Syria Daily News Briefing for 2026-05-12

Processed 167 posts from 31 sources

⚔️ Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed seven, including a Syrian, and wounded others; since March, the death toll has reached 2,882 with 8,768 injured, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. - [Source]
⚔️ Israeli occupation forces carried out incursions in rural Quneitra, fired mortar shells near the village of Tranja, set up temporary checkpoints, then later withdrew without detentions. Syria condemned these actions and called on the international community to act. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
⚔️ Syrian Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Merhaf Abu Qasra met Aleppo dignitaries and city officials, and visited the city’s Mufti and several families to enhance communication and discuss local conditions. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
🌍 Trump is considering resuming combat operations against Iran due to stalled negotiations and the closure of Hormuz, amid US deliberations on escalation or diplomacy and regional interventions to send messages to Iran. - [Source]
💰 The Syrian-Emirati investment forum in Damascus saw broad official and business participation, focusing on reconstruction, expanding partnerships in various sectors, signing agreements, and official visits and meetings to strengthen strategic partnerships and religious and institutional restoration. - [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]
🚨 The Counter-Terrorism Directorate arrested General Jayez Hammoud Al-Mousa, former Chief of the Air Force Staff during the previous regime, in a well-executed security operation. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🚨 Kuwait summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest an IRGC infiltration attempt on Boubyan Island, blaming Iran for the incident and announcing the foiling of the operation and arrest of those involved. - [Source]
🌍 Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan al-Shaibani participated in launching the first high-level political dialogue between Syria and the EU in Brussels, stressing the importance of economic partnership after lifting sanctions. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6], [Source 7]
🏢 Syrian Railways approved its 2026 operational plan to boost cargo transport and launched a unified rail tariff for the Tartous–Latakia–Aleppo route to support economic activity. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🤝 OCHA office at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a delegation from 23 donor countries to discuss humanitarian funding and early recovery, with Syria welcoming international cooperation for national recovery strategies in key sectors and return areas. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6], [Source 7]

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🚨 The Syrian Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Training signed a cooperation protocol with the Turkish Gendarmerie Command to enhance security cooperation. The Syrian delegation also visited Turkish academies and checked on Syrian scholarship students. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
💰 The official and financial news brief included Central Bank of Syria bulletins, industrial and commercial investment reports, officials’ statements on Syria’s economic recovery and the key role of investors in reconstruction, along with enforcement of investment laws and investor protection. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
🏢 The Minister of Energy discussed with the Norwegian ambassador supporting vital energy projects and developing international partnerships to improve the reliability of Syria’s electric grid and infrastructure. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🌍 EU countries reactivated the trade cooperation agreement with Syria for the first time in over a decade, aiming to support economic stability, reconstruction efforts, and open a new political dialogue. - [Source]
🏢 Jandar power plant in Homs regained full operational readiness for the first time in ten years. - [Source]
💼 The Syrian Petroleum Company signed an MoU with American, French, and Qatari companies to explore oil and gas in Syrian territorial waters to boost maritime exploration. - [Source]
🤝 UN programs and the Syrian government held a meeting to develop the national programme document focusing on humanitarian aid and reconstruction; a national anti-torture strategy was also developed with civil society and international partners. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
🌍 A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with the European Commission delegation and the U.S. Near Eastern Affairs deputy director during the EU-Syria partnership forum in Brussels. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏢 Aleppo Governorate started repairing and paving the damaged sections of the Azaz–Tell Rifaat road in northern Aleppo countryside. - [Source]
🏢 Homs Water Authority completed major repairs to improve water supply in Deir Baalbah, Al-Bayada, and Al-Abbasiyah neighborhoods with the start of summer and affirmed continued network development and response to residents’ complaints. - [Source]
🏢 Work teams continue rehabilitating the Rastan Bridge in preparation for its reopening to traffic soon. - [Source]
🏢 Alternative electrical transformers with a capacity of 200 kVA restored power and improved service in rural Hama. Maintenance work and installation of new transformers in Talhasan Basha, Al-Sa’n, and Zaghrin accompanied this, with TV reports highlighting the positive impact on residents and service stability. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🌍 A UN delegation in Hama met families of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons, hearing testimonies as part of efforts to clarify their fate and achieve justice for victims. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏢 The optical cable project in Raqqa entered its final stages to improve internet and communication services. - [Source]
🏢 The Deputy Minister of Energy inspected the joint and Baberi pumping stations in rural Aleppo and instructed an acceleration in repairs to return the damaged station to service and ensure continuous water and energy supply. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🌍 The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor discussed with Egypt’s chargé d’affaires ways to enhance cooperation in social and labor affairs, coordinating for an official visit to Cairo to benefit from Egypt’s leading experiences in developing Syria’s social and professional work programs. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏢 The Homs Resources Directorate and FAO launched a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the Homs-Hama irrigation project to improve water management, train staff, and boost agricultural productivity and water security. - [Source]
🏢 The Ministry of Public Works and Housing is rehabilitating and developing vital services in Raqqa, forming a committee to enhance coordination and accelerate efforts. - [Source]
🌍 The Syrian Minister of Justice visited the permanent mission to the OPCW in The Hague, met the Syrian ambassador and the US ambassador, discussed cooperation, participated in the ‘Justice then Stability’ conference, and held meetings to enhance international cooperation. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🤝 With support from the King Salman Center, ten schools in rural Damascus and Homs are being rehabilitated. - [Source]
🔧 Eighty municipalities in Idlib have been reactivated after the opening of 24 new ones as part of a plan to improve local administration and services, with continued work on the remaining municipalities. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 The Ministry of Administrative Development announced job vacancies in Damascus in several specialties, setting out application conditions, selection criteria, and the final deadline for applications. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 The Ministry of Transport is preparing to open a new transportation sub-directorate in Damascus–Nahr Aisha to improve services. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏢 The Mahardeh Dam returned to service after comprehensive maintenance in partnership with the FAO, enhancing water stability and supporting agriculture in the Al-Ghab area, with the dam ready to release water soon. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
💼 The Minister of Local Administration and Environment met a Saudi investor to discuss real estate development projects in Aleppo and Hama and reviewed new investment ideas to support key upcoming projects. - [Source]
🔧 Syrian Airlines transported pilgrims to Medina for the first time since liberation, with further flights and expanded airport services, in coordination with the Saudi side. Relevant government agencies are preparing to support Syrian pilgrims. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6]
🏢 A project to remove and recycle debris in Al-Sabeel 2 neighborhood in Homs was launched in cooperation with a Turkish company. - [Source]
🏢 Work continues on the Arida border crossing bridge as part of a border development plan, along with maintenance and rehabilitation of Thawra field wells in Raqqa to boost energy production. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏢 Niyara road in Azaz was rehabilitated, the driving license center in Latakia started receiving applicants after renovation, and an inspection tour took place at Tal al-Iss archaeological site in Aleppo to monitor illegal excavations. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🔧 The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment launched a workshop on internal oversight and enhancing governance and transparency, in cooperation with the Central Authority for Control and Inspection, to boost transparency, support integrity, fight corruption, develop institutional performance, and protect public funds. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
🎓 Damascus University announced applications are open for the 2027 Japanese government (MEXT) scholarship and discussed academic cooperation with the Japanese chargé d’affaires. - [Source]
🎓 Final exams for transitional classes have started as the Ministry of Education discussed preparations to ensure a safe environment for over 4.4 million students in more than 19,000 schools. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🏥 The Ministry of Health celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Field Epidemiology Training Program in Syria, aimed at strengthening epidemiological surveillance and preparing teams for health emergencies, in partnership with local and international organizations. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment activated its complaints office to receive and process citizens’ complaints through the Public Relations Directorate, promoting transparency and public trust. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏥 The Syrian Ministry of Health praised the contributions of nursing staff and highlighted their key role in healing on International Nurses Day. - [Source]
🏥 The Minister of Health stated that the ministry is addressing shortages of specialized and cancer medications, and the issue of dismissed employees is nearing completion. - [Source]
🏥 Authorities launched the mental health gap program to train staff from different ministries and enhance mental health services to reach the largest number of beneficiaries. - [Source]
🔧 SANA news brief for 12-5-2026 was published. - [Source]
🎓 The Minister of Higher Education certified around 18,000 private university degrees in Syria and facilitated graduation and certification procedures to improve institutional performance and educational services. - [Source]
💻 The first Hackathon for mobile app development reached its final stage at Homs University. - [Source]
🎤 Public trials for former regime officials began in Syria, promoting accountability and allowing victims to seek recognition for their rights according to international justice standards, despite ongoing legal challenges. - [Source]
🎓 The Ministry of Higher Education released the results of the unified medical selection in Syria, to be followed by vacancy-filling and specialization change selection, ensuring fairness for students. - [Source]
🔧 The Ministry of Transport extended working hours at its directorates and will receive visitors on Saturdays to ease transaction completion and reduce crowding. - [Source]
🏢 Officials from the General Authority for Water Resources toured Hasakah to assess the southern dam and rehabilitate irrigation stations, focusing on supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural stability in the area. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🌍 The increased water levels in rural Damascus dams support agricultural development plans. - [Source]
🎓 Bana Abdullah was crowned the champion of the 10th season of the Arab Reading Challenge in Syria, and Mahmoud Omran won in the disability category, in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Social Affairs and officials from Syria and the UAE at the Damascus Opera House. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🎓 The annual scientific forum was held at Latakia University, an international conference on education and psychology at Euphrates University, a quality workshop at Idlib University, and a scientific day on medical atomic energy at Al-Shamal Private University. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
🎭 The Ministry of Culture signed a memorandum of understanding with Yarmouk University to enhance cooperation in heritage preservation, exchange expertise, and implement joint projects for three years, forming joint coordination teams. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🌍 A plan was set up to address quarry damage in Ma’tarem and Ourm Al-Jouz in Idlib, including road paving studies to ensure residents’ safety and protect the environment and crops. - [Source]
🏆 The Syrian Ministry of Sports and Youth took part in the “Konya, Capital of Youth 2026” event in Turkey, discussed cooperation in youth programs, and considered nominating Damascus as the youth capital next year, with an official delegation present. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔬 The Syrian Atomic Energy Commission participated in ARASIA meetings in Vienna, discussing strengthening Arab and regional cooperation in nuclear science, technical projects, experience exchange, and sustainable development through peaceful nuclear energy use. - [Source]
🏆 The National Paralympic Committee signed two memorandums of understanding with the Syrian Cycling and Fencing Federations to support and develop Paralympic sports, enhance technical and administrative cooperation, and form a joint committee for supervision. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]