Syria Daily News Briefing for 2026-03-20

Processed 144 posts from 31 sources

• 🏛️ President Ahmad Al-Shar’a issued comprehensive reform decrees on Eid al-Fitr, including a 50% salary and wage increase for most state employees, exceptional raises for health and education sectors, formation of damage assessment committees, tax exemptions for affected establishments, settlement of defaulted loans and waivers of late fees. In his speech, the president highlighted a new phase of stability, unprecedented wage hikes, a new minimum wage, budget surplus, and strengthening national belonging. - [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], [Source 14], [Source 15], [Source 16], [Source 17], [Source 18], [Source 19], [Source 20], [Source 21], [Source 22], [Source 23], [Source 24], [Source 25], [Source 26], [Source 27], [Source 28], [Source 29], [Source 30], [Source 31], [Source 32], [Source 33], [Source 34], [Source 35], [Source 36], [Source 37], [Source 38], [Source 39], [Source 40]
• ⚔️ Roads were closed in Quneitra following missile strikes from mutual shelling between Israel and Iran. UNDOF and civil defense secured the area with a security cordon to protect locals. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
• ⚔️ Syrian Defense Minister Merhaf Abu Qasra phoned his Turkish counterpart to congratulate him on Eid al-Fitr, wished security and stability for the Turkish people, joined army leaders in Eid prayers, and delivered a congratulatory speech. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
• 🏛️ President Ahmad Al-Shar’a congratulated the Syrian people and the Arab and Islamic nations on Eid al-Fitr and the anniversary of the Syrian revolution, performed the Eid prayer in the Presidential Palace with senior officials and scholars, received well-wishers and exchanged greetings. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6], [Source 7]
• 🚨 The Ministry of Interior foiled an attempt to smuggle weapons and ammunition in Sweida on the Bosra al-Sham–Bakka road after a shootout with the gang, seizing arms. Security forces affirmed continued pursuit of outlaws. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6], [Source 7]
• 🚨 The Council of Arab Interior Ministers condemned Iranian drone and missile attacks on several Arab countries, fully rejecting them and expressing solidarity, supporting all security measures. The UAE announced dismantling a network linked to Iran and Hezbollah; Kuwait foiled a similar plot, and Lebanon denounced a terrorist plot against the UAE. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
• 🚨 Internal security forces enhanced security plans during Eid al-Fitr by upping preparedness, deploying units in gatherings, conducting patrols, awareness campaigns, distributing flowers, and using K9 units to detect suspicious objects, stressing safety instructions. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
• 🏢 Maintenance was carried out on the electricity grid in Daraa camp to improve power stability, replacing transformers and cables. - [Source]
• 🏢 The Ministry of Energy restarted a 100 MW power generation unit at Mhardeh plant in Hama after more than 10 years, supporting power stability and implementing local rehabilitation efforts. The minister praised staff and encouraged monitoring rainfall via a special app. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
• 🌍 Qatar and Jordan condemned the Israeli attack on southern Syria, calling on the international community to stop violations and support Syrian sovereignty. Syria held Israel fully responsible for the escalation in official statements. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6]