Matthew Dannoun

Aleppo, Jan. 11 (SANA) Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir announced early Sunday that water pumping to Aleppo governorate and its countryside has resumed following a temporary suspension that lasted several hours due to the shutdown of the key Babiri Water Pumping Station in the eastern Aleppo countryside. In a statement to SANA, Minister al-Bashir said: “We assure our people in Aleppo governorate and its countryside that water pumping to the area has been resumed after addressing the causes that led to the suspension.” On Saturday, the Ministry of Energy said that water pumping had stopped at 5:30 p.m. local time following orders issued by SDF organization military personnel. It added that it was working to restore water supplies from the Babiri station, the main source of water for Aleppo city and its countryside. The minister stressed the Ministry’s full commitment to taking all necessary technical and logistical measures to ensure the continuity of water pumping and prevent futu...

Units of the Syrian Arab Army have arrested eight individuals linked to the defunct regime while they were attempting to flee to areas controlled by SDF in the Aleppo countryside. In a statement to SANA, the Media and Communications Department at the Ministry of Defense said that army units apprehended the individuals near Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo, as they were trying to illegally cross into SDF-controlled areas. The department added that the detainees will be handed over to the competent authorities to take the necessary legal measures. The arrests come as security forces continue operations aimed at tracking down individuals wanted for involvement with the former regime, preventing illegal crossings, and maintaining stability across the country. Source: SANA 

Damascus, 3. Jan (SANA) Syria’s Defense Minister, Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra, met Saturday with Qatar’s Ambassador in Damascus, Khalifa Abdullah Saad Al Mahmoud Al Sharif, to discuss prospects of cooperation in defense issues and military industries, the Ministry of Defense stated. The ambassador was accompanied by a delegation from Barzan Holdings, a Qatari company responsible for empowering the military capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces. According to the ministry’s statement on its Telegram channel, the talks focused on enhancing military capabilities and benefiting from modern technologies. The meeting comes amid warming ties between Damascus and Doha after years of strained relations during the deposed regime era Source: SANA 

Tartous, Jan. 2 (SANA) Syrian internal security forces in the coastal province of Tartous have arrested an individual from the remnants of the deposed regime who was involved in terrorist attacks targeting the Ministry of Defense and internal security forces during the events of March 6, 2025. In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the Tartous Governorate said investigations indicate that the individual took part in assassinations and arson attacks against an internal security patrol following an ambush on the Deir al-Bashl Bridge. The ambush was carried out by a group from the deposed regime. Source: SANA 

Minister of Defense Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra , met in Damascus with Turkish Land Forces Commander, General Metin Tokel to discuss a range of military matters. The Ministry of Defense stated on its Telegram channel that the two sides discussed several issues of mutual interest, in addition to reviewing ways to strengthen cooperation in various military fields in a manner that serves shared interests and reinforces bilateral cooperation. In August, the Ministries of Defense in Syria and Turkey signed a joint military cooperation agreement in Ankara aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army. Source: SANA 

Syrian security forces have arrested several members of ISIS during operations in the northern and western countryside of Idleb, the Interior Ministry reported Monday. Weapons, ammunition, explosive belts, and improvised explosive devices were also seized. Brig. Gen. Ghassan Bakir head of Internal Security in Idleb, said in a statement that the operations, carried out in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, targeted ISIS cells in the Dana area in the north of the province and west of Idleb city. The raids were part of ongoing efforts by Syrian authorities to dismantle terrorist networks in the region. He added that the operations uncovered the involvement of some cell members in the killing of a civilian near Maarrat Misrin. Two suspects were killed during the raids after refusing to surrender, while the others were taken into custody. The detainees have been handed over to judicial authorities for further investigation and prosecution. ...

At dawn on November 27, 2024, the Battle of Deterring Aggression began, marking the start of a historic offensive that would culminate in the fall of the criminal Assad regime after 12 days of intense fighting. This victory marked the dawn of a new era that the Syrian people had long dreamed of since the launch of their revolution in March 2011. In pursuit of this vision, they offered nearly a million martyrs, killed in bombings or tortured in detention centers, and millions more were displaced or turned into refugees. The battle erupted suddenly while the Assad regime intensified its airstrikes on the liberated north, in an international climate that seemed to support its rehabilitation. However, the preparation for this offensive had been in the works for years. Five Years of Preparation President Ahmad al-Sharaa, commander of the Liberation Battle, confirmed that the planning for the offensive had taken five years to execute. During this period, various factions were unified and int...

Brigadier General Hassan Abdul Ghani of the Syrian Ministry of Defense marked the first anniversary of the “Deterrence of Aggression” battle on Thursday, reflecting on the significant victories and progress achieved by Syria over the past year. Despite ongoing challenges, he emphasized that the country has made notable strides on multiple fronts. “Twelve months have passed since we successfully deterred the regime of injustice and terrorism, rescuing our people from the fires of death, relentless shelling, and suffering,” said Abdul Ghani. “The displaced have returned to their homes, and the darkness has been lifted.” He described the battle as a pivotal moment in Syria’s modern history, reiterating the commitment of the Syrian Arab Army to protect the country and the people. “We will defend every inch of Syria’s territory, from east to west,” he pledged. “Wherever you are, know that our army is safeguarding the borders and protecting the homeland from any aggression.” Abdul Ghani call...

The Interior Ministry spokesperson, Nour al-Din al-Baba, confirmed on Thursday that the ministry is actively working to resolve the issue of individuals wanted from the former regime, as well as streamlining the process for issuing passports to citizens. Speaking at a press conference, al-Baba revealed that since February, the ministry has processed approximately 8.3 million travel ban cases. Nearly five million of these have been removed, distributed across 14 main categories and 129 sub-categories. He further explained that efforts are underway to address the remaining cases, including around 1.15 million state employees currently under review. The ministry is also investigating contractors and personnel linked to security and military agencies for possible involvement in crimes against citizens. Additionally, he clarified that individuals flagged in police reports for violations or criminal cases, as well as those subject to travel bans by the Ministry of Finance, are currently unde...

The first public trial for defendants accused of violations during the coastal events began on Tuesday at Aleppo’s Palace of Justice. SANA reporter in Aleppo said that the session includes detainees charged with inciting sectarian strife, theft, and attacking members of the internal security forces and the Syrian army Source: SANA 

Syria’s National Committee investigating the July Sweida events said on Sunday that it is committed to uncovering the facts, determining responsibility, and ensuring justice for victims. The committee also outlined progress in its ongoing inquiry. Speaking at a press conference in Damascus, committee head Judge Hatem al-Naasan described the incident, which left casualties and caused significant damage, as requiring a “credible and effective” investigation that meets legal standards. He emphasized that the committee operates independently and applies both Syrian criminal law and international humanitarian and human rights law, including the Geneva Conventions. Al-Naasan explained that the committee’s mandate includes probing grave violations, identifying suspects, and referring cases to the judiciary. He stressed that the committee is committed to independence, neutrality, and balanced engagement with all parties. It also maintains transparency and objectivity when assessing facts, whil...

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met in Damascus with Anne-Claire Logendre, political adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron. The two sides discussed several issues of mutual interest, along with bilateral relations and possible avenues to strengthen cooperation in a manner that serves the shared interests of both  Source: SANA 

“A Day of Dialogue with Syrian Civil Society” kicked off Saturday at the Conferences Palace in Damascus, in cooperation between the Syrian government and the European Union with the participation of local and international figures. In an opening speech, Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, said that Today, we launch a strong partnership with civil society and our partners in the European Union. “Civil society is not a new phenomenon, but rather an extension of unions and humanitarian and student initiatives that operated under the most difficult conditions,” al-Shaibani said, adding that the activity serves as “a mirror of public sentiment” and a bridge between the state and society.” For her part, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, emphasized that today’s dialogue marks the beginning of change. “Rebuilding Syria can only be achieved through a close partnership based on mutual respect between the state and society,” she said. Kabawat further stressed that civil ...

The administration of Information and Communication at the Ministry of Defense said that Damascus came under a treacherous attack as two Katyusha rockets, fired from the outskirts of the city, hit residential neighborhoods in the Mezzeh area and its vicinity, causing civilian causalities and material damage to the place of explosion. The Defense Ministry told SANA that in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, it has begun investigating the conditions of this heinous attack and is working to gather the necessary evidence and determine the missiles’ launching- pads. It stressed that the ministry will not hesitate to hunt those responsible for this criminal act, and will take deterrent measures against anyone who tampers with the security of the capital and targets the lives and stability of Syrians. Source: SANA 

The Syrian Arab Republic announced the reactivation of membership of the Syrian Arab Standards and Metrology Organization (SASMO) to the Standards and Metrology Organization for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), which operates under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), after more than 12 years hiatus, Ministry of Foreign affairs said in a statement Friday.   The Ministy added that “The reactivation of the membership reaffirms Syria’s commitment to the international system of standards and quality, and reflects its continuous efforts to modernize its institutional framework in line with the latest global standards”. This step serves sustainable development, quality of life, and the strengthening of the national economy” the Ministry underlined. Source: SANA