Syria Daily News Briefing for 2026-10-18

Processed 118 posts from 31 sources

🏛️ Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara issued Decree No. 191 for 2026, appointing Engineer Omar Samer Al-Halabi as Economic Affairs Advisor at the Presidency and Chairman of the Sovereign Fund board. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏛️ Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara issued Decree No. 190 for 2026, appointing Maher Khalil Al-Hassan as CEO of the Syrian Petroleum Company. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🚨 The Anti-Narcotics Directorate thwarted the smuggling of 260 kg of hashish in Aleppo and continues investigations into the suspects. - [Source]
💰 The Minister of Finance discussed with a Lazard Group delegation cooperation in financial consulting and debt management to support financial reform and international market integration. - [Source]
💰 The Central Bank of Syria issued the official currency exchange bulletin for Sunday, 18-10-2026, in Syrian pounds. - [Source]
🌍 Syria condemned increased Israeli incursions in the Quneitra and Daraa countrysides and intensified air activity in the south, calling on the international community to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from occupied territories. Israeli forces continued incursions, land clearing, set up checkpoints, and released two previously detained youths. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
💰 Syria and the World Bank Group agreed to establish a multi-donor trust fund (START) to support recovery and reconstruction, focusing on national priorities, enhancing transparency, supporting the private sector, and infrastructure. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
💰 The International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced its full support for private sector financing and economic recovery in Syria during a meeting between its general director and Syria’s finance minister, with a focus on strategic projects, regional integration, energy, and food security. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🌍 The Italian ambassador in Idlib examined restoration projects, services, and support for local recovery. - [Source]
🏢 Atmospheric distillation unit 10 at Homs refinery returned to service, boosting petroleum products output. - [Source]

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🤝 The Ministry of Emergency launched the ‘Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response in Syria’ project with international partners and EU support, aiming to build response capacities, support infrastructure and emergency plans, targeting over 165,000 people and improving waterways and agricultural facilities in several provinces. - [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]
🌍 Minister Hind Qabwat and Lebanese counterpart Hanin Sayyed made an official visit to Damascus and its countryside to review educational and care centers, holding sessions with civil society on cooperation and shared social issues, including social protection and refugee return. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
💼 The Ministry of Agriculture discussed with a delegation from Canadian organization Human Concern International ways to enhance cooperation to support agricultural recovery programs, aligning efforts with the ministry’s vision. The sides agreed to develop joint developmental and recovery initiatives for the Syrian agricultural sector with joint expertise and initiatives, attended by Syrian agriculture and foreign affairs officials. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4]
🏢 The ‘Our Countryside is More Beautiful’ campaign implemented 45 projects in Rural Damascus to improve roads, ease transport, and enhance traffic flow. - [Source]
🌍 The Syrian Foreign Ministry followed up on the sinking of the ship ‘HS DIGNITY’ off the Bulgarian coast, which had 14 Syrian sailors on board, and affirmed continued support for survivors and coordination to determine the fate of the missing. - [Source]
🏢 About 2,000 cubic meters of debris were removed in Haran Al-Awamid in rural Damascus. - [Source]
🌍 Key turning points since 2025 have shaped relations between Syria and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. - [Source]
🌍 The Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with the UNMAS chief, underscoring the need to enhance coordination and strengthen Syrian national institutions’ mine removal capabilities. - [Source]
🔧 The Social Insurance Institution expanded insurance coverage and intensified inspections to reduce insurance evasion and protect workers’ rights. - [Source]
🏢 The Roads Transportation Department completed the surveying for the Al-Tanf–Al-Busayri road project using modern techniques. - [Source]
🌍 A joint press statement by Syria and the World Bank reaffirmed Islamic security unity and Syria’s position in the Islamic organization. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
🏥 A medical campaign and specialized surgeries were launched in Deir Ezzor during the Syrian-French medical conference, involving Syrian and foreign doctors and donating advanced equipment to local hospitals. Activities will continue for a week with mobile health workshops to other eastern provinces. - [Source]
🏢 A delegation from the Ministry of Local Administration visited the industrial city in Deir ez-Zor to assess the project and necessary needs for completing rehabilitation and improving readiness. - [Source]
🏢 Over 165,000 travelers passed through the Kasab border crossing with Turkey in nine months, with improved work mechanisms and preparedness. - [Source]
🔧 The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment issued a directive to provinces to maintain and clean rainwater drainage networks before winter to prevent floods, emphasizing timely execution and accountability of relevant bodies. - [Source]
💼 The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry visited the Al-Walaeen industrial plant in Aleppo to review the cotton ginning and spinning industry and discuss development and sector challenges. - [Source]
💼 The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry discussed with representatives of Qiwan Iraqi companies opportunities for investment in the Syrian industrial sector and development of projects and facilities, focusing on iron, cement, and food sectors. - [Source]
🏢 Over 95,000 houses were damaged in Daraa province, with ongoing debris removal challenges reflecting the humanitarian and developmental reality. - [Source]
🔧 The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management announced tenders to supply various equipment including drones, batteries, field assessment devices, mobile units, and satellite internet devices. - [Source]
🚨 The Energy Services Directorate and Internal Security seized a site for mixing and marketing oil residues in Aleppo and a vehicle with smuggled, non-compliant gasoline in Latakia, confiscating the cargo and continuing investigations. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6]
🎓 The Syrian Higher Education Council set a ceiling for credit hour fees in private universities, organized student affairs, emphasized unifying higher education, decided 2025-2026 fees apply only to exhausted students, and extended university admission deadlines to 26/10/2026. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5]
🏥 The Ministry of Administrative Development, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, announced job vacancies at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Idlib, specifying application procedures and deadline as 26/10/2026. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🔧 The Ministry of Energy announced the names of those who passed oral interviews in Raqqa province and invited them to complete contracting procedures in Tabqa. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 SANA Agency published a news summary of key Syrian events for October 18, 2026. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🔧 The message warned about the dangers of driving after being awake for 18 hours, recommending taking a break for safety. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
💼 The Ministry of Transport issued a Request for Information for building and operating an electronic auction platform for special vehicle plates, with responses due by December 1, 2026. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🏥 The Ministry of Health held an awareness session to encourage early breast cancer screening and provided preventive measures to reduce risk. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎓 A specialized training course in Islamic banking and finance was launched by the Central Financial Control Agency in coordination with the Islamic Finance Center and the British Institute of Securities and Investment to improve audit skills and expertise of inspectors. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎤 The People’s Assembly held the first session of the ordinary legislative term. - [Source]
🎓 Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Alkhair Shukri laid the cornerstone for the construction of the Intermediate Sharia Institute in Quteifah, aiming to enhance religious education and develop scientific cadres. - [Source]
🎓 The Directorate of Awqaf in Rural Damascus held a meeting on developing religious education institutions, attended by the Minister of Awqaf, and honored top students and distinguished managers. - [Source]
🏥 The medical point at Jdeidet Yabous crossing continues to provide free around-the-clock health services to travelers and respond to emergencies. - [Source]
🎓 Ibn Khaldoun School in Banias, Tartous countryside, was reopened after rehabilitation. - [Source]
🏥 The Directorates of Internal Trade and Health in Damascus carried out inspections in hospitals, found health violations, and took legal action against violators. - [Source]
🏥 Internal Trade Directorates in Homs and Hama conducted inspections at dairy workshops, found violations such as added formalin and adulteration, seized quantities, and recorded violations. - [Source]
🔧 A new Civil Status Department was opened in Jdeidet Artouz, Rural Damascus, to facilitate residents’ transactions. - [Source]
🎓 Al-Buhturi Secondary School was reopened in Al-Bab city, Aleppo countryside, after restoration. - [Source]
🏥 The Ministry of Health reactivated six mobile medical clinics in Quneitra and western Daraa to support healthcare access in hard-to-reach areas for three months. - [Source]
🔧 The Minister of Justice discussed improving health insurance coverage and services for judges and ministry staff. - [Source]
🏥 Syrian doctors lead in prominent medical positions in Germany, achieving Syrian excellence in the medical field. - [Source]
💼 A delegation from the Syrian Investment Agency held a broad session with economic actors in Hama. - [Source]
🏥 The MRI unit was inaugurated at the National Hospital in Deir ez-Zor to enhance imaging and medical diagnostic services. - [Source]
🔧 The Syrian Ministry of Justice released Lieutenant Ahmad Ma’rouf due to lack of evidence of violations and reaffirmed ongoing investigations into his father, stressing the judiciary’s commitment to rights and the rule of law. - [Source]
🎤 A hearing session was held for survivors of the former regime’s detention centers, calling for accountability and reparations, under the title ‘From Silence to Testimony’. - [Source]
🏢 Hasakeh Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate continued opening water passages and raising embankments along the Khabour River. - [Source]
💼 The Ministry of Agriculture discussed cooperation with a Chinese company specializing in land reclamation, salinity treatment, and application of modern technologies. They agreed to form joint teams for field trials and evaluation for future collaboration. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎓 The graduation exhibition of engineering students at Homs University featured 42 practical projects. - [Source]
🎭 The Minister of Culture discussed with the head of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce ways to enhance cooperation and preparations for an exhibition highlighting Syria’s cultural and tourist landmarks, affirming the ministry’s support for the event and showcasing Syrian cultural heritage. - [Source]
🎭 The ‘Golden Fingers’ exhibition was inaugurated at the Homs Workers’ Union to support working women. - [Source]
🎭 The ‘Because He is Allah’ campaign broadcast its messages from Friday pulpits to strengthen faith, exalt God, and promote individual and societal ethics, receiving broad support from religious and media figures. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3], [Source 4], [Source 5], [Source 6]
🌍 Syria participated in the 65th session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Addis Ababa, focusing on work schedules, funding, and AI regulations. Syria emphasized climate challenges for 2026 and the importance of technology transfer to developing countries. - [Source]
🎭 The Ministry of Culture honored Dr. Mohammad Muti’ al-Hafiz at the National Library in Damascus for his academic contributions to documenting the history of Damascus, attended by officials and cultural figures. - [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
🎭 Syrian cultural relations have increased cooperation with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon through knowledge exchange and partnerships in culture, publishing, and renovation, strengthening Syria’s cultural presence in the Arab world. - [Source 1], [Source 2]
🎭 The message warned about the dangers of careless speech and recommended cautiousness to avoid harm. - [Source]
🎭 The Permanent Committee for Freedoms in the Arab Journalists Union launched its annual report on press freedoms for 2025-2026 for the first time in Damascus after liberation. - [Source]
🎭 The anniversary of the artist Amer Al-Sbei, known as the ‘Sheikh of Syrian Revolution Youth’, was commemorated. - [Source]
🎭 A choral concert titled ‘Melodies on the Childhood String’ was held as part of Women’s Week events in Hama. - [Source]
🔬 Two researchers from the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission were listed among the top 2% of scientists worldwide according to the Stanford–Elsevier 2026 database, reflecting Syria’s academic competence internationally. - [Source]
🌍 The Izraa forest nursery plays a key role in increasing plant cover in Daraa Governorate. - [Source]
🏆 The first day of the national triathlon and aquathlon championships in Tartous saw competitions between 91 athletes from 9 Syrian provinces, organized by the sports directorate and Syrian triathlon federation, with attendance of sports and tourism figures. - [Source]
🏆 Syria’s national team won a gold, silver, and four bronze medals at the Kickboxing World Cup in Uzbekistan, reflecting the determination of Syrian athletes and raising Syria’s international profile. - [Source]