SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

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.

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Ankara , Dec. 26 (SANA) The Turkish Presidency condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming that it was a clear provocation intended to destabilize Syria and the region.

“We received with deep sorrow the news of the treacherous terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in Homs province, and we condemn this inhumane act in the strongest terms,” Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran posted on Turkey’s “En Sosyal” platform.

Duran noted that Turkey continues its determined struggle against this approach that targets human lives, regardless of its source or justification. He stressed that such acts, which aim at undermining the region’s security and shared future, will never achieve their goals; on the contrary, they will strengthen the will for solidarity and pursuit of justice.

He extended his deepest condolences to the Syrian people and the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

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Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Minister of Justice Mazhar al-Wais affirmed that the terrorist bombing targeting the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs constitutes a double crime, violating the sanctity of places of worship and infringing upon both blood and sacred space.

“The heinous and horrific crime that occurred at the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs is not an ordinary crime, but a double crime that violates the sanctity of places of worship, disregards religious and human values, seeks to spread discord, and infringes upon both blood and sacred space,” Minister al-Wais stated on “X”.

The Minister of Justice added: “Terrorism in all its forms is rejected and condemned, and cannot be tolerated. It will be confronted with full firmness and strength under the provisions of the law until its roots are eradicated, in order to preserve the nation’s security, protect the safety of citizens, and safeguard their stability and national unity.”

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Cairo, Dec. 26 (SANA)Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs Friday afternoon.

He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Jamal Rushdi, warned, in a statement, against attempts to destabilise Syria’s security and stability through sowing discord and spreading chaos. He stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to overcome current challenges in a way that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty.

The spokesperson reaffirmed the Arab League’s support for the Syrian government’s efforts in combating ISIS and terrorism in all its forms, and its cooperation with the international community to confront terrorist threats and eradicate their sources.

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Homs , Dec. 26 (SANA) The Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba affirmed that the terrorist bombing targeting the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs Friday morning was a failed attempt to undermine Syria’s national unity, stressing that this crime will not go unpunished.

Al-Baba said in an interview with Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV that internal security forces immediately moved to the site, imposed a security cordon, and began implementing standard procedures at the crime scene.

He noted that investigations are underway to uncover the identity and motives of the perpetrator, and whether others were involved or facilitated access to explosives.

The spokesman pointed out that the perpetrator’s identity has not yet been determined, but the beneficiaries of this criminal act are internal and external parties displeased with Syria’s achievements in national unity and social cohesion.

He added that separatist and sectarian advocates fuel such crimes and incite strife, supported and financed by external actors.

Al-Baba stressed that attempts to blackmail the Syrian state through terrorism or to use bombings for political gains will fail, noting that the victims of today’s terrorist bombing belong to diverse Syrian communities, proving that the entire Syrian people were the target.

He noted that the bombing occurred just days after successful Liberation Day celebrations that safeguarded millions of Syrians, and after preventive campaigns carried out by the Interior Ministry in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service to protect civilians and government facilities. He emphasized that Syrian security agencies remain fully prepared to confront any threat.

The spokesman stressed that Syria’s battle against terrorism will remain successful, just as it was against the crimes of the defunct regime. He said Syria will once again prove to be the rock upon which projects of terrorism, separatism, and sectarianism are shattered, noting that recent security successes would not have been possible without the awareness and cooperation of Syrian society.

Al-Baba explained that in recent days, the Interior Ministry and security agencies achieved significant accomplishments in confronting remnants of the defunct regime and ISIS, despite collusion between these groups and separatist factions seeking political gains through support for terrorism in its various forms.

The Interior Ministry spokesman concluded by stressing that the awareness and national values of Syrian society are the solid barrier against all coup, separatist, and sectarian schemes.

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Baghdad , Dec. 26 (SANA) Iraq strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the city of Homs, Syria, affirming its support for regional and international efforts aimed at eradicating terrorism and drying up its sources.

In a statement published on its official website, Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its categorical rejection and condemnation of all forms of terrorism, violence, and extremism, regardless of motives or sources, which target civilians and places of worship, and seek to destabilise security and stability and sow discord within societies.

The ministry also extended its heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

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Mecca , Dec. 26 (SANA)The Muslim World League condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its full solidarity with Syria in confronting all threats to its security and stability.

“We denounce this terrorist crime, whose perpetrators have stripped themselves of all values of religion and humanity, showing no regard for the sanctity of human life or places of worship,” Secretary-General and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Mohammed bin Abdul Karim al-Issa, said.

He reaffirmed the League’s firm stance, rejecting and condemning violence and terrorism in all its forms and pretexts.

Al-Issa also stressed the Muslim World League’s full solidarity with Syria in confronting threats to its security and stability, extending heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured, as well as to the Syrian people as a whole in this painful tragedy.

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Doha, Dec. 26 (SANA) The State of Qatar condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its full solidarity with Syria in all measures taken to safeguard security.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced, in a statement published on its official website, the terrorist attack and reiterated the country’s firm stance rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts regardless of motives or causes. The ministry also stressed its categorical rejection of targeting places of worship and terrorizing civilians.

The ministry extended Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Syria, while expressing wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

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Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Abdelkader 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.

Husrieh told the Syrian News Channel that the exchange will be flexible and accessible, and that the new banknotes will initially come in six denominations: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 pounds. One new pound will equal 100 old pounds, while the 500-pound note will correspond to 50,000 old pounds. The measure is intended to make handling cash easier without increasing the overall money supply.

The governor emphasized that the replacement is purely nominal and will not affect the currency’s actual value. “The change is in the denomination, not the value itself. The new notes will have no direct impact on purchasing power,” he said. He added that the central bank will reopen its branch in Idleb, in line with other provinces.

The new currency will include modern security features and accessibility enhancements for visually impaired and blind users. Husrieh noted that removing zeros will not affect the functionality of the new pound and called on the public to help preserve its value.
He also warned that images of the new currency circulating on social media are inaccurate. “The Central Bank is the only authority authorized to release official designs and denominations,” he said, adding that the official notes will be unveiled starting next week.

Husrieh encouraged Syrians to participate in the exchange process and noted that Decree No. 293 of 2025, which authorized the currency replacement, does not set a specific deadline. The central bank has the flexibility to implement the transition in an orderly and smooth manner.

He said the process is designed to be clear, organized, and manageable for citizens nationwide, with further explanations of the exchange mechanism to be provided in the coming days.

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Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa condemned the terrorist attack that struck the Imam Ali Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those killed.

In a post on X, al-Mustafa described the attack as “treacherous” and said it highlights the ongoing threat posed by remnants of the former regime, ISIS, and their collaborators. “These forces have converged on a single goal: to obstruct the path of the new state by destabilizing security, undermining civil peace, and disrupting coexistence among Syrians throughout history,” he wrote.

The minister called on Syrians to resist destructive and extremist ideas, reject dependence on foreign agendas, and unite around a state of citizenship that embraces all citizens.

Earlier, eight people were killed and 18 others injured in a terrorist bombing during Friday prayers at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs.

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Riyadh, Dec. 26 (SANA) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs on Friday.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “We affirm our categorical rejection of terrorism and extremism, the targeting of mosques and places of worship, and the intimidation of civilians.” The ministry expressed Saudi solidarity with Syria in this tragic incident and reiterated its support for the Syrian government’s efforts to ensure security and stability.

The ministry also extended its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Syrian government and people, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured and continued safety and peace for Syria and its population.

Earlier Friday, eight people were killed and 18 others injured in a terrorist bombing during Friday prayers at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs.