News for Thursday, 2025-01-16

The SFM’s News:

Internal News:

  • Comprehensive Census Launched in Syria: A nationwide census has been initiated to enhance planning and efficiently allocate resources to meet citizens’ needs.
  • SDF Suspends Conscription Discharges: The Syrian Democratic Forces have halted the discharge of conscripts due to increasing desertions and defections, highlighting internal challenges.
  • Qatari Prime Minister Meets Al-Sharaa in Damascus: The Qatari Prime Minister met with Farouk Al-Sharaa in Damascus to strengthen regional diplomatic dialogue.
  • Al-Sharaa Discusses Bilateral Ties with Spanish FM: Farouk Al-Sharaa met with the Spanish Foreign Minister in Damascus to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.
  • Umayyad Mosque Temporarily Closed for Maintenance: The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus has been closed for essential maintenance to preserve this historic and religious site.
  • Assad Forces’ Looting Causes Cancer Drug Shortage: Looting by Assad regime forces has caused a severe shortage of cancer medications, endangering patients’ lives.
  • 40% of Syria’s Electricity Grid is Dysfunctional: Syria faces a major power crisis with 40% of its electricity grid deteriorated, worsening daily hardships.
  • 16,000 Former Regime Fighters’ Status Settled in Hama: The status of 16,000 former regime soldiers and allied militias in Hama has been regularized under local reconciliation policies.
  • Asaad Al-Shaibani Affirms Commitment to 1974 Agreement: Asaad Al-Shaibani stated that forces remain on high alert against new threats while fully committed to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Related News:

  • France Prepares to Host Conference on Syria: The Élysée Palace announced that France will host a conference on Syria on February 13 in Paris to discuss political solutions to the Syrian crisis.
  • Mazloum Abdi Meets Masoud Barzani in Erbil: SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi held a meeting with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani in Erbil to discuss regional developments and Kurdish relations.
  • Qatar Reaffirms Support for Syria and Condemns Israeli Intervention: Doha reiterated its firm support for Syria and its people while strongly condemning Israeli interventions in Syrian affairs.
  • Spain Reopens Its Embassy in Damascus: Spain raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus after 13 years of suspended activity, signaling a new diplomatic opening toward the Syrian government.
  • Japan Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Syria: Japan declared its full commitment to participating in international conferences supporting Syria to promote stability and reconstruction efforts.
  • Trump’s Secretary of State Nominee: Continued Support for SDF and Possible Sanctions Relief: Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State stated that the U.S. will maintain support for the SDF and may consider lifting sanctions on Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
  • European Document Reveals Conditions for Lifting Sanctions on Syria: A European document revealed that sanction relief will be limited to the transport, oil, and banking sectors, while sanctions on the Assad regime will remain.
  • UN Official: Meetings with New Syrian Administration Aim to Build Trust: A UN official confirmed that ongoing meetings with Syria’s new administration aim to build trust and strengthen cooperation for stability.
  • Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights to Damascus: After more than a decade-long suspension, Turkish Airlines announced the resumption of its flights to Damascus, reflecting shifts in regional relations. aim to build trust.
  • After more than 10 years, Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Damascus.

International News:

  • Israeli Cabinet to Approve Gaza Agreement: Hebrew media reported that the Israeli Security Cabinet will hold a meeting on Friday morning to approve the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
  • Bin Salman and Macron Support Forming a Strong Lebanese Government: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their support for forming a strong Lebanese government capable of addressing political and economic challenges.
  • Jordan Resumes Flights to Damascus: Jordan announced the resumption of its flights to the Syrian capital, Damascus, at the end of this month after a 13-year suspension, marking a step toward strengthening bilateral relations.
  • UN Warns of a Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The United Nations warned of a looming humanitarian disaster in Gaza as 80,000 tons of food await entry amid ongoing border restrictions.
  • Turkish Airlines Bans Iranians and Israelis from Traveling to Syria: Turkish Airlines imposed a travel ban on Iranian and Israeli citizens heading to Syria amid escalating regional tensions.
  • Israel Kills 71 Palestinians in Gaza Despite Ceasefire: Israeli forces killed 71 Palestinians in Gaza following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement, raising concerns over the seriousness of commitment to the truce.

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