SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Specialized teams from the Syrian Civil Defense, in coordination with the National Authority for the Missing, recovered human remains belonging to 10 unidentified individuals from a dry riverbed located inside a former military zone in Hosh al-Dawahira in Douma, in Damascus countryside , officials said in a statement published Monday on the Civil Defense Telegram channel.

According to the statement published Monday on the Civil Defense Telegram channel, the team collected skeletal remains that initial assessments indicated belonged to 10 people. The operation followed established protocols for documenting, recovering and transporting remains, ahead of formally handing them over to the competent authorities for the necessary forensic and legal procedures.

Civil Defense noted that, before work began, its Explosive Ordnance Disposal team carried out a survey of the area to ensure the site was free of landmines or unexploded munitions, given the nature of the location as a former military zone.

The statement urged residents not to approach or disturb sites where remains or potential mass graves may be present, emphasizing that any untrained interference can damage crime scenes and obscure critical forensic evidence used to determine the fate and identity of missing persons.

In recent months, authorities have uncovered several mass graves containing hundreds of remains in different parts of Syria, attributed to the actions of the former regime and its allies.

The National Commission for Missing Persons in Syria has signed an official memorandum of understanding with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to strengthen technical and professional cooperation on the issue of missing persons.

The agreement, announced Monday on the Commission’s Telegram channel, is framed within an institutional approach that respects national sovereignty and upholds standards of justice, transparency, and data protection.

The memorandum sets out cooperation to share expertise and build Syria’s capacities in investigations, forensic science, DNA analysis, and managing missing persons data. It also supports programs to help families understand their rights. Syrian staff will receive training in search and identification methods based on international best practices, while work will continue on a central national database and secure access to ICMP’s collected data.

Syrian experts will also benefit from ICMP’s advanced forensic and DNA capabilities, and joint workshops will involve families directly. The agreement encourages regional and international collaboration on missing migrants and unidentified remains and aims to create a national system aligned with global standards.

The Commission called the memorandum a key step toward building a reliable national system to determine the fate of missing persons, improve accountability, and strengthen cooperation with international partners. It reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to clarify the fate of all missing persons, ease the suffering of families, and reinforce public trust in the institutions handling this sensitive issue.

On November 5, the National Commission signed a joint declaration of principles with ICMP, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Independent Commission for Missing Persons (IIMP), supporting the national effort to clarify the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria, regardless of the circumstances of their disappearance or affiliations.

Syria has strengthened its wheat reserves following a poor harvest this year, with more than 134,000 tons of wheat arriving at the ports of Lattakia and Tartous on five ships, officials said Tuesday.

The shipments are part of a regular plan to bolster food security and supply the country’s mills with subsidized flour across multiple governorates, the Syrian Grain Corporation said.

Years of drought have affected Syria’s wheat production, the country’s strategic crop, necessitating large-scale imports to meet domestic demand.

Hasan Othman, Director General of the Syrian Grain Corporation, said the ships arrived from Ukraine and Russia to secure supplies for bread production. “We continuously monitor deliveries to ensure the required quantities arrive without interruption,” he added.

Othman noted that unloading, transport, and storage operations are conducted under strict procedures and coordinated with relevant authorities to maintain wheat quality and meet daily mill requirements.

Earlier this month, on November 9, three ships carrying over 70,000 tons of wheat arrived at Tartous port. The deliveries were part of a series of contracts the Syrian Grain Corporation signed with private companies to secure the country’s wheat supply.

Adra Industrial City in Damascus countryside now hosts 1,003 active factories across the food, textile, chemical, and engineering sectors, creating more than 72,000 job opportunities, city officials said.

Some 2,437 additional factories are currently under construction, while 3,957 others have received building permits, officials added. Total investments in the city have reached 1476 billion Syrian pounds, with cumulative revenues of 226 billion pounds and infrastructure spending exceeding 94 billion pounds.

Authorities have delivered 5,763 industrial plots covering 1,797 hectares and allocated 5,755 plots totaling 1,779 hectares for alternative energy production, reflecting the government’s push for renewable energy initiatives.

In June, Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry approved a new investment framework for industrial cities aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment, modernizing industrial technology, and facilitating knowledge transfer.

Specialized teams from the Civil Defense at the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management have completed 2,370 operations since the start of 2025 to remove unexploded ordnance left behind by the former regime and its allies across Damascus and wider southern Syria.
Speaking in a statement to SANA’s correspondent on Monday, Sami al-Mohammad, Director of the War Remnants Removal Program, said that during the same period, 2,621 explosive devices were safely destroyed, and 900 contaminated sites were identified through technical-survey teams.
Al-Mohammad added that more than 10,000 awareness sessions on the dangers of war remnants were organized, benefiting around 23,000 citizens, including 20,000 children.

He stressed that Civil Defense teams continue their work despite significant operational challenges, noting the importance of public cooperation, and that residents must strictly follow safety instructions, avoid touching suspicious objects or unexploded munitions, and report any item immediately to the war-remnants response teams.

War remnants—including landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance—remain a persistent threat to civilians. They are scattered across urban neighborhoods, farms and towns as a deadly legacy of conflict, prompting sustained clearance operations and safety-awareness programs under the comprehensive national plan to safeguard communities and support the safe return of displaced families.

The first public trial for defendants accused of violations during the coastal events began on Tuesday at Aleppo’s Palace of Justice.

SANA reporter in Aleppo said that the session includes detainees charged with inciting sectarian strife, theft, and attacking members of the internal security forces and the Syrian army.

Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh said that the statement issued by the International Monetary Fund at the end of its technical mission to Syria last week praised the economic and financial reforms undertaken by the Syrian government as a path toward economic recovery.

Barnieh wrote on his Facebook page that “the IMF statement outlines a roadmap for the reforms that need to be completed in the coming months,” adding that he met with the mission three times to discuss Syria’s priorities.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the improved relationship and cooperation with international financial institutions, saying it would support Syria’s economic development.

The IMF announced on Monday that it had reached an agreement with Syria on an intensive cooperation program for the coming period. The announcement followed a visit by an IMF staff team to Damascus from November 10 to 13, during which the team assessed the country’s economic situation and discussed the authorities’ priorities in economic reform and capacity building.

Syrian and Jordanian officials held talks in Damascus on Monday focused on strengthening corporate governance and improving institutional performance in both countries.

Syrian Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry for Internal Trade Maher Khalil al-Hassan met with a visiting Jordanian delegation to review ways to modernize governance standards in public and private companies. Al-Hassan said improved governance would help companies withstand current economic pressures and foster a more transparent and sustainable business environment.

He added that the ministry is rolling out new strategies aimed at boosting institutional performance across key sectors as part of wider economic reform efforts.

In a separate session, Assistant Minister Rasha Karkouki led expanded discussions with the Jordanian team on technical cooperation. She stressed the importance of introducing modern governance practices into state-owned and private firms to improve efficiency, increase transparency, and enhance service quality.

The Jordanian delegation proposed creating joint working groups to oversee implementation and launching specialized training programs to equip staff on both sides with governance tools aligned with international standards.  

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s continued efforts to support security, peace, and stability in Syria, noting Damascus’s recent restoration of relations with the international community.

Erdogan was quoted by Anadolu Agency as saying, following a meeting of the Turkish cabinet on Monday: “We will continue in the coming period to work toward establishing lasting peace and stability in Syria through dialogue with all active parties in the region.”

He stressed that Turkey seeks security, peace, and stability for everyone in Syria, calling on all parties in the country to work toward a shared vision for the future. He also emphasized the need to disregard dictates or incitements from those who harbor expansionist ambitions in the region.

The Turkish president further underscored Ankara’s firm stance on implementing the March 10 agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state institutions, saying this would “strengthen Syria’s unity, cohesion, and integrity.” He affirmed that Turkey is ready to provide any possible contribution to resolving this issue.

Regarding Gaza, Erdogan stated that Turkey will continue delivering humanitarian assistance by all possible means, despite obstacles imposed by Israel. He stressed that states in the region will not enjoy security as long as the occupation persists and Palestinians continue to suffer ongoing violations.

The United Nations affirmed that Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Syrian Golan constitute a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions, also noting that the forcible displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank may amount to war crimes.

The findings were presented in a report by the UN Secretary-General on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan. The report was delivered by Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris before the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which addresses special political issues and decolonization.

Kehris stressed that Israel’s continued efforts to double the number of settlers in the occupied Syrian Golan represent a breach of international law and UN resolutions. She cited ongoing incursions by Israeli forces into the Golan’s separation zone since the fall of the “defunct regime.”

On the situation in the West Bank, Kehris stated that the ongoing forcible transfer of Palestinians, alongside Israel’s transfer of parts of its own population into occupied territory, is altering the character and demographic composition of the West Bank. She warned that such actions may constitute war crimes and, under certain conditions, crimes against humanity.

Kehris noted that a prerequisite for ensuring Palestinians’ right to self-determination is the end of Israel’s unlawful occupation. She added that Israel continues to entrench its annexation policies and to depopulate large areas of the territory.

By the end of May, she reported, the number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank had reached approximately 737,000 across 165 settlements and 271 outposts, including 55 outposts established during the reporting period—an alarming indicator of settlement expansion. She also highlighted that an average of 366 Palestinians were forcibly displaced each month due to demolitions, compared with 244 in the previous reporting period.

The report recalled UN Security Council Resolution 2334 of December 2016, which reaffirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory since 1967 and called for an immediate halt to settlement activity.

Amer Dhswa

Israeli occupation forces carried out new ground incursions Monday evening into several villages in the Quneitra countryside, according to SANA’s correspondent in the province.

A patrol composed of three Humvee military vehicles advanced around the al-Manitra Dam near the village of Western Samadaniyah, continued toward Ajraf, and proceeded along the road to Eastern Samadaniyah, entering the village before later withdrawing from the area.

Earlier in the day, Israeli forces also advanced into Umm al-Azam in central Quneitra and later conducted another incursion between Eastern Samadaniyah and Khan Arnabeh. Yesterday, similar movements were recorded in the village of Saida al-Golan in the southern part of the province.

Amer Dhawa

The Syrian National Authority for Transitional Justice held a workshop in Berlin with the German Foundation for the Reappraisal of the Communist Dictatorship to review Germany’s experience in addressing its past and explore ways Syria could benefit from similar approaches at this stage.

The workshop was part of an official visit by the Syrian delegation to Germany at the invitation of the German Foreign Ministry, within the framework of the “Syrian–German Dialogue on Dealing with the Legacy of the Past,” aimed at exchanging expertise on transitional justice mechanisms and confronting the impacts of authoritarian-era violations.

Both sides underscored that serious engagement with historical injustices—through truth-seeking and accountability for those responsible for violations—is fundamental to any successful transitional justice process and essential for preventing the recurrence of authoritarian practices and laying the groundwork for a state governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Amer Dhawa

Agriculture Minister Dr. Amjad Badr met investors from “Rasem Trading Company” and the Brazilian firm “Minerva” to discuss prospects for cooperation in importing beef, establishing specialized cattle-fattening farms and activating direct-import mechanisms that would help curb smuggling and ensure product availability in Syria’s domestic market.

Badr affirmed the government’s commitment to developing Syria’s livestock sector, noting the country’s need for such investments within an integrated program that secures feed resources, production requirements and strengthens national food security.

The minister added that the ministry is working to prepare the necessary infrastructure and provide a suitable investment environment, emphasizing that the private sector is a key partner in launching practical steps that support livestock development and raise local production levels.

A Saudi oil tanker arrived at Baniyas Port carrying 90,000 tons of crude oil as part of the Saudi energy grant provided to Syria, aimed at supporting local needs and strengthening economic and development cooperation between the two countries.

Syria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia under which Riyadh will supply Damascus with 1.65 million barrels of crude oil. The arrival of the tanker marks the first delivery under the agreement between the Syrian Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Fund for Development.

Amer Dhawa

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, met on Monday in Beijing with several members of the Syrian community residing in China.

During the meeting, al-Shaibani listened to the Syrian expatriates’ remarks, and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to boosting communication between Syrian expatriates and their homeland, highlighting the vital role played by Syrians abroad in supporting the reconstruction process of new Syria.

Syrian Chief of the General Intelligence apparatus, Hussein Al-Salama, attended the meeting.

Mazen

Director-General of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission Modar al-Okla held discussions today with a Russian technical delegation on mechanisms for strengthening joint cooperation in the health sector and in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

During the meeting at the commission’s headquarters, the two sides reviewed ways to enhance scientific and technical collaboration, including the development of medical applications related to diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, as well as support for Syria’s health infrastructure through Russian expertise and equipment.

Both sides affirmed that the visit falls within the framework of bilateral relations between Syria and Russia and reflects their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas that serve shared scientific and health objectives.
Representatives from the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs and Expatriates attended the talks from the Syrian side.

Established in 1976, the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission is the governmental body responsible for nuclear affairs and the regulation of peaceful applications across Syrian territory. Its mandate includes setting the scientific and regulatory foundations for the use of nuclear technology, advancing research to support development, and linking scientific results to national needs in agriculture, industry, health and environmental fields.

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, met on Monday in Beijing with several members of the Syrian community residing in China.

During the meeting, al-Shaibani listened to the Syrian expatriates’ remarks, and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to boosting communication between Syrian expatriates and their homeland, highlighting the vital role played by Syrians abroad in supporting the reconstruction process of new Syria.

Syrian Chief of the General Intelligence apparatus, Hussein Al-Salama, attended the meeting.

Mazen

Culture Minister Mohammad Yaseen al-Saleh conducted an inspection tour of the National Museum of Damascus today, reviewing its security system and meeting the staff responsible for the administration of the different halls. The visit was attended by his deputies, Director-General of Antiquities and Museums Anas Hajj Zeidan, along with museum directors, employees and hall supervisors.

Al-Saleh followed up on the ongoing investigation into the theft reported a few days earlier in one of the museum’s halls. He had instructed that the site be cleared to facilitate the investigation, and to prevent tampering with the scene or altering its features.

In parallel with the Interior Ministry’s efforts and the work of the specialized committee formed for the case, the minister engaged independent Syrian technological experts with high-level competence to help secure as much evidence as possible. According to the ministry, the information extracted contributed to revealing key details of the theft. The Culture Ministry expressed hope that investigations will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and the swift recovery of the stolen items.

A report by the Gerda Henkel Foundation recently indicated that more than 40,000 artifacts were looted from Syrian museums and archaeological sites in past years by militias of the deposed regime and ISIS. To confront this, the ministry implements an ongoing program to recover looted Syrian antiquities in cooperation with Interpol.
All museum branches across Syrian provinces are currently undergoing comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced security systems.

The ministry has also reactivated excavation operations with international archaeological missions. Excavations resumed at the ancient site of Ugarit in northern Latakia after a 14-year hiatus, led by a joint mission from the University of Pavia and the Directorate of Antiquities, headed by Professor Lorenzo d’Alfonso, with participation from Italian and Turkish scholars.

Authorities said the museum’s classical hall had been breached on last Monday night, with several glass cabinets broken and six small statues made of gypsum, marble and alabaster stolen. The pieces measure between 23 and 40 centimeters in height, and the ministry issued an official circular with their specifications, urging citizens to report any sightings or information that may help track the items or identify the perpetrators.

A Syrian–Turkish technical committee from the Cargo Transport Directorate convened a virtual meeting today in Damascus to review executive procedures for organizing cargo and passenger transport between the two countries. The session follows the Oct. 16 meeting held at the Cilvegözü/Bab al-Hawa crossing aimed at establishing a clear operational framework and reducing obstacles to a minimum.

The Turkish side delivered a presentation on current transport and customs procedures, including regulations for transport companies, standard weight and dimension criteria, and technical explanations from Turkish customs officials regarding clearance mechanisms and measures to ensure smooth commercial movement.

During the discussions, both sides highlighted several agreed-upon points: Issuing visas exclusively through embassies, adopting unified weights and lengths based on international standards, allowing Syrian trucks to unload cargo inside Turkish territory, provided technical compliance, maintaining the current decision not to permit Syrian trucks to load cargo in Turkey for Gulf-bound routes, maintaining the suspension on entry of empty Syrian trucks into Turkey for the time being.

Participants also examined procedures for reactivating passenger transport via tourist vehicles and buses, and discussed possible pathways for reviving the international agreement governing this sector. The two sides agreed to hold a forthcoming workshop to develop a shared proposal for restoring overland passenger transport.
Officials said the meeting is part of ongoing technical coordination aimed at improving transport organization, streamlining procedures and enhancing commercial flow in line with mutual interests.

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, met on Monday in Beijing with Chen Wenqing, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen security cooperation and develop mechanisms for joint coordination between the two countries in a manner that serves their shared strategic interests.

Syrian Chief of the General Intelligence apparatus, Hussein Al-Salama, attended the meeting.

Mazen