Syrian authorities have issued a decision to place a precautionary freeze on the movable and immovable assets of Major General Wajih Ali Abdullah, the former director of Bashar al-Assad's military affairs office, and his family.

Asset Freeze and Financial Activity

The decision—details of which were obtained by Zaman al-Wasl—also includes the general's wife, two of his sons, and two of his daughters. The relevant authorities have imposed strict restrictions preventing them from conducting any legal transactions, including selling, buying, or donating shares or stakes in companies in which they own shares or stakes.

From Assad's Office to a Prison Cell

The asset freeze comes after the arrest of Major General Wajih Abdullah in May 2016, in a swift security operation carried out by the Internal Security Forces and the Counter-Terrorism Directorate.

Abdullah had served as the director of the military affairs office at the Presidential Palace for 13 consecutive years (2005-2018), giving him access to the most sensitive security and military files.

"The Signature of Death": Documents Condemn the Man

Major General Abdullah's name has long been associated in human rights reports and investigative journalism with what has become known as "the signature of death." Exclusive documents published by Zaman al-Wasl reveal his direct involvement in issuing lists of detainees and defectors referred to military field courts, with direct authorization from the head of the regime.

The documented evidence—some dating back to June 2012—shows that Major General Abdullah's signatures served as the "executive order" for the execution of hundreds of detainees, making him one of the most prominent figures responsible for the grave violations committed during that period.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the newly established Syrian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee will strengthen bilateral relations and lay the foundation for cooperation and coordination between the two neighboring countries.

In a post on X on Friday, Salam said the committee was established to enhance relations between Lebanon and Syria on the basis of state-to-state cooperation, serving the shared interests of both countries.

He said the agreement is based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and good neighborly relations.

The agreement was signed in Beirut on Thursday by Salam and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

The source said checkpoint personnel stopped two men riding a motorcycle during a routine identity check.

During the search, one of the men drew a handgun and fired several rounds into the air before throwing two hand grenades at security personnel, injuring three of them.

As the man attempted to throw a third grenade, it exploded before he could release it, killing him instantly, the source said.

After the body was transferred to a hospital and his identity was confirmed, authorities determined that the man was wanted in connection with murder cases and drug trafficking, according to the source.

The second individual has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and take the necessary legal measures, the source said.

The reception of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Tripoli marked a significant event at the conclusion of his official visit to Lebanon on Thursday. The city's streets were transformed into a vibrant scene reflecting the widespread public enthusiasm for the visit, in addition to the official welcome he received from religious leaders and political and social figures.

Hundreds of citizens gathered at the entrances to Tripoli and around Dar al-Fatwa (the Sunni religious authority) to greet al-Shaibani. Participants waved Syrian and Lebanese flags and chanted welcoming slogans. The minister stepped out of his car to greet the crowds before proceeding to Dar al-Fatwa to continue his visit.

Photos and videos circulating online showed large crowds at the reception points, a scene described by observers as one of the highlights of the visit.

During the visit, al-Shaibani met with the Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon, Sheikh Muhammad Imam, and the Mufti of Akkar, Sheikh Zaid Bakkar Zakaria, as well as a number of members of parliament and religious, union, and social leaders. Discussions focused on issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen cooperation between Syria and Lebanon.

Observers believe that the reception given to Shibani in Tripoli carried significance beyond mere protocol, demonstrating a clear popular response to the visit, particularly in a city with historical, social, and geographical ties to Syria.

Many also considered the large crowds that participated in the reception to reflect a desire among a segment of the city's population to support the path of openness and strengthen communication between the two countries.

This visit comes within the framework of diplomatic efforts aimed at developing Syrian-Lebanese relations, following meetings Shibani held in Beirut with senior Lebanese officials, before concluding his visit in Tripoli amidst a remarkable popular and official reception.

Thus, Shibani's reception in Tripoli became one of the most prominent events of the visit, carrying political and popular messages that underscore the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries and open the door to a new phase of cooperation and coordination on various shared issues.

Private sources told Zaman al-Wasl that decisions have been issued imposing precautionary seizures on movable and immovable assets, freezing bank accounts, and imposing travel bans on a number of Ba'ath Party leaders who previously served as governors, most notably:

- Hussein Ahmad Diab, former governor of Aleppo (this is the second time his assets have been seized).

- Mu'taz Jamran, former governor of Rural Damascus.

- Alaa Ibrahim, former governor of Rural Damascus.

- Tariq Krishati, former governor of Damascus.

- Bishr al-Sabban, former governor of Damascus.

- Khaled Abaza, former governor of Latakia.

Syria’s foreign minister traveled to Beirut on Thursday to meet Lebanese government leaders, in his first visit there since US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of Syrian forces combating Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, however, has previously denied what he called rumors about any Syrian presence entering Lebanon.

The Syrian minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on his first stop, and then headed for a meeting with the parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah.

Syria’s government under al-Sharaa has emerged as a US ally but largely stayed out of the regional war between the US and Israel, and Iran.

Trump said last month he had spoken to al-Sharaa about combating Hezbollah, after criticizing Israel — which is at war with the group — for killing too many civilians in Lebanon and not getting the job done.

“I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, because to be honest with you, I think they do a better job of doing it,” Trump said.

Damascus wary of being drawn into war

Reuters reported in March that the US had encouraged Syria to consider sending forces into eastern Lebanon to help disarm Hezbollah, but that Damascus was reluctant to embark on such a mission for fear of being sucked into the war in the Middle East.

Al-Sharaa has since Trump’s comments said that “the rumors circulating about Syria entering Lebanon are completely unfounded,” according to Syrian state media.

Syria long dominated Lebanon under the al-Assad family, sending in forces in 1976 during the 1975-90 civil war and controlling Lebanon’s post-war politics until its withdrawal in 2005.

Reuters, Al Arabiya

Two brothers were injured on Wednesday when an unexploded remnant of war detonated while they were playing inside an abandoned building in the eastern neighborhood of Palmyra, local authorities said.

Mohammad Bahaa al-Din, media relations official for eastern Homs countryside, said residents rushed to the scene after hearing an explosion and found the boys had been handling what was believed to be unexploded ordnance left behind by the war.

The older brother, Fahd Mahmoud Fahd, 8, suffered severe injuries to his left hand that may require amputation, in addition to shrapnel wounds to his chest and legs. He was transferred to a hospital in Homs for specialized treatment. His six-year-old brother, Mohammad, sustained minor shrapnel injuries and was treated at Palmyra Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Bahaa al-Din said engineering teams from the 42nd Division and the Badia Security Command have been conducting mine and unexploded ordnance clearance operations in the area since the liberation of Palmyra.

He urged residents to warn children against approaching suspicious objects and to report them immediately to the authorities, saying public awareness and cooperation with specialized teams remain essential to preventing further casualties.

The incident underscores the continuing danger posed by unexploded ordnance in some civilian neighborhoods and the need for continued clearance operations and public awareness campaigns to protect civilians.

SANA

Israeli occupation forces shelled several areas in southern Syria on Wednesday night, targeting locations in Daraa and Quneitra provinces, local residents said.

Residents told SANA that artillery rounds struck near the villages of Abidin and Jamla in the Yarmouk Basin in western Daraa province, as well as agricultural land between the towns of Bariqa and Kodna in southern Quneitra province.

A SANA correspondent in Daraa said one shell landed near Abidin village and another hit farmland near Jamla village. The report added that Israeli reconnaissance aircraft were flying over the area during the shelling.

In Quneitra, SANA’s reporter said three artillery shells landed on farmland between Bariqa and Kodna without causing injuries.

The villages, located near the armistice line with the Israeli-occupied Golan, have been subjected to repeated Israeli aggressions including shelling and incursions, disrupting civilian life and agricultural activity.

SANA

A well-informed source revealed to Zaman al-Wasl that Syrian authorities have issued precautionary asset freezes and travel bans targeting all members of the Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and their families, covering the period from 2011 to 2024.

The list of those affected by these decisions includes prominent figures within the party hierarchy, most notably Hilal Wahid Hilal (former Assistant Secretary-General), Ibrahim Muhammad al-Hadid (Assistant Secretary-General from May 2024 until the fall of the regime), and Radwan Ibrahim Mustafa (Secretary of the Damascus Countryside branch of the Ba'ath Party).

Corruption and Investment Files

The source confirmed that these decisions stemmed from the involvement of these leaders in massive financial corruption cases related to the party's economic investments, which have always been shrouded in secrecy.

The list is not limited to members of the Regional Command but also includes prominent figures in the party's Central Committee.

In a significant development within the ongoing investigations, the source revealed that the relevant authorities have launched an intensive audit into the fate of the funds and assets of the late former Vice President, Abdul Halim Khaddam.

According to the source, the investigations are focusing on how the Ba'ath Party seized and controlled these funds between 2005 and 2006, in an attempt to trace the path of those assets that disappeared into the vaults of the party's "Economic Bureau."

The measures have not stopped at financial seizure but have moved to the criminal level; the source reported that the secretaries of the Ba'ath Party branches who headed the security committees in the provinces between 2011 and 2014 have been referred to the "Counter-Terrorism Directorate."

According to the DEA, the operation resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 832,000 Captagon pills.

Authorities confirmed that the necessary legal report was filed and the detainee, along with the confiscated substances, was referred to the competent judiciary to complete the legal proceedings.

Damascus, July 1 (SANA) The Syrian-British Business Council (SBBC) conference opened in Damascus on Wednesday under the theme “Building a Diverse Economy,” bringing together representatives of Syrian ministries and business leaders from Syria and the United Kingdom to discuss investment opportunities and economic development.

The conference is being held at the Golden Mezzeh Hotel and focuses on supporting Syria’s economy and promoting economic diversification through discussions on financial development, the energy sector, urban development, logistics and education.

Speaking at the opening session, Syrian-British Business Council President Munzer Nazha said the participation of delegations from the United Kingdom and other countries reflects growing international interest in economic and investment opportunities in Syria and helps strengthen international economic cooperation.

Nazha said the council includes leading Syrian, British and international companies with expertise in energy, engineering, industry, technology, financial services and other strategic sectors.

He said rebuilding Syria’s economy requires not only capital but also the transfer of knowledge, expertise, technology and modern management practices, as well as the development of international partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Nazha said Syria’s strategic geographic location and potential in the transport, energy, tourism, industrial, agricultural and infrastructure sectors position the country to become a regional economic and logistics hub.

UK Member of Parliament Melanie Ward said Syrians aspire to build a new future, revive the economy and create opportunities for a better future in their homeland.

Speaking at the conference, Ward said discussions are focused on ways to build a strong Syrian economy and explore mechanisms to support economic recovery, promote sustainable development and create a favorable environment for investment.

UK Member of Parliament Alan Gemmell said the conference marks an important step in supporting Syria’s development and reconstruction efforts, adding that easing sanctions would enable governments and investors to support the country’s economic ambitions.

Gemmell said the business community will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and creating jobs.

Damascus, July 1 (SANA) Syria’s Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections on Wednesday announced the names of the members of the new People’s Assembly, including those elected by voters and those appointed by the President of the Republic in accordance with his constitutional powers.

Speaking at a press conference in Damascus, Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, said the composition of the Assembly is intended to strengthen national representation and enrich parliamentary work through a combination of diverse expertise and professional experience.

Combining sacrifice with experience

Al-Ahmad said the list of presidential appointees, which includes 70 members and constitutes one-third of the People’s Assembly’s membership, reflects recognition of the sacrifices made by Syrians and comprises relatives of martyrs, survivors of detention, survivors of chemical attacks, as well as academics, experts, professionals, community leaders and national figures known for their experience, integrity and public service.

He said the objective is to combine “the voice of sacrifice and the voice of experience” within the People’s Assembly, bringing together practical experience and professional competence to represent the diverse segments of Syrian society and reinforce national unity, free from regional, sectarian or factional considerations.

Strengthening women’s representation

Al-Ahmad added that the appointed one-third of the People’s Assembly strengthens women’s representation in the legislature, saying women played a significant role in achieving victory and the fall of the deposed regime.

According to the figures, women account for 15 of the 70 members appointed by the President of the Republic, representing 21.4% of the presidential appointees.

Al-Ahmad also called for the first session of the People’s Assembly to convene on Monday, July 6, 2026.

The Secretary-General of the People’s Assembly said the final one-third of the Assembly’s membership comprises 23 community leaders and 47 professionals, including 12 members with master’s degrees and 17 with doctoral degrees.

He said the appointments are distributed across Syria’s provinces as follows: 14 from Aleppo, seven from Hasakah, six each from Homs and Deir Ezzor, five each from Damascus, Damascus Countryside, Hama and Idlib, four each from Daraa and Latakia, three from Raqqa, and two each from Quneitra, Tartous and Sweida.

In a scene that has become all too common in most Syrian cities, gas stations are suffering from partial or complete halts in the supply of gasoline and diesel, amidst long queues and suffocating congestion unseen in the provinces for a long time.

Behind this scene, station owners face a difficult dilemma: balancing their obligation to supply the market with the direct financial risks threatening their investments, all under a pricing policy described as sudden and unstable.

Heavy losses affecting everyone

Gas station owners in various Syrian provinces reveal the extent of the losses they have incurred due to the sudden price drops. Large quantities of gasoline and diesel are purchased at the old price, and when the new price is issued, they are required to sell it at a price difference of up to 1,800 Syrian pounds per liter.

This difference is borne solely by the station owner, without any compensation or periodic audits by the relevant authorities. This has led to the accumulation of significant debt for many, pushing some to the brink of bankruptcy.

The absence of protection mechanisms increases risks.

Those working in the sector point out that the lack of clear compensation mechanisms, or permanent committees to assess the quantities available at stations with each price change, puts them in a vulnerable position. There is no guarantee to protect them from market fluctuations.

Every time a new price is announced, station owners are the biggest losers, without official institutions covering the differences or even objectively assessing inventory.

Fear of further reductions paralyzes the market.

The situation is further complicated by official statements about reviewing prices periodically every 15 days, accompanied by expectations of further reductions. This has made many station owners across Syria hesitant to order new quantities of diesel and gasoline, fearing that the next reduction will come just days after they purchase the fuel, causing them to lose again.

As a result, the decision to pump and refill has become contingent on precise profit and loss calculations, in the absence of any indicators of price stability.

Currency Gap: A Structural Obstacle

In addition to price volatility, gas station owners suffer from a structural problem related to the currency gap. While official bodies and the Ministry of Energy deal in Syrian pounds, station owners find themselves forced to rely on their frozen dollar reserves in banks to cover operating costs and financial obligations. This creates a mismatch between funding sources and the needs of the local market, further complicating the financial equation and weakening their ability to continue supplying fuel.

Impacts on Citizens' Lives Across All Governorates

These circumstances directly impact Syrian citizens everywhere. In Damascus and its surrounding countryside, sales have exceeded 300% of the normal rate, forcing drivers to wait for hours. In Aleppo, many stations have closed, while the coastal, central, and southern governorates have witnessed the same scenes of long queues and severe shortages. The suffering is not limited to delays in supply; it extends to unofficial price hikes in the parallel market, further burdening ordinary citizens.

The fuel is available, but hesitation prevails.

Gas station owners confirm that the fuel is indeed available in warehouses and refineries, but the decision to distribute it to stations remains contingent on a state of anticipation and caution. They do not want to incur further losses in the absence of any official guarantees. They believe the solution lies not in blaming them for monopolization or manipulation, but rather in adopting an independent and transparent pricing mechanism, forming periodic inventory committees to compensate for price differences, and providing a stable environment that allows the sector to operate without fear of bankruptcy.

Ultimately, what Syria is witnessing today is not due to a shortage of raw materials, but rather a reflection of an unstable pricing policy and the absence of protective mechanisms. This forces everyone—gas station owners and citizens alike—to pay a heavy price at a time when the need for radical solutions that ensure market stability and alleviate the suffering of Syrians in every governorate is growing.

Al-Wais said the Syrian people had endured decades of oppression, persecution and serious human rights violations before regaining their freedom on Dec. 8, 2024, marking a new national phase founded on justice, fairness, the rule of law and the protection of rights and freedoms.

He said that, in line with the principles set stipulated in the Constitutional Declaration—particularly those relating to transitional justice—denying crimes committed by the deposed regime, casting doubt on their occurrence, justifying them or glorifying those responsible constitutes a violation of the declaration because it undermines the rights of victims and the nation’s collective memory.

Al-Wais said the Public Prosecution, as the authority responsible for initiating criminal proceedings, is pursuing such violations in accordance with the law. He called on citizens to report any acts or statements that violate the Constitutional Declaration so that the necessary legal measures can be taken under the applicable legislation.

The minister added that the Justice Ministry has completed a draft law regulating this matter, describing it as essential to protecting victims’ rights, preserving historical truth, safeguarding the memory of future generations and preventing the recurrence of violations. He said the draft will be submitted to the People’s Assembly once it convenes to complete the constitutional procedures required for its adoption.

Article 49 of Syria’s Constitutional Declaration criminalizes the glorification of the Assad regime and its symbols and provides that denying, praising, justifying or minimizing crimes committed by the former regime constitutes an offense punishable by law.

A tense security situation unfolded in the village of Ma'ariya in western Daraa countryside after Israeli occupation forces stationed at the Al-Jazira barracks opened fire with machine guns on civilian homes and residential areas.

The events began after a popular demonstration organized by residents and young people from the towns of Ma'ariya and Abdeen, near the Al-Jazira military barracks. The demonstration was a protest against the occupation forces' military presence in the area and their continued movements around residential villages.

Field sources reported that the forces stationed inside the barracks responded to the peaceful demonstration with heavy and direct fire on the young protesters. This was followed by an expansion of the gunfire to include residential areas adjacent to the mortar unit, causing widespread panic and terror among civilians, particularly children and women.

Repercussions of the Situation

This incident comes amidst escalating public resentment in the western Daraa countryside regarding the occupation forces' military movements in the border region. As of the time of writing this report, there have been no confirmed reports of human casualties as a result of the shooting, amid anticipation and caution among the residents for fear of further military escalation.

The meeting focused on bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation across various sectors.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and stressed the importance of strengthening coordination and consultation between Syria and Iraq in addressing shared challenges.

 Earlier in the day, al-Shaibani held separate talks with Hussein focused on expanding cooperation in ways that serve the shared interests of the Syrian and Iraqi peoples. The ministers also stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation to support regional security and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli attacks represented by incursions into Syrian territory in the governorates of Quneitra and Daraa, and the targeting of the area with artillery shells, resulting in the terrorizing of civilians in flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a new breach of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The Ministry affirmed in a statement that the continuation of these aggressive practices undermines efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability, increases the suffering of civilians in the targeted areas, and threatens further escalation and tension in the region.

The Syrian Arab Republic calls upon the United Nations and the international community to assume their responsibilities and take the necessary measures to put an end to these repeated violations and ensure respect for the Disengagement Agreement, in a manner that preserves the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

SANA

Syria’s General Directorate of Civil Affairs at the Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday the commencement of the second phase of implementing Decree No. 13 of 2026, which consists of conducting administrative and legal interviews with applicants of Kurdish origin applying for Syrian citizenship.

The move follows the completion of the review and verification of applications approved by the competent committees.

Abdullah Al-Abdullah, Director-General of the Civil Status Directorate, said that Decree No. 13 specifies that eligibility for naturalization is limited to “Syrian Kurds residing within Syrian territory,” noting that these two criteria constitute the legal basis for accepting and reviewing applications.

He further said the General Directorate of Civil Affairs has launched an electronic application designed to organize the registration process and schedule interviews. The system assigns each applicant a specific appointment, ensuring an orderly appearance before the relevant committees.

Al-Abdullah stated that the interviews do not introduce additional eligibility requirements but are intended exclusively to verify the accuracy of the information provided and confirm the applicant’s personal attendance.

He further noted that Decree No. 13 does not apply to non-Kurds or to individuals who are not residing in Syria. Applications, he said, are examined to verify compliance with the decree’s eligibility criteria, and requests that do not meet those conditions will not be approved.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 13 on Jan. 17, 2026, affirming that Syria’s Kurdish citizens are an integral part of the Syrian people and that their cultural and linguistic identity forms an inseparable component of Syria’s diverse and unified national identity.

SANA

The General Directorate of Customs, part of the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, announced the seizure of more than 1.3 million Captagon pills, dozens of kilograms of narcotics, counterfeit currency, antiquities, and precious metals during the first half of this year.

In a report published on its official channels on Saturday, the Authority stated that the Customs Directorate thwarted the smuggling of 1,343,722 Captagon pills, 153.3 kilograms of cocaine, and 40.4 kilograms of hashish.

The report added that the seizures also included $83,550 in counterfeit US currency, 345,000 counterfeit Syrian pounds, and 122 pieces of weapons and ammunition.

According to the report, the Customs Directorate also thwarted the smuggling of 266 antiquities as part of efforts to protect national heritage. Additionally, it confiscated 4,712 grams of gold and 27.43 kilograms of silver.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, held on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Conference Palace in Damascus, Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the start of the nationwide campaign, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Syrian state’s commitment to protecting people, safeguarding society and enhancing security and stability.

Khattab said that security is a shared responsibility and that building the nation requires the collective efforts of all Syrians, stressing that the drug problem can only be effectively addressed through cooperation between the government and society.

He emphasized that combating narcotics is no longer solely a domestic issue but has become a shared international and humanitarian responsibility requiring coordinated efforts to confront the cross-border threat posed by illicit drugs.

The minister described combating drugs as both a national and moral duty, given the serious risks narcotics pose to individuals and society.

Khattab said that, despite Syria’s long-standing legacy as a center of knowledge and culture, the ousted regime transformed the country into the world’s largest source of Captagon and other illicit drugs, using narcotics for blackmail, warfare and illicit financing.

He stressed that the Syrian state is working with determination to restore Syria’s true identity as a country of life, knowledge and development, and as a responsible partner in protecting regional and international security and combating organized crime in all its forms.

Khattab said recent government efforts have produced unprecedented results, including dismantling international trafficking networks, uncovering Captagon production facilities and seizing tons of precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing.

He added that Syria has strengthened security cooperation with other countries to address the transnational nature of drug trafficking.

The minister highlighted ongoing cooperation with neighboring countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council states as a model of effective regional partnership, noting that joint security operations have led to the arrest of major criminals and key figures involved in drug trafficking across the region.

Khattab also stressed that security measures alone are insufficient to eliminate the drug threat, saying Syria’s national strategy is based on integrating security efforts with educational, awareness and healthcare initiatives to build a comprehensive national framework for prevention and treatment.

Speaking during the campaign’s launch ceremony, Musab al-Ali, Minister of Health said the ministry has, from the outset, adopted an organized institutional approach to addressing drug abuse and addiction.

He added that the ministry is implementing its anti-drug efforts in cooperation with national partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the aim of strengthening prevention, treatment and coordinated responses to the challenges posed by narcotics.

During the launch ceremony president Ahmad Al-Sharaa and minister Anas Khattab honored the family of DEA agent, who was martyred while on duty.

Quneitra, June 26 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces detained a man on Friday after raiding his home in the village of Ain al-Ziwan in southern Syria’s Quneitra countryside.

A SANA reporter in the province said a force consisting of four Israeli military vehicles entered the village, stormed a house and arrested a resident before withdrawing from the area.

On Thursday, Israeli forces in two military vehicles also entered farmland west of the town of Rafid in southern Quneitra, briefly detaining several farmers and shepherds before leaving, according to the report.

Israel has repeatedly carried out incursions into southern Syria in violation of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, including raids, detentions and land clearing operations.

Syria stressed that such actions are illegal under international law and has called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt violations and withdraw fully from Syrian territory.

UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received on Thursday Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, in Abu Dhabi.

Al-Shaibani conveyed the greetings of President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The meeting addressed latest regional developments and the future of bilateral relations between Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

Later, al-Shibani met UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, continue joint diplomatic efforts, follow up on the outcomes of the economic forum, and enhance cooperation across a range of sectors.

In the same context, Foreign Minister al-Shibani, and Public Works and Housing Minister, Mustafa Abdul Razzaq, met with Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar to discuss investment opportunities and the role of the private sector in Syria’s reconstruction projects.

SANA

Jordanian authorities seized about 150,000 Captagon pills concealed inside vehicle tires at the Jaber border crossing in a joint operation coordinated with Syria’s Drug Enforcement Administration, Syria’s Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry said Jordan’s Anti-Narcotics Department carried out the seizure in coordination with its Syrian counterpart as part of ongoing bilateral efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking.

According to the ministry, the operation reflects continued security cooperation between Syria and Jordan aimed at disrupting narcotics smuggling networks, strengthening border security and protecting communities from drug-related threats.

In April, Syrian and Jordanian anti-narcotics authorities intercepted smuggling of 943 kilograms of Captagon at the Jaber border crossing.

SANA

 The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus on Thursday opened the first trial session of Ahmad Hassoun, the former Grand Mufti who served under the deposed regime, on charges including complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, incitement to murder and other criminal offenses.

The hearing was attended by Attorney General Hassan al-Turba, along with representatives of local and international human rights organizations.

The court began examining the charges against Hassoun as part of legal proceedings related to crimes committed during the rule of the deposed regime.

The trial is part of broader efforts by the Syrian state to hold those involved in crimes committed during the rule of the deposed regime accountable, provide redress for victims, and prevent the recurrence of violations suffered by Syrians.

SANA

The residents told SANA’s reporter in the province that a force consisting of four Israeli military vehicles entered the area and set up a temporary checkpoint on the road linking the village of al-Muallaqa and the town of Ghadeer al-Bustan.

A civilian was detained while passing through the checkpoint, the residents said, adding that the force later withdrew from the area.

The incident follows another Israeli military incursion on Tuesday, when a force accompanied by two tanks entered Tel Abu Qubais in the southern countryside of Quneitra.

Syria continues to condemn Israel’s repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including incursions into southern Syrian territory, attacks on civilians, home raids, arrests, land bulldozing, and shelling incidents.

Syria stresses that all measures taken by Israeli forces inside Syrian territory are null and void and carry no legal effect under international law. It also calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities, put an end to these violations and ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Syria.

SANA

Syria’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested two of the most wanted drug traffickers and dealers during a coordinated security operation in Homs and Idlib provinces, seizing quantities of narcotics and weapons in their possession, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday.

The operation, carried out after precise security monitoring of the suspects’ activities that led to their location, resulted in the seizure of 600,000 Captagon pills, along with light and medium weapons, RBG rounds, ammunition and various grenades, according to a ministry statement on Telegram.

Investigations are ongoing with the two detainees to uncover any possible network extensions and related operations before they are referred to the competent judiciary, the ministry said.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration to pursue drug dealers and traffickers, dismantle their networks, and take necessary legal measures against them to protect the security of society and the safety of its citizens.

Damascus, June 23 (SANA) The fourth Criminal Court at the Palace of Justice in Damascus held its fourth hearing on Tuesday in the ongoing trial of deposed regime criminal Atef Najib, who is accused of committing crimes against the Syrian people.

The session was attended by representatives of international and human rights organizations, in addition to relevant judicial authorities.

Today’s hearing was held behind closed doors and was fully dedicated to hearing testimony from public witnesses, marking a key procedural stage in the proceedings.

Atef Najib, a former security official, previously served as head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa Governorate. He faces charges linked to direct and shared command responsibility for “systematic” violations targeting civilians in Daraa province, including killings, torture and arbitrary detention during his tenure as head of the Political Security Branch in the province.

The charges also include involvement in the suppression of peaceful protests through the use of live ammunition and excessive force, as well as accusations of mass killings and involvement in the “Omari Mosque massacre.”

The trial is part of broader efforts by the Syrian government to pursue accountability for violations committed during the war, document key events and support measures aimed at preventing future abuses.

The Ministry of Justice of the Syrian Arab Republic issued an official statement affirming its continued monitoring of discussions surrounding legal procedures in cybercrime cases, emphasizing its commitment to the principles of the Constitutional Declaration.

The Ministry clarified in its statement that the Constitutional Declaration stipulates the repeal of exceptional laws, while simultaneously affirming the continued application of current legislation until it is amended or repealed in accordance with established legal and constitutional procedures.

Review of Legislation and Judicial Regulations

In a move aimed at strengthening rights and freedoms, the Ministry revealed its efforts over the past period to review legislation that may raise constitutional issues and to take measures to prevent any legal interpretation that contradicts the rights guaranteed to citizens.

Under the supervision of the Supreme Judicial Council, judicial regulations and standards have been established to ensure the proper application of current legal texts, thus preventing any "legal vacuum" that could affect the course of justice.

Technical Committees for Legislative Reform

In the context of legislative reform efforts, the Ministry announced the formation of legal and technical committees to review a number of laws, most notably the Cybercrime Law.

This review involves relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Information, Interior, and Communications, with the aim of achieving a "balanced legal framework" that provides the necessary tools to combat cybercrime while protecting public freedoms.

Guarantees of a Fair Trial

The Ministry of Justice concluded its statement by affirming that these measures, in cooperation with the judiciary, constitute a guarantee against the exploitation of legal texts and their application in a manner contrary to the constitution, emphasizing its full commitment to the guarantees of a fair trial and equality before the law.

The Ministry also called upon citizens to cooperate with the relevant authorities to consolidate the rule of law and enhance stability.

In an interview with Al-Mashhad TV, President Ahmed al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria harbors nothing but goodwill towards Lebanon and its people, expressing his wishes for security, stability, and a dignified life for the Lebanese people.

Al-Sharaa indicated that the situation in Lebanon requires joint solutions to address the existing challenges, emphasizing that Syria can be a supportive partner in any safe path aimed at restoring support to the Lebanese state and strengthening its institutions.

He added that Syria's role towards Lebanon is purely positive, based on promoting stability and supporting state institutions, within solutions that guarantee security and stability and are acceptable to all parties.