SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Syrian security forces have arrested Colonel Mohammad Nadim al-Shabb, the top aide to Mohammad Jaber, the former commander of the so-called “Desert Falcons” militia that operated during the rule of the defunct regime, according to the Interior Ministry.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the arrest was carried out by the Counterterrorism Branch, in coordination with the Internal Security Directorate in Latakia, following months of surveillance and field monitoring.

Al-Shabb, a native of Latakia, was reportedly responsible for planning and executing “field operations” targeting positions of the Internal Security Forces and the Ministry of Defense during the events of March 6.

Preliminary investigations, the statement added, indicate his involvement in several deadly attacks on security and military sites, as well as in forming armed groups within the province aimed at carrying out operations against state institutions.

The ministry confirmed that further investigations are underway and that additional arrests are expected as part of the ongoing counterterrorism operations in the region.

Amer Dhawa

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa accepted on Monday the credentials of Ambassador Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Syrian Arab Republic, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.

Mazen

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa accepted on Monday the credentials of Ambassador Rouben Kharazian as the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Syrian Arab Republic, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani.

Mazen

The field hospital in the city of Al-Qusayr, Homs, provides medical and emergency services that meet most urgent healthcare needs through its various departments — despite some major challenges hindering its progress.

The hospital includes many important departments and provides various emergency services, such as nebulizer sessions for children, electrocardiography, cardiac resuscitation, and round-the-clock reception of emergency cases.

The hospital’s director, Mohammad Idris, told SANA on Monday that the hospital received 2,815 patients within just two weeks of its opening, including 1,937 cases to the emergency department and 957 visitors to the outpatient clinics.

He added that the hospital has a capacity of up to 60 beds, 10 of which are dedicated for intensive care.
However, there are challenges hindering some operations, most notably the shortage of specialized medical staff, malfunctions in some medical equipment and the lack of some essential medications,” Idres said.

Earlier this month, Health Minister Musaab al-Ali opened several health facilities in Homs governorate after they were rehabilitated in cooperation with international humanitarian organizations.

The Governorate of Damascus has signed strategic cooperation agreements with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Venice, Italy, to promote sustainable urban planning.

The agreements were formalized on Monday in Damascus, with participation from local officials, international partners, and representatives from the involved institutions.

Maher Marwan Idlebi, Governor of Damascus, emphasized that these partnerships aim to bolster the city’s reconstruction efforts, digital transformation, and cultural and historical preservation. He highlighted the creation of an Urban Observatory, which will collect and analyze data to inform decision-making across various governmental bodies, playing a key role in shaping the city’s future development.

The UNDP also signed a separate agreement with the NGO “Grass of Renaissance” to provide further support to Damascus in its urban and architectural planning.
UNDP Resident Representative in Syria, Mohammed Mudawi, noted that this collaboration marks a significant step in assisting the city’s leadership in urban development and reconstruction, adding that he hopes this initiative will catalyze further reconstruction efforts across the country.

Ghiyath al-Din Zain, Executive Director of the NGO, explained that the Urban Center aims to improve the quality of life in Damascus by supporting data-driven decision-making, monitoring urban shifts, and balancing urban development with environmental protection.

Pino Barchet, Dean of the University of Venice’s Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, described the agreement as an opportunity for technological, urban, and cultural exchanges, helping to drive sustainable development and innovation in the region.

Stefano Ravagnan, Italy’s Ambassador to Syria, expressed his country’s full support for the initiative, noting that the cooperation between Syria and Italy is vital for revitalizing Damascus and restoring its global reputation as a key cultural and tourist destination.

The agreements are part of a comprehensive development plan aimed at sustainable reconstruction, urban planning, and the preservation of Damascus’s cultural identity, through a combination of international and local partnerships.

Internal security forces in Homs discovered underground prison in al-Mukharram area of Homs Governorate used during the former regime to detain civilians, officials said

Omar Al-Mousa, Assistant Director of al-Mukharram District, told SANA on Monday that the discovery of the prison occurred recently in Buwaydat Salamiyah during police patrols conducting inspections operation in the area.

Al-Mousa pointed out that the prison is an underground cave with a sealed iron door, it contains items and tools used for torture, including sticks and ropes, noting that the site is connected to a tunnel five meters deep and forty meters long.

The Syrian-Austrian-German Economic Forum 2025 kicked off Monday in Damascus, bringing together representatives from Syrian economic bodies, business leaders, and investors from the three countries, as well as the ambassadors of Germany and Austria to Syria.

The forum aims to present investment opportunities in Syria across various production and service sectors and to expand collaboration between Syrian, Austrian, and German companies. It features specialized sessions on investment laws, the role of transport infrastructure in economic development, energy, digital transformation, and the rebuilding and urban development process.

In his opening speech, Syria’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade for Internal Trade Affairs, Maher al-Hassan, emphasized that the forum sends a strong message of mutual trust and represents the shared desire to enhance cooperation between Syria and its partners in Austria and Germany. He noted that the event would open new avenues for investment in various sectors.

Al-Hassan also highlighted that the Syrian government is working diligently to improve the investment climate by reforming legislation, simplifying procedures, and offering incentives to investors.

Syrian Chamber of Commerce Federation President, Alaa al-Ali, underscored the significance of the forum as a true platform for dialogue between Syrian and international businesses.

He stressed that the forum reflects growing confidence in Syria as a promising investment destination. Al-Ali also pointed out that holding the forum in Damascus is a clear sign of Syria’s steady progress toward economic recovery and its renewed openness to the world.

Olaf Hoffmann, President of the German-Arab Chamber of Commerce, described the forum as the beginning of a new phase of economic cooperation between Syria and Germany.

He commended the Syrian government’s efforts in strengthening economic ties and emphasized the importance of boosting the reconstruction process and expanding trade exchanges, particularly in renewable energy sectors.

German Ambassador to Syria, Clemens Hach, highlighted the forum’s importance in fostering cooperation with other nations. He stated that Germany is ready to provide consulting, economic expertise, knowledge transfer, and the will to contribute to building a sustainable and peaceful future, while enhancing security and development in Syria.

Meanwhile, Austrian Chamber of Commerce President, Werner Vasslabend, reiterated that Austria views the Syrian market as a key strategic hub in the region. He noted that Austrian companies are eager to share their expertise and contribute to developmental projects in Syria.

Austrian Ambassador to Syria, Isabel Rauscher, also emphasized her country’s commitment to forging partnerships with the Syrian business sector and supporting the nation’s reconstruction and development journey.

In conclusion, forum participants reaffirmed the importance of strengthening economic partnerships between Syria and its Austrian and German counterparts, with a focus on supporting reconstruction projects and fostering sustainable development.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported on Monday that 57 Palestinians were killed and 158 injured in Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours.

The ministry said in its daily report that several victims remain trapped under the debris, as emergency medical and civil defense teams have been unable to reach them due to ongoing bombardments and destroyed infrastructure.

Since the beginning of the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, the death toll in Gaza has reached 68,216, with 170,361 individuals reported injured. This figure includes casualties from the latest escalation, despite a brief ceasefire declared on October 11, 2023.

Following the ceasefire, 80 more Palestinians have been killed, 303 injured, and 426 bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, as the ongoing airstrikes and limited access to emergency aid exacerbate already dire conditions in the densely populated coastal enclave.

As the conflict persists, hopes for a lasting ceasefire remain fragile, with both sides continuing to suffer heavy losses.

Israeli forces carried out an incursion into the village of Ovania, located in the northern countryside of Quneitra, on Monday, a SANA reporter said.

According to the reporter, an Israeli force comprising two military vehicles advanced from the town of Hadar toward Ovania before withdrawing shortly afterward.

On Sunday, Israeli forces infiltrated several villages in the Quneitra countryside.

These aggressions against Syrian territory represent a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, international law, and United Nations resolutions.

Syria condemns these actions and calls on the international community to take a firm stand to halt them.

Syrian Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, met with Ahmed Saeed Jabr Al Rumaihi, Director of the Qatari News Agency (QNA), on Monday to discuss ways to enhance media cooperation and exchange journalistic expertise between Syria and Qatar.

The discussion took place during al-Mustafa’s visit to QNA’s headquarters in Doha, where he toured its various departments and learned about its operational mechanisms.

The first edition of TEXPO 2025, a technology and innovation exhibition, has witnessed a strong turnout from local companies operating in the fields of digital technology, internet services, and software.

The event aimed to showcase the companies’ services and products that support Syria’s digital transformation journey, enhance technological infrastructure, exchange expertise, and build partnerships to strengthen the local tech market.

Among the participating companies STC Company for Surveillance and Protection Systems, stated in a press release to SANA that the company offers advanced systems and services that meet the diverse needs of clients in the field of modern surveillance and cybersecurity.

While “Sawa”, internet service provider (ISP), pointed out that participating in the exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase the company’s services that meet market demands, including the wireless internet service designed to cover areas lacking full infrastructure.

RAR-It Design & Development, also spoke highlighted the company’s activities in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and information security.

“The goal of participation is to identify competitors in the market and exchange experiences” Shift Software Company, another IT Company said

The online bookstore “Shamna,” which has been selling books online since 2016, aims through its participation to introduce the store and offer special promotions.

For Al-Tayseer Holding Group, it affirmed that their presence at the exhibition aims to strengthen collaboration with young talents and individuals with technological visions.

The first edition of TEXPO 2025, a technology and innovation exhibition, opened Saturday at the Damascus Fairgrounds with the participation of more than 80 local, regional, and international brands. The event serves as a key platform for showcasing the latest in digital solutions, smart technologies, and innovative services.

The olive harvest in Syria’s Hama province for the current season is projected at 51,000 tons, a significant decrease compared to last year’s production of more than 85,000 tons, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

In a statement to SANA, Hama’s Director of Agriculture, Safwan Al-Mudhi, explained that the decline in production this year is mainly due to a drought that occurred during the flowering period, coupled with lower-than-average rainfall.

Al-Mudhi noted that the total area planted with olive trees in Hama is approximately 72,000 hectares, making up 56% of the province’s total area of fruit-bearing trees.

The olive harvest for this year has seen a decline in production across most of Syria’s provinces due to climate fluctuations. In Tartous, the Agriculture Directorate estimated that olive production will reach around 25,000 tons, a sharp drop from the usual annual output, which ranges between 175,000 and 200,000 tons.

The current olive season is witnessing a decline in production across most Syrian provinces due to climate changes.

Syrian Minister of Information, Hamza Al-Mustafa, visited on Monday Al Jazeera Network HQ in the Qatari capital, Doha and met with Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal bin Khalifa Al Thani, Director General of the Network.

The meeting addressed ways to enhance media cooperation and exchange expertise between the Ministry of Information and Al Jazeera Network.

It also included a review of current developments in regional and international media landscape, reflecting the importance of coordination among media institutions in facing common challenges.

Minister Al-Mustafa toured the Al Jazeera Media Institute and was briefed on its key training programs and media initiatives.

He praised the institute’s active role in developing Arab media competencies and raising professional standards in this field.

The Minister is conducting a visit to the State of Qatar aimed at exploring leading institutional experiences and exchanging expertise to help improve media performance in both countries.

Mazen

The U.S. Special Envoy for Syria called on the House of Representatives to vote in favor of repealing the Caesar Act, stressing that such a step would contribute to Syria’s economic recovery and accelerate reconstruction efforts.

In an article on the X Platform, Barrack said, “The U.S. Senate has already demonstrated foresight by voting to repeal the Caesar Act, which once served its purpose against the Assad regime. Now, these sanctions suffocate a nation seeking to rebuild.”

“The House of Representatives must now follow suit, restoring the Syrian people’s rights to work, trade, and hope,” Barrack added.

Barrack hailed the new Syrian government’s efforts toward reconciliation, noting its restored ties with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Europe. He referred to President Trump’s announcement to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria as a historic shift from coercion to cooperation, signaling to investors and allies that the U.S. now supports rebuilding, not restraining.

“Repealing sanctions is not charity; it’s strategy. It enables allies and private investors to rebuild Syria’s power grids, water systems, schools, and hospitals,” Barrack wrote. “Economic vitality remains the surest antidote to extremism; commerce bridges the gap from conflict to coexistence.”

He concluded by urging the House of Representatives to repeal the law, stressing that this would not erase history but reframes it with a message of renewal and hope.

Minister of Transport Yarub Badr discussed cooperation with Saudi officials in developing Syria’s railway network and exchanging technical expertise in operations and maintenance, the ministry said in a statement released on Monday.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the second edition of the Saudi International Rail Exhibition and Conference, held in Riyadh under the theme “Leading the Transformation, Creating the Path.”

The minister pointed out that Syria has a rich history in railways, dating back to the late 19th century. He noted that the ongoing conflict has caused significant damage to the network, which spans approximately 2,800 kilometers, with about 1,000 kilometers still in operation.

He stated that the ministry is prioritizing the rehabilitation of economically viable railway lines, particularly the phosphate transport line to the port of Tartous and the container line from Lattakia to Sheikh Najjar Industrial City.

Badr hailed the talks as “fruitful” and aimed at benefiting from Saudi experience in organizing freight transport and evaluating road paving. He highlighted an upcoming technical meeting of the Syrian-Saudi Transportation Committee next month, which will explore cooperation prospects and address existing obstacles.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the ceasefire during a phone call that focused on ways to promote peace and stability in the Middle East

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two sides stressed the need to immediately end the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people and for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. They also agreed on the importance of taking practical steps toward a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

The discussion also touched on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, along with several regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Saudi Arabia has supported the Gaza ceasefire and hoped it would lead to urgent ease of humanitarian situation, ensure full Israeli withdrawal, and restore security and stability to the Gaza Strip.

Jean Al Alam, spokesman for the UN resident co-ordinator in Yemen, said that Al Houthi detained 20 United Nations employees on Sunday, a day after they raided another UN facility in the capital Sanaa.

He added in a statement to “Those detained include five Yemeni nationals and 15 international staff “

Alam explained that The UN is in contact with the Houthis and other parties to resolve this “serious situation as swiftly as possible, end the detention of all personnel, and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa,”.

Tartous has hosted a distinctive musical event titled “Voices for Peace,” performed by the Arjuwan Choir with wide participation from the city’s residents. The event combined Syrian heritage and songs from the traditional music, amidst an atmosphere of joy and public interaction.

The head of the Friends of Music Association and the conductor of the Arjuwan Choir, Bishr Issa, indicated that the celebration was organized in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent branch in Tartous and the Masarat Network for Civil Society.

The goal was to “spread culture, art, and music”, Issa explained adding that the event has a community dimension, seeking to break the silence with music and restore cultural life to the city.

Approximately 150 members of the Urjwan Choir, ranging in age from 7 to 55, participated in the ceremony, along with eight musicians who performed 14 medleys of Aleppo Qudud, Muwashahat, and authentic tarab songs, with a focus on engaging the audience in the singing.

The event included a peace hymn, with the participation of the Scout Troop of Saint George, in addition to “Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and the anthem “Light,” which carried a message of hope and light for all people.

Scout Troop Leader, Abdullah Bitar, noted the participation of more than 65 musicians and flag bearers who presented 13 international musical pieces, in addition to collaborating with the Arjowan Choir to present the Arabic hymn of peace to confirm that “art and music form a bridge of communication and a message of love and peace”.

The evening concluded with the song “Voices for Peace,” which embodied the spirit of the event and its humanitarian message of spreading joy and peace among people.

The 2025 Syrian-Austrian-German Economic Forum commenced with the participation of representatives from Syrian economic bodies and institutions, alongside businessmen and investors from Syria, Austria, and Germany.
The event aims to showcase investment opportunities in Syria across various sectors and to strengthen cooperation between Syrian, Austrian, and German companies.

The Data Analysts Forum, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on the occasion of World Statistics Day, was inaugurated on Monday in cooperation with KUDRA Organization and the Student Empowerment and Leadership Center. The forum brought together researchers, specialists, university presidents, and scientific bodies.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan al-Halabi said that the forum highlights the importance of data as a tool for decision-making, planning, and national development, noting that “sound decisions rely on accurate data and scientific analysis, not intuition”.

He emphasized that Syria’s digital transformation is built on three pillars: unified data, smart platforms, and analytical minds, and that artificial intelligence can open new horizons in industrial, economic, agricultural, and developmental planning.

Al-Halabi described the forum as pivotal step for national smart data network, integrating academic, government, and private sector efforts, and positioning data as a cornerstone for the next stage in building a new Syria.