SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Quneitra, Dec. 25 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces carried out raids on several villages in the southern Quneitra countryside on Thursday morning, local sources reported.

SANA’s reporter in Quneitra said that two Israeli vehicles entered villages, including Tel Ahmar Gharbi, Kudna, Ayn Ziwan, and Suwaisa, where they stopped and searched residents.

The raids follow an incident on Wednesday evening when Israeli forces targeted al-Mantara Dam in northern Quneitra with a drone.

Syria has consistently demanded an end to Israeli violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, and urged the international community to take action to prevent further violations.

Damascus, Dec. 25 (SANA) Christian communities across Syria marked Christmas on Thursday with prayers and church services, expressing hopes for peace, security, and stability in the country and whole world.

Churches in Damascus, Homs, Tartous, and other cities held Christmas Masses attended by worshippers from various Christian denominations, as clergy emphasized themes of reconciliation, unity, and hope.

In Damascus, Christmas services were held at several major churches, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Dormition, where Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef al-Absi led Mass alongside senior clergy. In his sermon, he highlighted the values associated with Christmas, including tolerance and compassion, and hopes of peace for Syria and the wider world.

At the Mariamite Cathedral, Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi presided over Christmas Mass, describing the holiday as a message of joy and peace and calling on Syrians to work together for the country’s future.

Christmas services were also held by Syriac Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Chaldean, and Latin Catholic communities in the capital, with church leaders stressing reconciliation, forgiveness, and social cohesion. Several clergy expressed appreciation for security measures around churches during the celebrations.

In Homs, worshippers gathered at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in the city’s historic al-Hamidiyah district for Christmas Eve Mass. Church leaders described the occasion as a symbol of resilience and unity in a city that was heavily damaged during the war. Candles were lit during the service, symbolizing hope and renewal.

In Tartous, Christmas Masses were held in multiple churches with large attendance from families. Clergy highlighted the shared traditions between Syria’s religious communities and described Christmas as a moment of national unity, bringing together Christians and Muslims alike through mutual greetings and shared customs.

Many worshippers said the holiday was not only a religious celebration but also a reminder of common human values, including peace, solidarity, and cooperation. Across the country, priests used the occasion to call for unity among Syrians and for continued efforts to rebuild the country and restore normal life.

Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays for Syria’s Christian communities, who have maintained centuries-old traditions despite years of displacement and hardship caused by the war.

Damascus, Dec. 25 (SANA) Residents of Saydnaya, a historic town north of Damascus, celebrated Christmas Eve on Wednesday with a festive street carnival organized by the Agia Sophia Ceremonial Band of the Melkite Greek Catholic community.

The “Prince of Peace” carnival wound through the town’s main streets, featuring live music, Christmas hymns, and handmade displays of traditional holiday symbols, including the Nativity scene, the star, and the Christmas tree. Religious icons commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ were also on display. Residents and visitors lined the streets to watch the procession.

Father Taher Youssef, parish priest of Agia Sophia, said that the celebration highlighted Christmas as a message of joy and peace, expressing hope that it would inspire unity and reconciliation in Syria and beyond.

Nadia al-Sheikh, head of the ceremonial band, said the performances and artistic displays aimed to reflect the spiritual meaning of Christmas, offering a message of hope for the future.

Local residents welcomed the event, noting that it brought a festive atmosphere to the town. Many described the carnival as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and promote values of love and peace during the holiday season.

Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays for Christian communities, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is traditionally observed with church services, family gatherings, and public celebrations, emphasizing themes of peace, solidarity, and goodwill.

HOMS, Dec.25 (SANA) The town of Al-Hawash in the western countryside of Homs, witnessed festive Christmas celebrations on Wednesday, marked by a community carnival that included lighting a landmark bearing the phrase “I Love Al-Hawash,” alongside entertainment activities and the distribution of gifts.

Speaking to SANA, Father Polycarpos Rizk, priest of the St. Elias Parish in Al-Hawash, said celebrating Christmas offers an opportunity to promote the values of goodness and peace, expressing hope that peace would prevail throughout Syria.

He said the lighting of the landmark represents a first step stemming from the sincere feelings of the town’s residents, reflecting their love for their village and pride in their national identity. Rizk stressed that every village is an integral part of Syria, and that joint efforts are essential to building a future based on love and equality, where all citizens share a common destiny.

Residents taking part in the carnival said the event spread joy among families and reinforced values of solidarity and social cohesion. They voiced hope that Christmas would bring goodness to Syria and its people, and that the new year would usher in peace, stability and joy for all Syrians.

The carnival came as part of wider community initiatives celebrating Christmas and promoting values of love and peace, while reaffirming the unity and solidarity of Syrians despite ongoing challenges.

R.H

Damascus, Dec.25(SANA)The Internal Security units in Damascus Countryside, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate and International Coalition forces, carried out a tightly coordinated security operation targeting one of ISIS’s hideouts in the city of Maadamiya. The operation resulted in the arrest of the organization’s leader in Damascus, along with several of his aides.

“Our specialized units, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate and International Coalition forces, carried out a precise security operation targeting one of ISIS’s hideouts in Maadamiya, Damascus Countryside, following extensive monitoring and intensive intelligence surveillance.” Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of Internal Security in Damascus Countryside, said in a statement released by the Ministry of Interior on its Telegram channel.

Al-Dalati added that the operation led to the arrest of the terrorist group’s leader in Damascus,known as the “Wali of Damascus”,identified as Taha al-Zoubi, also called “Abu Omar Tibiya,” along with several of his aides. A suicide belt and a military weapon were seized in his possession. He stressed that this represents a crippling blow to the organization and highlights the high readiness of Syria’s security apparatus to confront any threat to the safety of the governorate and its surroundings.

Al-Dalati concluded: “We send a clear message to anyone who dares to engage in terrorism or support ISIS: the hand of justice will reach them wherever they are, and they will find no refuge on our land. Syria’s security is a red line, and we will continue to strike with an iron fist until the complete eradication of the remnants of terrorism and its hideouts.”

MHD

Lattakia, Dec, 24 (SANA) Lattakia’s Internal Security Commander Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz Hilal al-Ahmad announced that special units of the Internal Security Command, in cooperation with the Counterterrorism Branch and a unit of the Syrian Arab Army, carried out a “qualitative security operation” on Wednesday morning targeting a group belonging to a cell known as “Saraya al-Jawad,” affiliated with the criminal Suheil al-Hassan, in the countryside of Jableh.

In a statement by the Ministry of Interior on Telegram, al-Ahmad said the cell was involved in assassinations, summary executions, the planting of improvised explosive devices and attacks targeting Internal Security and Syrian Arab Army positions. He said the group had also been preparing to target New Year celebrations, posing what he described as a direct threat to civilian safety.

Al-Ahmad said security forces conducted careful surveillance and tracking before encircling the area and the house where the suspects were holed up. Civilians were evacuated and secured outside the operational zone “out of concern for their safety and to prevent any harm,” he said.

He added that despite repeated calls for the suspects to surrender, they refused to comply, leading to a clash that lasted about an hour. The operation resulted in the arrest of one cell member and the killing of three others, while four security personnel sustained light injuries.

Al-Ahmad said Internal Security units seized improvised explosive devices, various weapons, ammunition and military uniforms during the operation. The arrested criminal was referred to the Counterterrorism Directorate to complete investigations, ahead of referral to the competent judiciary to take the necessary legal measures.

He stressed that efforts are continuing to fully dismantle the cell and eliminate its extensions, underscoring that security forces will persist in pursuing criminal cells linked to remnants of the deposed regime and will not relent in their national duty to protect citizens and safeguard security and stability.

Earlier today, a security source told SANA that clashes had broken out between Internal Security units and a group of wanted outlaws near the city of Jableh in the Latakia countryside, resulting in injuries among several Internal Security personnel.

Damascus, Dec 24 (SANA) Minister of Information Dr. Hamza al-Mustafa met on Wednesday with Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Sudanese Embassy in Damascus, to discuss avenues for enhancing media cooperation between Syria and Sudan, expanding media partnerships, and exchanging expertise in managing press affairs during transitional stages.

Minister al-Mustafa reaffirmed Syria’s solidarity with Sudan, underscoring the importance of adopting “constructive media” during transitional periods—media that balances freedom of expression with the stability of state institutions, particularly in confronting disinformation campaigns and fake accounts.

The Sudanese diplomat, for his part, commended Syria’s experience in safeguarding state structures and reclaiming its regional role, describing it as a pioneering model in the Arab world.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to activate memoranda of understanding that include cooperation between the two national news agencies, as well as news exchange and joint production in the fields of art and drama.

Damascus, Dec.24 (SANA) The Central Bank of Syria (CBS) affirmed on Wednesday the continued legal tender status of all currently circulating banknotes of the Syrian pound.

The Bank called in a statement all financial institutions to comply with and adhere to the directives regarding the handling of all banknotes of the local currency, and not to take unilateral measures concerning the acceptance or rejection of specific categories.

It stressed that the legal status and binding force of all Syrian currency banknotes currently in circulation remain valid until any contrary instructions are officially issued, in accordance with the proper procedures and by decree announced to the public through appropriate media outlets.

The Central Bank of Syria added that the statement comes in response to the recent actions of some financial institutions that have refused to accept certain banknotes of the Syrian pound—particularly the 1,000- and 2,000-pound categories—without awaiting any official directives on the matter from the Central Bank of Syria.

MZN

Quneitra, Dec. 24 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces targeted al-Mantara Dam in the northern countryside of Quneitra on Wednesday evening using a drone, according to SANA correspondent.

The correspondent said the drone dropped several munitions near the dam with the aim of preventing civilians from approaching the site. Israeli forces also fired a flare toward Tal Kroum, located near the town of Jeba in the central Quneitra countryside. No civilian injuries were reported.

Earlier today, an Israeli occupation force assaulted women and children while they were collecting mushrooms in the area between the villages of al-Adnaniyah and Ruweihina in the northern Quneitra countryside, by firing smoke canisters toward them, the correspondent said.

Israel continues what Syria describes as aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through incursions into southern Syria and attacks on civilians.

Syria has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from its territory, stressing that all measures taken by the occupation in southern Syria are null and void and have no legal effect under international law. Damascus has urged the international community to assume its responsibilities and deter Israeli practices.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi met on Wednesday with a delegation from Beirut Islamic University (BIU), Faculty of Islamic studies, headed by Dean Ali Hassan al-Tawil, to discuss cooperation in the field of Islamic studies education and the development of relations with the university following the fall of the deposed regime.

During the meeting, held at the ministry headquarters, the two sides discussed the possibility of assessing the university’s status and its academic and scientific programs with a view to potential endorsement by the ministry. Al-Halabi said the ministry applies specific standards for endorsing universities, noting that Beirut Islamic University would be provided with those criteria for review and could be endorsed if the required conditions are met.

The meeting also addressed the state of Islamic studies education in Syria and recent steps taken in this field, including opening university admission to holders of Sharia high school certificates, expanding Islamic studies education through the establishment of new faculties at several universities after liberation, unifying curricula across Islamic studies faculties, and the ministry’s efforts to regulate Islamic studies education outside the university framework.

For its part, the university delegation outlined the status of Islamic studies education in Lebanon, including universities, institutes and schools. The delegation pointed to difficulties faced by graduates of private Syrian Sharia institutes in Lebanon due to a lack of recognition, and to requirements for Syrian students in Lebanon to obtain legal residency in order to enroll in Sharia schools rather than attend as auditors. The delegation also reviewed the university’s curricula, academic system and the degrees it awards.

Beirut Islamic University – Faculty of Islamic studies is an educational institution affiliated with Dar al-Fatwa in the Lebanese Republic. It was established by a presidential decree in 1996 and includes the Faculty of Islamic studies, the Higher Institute for Sharia Judiciary, the Faculty of Islamic Arts, the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the University Institute of Technology. The university grants specialization diplomas, master’s degrees and doctorates in several fields.

Damascus, Dec 24 (SANA) The Central Agency for Control and Inspection revealed on Wednesday a significant financial corruption case at the Syrian Grain Corporation, amounting to more than nine billion Syrian pounds, involving a former minister from the era of the ousted regime.

According to a statement issued by the Agency, the discovery followed an oversight mission conducted after receiving reports of financial irregularities in contracts signed in 2021. Investigations confirmed violations of the legal frameworks governing the Corporation’s operations, resulting in losses to public funds estimated at nine billion two hundred and fifty million Syrian pounds.

The inquiry further indicated that these violations were carried out under the direct instructions of a former minister, serving private interests in collaboration with a supplier, which led to extensive waste of public resources.

The Agency emphasized that it has taken the necessary legal measures against those implicated, including precautionary asset seizures, travel bans, referral to the judiciary, and recovery of funds. These steps, it noted, fall within its mandate to safeguard public assets and strengthen integrity.

On December 10th, the Central Agency announced the recovery of approximately 90 billion Syrian pounds and the completion of 1,198 cases since the liberation of Syria up to the end of November, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat corruption inherited from the former regime, enhance transparency, and improve institutional performance.

Amman, Dec. 24 (SANA) Trade relations between Jordan and Syria have grown remarkably during the first ten months of this year.

According to data from Jordan’s Department of Statistics published by the Jordanian news agency Petra, Jordanian exports to Syria reached 203 million dinars, compared to 46 million dinars during the same period last year — a 341.3 percent increase.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s imports from Syria amounted to around 75 million dinars, up from 51 million dinars during the same period last year — a 47.1 percent increase.

The total trade volume between the two countries during this period was 278 million dinars, compared to 97 million dinars during the same period last year.

Jordanian exports to Syria mainly include construction materials, such as cement, iron, marble, tiles, paints, and pipes, as well as electrical equipment, food, agricultural products, and chemicals.

This improvement in trade indicators coincides with significant developments in Jordanian-Syrian relations, both economically and politically. There have been calls to enhance cooperation in transportation, energy, and agriculture, which positively impacts regional stability and development.

Damascus, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that the Anti-Narcotics Branch operating in the Syrian desert (Badia) foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotic substances to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan using balloons prepared for aerial transport.

In a statement published on the ministry’s Telegram channel, the ministry said the Anti-Narcotics Branch arrested an individual identified as M.R. after receiving precise information indicating his involvement in drug smuggling operations toward Jordan via balloons equipped for airborne trafficking.

The ministry explained that surveillance and field investigations led to the suspect’s arrest while in possession of the balloons, along with batteries and wireless communication devices used in smuggling operations. All seized items were confiscated and referred to the competent authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures.

The ministry added that the suspect was referred to the competent judiciary to take the appropriate legal action against him.

As part of ongoing counter-narcotics efforts, the Anti-Narcotics Branch in the Badia had previously carried out a qualitative operation on Nov. 27, based on accurate intelligence information, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of narcotic substances prepared for smuggling and distribution. The confiscated materials included approximately 294,000 Captagon pills, around 16 kilograms of hashish, and four helium cylinders.

The ministry noted that these operations come within the framework of the continued efforts exerted by the Anti-Narcotics Department to combat smuggling crimes and illicit trafficking in narcotic substances.

Aleppo, Dec 24 (SANA) The Internal Security Forces (ISF) in Aleppo province announced on Wednesday their ongoing efforts to protect civilians and ensure safe evacuation from the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods.

The Interior Ministry stated on its Telegram channel that these measures respond to continued attempts by the SDF to restrict civilian movement, enforce forced conscription, and commit repeated violations, including assault, harassment, and threats to life and property.

The ministry added that a comprehensive security deployment has been implemented to safeguard civilians and their belongings, while taking all necessary legal measures against anyone attempting to undermine the city’s security.

The ISF Command in Aleppo emphasized that protecting civilians remains a top priority. Residents are urged to cooperate with security units and report any violations that endanger their lives or property.

Homs, Dec. 24 (SANA) Syrian security forces in Homs have arrested a man accused of writing sectarian and inflammatory slogans on walls across the city of Homs, a security source said.

The source told SANA that the arrest followed the circulation of a video on social media that shows the suspect writing the graffiti.

The suspect has been taken into custody, and legal proceedings are underway ahead of a referral to the relevant judicial authorities.

Johannesburg, Dec.24 (SANA) A newly published scientific study is reigniting debate over human evolution in Africa after researchers suggested that the famous “Little Foot” fossil may belong to a previously unidentified species of early human ancestors.

The fossil, estimated to be more than three million years old, was analyzed in a study published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology. Researchers say its anatomical features do not fully align with any known hominin species, raising the possibility that it represents a distinct branch of the human family tree.

The research was led by Jesse Martin of La Trobe University in Australia, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Cambridge. According to the study, key differences were found in the base of the skull and the length of the spinal cord, features that may distinguish “Little Foot” from other early hominins.

Discovered in South Africa’s Sterkfontein Caves, the fossil was first uncovered in 1994 but was only formally introduced to the scientific community in 2017 after years of careful excavation and analysis. It is regarded as one of the most complete early human skeletons ever found.

Scientists remain divided over the fossil’s precise age. Some place it at around 3.67 million years old, while others argue it is closer to 2.8 million years old. The disagreement underscores ongoing challenges in reconstructing the complex and diverse evolutionary history of early humans in Africa.