Damascus, Aug. 11 (SANA) A Syrian court on Tuesday sentenced head of the ousted regime Bashar al-Assad and several former officials to death after convicting them of crimes including premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity.

The hearing was presided over by Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan, with the participation of Adviser to the Republic Public Prosecutor Judge Hassan al-Turba, Head of the National Commission for Transitional Justice Abdul Basit Abdul Latif and members of the commission. Representatives of international legal and humanitarian organizations, along with families of victims, attended the session.

Al-Aryan said the court convicted Assad of crimes against humanity and other offenses, citing his position as the highest decision-maker and his role in directing state institutions involved in the violations.

The court also sentenced Atef Najib to death, Al-Aryan said.

Najib, a cousin of al-Assad, previously served as the political security chief in Syria’s Daraa city.

The judge further announced death sentences against fugitives Maher Hafez al-Assad, Fahd Jassem al-Freij, Mohammad Ayman Ayoush, Louay Ali al-Ali, Qusay Ibrahim Mahyoub, Wafiq Saleh Nasser and Talal Fares al-Aysami.

Al-Aryan said the court convicted the defendants of premeditated and intentional murder as well as torture resulting in death.

Head of the National Commission for Transitional Justice Abdul Basit Abdul Latif said that the ruling in the Atef Najib case was delivered, describing it as an important step toward justice, redressing victims’ rights and upholding the rule of law.

Damascus, Aug. 11 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Republic affirmed its continued transparent cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alongside the United States and other friendly nations, to resolve the deposed regime’s legacy and fully reactivate Syria’s IAEA membership.

In a statement released on its Telegram channel on Monday, the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria noted that cooperation aims to support Syria in peaceful nuclear applications, including healthcare, agriculture, and scientific research.

The Commission stated that since the country’s liberation, tangible progress has been achieved using national capacities.

Given the limited technical resources and insufficient international assistance thus far, the Commission renewed its call to establish a specialized international committee to provide technical and legal support, ensuring all measures meet the highest international standards.

The statement added that the Commission will receive an IAEA delegation in the coming days to jointly announce the significant progress made by Syria in this field.

Established in 1976, the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria is the official government entity regulating nuclear energy and its peaceful applications across Syria.

(SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa received UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih and his accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus on Monday, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

The meeting focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between Syria and UNHCR, as well as supporting efforts related to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and early recovery and livelihood projects.

On Sunday, Salih met with the Syrian steering committee tasked with implementing the “Syria Without Camps” vision strategy, with discussions focusing on joint coordination mechanisms and prospects for cooperation.

The meeting addressed the vision as a key pillar of recovery efforts, linking voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns with the rehabilitation of areas of return and the restoration of basic services.

(SANA)  Syrian Coast Guard forces foiled an irregular migration attempt off Syria’s western coast and detained a group preparing to leave the country illegally by boat, the General Authority for Ports and Customs said Monday on its Telegram channel.

The authority said Coast Guard forces seized the boat intended for the operation, along with a quantity of diesel fuel prepared to operate and refuel the vessel for the suspected smuggling operation.

Preliminary investigations showed that some of those detained were linked to the deposed regime, according to the authority.

The competent authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the operation to identify its organizers and others involved before taking the necessary legal measures.

It said the operation demonstrated the Coast Guard’s readiness in monitoring Syria’s territorial waters, securing the coastline and countering people-smuggling, irregular migration and other illegal maritime activities through patrols and surveillance.

The Coast Guard forces carry out security and monitoring duties along the Syrian coast as part of efforts to secure the country’s maritime borders and territorial waters.

Hasakeh (Syria) (AFP) – The return of displaced Syrian Kurds to their northeastern hometown of Ras al-Ain was suspended on Monday after a first group of returnees was attacked, prompting protests in other Kurdish-majority parts of Syria.

Hundreds of people had gone back to the town on Monday, months after a January agreement with the Syrian government on merging Kurdish forces and civil institutions into the state that included provisions for the return of displaced Kurds.

Jawan Isso, from a committee representing displaced people from Ras al-Ain, told AFP that a "first batch" of around 2,500 people were headed home but were later attacked by "armed groups".

Mahmud Khalil Ali, deputy head of security forces in Syria's Hasakeh province where Ras al-Ain is located, said several of those involved in the attacks were arrested, but return trips were "temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents".

"These trips will resume as soon as the situation stabilises and full protection is provided for the returnees."

A second batch of Kurds was supposed to head to the town in the coming days, according to Isso.

Tens of thousands of Kurds were uprooted when Turkey and allied Syrian fighters seized an Arab-majority strip of territory along the Turkish border, including Ras al-Ain, from Kurdish control in 2019 during Syria's civil war.

The attacks on Monday sparked a demonstration in nearby Kurdish-majority Qamishli, where an AFP correspondent saw angry protesters try to break into the security forces' headquarters, with Syrian officers pushing them back.

In Kobane, a Kurdish-majority town in the north, Syrian state television said people attacked government offices and took down the Syrian flag in front of the local security forces headquarters.

Quoting a security source, state television then said authorities imposed a curfew on Kobane while looking for the perpetrators.

"We condemn the assault to which the displaced Kurdish families were subjected during their return," Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces who signed the January deal with Damascus, said on X.

"We understand the angry reactions in the Kurdish street in response to this assault, and at the same time, we call on our people to exercise self-restraint, refrain from being drawn into any irresponsible acts, and preserve our civil and security institutions," he added.

Ahmad al-Hilali, deputy governor of Hasakeh condemned both the attacks on returnees and on state institutions in other areas like the multiethnic Hasakeh city.

"A number of rioters have already been arrested in several areas," he added, vowing that there will be "no leniency" towards those who threaten "civil peace".

'Waiting for this moment'

Earlier in the day, an AFP correspondent saw dozens of trucks loaded with furniture and other belongings waiting to set off from near the city of Hasakeh, with men, women and children eager to depart.

"I've been waiting for this moment... It's like a dream for a person to return to their home," said returnee Nora Khodor, 37.

Isso said that around 100,000 people from the Ras al-Ain area had applied to return.

Human rights groups say residents' homes and belongings there were seized or looted after the offensive.

Some of the fighters subsequently settled in the area with their families, with some reportedly still living in the formerly ethnically mixed region, known as Sari Kani in Kurdish.

Turkey launched successive cross-border offensives against Kurdish-led forces in the country's north before Syria's new Islamist-led authorities ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Since then, the authorities have been extending central government control across the country, including formerly Kurdish-held areas.

"We are very happy about returning," said Rawda Mohammed, 39, before the violence erupted.

"I asked about my home. They told me it is totally destroyed, but we did not get pessimistic because we're happy to return, and when we get there we'll see what we can do."

Some 5.5 million people remain internally displaced in Syria following the more than 13-year civil war, according to the United Nations.

 (SANA)  The Damascus Citadel is hosting 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts that returned from France last July after nearly 15 years abroad, as part of an exhibition held during the “Syria Summer for Families 2026” Festival.

The exhibition gives families, children and young visitors an opportunity to learn about Syrian heritage through artifacts representing different historical periods.

Director General of Antiquities and Museums Dr. Masoud Badawi told SANA that the collection holds significant historical value, with pieces dating from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era and reflecting the diversity of Syrian civilization.

Badawi said the artifacts had been loaned to an exhibition of Syrian antiquities at the Arab World Institute in Paris since 2010. Their return was achieved through coordination between Syria and France, including legal and technical procedures to bring them back to their country of origin.

He added that the recovery took place on the sidelines of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus last July, and that the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums chose to present the collection to the public during the festival.

The artifacts were originally planned to be displayed at the National Museum in Damascus, but the Damascus Citadel exhibition provided an opportunity to introduce them to a wider audience, particularly families and young visitors.

Badawi said the exhibition had attracted strong public interest, with visitors showing greater awareness of the historical value of the artifacts by reading their descriptions and learning about their significance.

He explained that after the exhibition ends, each artifact will return to its original museum or location in areas including Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia and Daraa, representing Syria’s geographic and cultural diversity.

The 23 artifacts, including the ancient limestone statue of Iku-Shamagan, King of Mari, mark the end of a nearly 15-year absence and form part of efforts to preserve Syrian heritage and reconnect new generations with the country’s cultural history.

Damascus, Aug. 10 (SANA) Syria’s cotton production is expected to reach about 79,467 tons this season, with the crop’s overall condition described as good, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Director of the ministry’s Cotton Office Mohammad Maari told SANA on Monday that cotton was cultivated on around 26,593 hectares this season, up from 25,810 hectares last season, when production reached 69,587 tons.

Maari said cotton cultivation faced several climatic and agricultural challenges this season, including low temperatures and continued rainfall until May, which delayed planting. Some cultivated areas were also damaged by rising water levels of the Euphrates River.

He added that cotton farming in Syria continues to face challenges, including reduced irrigation water availability due to declining water resources, higher production costs and damage to irrigation networks, factors that have contributed to a decline in cultivated areas in recent years.

Maari said the ministry is working to implement modern irrigation methods and technologies, particularly drip irrigation, to reduce water consumption, improve efficiency and increase productivity while preserving water resources.

He said the Agricultural Scientific Research Authority is developing improved cotton varieties that are more resistant to water stress, mature earlier and provide higher yields while maintaining fiber quality.

The ministry’s future plans include expanding cotton cultivation areas across Syria, encouraging investment in cotton farming and related industries, adopting modern agricultural practices and introducing new high-yielding varieties.

Maari said efforts are also underway to set a competitive purchase price for cotton that encourages farmers to continue cultivation, contributes to increased production and supports expansion of cultivated areas.

He added that higher cotton production would help meet the needs of cotton ginning facilities and textile factories while allowing the export of surplus high-quality ginned cotton, noting that Syrian cotton meets quality specifications demanded in international markets.

Cotton is one of Syria’s key agricultural crops, and expanding its production depends on securing production inputs and irrigation water, improving farming practices and varieties, and ensuring suitable returns for farmers to support the sustainability of the sector.

(SANA)  One person was killed and 30 others injured in 26 traffic accidents reported across several Syrian provinces during the past 24 hours, according to the Syrian Civil Defense.

Teams from the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management responded to the accidents, providing first aid to those injured before transferring them to hospitals for necessary treatment.

 The Civil Defense said its teams also cleared the accident sites and secured the affected areas.

The Civil Defense urged drivers to reduce speed, check their vehicles’ technical condition, including brakes and windshield wipers, and avoid distractions such as mobile phone use while driving.

In separate operations, Syrian Civil Defense teams responded to 133 fires across Syria during the same period.

The Civil Defense said six fires occurred in fields and agricultural crops, while 127 fires affected homes, commercial shops, grass, trees, garbage and electrical wires.

The teams extinguished the fires and cooled the affected sites. No injuries were reported, while damages were limited to property losses.

The Civil Defense called on residents to avoid starting fires in wooded areas and agricultural fields, and warned against throwing cigarette butts or glass containers on roadsides, especially near crops and forests.

It also advised against burning dry vegetation around homes or along roads, urging residents to remove it through safe methods.

Damascus, Aug. 10 (SANA) More than 7 million travelers crossed Syria’s official land border crossings in both directions during the first half of 2026, according to data from the General Authority for Borders and Customs, as authorities continue rehabilitation work and efforts to expand crossing capacity.

The data showed that total passenger movement through Syria’s crossings with Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye and Iraq reached about 7.069 million during the period, including 2.47 million with Lebanon, 2.2 million with Jordan, 2.013 million with Türkiye and 386,000 with Iraq.

The figures also showed about 391,000 voluntary returns of Syrian refugees during the same period, as the government works to rehabilitate crossings and improve their operational capacity.

Lebanon: 2.47 million travelers

Border crossings with Lebanon recorded the highest volume of passenger movement, with nearly 2.47 million travelers during the first half of the year.

 The Jdeidet Yabous crossing in Damascus countryside recorded about 1.7 million travelers in both directions since the beginning of the year, while the Jousieh crossing in Homs countryside recorded about 625,000.

The Jisr Qamar crossing recorded around 100,000 travelers since reopening in early May, while about 45,000 crossed through Arida, which continues to operate partially amid rehabilitation works on the bridge and related facilities.

Rehabilitation work at Arida includes infrastructure improvements and measures to increase operational capacity.

The figures show that Jdeidet Yabous and Jousieh remain the main routes for passenger movement between Syria and Lebanon.

Jordan: 2.2 million travelers

About 2.2 million travelers crossed the Nasib border crossing with Jordan in both directions during the first half of the year, making it one of Syria’s busiest land crossings.

The crossing serves as a major overland route for travelers heading to Saudi Arabia via Jordan, particularly during the Umrah season.

More than 24,000 Syrians returned voluntarily through Nasib during the same period, while authorities continue to improve services and operational readiness at the crossing.

The volume of traffic highlights Nasib’s role as a key link between Syria, Jordan and Gulf countries, serving passenger movement as well as transport and trade routes.

Türkiye: More than 2 million travelers

The number of travelers through Syria’s border crossings with Türkiye reached about 2.013 million during the first half of 2026.

The Salameh crossing in Aleppo province recorded the highest traffic, with about 1.04 million travelers, followed by Bab al-Hawa in Idlib with around 500,000.

Other crossings recorded about 181,000 travelers at Al-Rai, 121,000 at Kasab, 100,000 at Tal Abyad and 71,000 at Jarablus.

The figures come as authorities carry out rehabilitation and expansion projects at several crossings, including Salameh and Bab al-Hawa, while improving service facilities at Kasab and Al-Rai.

The two busiest crossings, Salameh and Bab al-Hawa, accounted for the majority of passenger movement between Syria and Türkiye.

Iraq: About 386,000 travelers

Passenger movement through Syria’s border crossings with Iraq reached about 386,000 during the period.

The Al-Tanf crossing, which reopened in early April, recorded about 155,000 crossings by truck and tanker drivers in both directions. The figure reflects increased freight and transit activity along the Syrian-Iraqi corridor, particularly after oil shipments began moving by road tankers from Iraq to Baniyas Port on Syria’s Mediterranean coast in April, according to the data.

About 87,000 travelers crossed Al-Bukamal, while Semalka recorded about 110,000 travelers during the three-month period from May to July. The Al-Yarubiyah crossing recorded about 34,000 travelers since reopening in late April.

The figures indicate a gradual return of passenger and freight movement through Iraqi crossings following their reopening or resumption of operations.

Authorities continue rehabilitation and development work at several crossings to expand capacity and improve passenger, transport and freight services.

Voluntary returns: About 391,000 Syrians

Syrian land border crossings received about 391,000 refugees who returned voluntarily during the first half of the year.

The highest numbers were recorded at Jousieh with more than 150,000 returnees, followed by Bab al-Hawa with more than 57,000, Salameh with about 63,000, Jdeidet Yabous with more than 43,000 and Nasib with more than 24,000.

Returns were also recorded through Arida, Jisr Qamar, Tal Abyad, Jarablus, Kasab, Al-Rai, Al-Bukamal and Semalka.

More than 7 million travelers crossed Syria’s land borders in first half of 2026

The figures show that voluntary returns took place through multiple crossings, with differences depending on the location of each crossing and its links to areas where Syrian refugees reside in neighboring countries.

Border traffic trends

Data for the first half of 2026 show increased activity at Syria’s land borders, with more than 7 million travelers recorded in both directions within six months.

The volume of passenger movement, alongside the return of about 391,000 Syrians, reflects a growing role for land crossings in travel, transport and regional connectivity.

The government continues rehabilitation projects, infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements at several crossings to enhance services and accommodate increasing traffic.

(SANA) The first World Food Programme (WFP) flight arrived at Deir Ezzor International Airport on Monday, carrying a delegation headed by Marianne Ward, the program’s country director, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said in a statement.

The delegation was received by Firas al-Azzawi, director of Deir Ezzor International Airport, who accompanied the team on a tour of the airport’s facilities and infrastructure to review services and equipment and discuss ways to enhance cooperation and coordination in support of humanitarian and relief activities.

Deir Ezzor International Airport was officially reopened during a ceremony held on Aug. 5, receiving its first two Syrian Airlines flights, including a domestic flight from Damascus and an international flight from Kuwait, after a suspension lasting several years.

The arrival marks the resumption and expansion of humanitarian air operations at the airport, helping support relief efforts and facilitate the delivery of aid to the region.

The airport’s return to service is also expected to ease travel burdens by reducing the need for passengers to use connecting routes through other provinces or airports, saving time and effort and providing more convenient travel options.

(SANA) A $1 million grant has been provided to support Tadmor National Hospital and improve its healthcare system under the directives of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The grant was announced by Health Minister Musab al-Ali during his visit to Tadmor National Hospital on Sunday, accompanied by Homs Health Director Khaled al-Homsi and a delegation from Al-Ameen for Humanitarian Support.

The minister said the grant aims to support the hospital and enhance the quality of medical services provided to residents of Tadmor and surrounding areas.

During the visit, Minister al-Ali inaugurated the hospital’s dialysis department, reviewed healthcare services at the facility, and listened to the needs of medical staff, operational challenges and proposals to improve services.

The dialysis department currently has five machines, with plans to increase capacity to 10 machines in the future. It also includes a water purification station capable of supporting 10 machines, which is currently operational.

Director of Health Facilities at the Ministry of Health Wasil al-Jarak said the department will help provide dialysis services for patients with kidney failure and allow residents, including those who were forced to leave the area, to return and receive care closer to their homes.

He said seven patients have already started treatment sessions, while work continues to gradually expand capacity and train technical staff in cooperation with hospitals in Homs.

During a meeting with residents and medical personnel, Minister al-Ali reviewed healthcare and service-related concerns, stressing the importance of addressing local needs and improving and expanding medical services to meet citizens’ requirements.

Earlier in July, Homs Health Directorate supplied Tadmor National Hospital’s dialysis department with modern dialysis machines provided by Al-Ameen for Humanitarian Support as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare services in the Syrian Badia region.

Damascus, Aug. 9 (SANA) Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani toured Latakia International Airport and Tartous Port on Sunday following a landmark agreement between Syria and Russia to reorganize Moscow’s presence on the Syrian coast.

Al-Shaibani, accompanied by a delegation, inspected facilities covered by the memorandum of understanding between Syria and Russia, which sets out new arrangements for civilian and military installations previously associated with the Russian presence, the foreign ministry said on its Telegram channel.

The visit came after Syria and Russia reached an agreement to transfer the management of facilities designated for civilian use to the Syrian state and transform Russian military bases into joint training centers.

Earlier Sunday, the Foreign Ministry’s Media and Communications Department told SANA that the agreement followed about 18 months of intensive negotiations led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and settled the future status of Russian facilities at Hmeimim and Tartous.

Under the memorandum, Syria will assume management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartous Port, with both set to be gradually integrated into the country’s civilian administration.

The two sides also agreed to redefine the role of facilities currently used for military purposes, transforming Russian military bases into joint training and qualification centers under arrangements aimed at safeguarding mutual interests.

The memorandum sets a deadline of no more than three months to complete the transition, after which the new arrangements will take effect, according to the ministry.

The ministry described the agreement as the most significant development since negotiations began about a year and a half ago, saying it opens the way for a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations.

 Syrian security forces arrested a nine-member cell affiliated with the ISIS terrorist group in the southern province of Quneitra, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday, as security forces continue operations targeting the terrorist organization’s networks and supply lines.

The Internal Security Forces, working with the General Intelligence Service, arrested the cell in Khan Arnabah as part of ongoing efforts to track down ISIS members and disrupt the group’s supply networks, the ministry said.

Among those arrested was the cell’s leader, Musab Khalil al-Sheikh, known by the alias “al-Sini” (“the Chinese”), who had been active with ISIS in Damascus and its countryside, the Syrian Badia and villages in the Hauran region.

The ministry said al-Sheikh had also operated within a group affiliated with Abu Abdulrahman al-Iraqi, who led the organization at the time and was killed in Daraa in 2022.

Preliminary investigations found that the cell had carried out tasks for ISIS, including collecting weapons and transporting explosive devices and related materials, as well as other activities intended to support the group’s operations, according to the ministry.

The nine suspects were referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings, the ministry said.

Damascus, Aug. 9 (SANA) Syria and Russia have reached a memorandum of understanding to reorganize Moscow’s presence on the Syrian coast, including transferring civilian facilities to Syrian state management and converting Russian military bases into joint training centers, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

The agreement follows about a year and a half of intensive negotiations led by Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and settles the future status of the Russian facilities at Hmeimim and Tartous, the ministry’s Media and Communications Department told SANA.

Under the memorandum, Syria will assume management of facilities designated for civilian use, including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartous Port, allowing them to be gradually integrated into the country’s civilian administration.

The two sides also agreed to redefine the role of facilities currently used for military purposes, with Russian military bases to be transformed into joint training and qualification centers under new arrangements aimed at safeguarding the interests of both countries.

The memorandum sets a deadline of no more than three months to complete the transition, after which the new arrangements will take effect, according to the ministry.

The Foreign Ministry described the agreement as the most significant development since negotiations began about 18 months ago, saying it opens the way for a new phase in Syrian-Russian relations.

The intricacies of a complex financial network are gradually being uncovered, one that exploited charitable work as a cover for massive fraud operations totaling approximately $5 million. These operations involved acquiring large quantities of sheep and foodstuffs using the association's official seals and receipts, without paying the original owners.

The threads of the case began to unravel when Ibrahim Harmoush, in his capacity as head of the association, purchased large quantities of sheep and foodstuffs from the local market using official contracts and receipts issued by the association, with a total value exceeding $5 million.

The sellers were eagerly awaiting payment of the agreed-upon sums, but his death in his office prevented any immediate settlement.

Human rights testimonies and lawyers following the case file stated that the initial investigations are surrounded by multiple question marks, especially after it was proven that the purchased goods were not used in the humanitarian or service activities of the association, but rather were diverted towards illegal trade and personal speculation.

The recovery was driven by improved rainfall and the return of large agricultural areas in northeastern Syria to production, with wheat cultivated across around 1.4 million hectares and the agricultural plan fully implemented, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Eastern regions drive production

The eastern governorates remain the main source of Syria’s wheat production. Hasakah accounts for around 37% of total output, followed by Raqqa and Aleppo at 18% each, while Deir Ezzor accounts for 11%.

The return of large cultivated areas in Hasakah, Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, combined with favorable rainfall, contributed significantly to the increase in production and the quantities delivered to collection centers operated by the Syrian Grain Establishment.

In Hasakah alone, around 1.15 million tons of wheat had been delivered to approved collection centers by August 2, according to the establishment.

A sharp recovery from last year

The scale of the improvement becomes clear when comparing the 2026 season with 2025, as total wheat production stood at around 934,183 tons.

Rainfed farming areas were particularly affected by last year’s drought and lack of rainfall. Their actual production fell to just 29,000 tons, compared with an expected 800,000 tons based on planned cultivated areas.

Improved rainfall this season helped restore production in those areas and pushed national output to more than 3 million tons.

2.7 million tons received

The Syrian Grain Establishment has so far received more than 2.7 million tons of wheat from farmers, with collection continuing as long as new quantities are delivered.

The establishment said the figure represents the quantities received from farmers and does not constitute the final national production total.

The quantities received have already exceeded the establishment’s annual requirement of 2.55 million tons, indicating a stronger capacity for domestic production to cover national needs.

Expanding storage capacity

Alongside collection operations, the Syrian Grain Establishment is directing wheat to silos and storage facilities while carrying out regular disinfection and quality monitoring.

It is also rehabilitating and expanding storage facilities in several governorates to increase capacity and accommodate larger harvests in future seasons.

Digital marketing system introduced

The 2026 season also saw the introduction of electronic registration and advance booking for wheat deliveries, along with automated invoices and data related to collection operations, in an effort to streamline marketing procedures and reduce congestion at collection centers.

The establishment said it had transferred all invoices for the quantities received up to the date of its latest statement to the Agricultural Bank, which is responsible for paying farmers.

Development expert Akram al-Afif described the electronic platform as a positive step, but said it still requires further development to reflect the realities of agricultural work.

Harvest dates depend on the availability of combines, tractors and agricultural labor, making it difficult for some farmers to determine precise delivery dates, he said, stressing that timely payment remains essential for farmers to meet their financial obligations and prepare for the next agricultural season.

Farmers call for lower production costs

The Ministry of Agriculture said farmers’ main demands include reducing production costs, particularly the prices of seeds, fertilizers and fuel, as well as setting a marketing price that covers production costs and provides an adequate profit margin to encourage wider wheat cultivation.

Al-Afif also pointed to continued challenges including high production costs, limited agricultural financing and rising fuel and machinery expenses. Some farmers have also raised concerns over the germination rate of part of the wheat seed supply, he said.

New measures planned for the next season

The Ministry of Agriculture said it is working to update legislation governing the agricultural sector, including measures to facilitate imports of production inputs and increase competition among suppliers to secure better prices and quality.

The ministry is also promoting contract farming to absorb surplus production and improve farmers’ returns, while efforts continue to improve the quality, purity and technical standards of certified seeds.

The 2026 wheat season highlights a significant recovery in Syria’s strategic crop, while underscoring the need for an integrated agricultural system that supports farmers from production inputs and financing through marketing, storage and timely payment.

Wheat remains central to Syria’s food security and supports a wider economic chain involving livestock, transport and agricultural services.

Deir Ezzor, Aug. 8 (SANA)– One Syrian Arab Army soldier was martyred on Saturday in an attack by unidentified assailants east of Deir Ezzor.

Ministry of Defense’s Media and Communication Department told SANA that the soldiers came under a cowardly attack by unknown assailants in the town of Jadid Bakara, east Deir Ezzor.

A Syrian Arab Army soldier was martyred on July 17th, as he was targeted by unknown assailants in the village of Al-Saada, south of Hasakah Governorate.

Quneitra, Aug. 8 (SANA) Syria’s Drug Enforcement Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle a shipment of narcotics out of the country during a security operation targeting a criminal network in the southern countryside of Quneitra.

In a statement issued Saturday, the department said the operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 17.5 kilograms of narcotics, around 100,000 pills, a firearm, a tactical vest, and ammunition.

The seized materials were confiscated, while the suspects were referred to the competent judicial authorities to face legal proceedings.

The operation came a day after the department arrested two people accused of drug trafficking and distribution in Tartous. Authorities seized 27 kilograms of hashish, 5,000 Captagon pills, as well as weapons and ammunition in that operation.

Syria’s Internal Security Forces announced on Friday they neutralized two ISIS militants who were planting an explosive device in the Sayyidah Zaynab area of the Damascus countryside during a nighttime patrol on roads leading to military barracks and government facilities.

In a statement, the Internal Security Forces said patrol officers became suspicious of two masked individuals standing by the roadside. When officers attempted to stop them to verify their identities, the suspects opened fire, triggering a clash that ended with both militants being neutralized.

Security personnel later found that the suspects had been planting an improvised explosive device (IED) in preparation for a terrorist attack targeting a government facility. Additional explosive devices and weapons were also recovered from their possession, and investigations confirmed their affiliation with the ISIS terrorist organization, the statement added.

The Ministry of Interior said it continues security operations to combat terrorism, protect civilians, and strengthen security and stability.

It added that the Internal Security Forces, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service, had foiled several terrorist plots planned by ISIS in recent months.

A group of Syriac-Assyrian civil, cultural, and human rights organizations in Al-Hasakah Governorate submitted an official memorandum to the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The memorandum includes the outcomes and recommendations of a dialogue session held on June 1, 2026, entitled: “The Cultural Rights of the Syriac-Assyrian People: Reality, Challenges, and Prospects for Protection.”

Key Demands and Recommendations

The recommendations and demands are based on the principles of the Constitutional Declaration and international conventions concerned with protecting cultural rights and preserving human heritage, and focus on the following points:

• Recognition of Historical Authenticity: Recognition of the Syriac-Assyrian people as one of the indigenous and historical peoples of Syria, with a guarantee that this recognition is reflected in legislation and public policies.

• Official Status of the Syriac Language: Recognition of the Syriac language as an official, national, historical, and original language of Syria, and support for its teaching, protection, development, and use in educational, cultural, and media institutions.

• Educational Curricula: Inclusion of the history, culture, and contributions of the Syriac-Assyrian people in the national educational curricula. • Heritage Preservation: Protecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, manuscripts, arts, literature, and language.

• Historical Memory and Transitional Justice: Documenting and acknowledging the historical memory of the Syriac-Assyrian people, including the Sayfo genocide and the Khabur genocide, to achieve transitional justice, establish a culture of truth, and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

• Recognizing the Akitu Festival: Designating the Akitu Festival (the Syriac-Assyrian-Chaldean New Year), which falls on April 1st, as an official national cultural occasion for all Syrians, and supporting its celebration as part of Syria's cultural heritage.

• Participation and Documentation: Enhancing the participation of Syriac cultural institutions in shaping and implementing cultural policies, and encouraging the establishment of specialized centers for documentation, archiving, and research.

The signatories of the memorandum:

This memorandum was issued in Al-Hasakah Governorate on August 6, 2026, with the signatures and participation of:

• Syriac Union Party

• Assyrian Democratic Organization

• Syriac Women's Union

• Hammurabi Lawyers Forum

• Syriac Youth Union

• Elias Hanna Heritage and Charitable Foundation

• Syriac Cultural Association.

Tartous, Aug. 7 (SANA) The Interior Ministry’s Drug Enforcement Department arrested two suspected drug traffickers and seized 27 kilograms of hashish, 5,000 Captagon pills, other narcotics, weapons and ammunition during a security operation in Tartous Governorate.

The department said on its Telegram channel Friday that the operation followed surveillance of the two suspects and monitoring of their activities.

The seized drugs, weapons and ammunition were confiscated, while authorities are continuing legal procedures before referring the suspects to the competent judiciary.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Drug Enforcement Department to combat drug trafficking and dismantle distribution networks. In late July, the department arrested two other suspected drug traffickers in Tartous following surveillance of their activities.

Damascus, Aug. 7 (SANA) Director of Damascus Countryside Health Dr. Tawfiq Hasaba confirmed that the final toll from Thursday’s explosion in the city of Jaramana, Damascus Countryside, reached 14 injuries, including seven people who were transferred to Damascus Hospital, stressing that no fatalities were recorded.

 

In a statement to SANA, Hasaba said that after the injured arrived at Damascus Hospital and their health conditions were assessed, it was confirmed that the human remains transferred by the Civil Defense from Al-Razi Hospital to the Forensic Medicine Department at Al-Mouwasat Hospital belonged to injured patients receiving treatment at Al-Mujtahid Hospital and did not belong to deceased victims.

 He explained that the remains consisted of three severed limbs, including one complete limb. They were initially believed to indicate fatalities; however, medical follow-up and verification of the cases confirmed that they were related to injured patients, who are currently undergoing surgery at Damascus Hospital.

 

Hasaba added that three of the seven patients transferred to Damascus Hospital are in critical condition and require surgical intervention.

 

Assistant Director-General for Medical Affairs at Damascus Hospital Dr. Mohammad Bakri said the hospital received patients suffering from injuries of varying severity caused by the explosion.

 

He said the hospital had received prior notification from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent regarding the arrival of the injured, allowing the emergency department, operating rooms and intensive care units to be placed on alert. He added that patients received the necessary medical interventions immediately upon arrival and were transferred from the emergency department according to their health conditions.

 

Head of Resident Physicians on Duty at Damascus Hospital Dr. Mohammad Rashid Al-Abdallah said the injuries received by the hospital ranged from moderate to severe and critical.

 

He noted that among the stable cases was an eye injury that is not expected to require surgical intervention, in addition to orthopedic and vascular injuries and superficial shrapnel wounds. He affirmed that the hospital mobilized nursing staff, doctors and surgical teams from various specialties to provide the required medical care.

 

Among the injured was Safouh Hussein Emad, the driver of the minibus involved in the explosion. He told SANA that the blast occurred while he was transporting passengers, causing the vehicle’s windows to shatter and injuring several passengers. He said the minibus was carrying around six or seven passengers at the time of the explosion.

 

Earlier on Thursday, the Referral, Ambulance and Emergency Directorate at the Ministry of Health announced that seven people had been injured in the explosion that occurred in Jaramana.

 

In a statement to SANA, the directorate said that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring developments related to the health situation resulting from the explosion. It added that hospitals and emergency departments in the surrounding areas had been placed on alert, while ambulance services and medical teams were mobilized to provide a rapid response and transfer the injured to healthcare facilities for treatment.

    

At the time, Commander of Internal Security in Damascus Countryside Brig. Gen. Ahmad al-Dalati said that investigations with the cell arrested in connection with the two bombings had revealed its affiliation with the ISIS terrorist organization.

(SANA) The Syrian Grain Establishment has received 2.7 million tons of wheat from this year’s harvest across Syrian provinces, exceeding the country’s annual wheat requirements of 2.55 million tons, Deputy Director General Ahmed Qadoun said on Wednesday.

Qadoun told SANA that the volume of wheat collected reflects Syria’s ability to meet domestic demand for the crop.

Wheat collection operations are continuing as long as farmers deliver economically viable quantities to collection centers, Qadoun said, adding that no fixed deadline has been set for closing the centers.

He said most collection points have already stopped operations after farmers in their areas delivered the available marketable quantities.

Qadoun said the Syrian Grain Establishment is implementing a storage strategy to manage the large volume of wheat and maintain quality by transferring grain to silos and storage units, where it undergoes regular fumigation to preserve it for extended periods.

He added that surplus quantities are stored in prepared enclosed warehouses equipped for grain preservation, while short-term open-air storage is used under strict technical procedures.

The official said the establishment is continuing rehabilitation and expansion projects at silos and storage facilities across Syria to increase capacity and accommodate future harvests.

Regarding payments to farmers, Qadoun said the establishment transfers invoices and data on received quantities to agricultural banks, which are responsible for processing payments. He added that all invoices for received wheat quantities have been transferred and payments are being made according to the approved procedures.

The Syrian Grain Establishment announced on July 29 that wheat deliveries for the current season had exceeded 2.5 million tons, describing the figure as a significant milestone in restoring the institution’s operations.

The establishment is continuing its wheat collection program while upgrading storage infrastructure through the rehabilitation of silos and collection centers, with the aim of supporting food security and maintaining stable flour supplies for bakeries.

(SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa affirmed that the Syrian government is working on development plans that include all governorates in the eastern region, including Deir Ezzor, Hasakah, and Raqqa.

Speaking via video conference during the opening ceremony of Deir Ezzor International Airport on Wednesday, President al-Sharaa said, “Deir Ezzor Airport has transformed from a site that once carried bombs dropped on homes and farms into a link connecting communities within Syria and connecting Syria with the outside world.”

The President added, “We share the people of Deir Ezzor’s joy over the airport’s inauguration, and they deserve much more,” indicating that the government is working on comprehensive development plans for the eastern region, including Deir Ezzor, Hasakah and Raqqa.

We will establish a cancer hospital in Deir Ezzor

“There will be a project to establish a large industrial city featuring food industries and petrochemical industries, allowing products to be exported directly from Deir Ezzor to markets around the world.”President al-Sharaa added.

The President stated. “We will establish a cancer hospital in Deir Ezzor at an estimated cost of around $21 million.”

President al-Sharaa extended his sincere thanks to the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority for its extensive efforts and the great attention provided by the authority’s Chief over the past period in establishing Deir Ezzor Airport.

Earlier on Wednesday, Deir Ezzor International Airport received its first two Syrian Air flights after years of suspension—one domestic flight from Damascus and one international flight from Kuwait.

Zaman al-Wasl continues to highlight developments in the legal and administrative case concerning the extortion and enticement of Kuwaiti citizen Yousef Issa Saad al-Ali and the kidnapping of Dr. Khaled al-Baloushi, along with the accompanying legal dispute over the legal classification of the crimes of kidnapping for ransom and online fraud.

First: The Appeal Process Before the Court of Cassation and Details of Decision No. 553

Decision No. 553 of 2026, issued by the First Referral Judge in Rural Damascus in the 2026 case, introduced a new legal classification of the facts. It charged the defendant Malak al-Balou and her husband, Muhammad Ahmad Abdul Rahman, with the felony of online fraud, and amended the charge against the defendant Nada al-Balou to complicity in the same crime. The decision also upheld the dismissal of the case against the remaining defendants (Maryam Abdul Rahman, Fatoum Abdul Rahman, Ahmad al-Badawi, and Omar al-Khattab Omairi) regarding the kidnapping charge.

In response, the plaintiff's legal representative filed an appeal against the decision before the Second Referral Chamber of the Court of Cassation in Damascus, registered under case number 1993 of 2016. The appeal was based on several legal and documentary arguments, most notably:

• Legal Classification: The appeal argued for the application of the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 20 of 2013, asserting that deceiving the victim into believing someone had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom constitutes kidnapping for the purpose of financial extortion and terrorizing the victim, regardless of the actual existence of the kidnapped person.

• Technical Evidence: The appeal argued that excluding the CD and flash drive submitted under report number 8 dated January 8, 2026, issued by the Criminal Investigation Department, constituted a deficiency in the assessment of evidence, given that they contained audio recordings related to the events and financial transactions.

• The defendants included: The appeal challenged the decision to dismiss the case against the remaining defendants, arguing that there was evidence related to the receipt of money transfers, which, in his opinion, warranted a broader investigation and their referral to trial.

This case file remains under review by the Court of Cassation in Damascus, awaiting a legal ruling.

Second: The Administrative Process and the Official Appeal

On the administrative level, citizen Youssef Issa Saad Al-Ali submitted an official letter, number 411, on May 25, 2026, through the Syrian Embassy in Kuwait, addressed to the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic, requesting redress.

• Correspondence Process: The embassy forwarded the letter to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Damascus, which in turn sent it to the Ministry of Interior via an official letter.

• Field Follow-up: The legal representative reported that upon contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 14, 2026, and the Ministry of Interior, no official written statements were provided. He was verbally informed by security personnel that the case had been referred to the Public Prosecutor in Damascus without receiving an official tracking number.

• Audit Results: Repeated audits of the Public Prosecutor's and Public Prosecutor's records in Damascus revealed no record of any document or transaction related to this matter, leaving the fate of the official memorandum unknown.

What Next?

Current developments indicate continued obstruction of procedures on two main tracks. The criminal case remains under review by the Court of Cassation, while the progress of Administrative Memorandum No. 411 through the relevant official channels has not been traced.

Note: Zaman al-Wasl will publish in its next report the text of the appeal submitted by Kuwaiti citizen Yousef Issa Saad Al-Ali, including his analysis and assessment of the official handling of his case.

Damascus, Aug 5 (SANA) Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs said that the Al-Arida border crossing with Lebanon will be completely closed to passenger traffic for 15 days, effective Thursday, August 6.

Director of Public Relations at the Authority, Mazen Alloush, said that the closure is due to the initiation of technical works on the final remaining section of the bridge at the crossing on the Lebanese side.

Alloush advised travelers not to head to the Al-Arida crossing during the closure period and instead use alternative border crossings until the required works are finalized and an alternative route is put in place to allow the safe and smooth partial resumption of cross-border movement.

Damascus, Aug. 4 (SANA) A total of approximately 2.2 million travelers crossed the Nasib border crossing with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in both directions since the beginning of this year, reflecting the continued growth in passenger movement through one of Syria’s main land gateways.

The General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs said via its Telegram channel on Tuesday that more than 24,000 Syrian citizens voluntarily returned to the country through the crossing during the same period, highlighting the increasing activity at the border post and the efficiency of procedures regulating passenger traffic.

The authority also highlighted the key role played by the Nasib crossing in facilitating the transit of Umrah pilgrims arriving overland from Türkiye, Lebanon, and several European countries, in addition to Syrian pilgrims, as they travel through Jordan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It noted that border personnel continue to expedite procedures and provide the necessary services to ensure the smooth continuation of their journeys.

Located about 15 kilometers from the city of Daraa, the Nasib border crossing covers an area of 2,600 dunums along the Syrian-Jordanian border. In recent years, it has undergone a comprehensive modernization process that included upgrades to its facilities, logistics services, and daily operational procedures.

Deir Ezzor, Aug. 5 (SANA) Deir Ezzor International Airport received its first domestic flight operated by Syrian Airlines from Damascus International Airport on Wednesday following rehabilitation work, marking the resumption of regular air service at the airport after a decade-long suspension.

The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority said the launch of the route is part of efforts to revive domestic air transport, facilitate passenger movement, support economic activity and strengthen links between Syria’s provinces.

Deir Ezzor International Airport management announced on July 15 that it had completed the main rehabilitation work needed to restore operational readiness and resume flight operations, while final regulatory and operational procedures were being completed ahead of its reopening in line with safety, security and service standards.

In July, the airport hosted a delegation from the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority and Jazeera Airways, which conducted an inspection visit that resulted in approval for the airport to resume operations.

The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority previously announced that Jazeera Airways would begin scheduled direct flights between Kuwait and Deir Ezzor on Aug. 8, as part of efforts to strengthen air links between Syria and Kuwait and provide additional travel options for passengers.

Damascus, Aug. 5 (SANA) The Fourth Criminal Court at the Palace of Justice in Damascus on Wednesday concluded the fifth hearing in the trial of defendant Wassim al-Assad, accused of multiple crimes against the Syrian people during the era of the ousted regime. The court set August 18 for the next session for review and verdict.

The previous hearing, held behind closed doors on July 29, referred the plaintiff – who claims he was shot by the defendant during the era of the topple regime – to the forensic medical authority to assess the injury, resulting disability, and damages as part of the judicial process.

The first hearing was held on June 24. Al-Assad faces several charges, including establishing and leading irregular armed groups under the direction of Brigadier General Ghiath Dalla, commander of a brigade in the overthrown regime’s Fourth Division, since early 2011. He is also accused of participating in military operations targeting civilian areas in Eastern Ghouta, particularly the town of al-Mleiha, resulting in the deaths of many civilians.

On Tuesday, the Fourth Criminal Court also held its eighth hearing in the case against defendant Atef Najib, who is accused of murder, torture, and arbitrary detention during the era of the ousted regime.

Within the framework of the transitional justice process, the Syrian judiciary continues prosecuting defendants accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the era of the toppled regime to establish the truth, deliver justice for victims, and hold those responsible accountable under judicial procedures.