SYRIA NEWS | ZAMAN ALWSL

World Bank-backed project to revive Syria’s water sector enters final evaluation phase

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0300

Damascus, April 15 (SANA) World Bank-backed, five-year project to rehabilitate Syria’s devastated water infrastructure has entered its final evaluation phase, the Ministry of Energy announced Tuesday.

Slated to run from 2026 to 2031, the initiative aims to restore drinking water and sanitation services in priority regions heavily impacted by the war. Key components include emergency repairs to supply networks, the rehabilitation of the Ain Zarqa water system in Idlib, the upgrading of the Upper Orontes project in Homs and Hama, and the expansion of the Adra wastewater treatment plant in rural Damascus.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the program will introduce modern network monitoring systems, improve operational efficiency, and build institutional capacity to align with reconstruction demands.

Five children from same family killed in tent fire in Damascus countryside

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:45:00 +0300

Five children from the same family were killed in a fire that engulfed two tents in the Damascus countryside overnight, Syria’s civil defense reported.

The blaze broke out late Tuesday in the town of Deir al-Hajar, near the Al-Ghizlaniyah area in the southeastern Damascus countryside. In addition to the five deaths, a man and two women were injured with varying degrees of burns.

Preliminary reports from the Syrian Civil Defense said the fire likely started from a heater inside one of the tents before spreading to a nearby shelter.

Civil defense teams responded to the scene, containing the fire and preventing further spread. The injured were evacuated to receive medical care.

The incident highlights safety risks in temporary settlements, where tents often lack basic fire protection and heating devices can pose hazards.

Turkish title deeds threaten ownership of thousands of properties in Syria

Zaman Al Wasl — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:57:00 +0300

Communication continues between the Syrian Ministry of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) and the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) to obtain Ottoman archival documents pertaining to endowments in Syria. This is aimed at inventorying all endowed properties and confirming their ownership, paving the way for a reassessment of their rents according to current market prices, a source told Zaman al-Wasl.

The Ministry of Religious Endowments seeks a complete copy of the Ottoman real estate records, which will allow for the creation of an accurate map of endowments spread across Syrian provinces.

Initial estimates indicate the existence of thousands of endowed properties in the cities of Damascus and Aleppo that have not been accurately inventoried for decades. If these properties are proven to be endowed, the endowments authority will offer their occupants (who may have considered themselves owners) two options: either accept new lease agreements that reflect current market prices, or vacate the property in favor of other tenants.

The endowed status of the property—even if recently discovered—cancels any previous official real estate considerations. The Ministry of Religious Endowments' move is not new; it has been in place for over eight months, and it puts hundreds of Syrian property owners at risk of losing their legal ownership of their properties.

Under this measure, property owners with official title deeds could become mere tenants of the Ministry if Turkish records prove the existence of an old endowment (waqf) on the land.

These properties are located in historic areas of Damascus and Aleppo.

Fuel depots cause daily public funds drain

Zaman Al Wasl — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:03:00 +0300

Given the sensitive timing and the approaching restructuring of the Syrian Petroleum Company, which includes dissolving the Mahrukat Company and transferring its responsibilities to the Ministry of Energy and the Syrian Petroleum Company, informed sources have observed a significant increase in the misappropriation of public funds over the past ten days.

According to the information, groups responsible for transporting petroleum products are actively using trucks equipped with hidden tanks. Large quantities of fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel are loaded from depots without being recorded in official accounts. The losses are justified as temperature-related damage, with the official quantity remaining at its designated location while the excess is stored in the hidden tank.

It is worth noting that these violations coincide with lax and weak administrative and technical oversight by the Mahrukat Company management, and the continued reliance on rudimentary loading methods that create ample opportunities for abuse.

All of this is happening just before the transfer of fuel stations, depots, and transportation and distribution operations to the Syrian Petroleum Company, at a time when licensing and legal affairs files are being transferred to the Ministry of Energy under the name "Energy Services Administration."

These facts raise legitimate questions:

- Which regulatory body is currently active?

- Who will hold those involved accountable?

- And why are these practices intensifying specifically at this time?

President al-Sharaa extends Easter greetings to Christian communities in Syria

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:28:00 +0300

Damascus, Apr.12 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa extended on Sunday his heartfelt congratulations to the Christian communities in Syria on the occasion of Easter, expressing hopes for peace and prosperity for the nation.

In a post on the social media platform X, President al-Sharaa said: “On the occasion of Easter, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to our people from the esteemed Christian denominations, hoping that these holidays will carry the meanings of peace and mercy, and that God will return them upon our beloved nation with prosperity and growth.”

Israeli occupation force advances into southern Quneitra countryside

SANA — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:16:00 +0300

A force of the Israeli occupation advanced on Sunday into southern Quneitra countryside and set up a temporary checkpoint to search passersby before later withdrawing from the area.

SANA’s correspondent reported that the force, consisting of three military vehicles, advanced toward the road linking the villages of Ruwaihina and Bir Ajam in southern Quneitra countryside.

The occupation troops set up a temporary checkpoint, where they searched civilians passing through the area, before later withdrawing without reports of arrests.

The Israeli occupation continues its violations and breaches of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through repeated incursions into southern Syria, in addition to carrying out raids, arrests and land bulldozing affecting local residents.

Wasting oil revenues: Homs, Banias refineries

Zaman Al Wasl — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:18:00 +0300

Six hundred billion Syrian pounds vanished from the budgets of the Homs and Banias refineries between 2022 and 2023 as a result of smuggling operations involving petroleum derivatives (VGO) in which the "Jerusalem Brigade," affiliated with the former regime, was implicated.

Despite the enormity of the sum, the Syrian Petroleum Company refrained from launching a transparent investigation or filing lawsuits to recover the stolen funds. A network of traders and brokers who exploited VGO to smuggle fuel was involved in the case, and some of them continue their business activities with impunity.

The value of the missing funds is equivalent to the service budgets of thousands of Syrian families suffering from a deteriorating standard of living.

This raises the question: Why has the company's executive management remained silent?

"Recovering 600 billion pounds is more important than any symbolic donation or media campaign for public consumption."

($1 dollar =12,900 Syrian pounds)

Where have the investigations into this case reached? And who are the individuals protecting those involved from accountability so far?

This case presents the Syrian Petroleum Company with two options: to initiate procedures to recover public funds, or to maintain its silence.

What is preventing regulatory bodies from investigating the oil refineries file up to this moment?

Israeli occupation shelling targets western Daraa countryside

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:49:00 +0300

Israeli occupation forces shelled the vicinity of Jamlah village in the Yarmouk Basin area in western Daraa countryside with several artillery rounds on Friday, one of which landed in agricultural land northwest of the village.

SANA’s correspondent in Daraa reported that the shelling caused material damage to farmland without reports of human casualties, noting that the attack triggered fear and tension among residents amid repeated incidents.

Areas in western Daraa countryside, particularly the Yarmouk Basin near the disengagement line, have witnessed recurring attacks by Israeli occupation forces targeting sites and surrounding areas, in violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

SANA

Al-Shaibani meets US envoy in Ankara to discuss regional developments

SANA — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:32:00 +0300

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met on Thursday in Ankara with the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, where they discussed the latest regional and international developments.

During the meeting, both sides affirmed the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between Syria and the United States on issues of mutual concern.

The talks come as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two sides. On February 25, al-Shaibani had previously met Barrack in Damascus, where discussions focused on a range of strategic files aimed at paving the way for a new phase of cooperation between the two countries.

First Istanbul flight marks resumption of operations at Damascus airport

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:33:00 +0300

Damascus International Airport resumed its operational activity on Thursday with the launch of its first flight to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Istanbul, following the reopening of Syrian airspace.

The step marks the beginning of a gradual return of air traffic and efforts to enhance regional connectivity after a period of suspension.

Alaa Sallal, Director of Government Communication at the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, said airlines had been notified of the decision to reopen Syrian airspace and resume operations at Damascus airport, adding that carriers are expected to begin scheduling flights.

He added that the decision was taken in coordination with regional and international partners, in line with international standards to ensure safety, efficiency and the smooth flow of air traffic.

On Wednesday, Head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar al-Husari announced the reopening of all previously closed air corridors and the resumption of air traffic through Syrian airspace, along with the restart of operations at Damascus International Airport.

Operations at the airport had been suspended in recent weeks due to escalating regional tensions, as exchanges of strikes involving Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other led to temporary airspace closures in several countries to ensure aviation safety.

Joint Syrian-Iraqi operations seize 1 million Captagon pills

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:59:00 +0300

The Syrian Narcotics Administration, in a high-level collaboration with Iraq’s General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control, successfully dismantled several international drug trafficking networks on Wednesday. Three specialized security operations resulted in the total collapse of these syndicates’ logistical structures.

The Ministry of Interior stated that security forces seized approximately one million Captagon pills during the raids. The operation didn’t just stop at the contraband; four high-level operatives, identified as key leaders within these international networks, were apprehended and are currently undergoing legal proceedings.

This breakthrough is the direct result of a formalized intelligence-sharing agreement between Damascus and Baghdad.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Syrian and Iraqi communities from the “poison of narcotics.” By striking at the heart of these cross-border criminal entities, the two nations are sending a clear message that their shared borders are fortified against illicit activity.

This operation marks one of the largest drug seizures of 2026 and underscores the growing effectiveness of the security apparatus in engaging with regional partners to maintain law and order.

Trump says Vance might not go to Iran peace talks, Lebanon not part of ceasefire

Al Arabiya — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:01:00 +0300

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Vice President JD Vance might not go to Pakistan this week for peace talks with Iran due to security concerns.

“We’ll have Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, JD —maybe JD, I don’t know,” the US president said in an interview with the New York Post.

“There’s a question of safety, security,” Trump added.

Nevertheless, Trump said he expects the talks in Pakistan to take place “very soon.”

This comes on the heels of Trump’s announcement on Tuesday that a two-week ceasefire was agreed after a request from Islamabad.

Lebanon not included

The fragile ceasefire, less than 24 hours in, seemed to teeter on the verge of collapse following a massive Israeli bombing against what it said were over 100 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Beirut said there were hundreds of civilian casualties, and hospitals were being flooded and requesting urgent blood donations.

Iran then said it would reblock the Strait of Hormuz due to the Israeli attacks, which Tehran said violated the ceasefire.

Pakistan said Lebanon was included, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Lebanon was not.

Trump echoed Netanyahu later on Wednesday, saying that it was not included due to Hezbollah. “That’s a separate skirmish,” he told PBS.

Douma marks anniversary of chemical attack tragedy as Civil Defense documents facts

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:09:59 +0300

The city of Douma woke on April 7, 2018, to a new humanitarian tragedy, as smoke mixed with a heavy silence, spreading through its narrow streets, carrying unprecedented fear. Toxic substances seeped through the area, adding a painful chapter to the suffering of civilians already facing repeated attacks.

While Civil Defense teams worked under dangerous conditions and ongoing airstrikes, they identified signs of an unusual incident after cases of mass suffocation were reported near Martyrs’ Square, confirming the use of internationally prohibited chemical materials.

Response challenges under bombardment

Head of operations at the Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate, Amer Zarifa, said in a statement to SANA’s correspondent that response teams faced major difficulties reaching the site due to repeated shelling accompanying the attack, hindering rescue and documentation efforts.

He added that teams managed to access the area after several attempts, providing medical aid to the injured and transferring them to medical points while continuing response operations in the following hours.

Zarifa noted that victim recovery and decontamination operations continued the next day under highly complex field conditions, with 43 victims documented by name and more than 500 injuries recorded due to inhalation of toxic substances.

He stressed that documenting the incident was challenging due to pressure on witnesses and survivors, but Civil Defense personnel were determined to record testimonies accurately to preserve victims’ rights and present the facts, emphasizing that such crimes do not expire with time and efforts continue to ensure accountability.

Testimony of a volunteer media worker

For his part, Bahaa Bashir al-Muallim, a Douma resident who volunteered with the Civil Defense as a media worker, said: “At that time, I volunteered in the media department, where my role was to deliver information to news agencies and document locations. To avoid harm to my family outside Douma, I published reports in foreign newspapers such as The New York Times under the pseudonym ‘Mansour Abu al-Khair’.”

Al-Muallim said that on February 18, 2018, a large-scale campaign began against Eastern Ghouta, aimed at displacing its residents, culminating on April 6 when Douma faced some of the heaviest attacks, targeting Civil Defense centers and hospitals.

He added that on April 7, chemical attacks were carried out by the deposed regime in stages. “The first incident was documented around 4:30 p.m., followed by a second, wider attack around 7 p.m. using a missile near the Grand Mosque, and finally the attack near Martyrs’ Square, which resulted in fatalities.”

He explained that residents had taken shelter in basements to escape bombardment, but chlorine gas spread downward, trapping them inside and causing deaths and injuries.

Evidence documentation and international findings

Al-Muallim said the number of martyrs reached 43, with hundreds injured, noting that he documented the site, the weapon used, and collected blood samples later submitted to rights organizations after traveling to Türkiye.

In this context, a report issued on January 27, 2023, by the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed direct responsibility for the chemical attack using chlorine gas, which killed 43 civilians, including 10 children and 15 women.

SANA

New Israeli incursion into southern Quneitra countryside

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:18:00 +0300

An Israeli occupation force entered the area between the villages of Ruwayhina and Zubayda al-Gharbiya in the southern Quneitra countryside on Monday, setting up a temporary checkpoint on the road connecting the two villages. No arrests were reported.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the force, consisting of three military vehicles, searched passersby at the checkpoint before withdrawing from the area.

This incursion comes a day after a similar incident in the town of Jabatha al-Khashab in the northern Quneitra countryside, amidst repeated Israeli military movements in the region.

The Quneitra countryside has witnessed continuous violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through incursions, raids, attacks on civilians, and land confiscation, exacerbating the tension and instability in southern Syria.

Interior Ministry to regulate demonstrations after UAE Embassy insult

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:19:00 +0300

Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba announced on Sunday the preparation of a draft resolution to regulate demonstrations and popular movements in the country.

The move aims to curb "excesses" that al-Baba attributed to individuals linked to the former regime, following an attack on the UAE embassy in Damascus.

In televised remarks, al-Baba stated that the attack on the UAE embassy was "unintentional and unintentional."

The spokesman accused individuals linked to the former regime of being behind the incident, asserting that there are ongoing attempts by "remnants" of the old regime to keep Syria in a state of international isolation.

"A distinction must be made between those who act on behalf of the former regime's agenda and those who work to support the Palestinian cause," said Noureddine al-Baba.

Regulation, not Restriction

The spokesman clarified that the purpose of the upcoming resolution is "purely regulatory," emphasizing the awareness of the Syrian people, which was demonstrated in the revolutionary demonstrations and victory celebrations.

He described Syrians as "the epitome of civilization," but indicated the need to isolate "troublemakers" who seek to harm Syria's Arab identity.

Star Petronova: oil transport monopoly raises suspicions of squandering public funds

Zaman Al Wasl — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:33:00 +0300

Star Petronova has secured contracts to supply crude oil from the eastern fields to the Homs and Banias refineries, amid legal and economic questions surrounding the contracting mechanisms, which were conducted outside the framework of official tenders and the terms and conditions approved by the Ministry of Oil.

Breach of Transparency Standards in Contracting

Star Petronova's contracts bypassed the usual administrative channels within the Syrian Oil Transport Company, as it was granted the concession without official announcement or opening the bidding process to national companies.

The absence of competitive bids confirms the hypothesis of "direct contracting," which lacks the technical and financial standards necessary to protect the energy sector.

Manipulation of Transportation Prices and Profit Margins

Oil circles have observed sharp shifts in the pricing policy adopted by the company with private tanker owners:

- Initial Contract: The price was set between $40 and $50 per ton.

- Acquisition Phase: The company abruptly reduced the price to $36 per ton after securing control over transportation operations.

This decrease in drivers' wages, while the value of the contract with the state remains fixed, increases the company's profit margins—sums that could have been saved if public institutions had contracted directly with tanker owners.

Undermining the Role of Official Institutions

The introduction of a private "intermediary" between the oil fields and refineries constitutes an unjustified financial burden. The Syrian Oil Transport Company possesses the necessary personnel and expertise to manage these operations without the need for intermediary companies that siphon off huge percentages of the contract value. This serves as a model for stripping the public sector of its executive functions.

Precedents of Technical Rejection

Administrative sources at the Mahrukat Company confirmed that a previous offer from Star Petronova to invest in the oil sector was officially rejected due to its lack of economic viability and its violation of regulations for preserving public funds. However, the company's return through the "transportation contracts" gateway raises serious suspicions about the identity of the entities that provided it with legal and financial cover.

Files Leaving the Syrian Petroleum Company Unresolved

Attention is now focused on the Syrian Petroleum Company and the relevant ministry to clarify the following points:

- The legal basis for granting a company of unknown registration a strategic concession through a direct contracting system.

- Disclosing the actual value per ton in the original contract and comparing it to what is paid to drivers.

- The technical reasons that prevented public institutions from directly managing the transport fleet to eliminate brokerage costs.

Internal security forces arrest individuals involved in targeting military Sites

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:06:00 +0300

The Internal Security Forces announced on Thursday the arrest of several wanted individuals and outlaws for their involvement in targeting security and military sites, as well as seizing and concealing quantities of weapons and ammunition.

The Ministry of Interior stated in a post on its Telegram channel that “The Internal Security Forces carried out a precise security operation targeting the hideouts of several wanted individuals and outlaws, due to their involvement in targeting security and military sites, in addition to seizing and concealing quantities of weapons and ammunition.”

“The operation resulted in the arrest of Sakher Suhail Mahla and his brother, Haidera Suhail Mahla. A quantity of various weapons and ammunition was seized from them, including assault rifles, machine guns, and rocket launchers, in addition to the confiscation of two motorcycles and other material evidence related to criminal activities,” the Ministry said.

It explained that the operation also resulted in the discovery and seizure of a fully equipped workshop for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), containing industrial equipment and raw materials used in preparing explosives.

The ministry confirmed that investigations revealed the detainees’ connection to organized criminal groups involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics, arms trafficking and smuggling, as well as their involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery targeting civilians for financial extortion.”

SANA

President al-Sharaa receives US Congressman Cory Lee Mills

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:33:00 +0300

President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Thursday received US Congressman Cory Lee Mills at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the current regional and international situation and a number of issues of common interest.

President al-Sharaa visited Washington D.C. and met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on November 10, 2025.

This marked the first visit by a Syrian head of state to Washington since 1946, where they discussed security, regional cooperation, and sanctioned relief.

SANA

Syria, Iraq open al-Tanf–al-Waleed crossing to boost trade and transit

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:39:00 +0300

Head of the Syrian General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports Qutaiba Badawi, and Head of the Iraqi Border Ports Authority Omar al-Waeli, inaugurated the al-Tanf–al-Waleed border crossing on Thursday, in a step aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and activating trade transit and cargo movement between the two countries.

The two sides conducted a joint field tour inside the crossing, reviewing the readiness of infrastructure and operational procedures, as well as monitoring the flow of fuel tanker convoys and transit trucks, reflecting the launch of a new phase of coordinated field cooperation between the relevant authorities in Syria and Iraq.

Both sides emphasized the importance of this vital crossing in supporting trade exchange and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and energy supplies, stressing continued coordination to develop operational mechanisms and overcome any obstacles facing transport movement, in a way that enhances economic integration between the two countries and improves the efficiency of regional land corridors.

The opening of al-Tanf–al-Waleed crossing represents a strategic step within efforts to activate border crossings and upgrade their readiness, in line with current requirements, while reinforcing Syria’s role as a key transit hub for regional trade routes.

SANA

Israeli occupation forces advance into the southern Quneitra countryside close a road

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:43:00 +0300

Israeli occupation forces on Thursday advanced into the northern part of al-Asbah village in the southern Quneitra countryside and closed the road leading to Koudna village.

SANA reporter said that an Israeli force consisting of four military vehicles and a bulldozer advanced into the northern part of al-Asbah village, set up a checkpoint in the area, searched passersby, and fired at civilians to intimidate them and prevent them from passing.

They also bulldozed the road and closed it with an earthen barrier to prevent passage from al-Asbah village towards Kudna village.

An Israeli occupation force last Tuesday advanced into the road connecting Nabaa al-Fawwar village in the northern Quneitra countryside with Harfa village in the western Damascus countryside.

“Israel” continues its aggression and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement by advancing into southern Syria, attacking civilians through raids and arrests, and bulldozing land.

Syria always demands the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from its territory, stressing that all measures taken by it in southern Syria are null and void and have no legal effect according to international law.

SANA

Appointment of 31 diplomats to foreign missions with controversial legal references

Zaman Al Wasl — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:48:00 +0300

Internal documents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates revealed decisions to transfer and appoint 31 diplomatic staff members to senior positions in foreign missions, raising questions about the legal justifications used, the criteria for career progression, and the academic qualifications of those involved.

Decision No. 61 of 2026, addressed to the Directorate of Financial Affairs, cited "Law 53" as the legislative basis for settling the financial status of the transferred individuals.

This reliance raises legal concerns, as Law 53 in Syrian legislation pertains to consumer protection (2021) or military penalties (1950), neither of which relates to diplomatic work.

This discrepancy suggests a serious administrative error or reliance on unofficial legal references, such as the basic employee law issued by the "Salvation Government" affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib, which bears the same number (53 of 2021).

The list included the appointment of 12 individuals to the rank of "Minister Plenipotentiary," a rank immediately preceding that of ambassador and typically requiring several years of continuous diplomatic service.

The names included in the appointments to sensitive international posts are:

Transferred to the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary:

- Anas Al-Badawi (to Bucharest - Al-Badawi signed the financial decision for himself).

- Nazir Al-Qadri (to Jeddah).

- Mohsen Mahbash (to Riyadh).

- Khaled Eid Sheikh Mahmoud (to Istanbul).

- Fadi Al-Qassem (to Ankara).

- Ali Jamal Al-Din Mustafa (to Gaziantep).

- Muhammad Taha Al-Ahmad (to Cairo).

- Muhammad Qantari (to Washington).

- Iyad Al-Hazza (to Beirut).

- Zakaria Lababidi (to Beijing).

- Samir Al-Shalabi (to Tripoli).

- Abdul Wahab Muhammad Agha (to Tokyo).

- Muhammad Baraa Shukri (to Berlin) - son of the current Minister of Religious Endowments -

- Mulham Al-Khan (to Bonn)

- Muhammad Katoub (as Chargé d'Affaires to The Hague)

Transferred with the rank of First Secretary and Counselor:

- Rami Abaza (First Secretary - Jeddah)

- Muhannad Othman (First Secretary - Riyadh)

- Ahmed Dbeis (First Secretary - Ankara)

- Abdullah Al-Hamash (First Secretary - Gaziantep)

- Jumaa Al-Anzi (First Secretary - Cairo)

- Ahmed Al-Malati (First Secretary - Washington)

- Nada Aswad (First Secretary - Beirut)

- Ahmed Qara Ali (First Secretary - Beijing)

- Muhammad Tannari (First Secretary - Tripoli)

- Yasser Al-Hussein (First Secretary - Muscat)

- Amer Al-Muhammad Al-Abdullah (First Secretary - Muscat)

- Ayham Najm Al-Aboud (First Secretary - Brussels) - Bahia Mardini (Advisor - Brussels).

- Muhammad al-Sharif (First Secretary - Tokyo).

- Munther Ali al-Zoubi (First Secretary - Rome).

- Muhammad al-Najjar (First Secretary - Berlin).

The documents revealed a conflict of interest, as Anas al-Badawi, in his capacity as Director of the Administrative Development Department at the Ministry, signed a decision concerning his "financial affairs" at the Bucharest mission, to which he was transferred with the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary.

These extensive appointments to posts such as Washington, Beijing, and Brussels, without clarity regarding the academic or professional background of some of the appointees, raise questions about the merit-based criteria used in the diplomatic corps, especially given the existence of defecting diplomats with the necessary experience to fill these positions according to the traditional hierarchical system.

- An ambassador requires the approval of the host country, while a Minister Plenipotentiary or Chargé d'Affaires does not.

No official comment has yet been issued by the Syrian Foreign Minister to clarify the legal basis for the decision or to address the administrative shortcomings identified in the documents.

President al-Sharaa discusses humanitarian coordination with Fletcher, De Croo

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:46:00 +0300

Damascus, April 2 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Thursday received UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo in Damascus to discuss strengthening coordination on humanitarian issues.

The meeting, held at the People’s Palace and attended by Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, focused on the humanitarian situation in Syria and ways to enhance cooperation between relevant authorities and United Nations agencies to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian operations.

The talks also addressed efforts to mitigate the impact of current challenges facing the country.

SANA

Syria, UN launch 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan with focus on national sovereignty

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:44:00 +0300

Qutaiba Kadish, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, announced on Thursday that Syria officially welcomes the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. The plan was launched by Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, following high-level consultations in Damascus.

Qadish emphasized that the new plan reflects a commitment to working in full coordination with Syrian state institutions, respecting the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Four Pillars of National Recovery

The 2026 plan identifies four primary areas of intervention designed to move Syria from emergency relief to sustainable stability:

Critical Infrastructure: Restoring vital networks including water, electricity, and transport.

Essential Services: Resuming healthcare, education, and municipal services across all governorates.

Socio-Economic Resilience: Strengthening local markets and supporting livelihoods to reduce aid dependency.

Institutional Building: Re-establishing the capacity of public institutions to serve the citizenry.

Parallel to these pillars, the government and the UN will intensify efforts to clear mines, unexploded ordnance, and war remnants to ensure the safety of returning residents and the success of developmental projects.

A Unified UN Approach

Qadish highlighted the historic nature of the joint visit by Tom Fletcher and Alexander De Croo, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This visit marks the first time the heads of the UN’s humanitarian and developmental pillars have conducted a joint mission to Damascus, signaling a shift toward a more integrated approach that combines immediate relief with long-term recovery.

Strategic Call to International Partners

The Syrian government urged international partners and donors to align their funding with these nationally defined priorities. Qadish stressed the necessity of moving toward a unified and consistent approach that strengthens national systems rather than relying on fragmented aid. He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to a close, strategic partnership with the UN, international organizations, and civil society to restore stability and build a better future for all Syrians.

SANA

Israeli occupation forces make new incursion in southern Quneitra province

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:54:00 +0300

Israeli occupation forces advanced on Tuesday along the road linking the village of Nabaa al-Fawar in the northern Quneitra countryside with the village of Harfa in the western Damascus countryside.

SANA’s correspondent in Quneitra said an Israeli force with several military vehicles moved into the area, set up a temporary checkpoint and searched passersby.

Israel continues to carry out incursions in southern Syria and to violate the 1974 disengagement agreement, including through raids, arrests and land clearing.

Syria has repeatedly called for Israel’s withdrawal from its territory, saying that all measures taken in the south are null and void and illegal under international law. It has also urged the international community to assume its responsibilities, deter such actions and ensure a full withdrawal.

SANA

Calls for investigation as unidentified bodies found in Houla region

Zaman Al Wasl — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:09:00 +0300

Calls are growing for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the discovery of dozens of unidentified bodies in the Houla region, located between the towns of Qabou and Awsia and the Houla plain. The incident has sparked widespread shock and raised urgent questions about its circumstances and the identities of the victims.

According to activist Mohammed al-Sayed, a resident of Houla, two bodies were initially found bound and in an advanced state of decomposition. Later, approximately thirty more bodies were discovered at the same location shortly after the area was retaken. The discovered bodies include men, women, and children, reflecting the tragic nature of the incident and raising concerns about serious violations against civilians.

Mysterious Circumstances and Limited Investigations

Despite the gravity of the situation, available information indicates that the search operations were limited to the bodies that were visible, without conducting a comprehensive field survey of the surrounding agricultural lands and areas. This leaves open the possibility that there are other victims who have not yet been found.

There is still insufficient official information regarding the identities of the victims or whether the discovered bodies have been matched with lists of missing persons in the area. This is a crucial point for understanding the context of the incident and determining responsibility.

Questions about the surrounding area

Furthermore, questions arise regarding the lack of investigation into the owners of farms near where the bodies were found, especially since these farms were operational after the change in control of the area. A large quantity of clothing and shoes was also observed in the vicinity, which may indicate a possible connection to the incident.

Observers emphasize that these facts necessitate expanding the scope of the investigation to include all relevant parties and entities, along with conducting thorough forensic examinations and analyzing the evidence available at the site.

Calls for transparency and accountability

In the absence of detailed information, criticism is mounting regarding what is described as a cover-up of the investigation's findings and the failure to provide a clear account to the public about what happened. Human rights advocates and activists stress that a full disclosure of the truth is a fundamental step towards achieving justice and ensuring that those responsible do not escape accountability.

They also emphasize that documenting this incident professionally and accurately, including identifying the victims and the circumstances of their deaths, is a humanitarian and legal obligation, especially given the suffering of the families of the missing who have been waiting for answers for years.

A Call for an Independent International Investigation

In light of the complexity of the situation, concerned parties are calling for the involvement of independent, and perhaps international, investigative bodies to ensure the impartiality of the procedures and the credibility of the results, particularly in cases involving grave human rights violations.

The Houla incident remains one of the cases that requires urgent and serious action to uncover its circumstances, not only to bring justice to the victims, but also to establish the principle of justice and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

Relationship between criticism, constants in state-building: Hassan Soufan's vision

Zaman Al Wasl — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:16:00 +0300

Hassan Soufan, a member of the Civil Peace Committee, discussed on his Facebook page the features of the current phase in which the foundations of the state are being formed, emphasizing the need for a precise balance that distinguishes between human errors and interpretations and the immutable rulings of God.

Soufan believes that criticism is a legitimate right and an essential tool for reform and review, as long as it targets human performance. However, he warns against this criticism turning into an attack on fundamental principles.

He considers that this does not address the problem but rather opens the door to greater societal unrest and undermines the shared identity that unites Syrians.

In his analysis of the general situation, Soufan observed two opposing currents that harm the country's interests. The first group exploits mistakes and shortcomings to escalate rhetoric towards denigrating religion and inflaming passions, abandoning reason.

The second group represents an opportunistic current that infiltrates state institutions to achieve narrow personal interests, adapting to changing circumstances and using religious discourse or legal loopholes to serve its influence and position.

Soufan asserts that the existence of these two factions creates confusion and exacerbates public discontent, especially during major elections.

The argument concludes that national stability requires a unifying discourse that clearly distinguishes between what can be criticized and what must be respected, ensuring the rights of all segments of society are protected without exception.

Soufan calls for moving beyond provocative rhetoric that insults sacred values and opportunistic, shifting discourse. He believes the most appropriate path lies in pursuing wisdom and justice, and unifying efforts under a fair framework that ends the peripheral conflicts that drain society's resources and hinder the development of its national institutions.

Israel kills 7 Syrian farmers in southern Lebanon

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:06:00 +0300

The Syrian Embassy in Beirut confirmed on Saturday that it is monitoring the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike that targeted Lebanese territory, killing seven Syrian citizens and wounding eight others in the town of Haniyeh in southern Lebanon.

In a post on its Facebook page, the embassy explained that it is working to facilitate the transfer of the bodies of some of the victims to Syria, in addition to monitoring the condition of the wounded and ensuring their well-being.

Earlier, the Lebanese National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Haniyeh in the Tyre district, resulting in deaths and injuries, mostly among Syrians.

Syria says repelled drone attack from Iraq on US base

AFP — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0300

Syria’s assistant defense minister said Sunday that his country’s forces had repelled a drone attack from neighboring Iraq targeting one of Syria’s last US military bases.

“Earlier today, the US base in Qasrak, located on our territory, was attacked by four drones launched from Iraqi territory,” Sipan Hamo said on X, adding that “the drones were shot down without casualties.”

“We hold Iraq responsible and call upon it to prevent the recurrence of attacks that threaten our stability.”

The attack came a day after Syria’s army said it repelled another drone attack from Iraq aimed at al-Tanf, a base in the southeast which used to house US forces.

Earlier this week, the Syrian military said another base in the northeast was also targeted by a missile attack from Iraq, with an Iraqi official saying a local armed group was behind it.

Iraq has arrested four people in connection with that attack.

Iraq has been pulled into the war since it was sparked by US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, with the conflict engulfing much of the Middle East.

Pro-Tehran Iraqi groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region, while strikes have also targeted these groups.

In recent months, American forces have withdrawn from the al-Tanf base, as well as al-Shadadi in the northeastern province of Hasakeh, and had begun withdrawing from the Qasrak base, also located in Hasakeh.

Syria says it closed smuggling tunnel on Lebanon border

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:04:00 +0300

Syrian authorities said Saturday that they found and closed a tunnel between their country and Lebanon they believed was used for smuggling by “Lebanese militias.”

In a statement to the official SANA news agency, a defense ministry official said the army “discovered a tunnel connecting Syrian and Lebanese territory near the village of Hosh al-Sayyid Ali, west of Homs.”

“The tunnel was being used for smuggling by Lebanese militias and the relevant military authorities have closed it.”

Lebanon’s east, along the border with Syria, is a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which is currently fighting a war against Israel.

Hezbollah provided military support to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in December 2024 by armed opposition forces who are opponents to the Lebanese group.

Since then, its supply routes from Syria have been cut off, and Lebanese and Syrian authorities are trying to combat smuggling across the porous border between the two countries.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense told SANA on Sunday that during operations to secure border areas along the Syrian–Lebanese border, “a tunnel was discovered—the second within 24 hours—which had been used by Lebanese militias for smuggling operations.”

Agencies

Fatimid treasure seized by Assad's security: Documents reveal discovery of 80 gold pieces in an old Damascene house

Zaman Al Wasl — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:20:00 +0300

Zaman al-Wasl obtained exclusive images of official documents revealing the unknown fate of an archaeological treasure discovered in the heart of Old Damascus.

The story begins with routine restoration work in an old house, which led to the discovery of a secret cache containing dozens of historical gold liras and dinars. These coins were eventually placed in the custody of the Political Security Branch in Damascus.

Details of the Lost Treasure

The document, dated August 12, 2021, confirms that the gold pieces underwent a thorough inventory and examination, with their technical descriptions meticulously recorded.

The collection consists of 80 rare gold pieces, including:

- Fatimid dinars dating back to 1101 AD (900 years old), inscribed with the declaration of faith, "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God, Ali is the Wali of God," and on the other side, "Imam al-Mansur, Abu Ali al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah, Commander of the Faithful," among other phrases.

- Technical Condition: Official records described the condition of the pieces as "excellent." This raises their archaeological and historical value thousands of times over their material worth.

Where are they now?

While archaeological norms dictate that the Ministry of Culture should announce such a significant discovery that restores Damascus's historical splendor, a complete silence prevailed throughout 2021 and the years that followed.

Zaman al-Wasl examined the official archives and announcements issued by the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums, but found no mention of these artifacts.

The document we have before us today is conclusive proof that the Syrian regime's agencies actually "received" the treasure in the summer of 2021 and "theoretically" handed it over to the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums. But where are these pieces now?

Legitimate questions: Zaman al-Wasl brings this matter to the attention of the Ministry of Culture and relevant authorities: Have these pieces been entered into the national antiquities registry? Or has the "treasure" found its way into the pockets of influential figures in the Assad regime, far from the eyes of oversight and history?

Al-Hussein al-Shishakli