SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

A German delegation led by Clemens Hach, Chargé d’Affaires at the German Embassy in Damascus, visited the Al-Rastan Bridge restoration site in northern Homs to review progress and discuss the technical and logistical challenges confronting the project.

The delegation included officials from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), accompanied by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

According to project engineers, Al-Rastan Bridge serves as a critical artery connecting northern and southern Syria along the international M5 highway. The structure, damaged during previous years of conflict, is being restored to meet safety and transport standards vital for regional connectivity.

The Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) continues implementation in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF), under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport to ensure adherence to technical and engineering standards.

President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has arrived in the United States of America on an official visit.

MHD Ibrahim

Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba announced Saturday that the campaign carried out by Interior Ministry units, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, is part of preventive operations aimed at neutralizing any ISIS threat before it materializes.

He noted that intelligence had intercepted information indicating the group’s intent to launch new attacks, targeting both government institutions and Syrian communities, as the country prepares to join the international coalition against ISIS.

In an interview with Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV ,al- Baba said the security operation included 61 raids across several provinces, Aleppo, Idleb, Hama, Homs, Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, Damascus and its countryside, as well as the Syrian Desert. So far, the campaign has resulted in 71 arrests, including leaders of various ranks and ordinary members accused of crimes such as targeting civilians and Defense Ministry personnel.

Al-Baba added that the operations also neutralized one ISIS member and injured a security officer, while raids uncovered weapons depots, ammunition stockpiles, and hideouts containing logistical equipment in multiple areas.

He highlighted the strong cooperation and coordination between the General Intelligence Directorate and the Interior Ministry.

Al-Baba explained that the church bombing in Damascus’ Douilaa district last June marked the peak of ISIS activity inside Syria. However, security forces quickly contained the situation, arresting Abdel-Ilah al-Jumaili, known as “Abu Imad al-Jumaili,” who served as the so-called “Governor of the Desert” in the group, within 24 hours. They also dismantled the “suicide battalion” in Aleppo, significantly curbing ISIS operations in Syrian territory.

He said that attempts to reactivate ISIS sleeper cells had been detected, with plans to target government institutions, officials, and various Syrian communities. The aim, he said, was to undermine civil peace, spread fear among citizens, and tarnish Syria’s political reputation.

“During the early months of Syria’s liberation, remnants of the former regime posed the greatest challenge. But after dismantling most of their cells and logistical networks, the current major threat lies in ISIS’s attempts to reconstitute itself and recruit new members, particularly among the youth.” Al-Baba stated.

The Interior Ministry spokesman stressed the importance of intellectual and awareness efforts to protect younger generations from extremism, emphasizing that political and economic stability forms the first line of defense against terrorism.

MHD Ibrahim

A three-day charity market titled “Made with Love” opened in Aleppo on Saturday, bringing together 230 artisans and entrepreneurs showcasing handicrafts, traditional foods, and innovative small-scale projects.

The event, organized by the “White Heart Foundation for Development” in cooperation with the Aleppo Chamber of Commerce, at Sheraton Aleppo Hotel aims to support local producers and revive traditional industries through direct engagement with consumers.

Deputy Chairman of Aleppo Chamber of Commerce, Hussein Issa, talking to SANA reporter, described the market as both a humanitarian and economic initiative that helps strengthen the position of Syrian-made products while encouraging the exchange of ideas among participants.

Houri Ousep Kouchkerian, head of the “White Heart Foundation”, said the initiative offers an important platform for small and micro-business owners to market their products and expand their visibility in the local market.

Participants said that the event provides a valuable opportunity to showcase cultural diversity and creativity. Artisan Ismail Khaseem, who demonstrated handloom weaving at his booth, said such events help preserve Aleppo’s heritage and connect it with younger generations through new creative approaches.

Local businesses are joined by exhibitors and representatives from Turkey, China, and Armenia, highlighting growing regional interest in Aleppo’s recovering economic scene.

Founded in 2022, the “White Heart Foundation” focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting community development, and providing humanitarian assistance across Syria.

LocalSyrian Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Mohammed Anjrani, met with Ruslan Edelgeriev, the Russian Presidential Adviser on Climate Affairs, on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Summit held in Belém, Brazil.

The meeting addressed the challenges of climate change and explored mechanisms to strengthen global efforts aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

MHD Ibrahim

Syrian swimmer Inana Suleiman won the bronze medal in the 400-meter individual medley at the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh on Saturday, marking Syria’s first medal of the tournament.

Suleiman completed the race in 5 minutes, 6.11 seconds, securing third place.

The achievement highlights Syria’s presence in the multi-sport event, which brings together athletes from Islamic nations across a variety of disciplines.

Amer Dhawa

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) has launched a winter relief campaign to distribute essential supplies to Sweida displaced families residing in shelters and gatherings across the villages of the eastern countryside of Daraa province.

Aid teams provided winter clothing kits—including blankets, coats for men and women, and children’s apparel.

According to SARC’s Daraa branch head Ahmad Al-Masalmeh, the organization is working to meet the urgent needs of displaced families and is fully mobilized to overcome logistical challenges.

Local authorities, including the Bosra al-Sham City Council and Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, are coordinating efforts to ensure access to basic services. Council member Abdel Hamid Al-Dous confirmed the distribution of 136 aid packages in Jamreen and 420 in Ghasm.

The Daraa branch of SARC has distributed thousands of aid packages to Sweida families in recent weeks, as part of its ongoing mission to support vulnerable populations across Syria.

Syrian Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa met with a group of journalists and media professionals in Hama province on Saturday to discuss strategies for advancing the country’s media landscape and addressing the challenges facing both public and private sector journalists.

The meeting focused on proposals to modernize media institutions, improve working conditions, and strengthen the role of journalism in Syria’s evolving public discourse. Participants shared ideas aimed at fostering a more dynamic and supportive media environment.

Qusai Al-Shabib, Director of Media in Hama, noted that the dialogue also coincided with preparations for the upcoming “Sacrifice for Hama” campaign. The minister reviewed suggestions from local journalists on how to effectively organize and promote the initiative.

The visit is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Information to engage directly with regional media professionals and incorporate their insights into national media development plans.

Syria’s Interior Ministry, in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate, has launched a large-scale security operation across several provinces targeting ISIS cells, the ministry said on Saturday.

The operation, based on intelligence gathered through weeks of surveillance, led to the dismantling of several networks, the arrest of multiple suspects, and the seizure of materials linked to terrorist activity.

According to the ministry’s statement on its official Telegram channel, the operation is part of ongoing national efforts to combat terrorism and protect public safety.

The ministry added that the operation underscores coordination between security agencies and their proactive approach to addressing threats, reinforcing the government’s commitment to national security and stability.

The humanitarian organization Ghiras Al-Kaeer, in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, has launched a new initiative titled “Basmat Amal” (A Smile of Hope) to support orphans and their families across Syria.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive care for 900 orphaned children aged 5 to 13 in Idlib, Homs, and Damascus countryside. The support includes healthcare, psychological services, and monthly financial assistance for one year.

Speaking at the launch event in Damascus, officials from Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and the Office for Women’s Affairs emphasized the importance of empowering vulnerable children and strengthening social cohesion in post-conflict communities.

Ghiras Al-Kaeer Executive Director Abbas Shams al-Din highlighted the project’s goal of integrating orphans into society through sustainable family support and educational programs.

The event featured a project overview video and a panel discussion on post-war orphan care, with experts calling for coordinated efforts to ensure full protection and integration of vulnerable children.

Founded in 2014, Ghiras Al-Khair has operated in northern Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon, focusing on orphan sponsorship and humanitarian relief throughout the conflict years.

Israeli forces on Saturday carried out new incursions into the villages of Ajraf and Rasm al-Halabi in the central Quneitra countryside.
According to SANA’s reporter in Quneitra, four Israeli military vehicles moved from the Adnaniya point toward Ajraf village.
Another patrol consisting of four Humvees and two Hilux vehicles moved from Zubeida village toward Ruihina, eventually reaching Rasm al-Halabi.
Israel continues its violations of Syrian territory, breaching the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, international law, and relevant UN resolutions. Syria condemns these aggressions and calls on the international community to take urgent action to stop them.

Syrian Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Mohammad Anjarani, participated in the third thematic session of the COP30 Climate Summit held in Belém, Brazil.

The session, titled “Ten Years of the Paris Agreement: Nationally Determined Contributions and Climate Finance,” brought together global policymakers and environmental leaders to assess progress on climate commitments and explore funding mechanisms for sustainable development.

Three people were killed and at least four others injured on Saturday in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Emergency Operations Center.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone strike hit two brothers from Shebaa while they were traveling on the road connecting Ain Ata to Shebaa near the western slope of Mount Hermon, setting their four-wheel-drive vehicle on fire and resulting in their deaths.

In a separate airstrike, another civilian was killed and four others were injured in Baraachit, Bint Jbeil district.

The strikes come amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes following threats to escalate military operations in southern Lebanon.

Syrian security forces have arrested Assef Mohsen Younes Mohammad, a former non-commissioned officer in the State Security branch of Lattakia province, for his alleged involvement in human rights abuses during the previous regime.

A statement from the Ministry of Interior on its official Telegram channel said preliminary investigations link Mohammad to multiple offenses against civilians, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and financial and sexual extortion.

The arrest took place in the coastal town of Jableh as part of a coordinated operation by the Directorate of Internal Security and the Counterterrorism Unit.
The ministry said Mohammad has been referred to judicial authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani met with his Saudi counterpart Ahmed Aqeel Al-Khateeb in Riyadh to explore avenues for enhancing tourism cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed strategies to support investment projects in the tourism sector and emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise in destination management and joint marketing initiatives.

Both sides underscored the need to streamline procedures that would facilitate the revival of Syria’s tourism industry and restore its position on the regional and international tourism map.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said Saturday that it had received the bodies of 45 Palestinians from the Israeli authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), bringing the total number of bodies received to 300 since the start of the process.

The ministry said in a statement that 89 of the 300 bodies have been identified so far, while forensic teams continue examinations and documentation before handing them over to the families.

The ministry affirmed that its medical and forensic teams are handling the remains in accordance with humanitarian and legal procedures, in coordination with the Red Cross.

Syrian Minister of Tourism, Mazen al-Salhani, met on Saturday with Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Imad Hijazin, on the sidelines of the 26th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization in Riyadh.

The two officials discussed aspects of enhancing tourism cooperation between both countries and setting joint mechanisms to facilitate travel and tourism between Syria and Jordan.

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa accepted an invitation from several Syrian families residing in the city of Belém, Brazil, to sit with them at a local café in the city center, on the sidelines of his participation in the COP30 Climate Summit.

The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere as attendees expressed their great joy at meeting President Al-Sharaa, affirming their pride in their homeland despite years of living abroad.

Mazen

Displaced people of Shuyukh town, north of Aleppo, staged a sit-in on Saturday in Jarabulus city, protest against Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) practices and demanding a safe return to their hometown

The protestors pointed out to the difficult conditions they have endured for many years as they were prevented from returning to their areas by the “SDF” forces, which led to their displacement to temporary housing complexes in the cities of Jarabulus and Manbij.

They also affirmed that the right to return is a legitimate issue, yet it is being confiscated by the “SDF” forces through a bitter deprivation that affects the lives of hundreds of displaced residents amid a dire humanitarian situation.

On October 31, thousands of citizens participated in protest rallies organized in several Syrian provinces, where they expressed their rejection of the practices of the “SDF” forces and their violations against the people of al- Jazira region.