a polar low-pressure, accompanied by a cold, moist air mass.

Meteorology Department said that the daytime conditions will be cloudy to rainy in most areas of the country. Showers are expected to be heavy in places, with thunderstorms, and snow falling overnight on the mountainous heights.

Temperatures in Damascus 14/5, Homs 11/ 2 and in Aleppo 14/1 >

Damascus, Dec. 27 (SANA) Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union mission to Syria, Michael Unmacht, condemned the terrorist bombing that struck a mosque in the city of Homs on Friday.

“Targeting civilians and places of worship is a disturbing and unacceptable act,” Unmacht twitted on X Saturday, expressing solidarity of the European Union with the families of the victims and with all Syrians who seek peace and reject violence.

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 district of Homs, central Syria.

The act sparked widespread Arab, regional and international condemnation.

New York,Dec. 27 (SANA) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, stressing the need to identify those responsible for attacks on civilians and places of worship and bring them to justice.

In his statement today, Guterres affirmed that attacks on civilians and places of worship are “unacceptable,” noting Syria’s commitment to combating terrorism and holding perpetrators accountable.

Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, expressing sympathy with all the injured and wishing them a full and speedy recovery.

The terrorist bombing, which claimed the lives of eight people and injured 18 others, sparked a wide wave of Arab and international condemnations, with many countries reaffirming their solidarity with Syria and support for its measures to combat terrorism.

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Aleppo, Dec. 27 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Army forces shot down hostile drones launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) towards army positions at the Tishrin Dam in the eastern Aleppo countryside, marking a new violation of the 10 March agreement.

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Aleppo,Dec. 27 (SANA)The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) targeted an Internal Security Forces checkpoint at Sheihan Roundabout, north of Aleppo, on Friday evening, injuring one of its members.

“In a new violation of signed agreements, SDF snipers stationed in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo targeted one of the Ministry of Interior’s checkpoints while its personnel were carrying out their duties regulating civilian movement,” Colonel Mohammad Abdel Ghani, head of Internal Security in Aleppo Governorate, stated.

He added: “This attack resulted in the injury of one member, who was immediately evacuated and transferred to a medical center for treatment, while the sources of fire were dealt with and silenced in accordance with established procedures.”

Colonel Abdel Ghani warned civilians against approaching areas of tension for their own safety, urging them to comply with official instructions.
“While the Syrian state continues its efforts to maintain calm and protect civilians, it affirms that SDF’s ongoing violations of truces and attacks on security points will be met with necessary measures, holding them fully responsible for any escalation or consequences resulting from these breaches,” he continued.

Last Monday, the SDF attacked several neighborhoods in Aleppo with mortars, rocket launchers, and heavy machine guns, killing four civilians and injuring 15 others. Internal Security Forces evacuated civilians and worked to ensure their safety following those assaults.

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Abu Dhabi,Dec. 27 (SANA) The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that struck a mosque in the city of Homs Friday.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, in a statement, its strong denunciation of such terrorist acts and its constant rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising security and stability.

The Ministry extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, to the government of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to the brotherly Syrian people, wishing a speedy recovery for all the injured.

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Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA)The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Syria’s firm stance in support of Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing full backing for the legitimate Yemeni government and for Saudi and Emirati efforts to contain tensions in several Yemeni provinces.

“The Syrian Arab Republic is closely following recent developments in the brotherly Republic of Yemen and reaffirms its steadfast position in support of Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, standing alongside the Yemeni people in their legitimate aspirations for security and stability,” the Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The statement added: “The Syrian Arab Republic expresses its full support for the legitimate Yemeni government led by the Presidential Leadership Council, and calls on all Yemeni parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, uphold dialogue, and prioritise the supreme national interest in order to preserve the country’s unity, security, and stability.”

The Ministry continued: “In this context, Syria values the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in coordination with the Yemeni government, to contain tensions and reduce escalation in several Yemeni provinces, and affirms its support for the statement issued by the Kingdom.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic reiterates its support for all sincere Arab efforts that contribute to strengthening security, stability, and development in Yemen, serving the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people and fulfilling their aspirations for peace and prosperity.”The statement concluded:.

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Jeddah, Dec. 26 (SANA) The General Secretariat of theOrganization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, stressing its categorical rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.

The General Secretariat explained, in its statement on Friday, that this criminal act reflects the grave danger of terrorism and extremism, which target places of worship and terrorise civilians. It expressed solidarity with Syria and the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

The General Secretariat reiterated its support for the Syrian government’s efforts to establish security and stability and to combat terrorism.

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Paris, Dec. 26 (SANA) France strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, stressing that it is part of a deliberate strategy to destabilize Syria.

“This heinous terrorist act, similar to the attack that targeted St. Elias Church in Damascus last June, is part of a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilizing Syria.” The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

It added: “France denounces these attacks that seek to spread fear and undermine efforts to establish peace and stability within a united and diverse Syria. France also expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and with the Syrian people as a whole.”

The Foreign Ministry affirmed that France renews its firm commitment to combating all forms of violent extremism, continuing its efforts against terrorism in Syria alongside its partners in the international coalition against ISIS, and maintaining its support for the political transition process.

Manama, Dec. 26 (SANA) The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned the heinous terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its full solidarity with Syria and its support for the country’s security and stability in the face of terrorism and extremism.

In a statement today, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the Kingdom’s absolute rejection of attacks on places of worship and the intimidation of civilians, describing such acts as heinous crimes that contradict all religious and humanitarian values.

The statement expressed Bahrain’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the Syrian government and people, as well as to the families of the victims, while wishing a speedy recovery for all the injured.

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Cairo, Dec. 26 (SANA)Al-Azhar strongly condemned the treacherous terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, stressing that this terrorist crime constitutes a blatant assault on the sanctity of human life and a flagrant violation of the sacredness of places of worship.

Al-Azhar affirmed, in its statement on Friday, that the perpetrators of this heinous crime have stripped themselves of all religious, humanitarian, and moral values, turning into a threat to the security and stability of societies. It called on the Syrian people to unite and stand together against the dark scheme targeting Syria’s security and unity, emphasizing the need to confront terrorism with a united front.

Al-Azhar extended its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the Syrian people, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured and praying that God protects Syria and its people from all harm and evil.

The terrorist bombing, which claimed the lives of eight people and injured 18 others, sparked a wide wave of Arab and international condemnation, with many countries reaffirming their solidarity with Syria and support for its measures to combat terrorism.

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Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA)  Canada’s Ambassador to Syria and Lebanon, Gregory Galligan, strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs.

Ambassador Galligan stated on platform (X) on Friday: “Targeting civilians and places of worship is a reprehensible and unacceptable act,” expressing his country’s solidarity with the families of the victims and with all Syrians working to confront violence and extremism.

The terrorist bombing, which claimed the lives of eight people and injured 18 others, triggered a wide wave of Arab and international condemnations, with many countries reaffirming their solidarity with Syria and support for its measures to combat terrorism.

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Homs, Dec. 26 (SANA) Interior Minister Anas Khattab affirmed that the party behind today’s terrorist bombing in Homs will be brought to justice, stressing that the evil hands attempting to undermine the unity and stability of the Syrian people will fail.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims in Homs and wish the wounded a speedy recovery. We pray that God grants their families patience and solace. Regardless of the party behind today’s terrorist bombing (which will be brought to justice sooner rather than later, God willing), targeting places of worship is a vile and cowardly act,” Khattab posted on (X).

He added: “Yesterday it was a church in Damascus, and today a mosque in Homs. The goal is the same: to destabilise security and undermine the national fabric. But their efforts have failed. No matter how many evil hands conspire, they will never succeed in breaking the unity of the Syrian people or their determination to continue on the path of unity and reconstruction.”

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Lattakia, Dec. 26 (SANA) Local authorities in the coastal province of Lattakia have released 69 detainees after investigations found no evidence linking them to crimes against the Syrian people, as part of judicial measures aimed at promoting social stability and civil peace.

Officials said all required legal and judicial procedures were completed prior to the release.

The detainees were initially gathered at the Lattakia Cultural Center before being transferred to a government complex in the nearby city of Jableh, where they were formally released and allowed to return home.

Omar Khallou, head of the Lattakia provincial administration, told SANA that the releases were carried out “within the framework of the rule of law,” adding that the move followed directives from President Ahmad al-Sharaa to accelerate the review of detainee cases.

Osama Othman, an elected member of Syria’s People’s Assembly representing Lattakia, said the detainees’ legal cases were resolved through efforts involving local community leaders and clerics in coordination with the “civil peace committee.”

Othman added that authorities plan to speed up the review of additional cases in the coming days, including those involving both civilian and military detainees, expressing hope that the process would help rebuild public trust in state institutions.

Relatives of those released welcomed the move. Suhaila Khansa, whose nephew was among those freed, said she was “overjoyed” by his release and thanked those involved in securing it.

The releases come amid ongoing government efforts to address detainee cases as part of broader legal reform and reconciliation initiatives intended to bolster stability and social cohesion in the country.

Abdul