Syria Daily News Briefing for 2025-11-20

Processed 168 posts from 31 sources

⚔️ SDF forces attacked Syrian Arab Army positions in Ma’dan, rural Raqqa, capturing several sites and causing casualties among soldiers. The army blamed SDF for the attacks and regained control of the sites. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
⚔️ A Syrian army engineering unit destroyed mines and war remnants around Eastern Ghouta. - [Source]
🌍 Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar condemned the Israeli Prime Minister’s and officials’ entry into southern Syria, called on the international community to deter Israeli violations and uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and affirmed their support for Syria’s sovereignty. Syria condemned the incident, urging international responsibility. UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern, calling for respect of the agreement. Israeli forces entered al-Samadaniyeh al-Sharqiyah, and Syria’s UN envoy emphasized the illegality of Israeli incursions and wide international support for related UN resolutions. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6], [Source 7], [Source 8]
🚨 Internal security forces freed five Swieda residents (three women and two men) in a special operation in Al-Musayfira, eastern rural Daraa. The freed individuals received healthcare under the Syrian Red Crescent supervision amid wide official and local reception. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
⚔️ A Defense Ministry delegation led by Maj. Gen. Marhaf Abu Qasra visited the family of martyr Wael Owaida and attended the second orientation forum to discuss developing guidance programs in the armed forces. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🤝 The “Dawn of Al-Qusayr” campaign in rural Homs has raised over $10 million with support from Syrian communities and local initiatives to revive the city. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
🚨 Internal security in Hama arrested a criminal who committed violations against civilians during the former regime, following investigation and analysis of incriminating photos. - [Source]
💰 The Central Bank of Syria issued the Syrian pound exchange rate against foreign currencies according to its official bulletin. - [Source]
🚨 The Internal Security Directorate in Safita arrested two individuals who lured a lawyer, drugged him, and exploited him financially by taking his fingerprints on illegal documents. Investigations continue. - [Source]
🚨 The Internal Security Directorate in Hama arrested former officer Ayman Malash for proven involvement in violations against civilians in Douma. He was referred to the competent judiciary. - [Source]

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💰 The Central Bank of Syria resumed SWIFT communications after a 14-year hiatus due to sanctions, marking a significant step in reintegrating Syria’s financial systems globally and allowing international money transfers for investors and depositors again. The move is said to boost confidence in the Syrian economy and support economic recovery. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
💰 The Syrian Minister of Economy discussed economic and trade cooperation with the Pakistani chargé d’affaires. - [Source]
💰 The construction sector in Daraa saw significant growth, with completed residential projects increasing by over 50%, driven by stability and rising expatriate demand, positively impacting local employment and real estate. - [Source]
🏢 Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon held talks in Amman to enhance cooperation in gas and electricity, agreeing to proceed with regional interconnection projects and form joint teams to support energy sector stability. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
💰 The Ministry of Economy allowed the import of public works machinery manufactured after 2000 to support reconstruction projects and improve infrastructure. - [Source]
💰 The Minister of Interior received the Central Bank of Syria governor to discuss cooperation on financial stability and combating money laundering and terrorism financing, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, and affirmed steps to enhance cooperation. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏢 The Minister of Transport discussed with a German company the development of the phosphate rail line to increase capacity, with German institutional support, and agreed on a field study for the project. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🏢 Rehabilitation works at the Nasib border crossing have been completed, increasing its capacity. - [Source]
💰 The first workshop to prepare Syria’s National Employment Strategy began with the participation of ministries, governmental bodies, and the UN, to allocate responsibilities and draft the national employment strategy. - [Source]
💰 The preliminary conference for Arbitration Week in Syria began. Participants stressed the need to review arbitration centers, establish a national center to protect investors, and make Damascus a regional arbitration hub, as highlighted by the Ministry of Justice. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
💰 The Minister of Finance discussed with the World Bank delegation ways to enhance cooperation and technical funding for infrastructure, energy, and debt management projects to support development, with a joint strategy paper planned by year-end. - [Source]
💼 The first Syrian ship specialized in livestock transport sailed from Tartous port to Brazil after local conversion, boosting maritime transport and supporting export expansion. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🌍 The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Oman on its National Day. - [Source]
🏢 The Deputy Head of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports conducted a working visit to Lattakia Port, discussed development plans and work progress, and toured the main container terminal and piers. - [Source]
🏢 The General Company for Roads and Water Projects continues implementing the rainwater drainage project on 8 March Street in Tartous, with a 3,500-meter pipeline to improve infrastructure and reduce water accumulation; completion has reached 76%. - [Source]
🏢 The Ministry of Transport started renovating the Khan Sheikhoun Bridge in Idlib to restore its structural integrity as part of plans to improve infrastructure and traffic flow. - [Source]
🌍 Syria participated in the International Food Security Summit in Kyiv, where the ministerial delegation discussed food security issues, mine challenges, and agricultural cooperation. Syrian and Ukrainian ministers discussed enhancing economic and agricultural cooperation and food supply chains. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6]
🌍 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an MoU with the UNDP to strengthen the Syrian Diplomatic Institute’s capacities and develop training and work environment for diplomats. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
🏢 Officials inaugurated the new water unit building in Al-Nabek, rural Damascus, to improve service for around 125,000 people, as part of the “Our Countryside Deserves” campaign. - [Source]
🏢 The Hama Water Foundation started maintenance and a new pumping network in Souran to improve water pressure and service for affected neighborhoods. - [Source]
🌍 The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, along with Vice President Ahmad Al-Shara, received Lebanese Deputy PM Tarek Mitri in Damascus, discussing bilateral relations and the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanon and potential settlements. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
🔧 The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management held the first technical meeting with the Aga Khan Foundation to develop a joint implementation plan for improving emergency response and risk assessment. - [Source]
🏢 The Public Drinking Water and Sanitation Corporation in Daraa announced a call for tenders to supply ductile iron and copper valves for its projects, with a set deadline for submissions. - [Source]
🏢 Solar power systems started to be installed at Al-Waleed Reform Institute in Qudsaya in preparation for commissioning, as part of efforts by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor to develop centers. - [Source]
🏢 Emergency service projects are being implemented in rural Idlib to repair roads and encourage residents to return. - [Source]
🌍 A Syrian delegation led by the head of the Civil Aviation Authority participated in Dubai Airshow 2025, holding meetings to discuss cooperation and exchange expertise in the aviation sector. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🌍 Syria reactivated its mission at the OPCW in The Hague and appointed Mohammad Katoub as permanent representative; the Foreign Ministry confirmed improved cooperation with the organization and the issuance of an international decision supporting this. - [Source]
🔧 The Ministry of Interior has addressed around 8.3 million travel ban cases since February, lifting 5 million, and continues to review data and separate political from criminal cases. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6], [Source 7], [Source 8], [Source 9], [Source 10], [Source 11], [Source 12], [Source 13]
🔧 The Syrian Border Authority clarified that information about a travel ban via borders with Turkey is inaccurate, and confirmed deleting over 150,000 migration procedures to facilitate travel while updating systems. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
💼 Banking facilities and new services have been provided to investors in the Adra industrial zone. - [Source]
🎤 The National Transitional Justice Authority delegation discussed in Berlin ways to achieve justice and protect victims’ rights and compensation. - [Source]
🏥 A Syrian-German project launched to develop emergency services at Aleppo University Hospital, including modern medical equipment and training programs for doctors, benefiting thousands of residents. - [Source]
💼 The General Fertilizer Company announced its need to supply batteries for its vehicles as per the attached announcement. - [Source]
🔧 Lattakia’s Finance Directorate opened a customer service center to facilitate transactions and improve service quality, as part of a development plan for automation and reducing bureaucracy. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 The Ministry of Energy urged citizens to conserve electricity and use appliances wisely to improve network efficiency and increase supply hours. - [Source]
💻 The 11th Syria HiTech exhibition on information and communications technology launched in Damascus, featuring over 220 companies and the Ministry of Administrative Development presenting digital platforms for government digital transformation. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🏥 Deir ez-Zor has seen a qualitative leap in neonatal care, with improved services for newborns in the region. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🎓 A ministerial committee visited the Directorate of Education in Latakia and launched a new track for performance evaluation and developing educational work, as part of tours to enhance education quality in the governorate. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🎓 The ‘Academia – Syria 2025’ scientific conference was launched in Damascus to promote scientific exchange and support professional medical development, attended by leading doctors and specialists, under the patronage of the Ministries of Higher Education and Health. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 SANA’s news bulletin for 20-11-2025 included various local and general news items. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 The Administrative Development Directorate in Homs continued implementing the ‘Tasees’ project to boost administrative efficiency and digital transformation through training courses aimed at improving staff digital skills and institutional performance. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎓 Minister of Education Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko affirmed that education is a constitutional right for every Syrian child during a meeting with the Syriac Orthodox Bishop, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to ensuring education and enhancing cooperation with religious authorities. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa held a meeting with department heads to review plans for media development, preparing to issue Al-Thawra newspaper in print, the new digital terrestrial broadcasting project, renewing Damascus Radio, restructuring advertising institutions, and coordinating governmental media work. He also met the director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights to enhance the media presence of human rights issues and improve transparency. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎓 The Ministry of Higher Education announced a supplementary admission process for unaccepted students to fill preparatory year vacancies in medical colleges, including an electronic application period. - [Source]
🎓 Dr. Mohammad Al-Suwaid, Assistant Minister of Higher Education, met with the Board of Trustees of the Syrian University for Science and Technology to discuss the academic and administrative situation. - [Source]
🎓 A follow-up visit was conducted to Quneitra Secondary School for Sharia as part of a plan to improve religious education and encourage better educational performance. - [Source]
🔧 The National Commission for the Missing held a communication session with families of the missing in Douma, rural Damascus. - [Source]
🎓 Mazare’ Alloush School was reopened after renovation in Ma’arat al-Numan, Idlib countryside, as part of efforts to support education. - [Source]
🎓 Students of the Technical Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in Damascus showcased their innovations in a project exhibition. - [Source]
🏥 The Dumeir Health Center in Damascus countryside resumed operations after renovation and rehabilitation. - [Source]
🏥 The Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Directorate in Lattakia and Tartous conducted field tours to verify the quality and safety of food products and raise awareness among business owners before taking legal action. - [Source]
🎓 The Ministry of Education had a busy week developing education, including meetings with the Jordanian ambassador, participation with UNESCO, school inspections, opening new schools, curriculum development workshops, and starting to print secure educational certificates. - [Source]
🎓 The Judicial Institute set Saturday, 22-11-2025 as the date for the written competition exam, requesting all applicants to attend at the new Faculty of Law building. - [Source]
🎓 The Ministry of Education inspected institutes in northern rural Aleppo to enhance the educational environment through a field visit to assess staff needs and exam plans. - [Source]
🎓 The Ministry of Awqaf held an educational meeting in Daraa to enhance Quranic work and develop Quran memorization circles as part of efforts to instill values and skills. - [Source]
🏥 The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment participated in a national seminar on antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for legislation, monitoring, awareness, and a national policy to combat the phenomenon. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🌍 Aleppo’s Awqaf Directorate received a Turkish delegation led by Shawki Yilmaz to promote religious and intellectual cooperation and connect scholars. - [Source]
🔧 Latakia’s Directorate of Political Affairs returned the Carmelite monastery building to its nuns after over half a century of Baath Party control, as part of efforts to promote justice and restore rights. - [Source]
🎓 The “Khair Mata’ al-Dunya” course was held in Homs for family preparation and religious awareness as part of Awqaf awareness programs. - [Source]
🔧 The Director of Idlib Endowments held an extensive meeting with the administrative staff to discuss the 2026 work plan, providing guidance to improve institutional performance and discipline. - [Source]
🎓 The Minister of Awqaf attended the conclusion of the “Family Reform Maker” course to enhance family awareness in Syrian society. - [Source]
🔧 The Deputy Minister of Awqaf met a delegation of Christian clergy in Saidnaya to promote national unity and cooperation among Syria’s religious communities. - [Source]
🎭 A central celebration took place in Jasrin, Eastern Ghouta, for World Children’s Day with official and public attendance, including educational and artistic activities as well as honoring children and affirming support for education and child rights. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6]
💼 A vessel arrived at Latakia Port carrying 3,800 tons of fertilizers to support agricultural production. - [Source]
🎭 The Ministry of Awqaf launched the “Grand Quranic Competition 2025” to encourage talents and build an outstanding generation in memorizing and reciting the Quran. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎭 The consultative conference for the National Library in Damascus concluded by launching a new vision and digital transformation priorities. The Minister of Culture announced the 2026 Damascus Book Fair and a new library rhetoric and poetry contest. - [Source]
🎭 The Minister of Culture held an expanded meeting with the executive office of the Writers’ Union to discuss the union’s issues, development projects, and to call for a new phase of cooperation under the slogan ‘Zero Problems’ to represent Syria’s authentic national culture. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎭 The Minister of Tourism honored 25 top graduates from hospitality training centers and announced the launch of new tourism facilities, as well as preparations for a ‘Syrian Cuisine’ competition to enhance the sector and utilize trained personnel. - [Source]
🌍 Syria celebrated the National Environment Day with activities highlighting the importance of environmental protection and the role of official bodies and civil society in sustainable development and public health. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏆 Syria and South Korea discussed enhancing cooperation, especially in taekwondo, developing the national academy, and agreements to support youth and sports, with development plans starting in 2026. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🎭 Artists painted murals in Kafr Nabouda in support of the Fidaa for Hama campaign. - [Source]
🏆 The Construction and Development list led by Firas Tait won the Syrian Football Association executive committee elections with 42 votes against Jamal Al-Sharif’s 23 votes. The new president announced a comprehensive new development phase for Syrian football. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]