★ SYRIA
Russia Commits to Strategic Ties with Post-Assad Syria
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Russia’s plans for “long-term and strategic” relations with Syria’s new leadership after Bashar al-Assad’s December 8 removal. Lavrov condemned efforts to divide Syria, pledged to uphold its sovereignty, and highlighted ongoing contacts through Moscow’s Damascus embassy to ensure diplomatic and citizen security. Russia aims to resume economic, political, and military cooperation for Syria’s stability.
Syria’s New Leaders Crack Down During Rising Tensions
Syria’s new authorities initiated a security operation in a coastal region following the killing of 14 policemen, accusing remnants of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government of orchestrating the attack. State media reported the leadership’s warning against incitement and their commitment to maintaining order.
Syrian Government Engages Alawite Leaders to Address Tensions
Syria’s Interior Ministry met Alawite leaders in Damascus’s Mezzeh district after unrest sparked by a video showing the burning of an Alawite shrine. Simultaneously, Latakia’s governor engaged Alawite elders to encourage social cohesion and civil peace in the coastal region. Governor Mohammad Othman emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony and stability across all societal components.
Syria Detains Former General for Sednaya Prison Abuses
Syrian authorities arrested Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, a former general under Bashar al-Assad, for alleged abuses at Sednaya prison. Captured in Khirbet al-Mazah near Tartus, Hassan is accused of torture and executions at the facility, notorious for detaining thousands of Syrians and foreigners. The arrest follows the December 8 collapse of Assad’s government, with the new administration targeting officials linked to such crimes. Assad fled to Moscow during a rebel offensive earlier this month.
Iraqi Delegation Meets Syrian Officials Post-Assad Era
An Iraqi delegation, led by Intelligence Chief Hamid al-Shatri, met with Syrian officials in Damascus, marking the first such visit since Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Syrian officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, participated in the discussions. The meeting focused on developments in Syria and ensuring security along the shared border, according to Iraqi and Syrian state media.
SDF Foils Major Turkey-Backed Militia Attack on Manbij
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced thwarting a large-scale attack by Turkey-backed factions on southeastern Manbij, killing 12 militants. Earlier, Turkey’s Defense Ministry stated that Manbij and Tishrin Dam in Aleppo province remain under the control of the Ankara-aligned Syrian National Army, dismissing Kurdish militant advances in the area as baseless claims.
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★ ISRAEL
Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen; 18 Injured in Shelter Rush
Israeli forces intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early Friday, triggering sirens across central Israel. The missile was neutralized before entering Israeli airspace. However, 18 individuals were injured in the rush to shelters. In response, Israel launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, including an attack on Sanaa, resulting in six deaths. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s ongoing military efforts to counter Houthi forces, marking an escalation in regional tensions.
Israel Investigates Sara Netanyahu for Witness Intimidation and Obstruction of Justice
Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, is investigating Sara Netanyahu for allegedly intimidating witnesses and obstructing justice in her husband’s corruption trial. The investigation follows Channel 12’s claims that she threatened a key witness. Prime Minister Netanyahu defended his wife, accusing the media and protestors of using her to attack him politically. The controversy grew after revelations of Sara’s influence within Israel’s police and her involvement with the Likud party.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Seeks Better Relations With Syria Following Bashar al-Assad’s Ouster
Lebanon expressed interest in improving relations with Syria after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Foreign Minister Abdullah Bouhabib shared this message with Syrian counterpart Assad Hassan Al-Shibani during a phone call. Historically, Lebanon and Syria’s relationship has been strained since Lebanon’s independence in the 1940s. Syria controlled Lebanon for 15 years after its civil war, until external pressures forced Syria to withdraw in 2005. Lebanon now seeks a fresh chapter of cooperation.
Israel Conducts Largest Ground Breach in Lebanon, Kidnaps Lebanese Citizen
On December 26, 2024, Israeli forces breached Lebanon’s ceasefire, marking their largest ground violation since the truce. Troops advanced into southern Lebanon’s Wadi al-Hijr and Qantara, abducting Lebanese citizen Hassam Fawaz near a UNIFIL base. The Lebanese military reinforced its presence in response, coordinating with UN peacekeepers. Lebanon demanded Israel’s immediate withdrawal and full adherence to international resolutions, condemning the repeated violations that threaten regional stability and undermine efforts for lasting peace.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Netanyahu States No Deal Without List of Living Prisoners’ Names
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that no deal will proceed without a list of living prisoners. He expressed frustration over Israel’s inability to obtain the names from Hamas, stressing that no agreement will be made without knowing who will return from Gaza. While negotiations in Doha have made some progress, significant gaps remain. Israeli and U.S. officials believe the chances of reaching an agreement before President-elect Trump’s inauguration are slim.
Resistance Targets Israeli Command Center, Kills Officer, and Escalates Attacks in Gaza
Palestinian resistance groups Sarayat al-Quds and Al-Qassam Brigades targeted an Israeli command center in Netzarim with precision, downing an Israeli reconnaissance drone. The operation, which communicated to the Palestinian Authority to cease operations against resistance in the West Bank, demonstrated factional unity. Meanwhile, an Israeli lieutenant colonel was killed by sniper fire in Gaza, and Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades targeted a Merkava tank with explosives. The ongoing conflict has left over 154,000 Palestinians killed or injured and severely damaged Gaza’s infrastructure.
IDF Destroys Two-Kilometer Hamas Tunnel, Weapon Manufacturing Site in Jabalya
The IDF’s 401st Brigade destroyed a two-kilometer Hamas tunnel in Jabalya, Gaza, used as a hideout. IDF forces also destroyed weapons, uniforms, and military equipment. Additionally, a structure for manufacturing explosives was demolished. This follows the destruction of two massive Hamas tunnels by the Gaza Division engineering unit. These operations target Hamas’ underground infrastructure and weapons manufacturing, significantly weakening the group’s military capabilities in Gaza.
IDF Airstrike Kills Five Journalists, Three Infants Freeze to Death in Gaza
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza’s Nuseirat killed five journalists from Al-Quds Today, linked to Islamic Jihad. Simultaneously, another strike killed five and injured twenty in Gaza City. Three infants also died of hypothermia in refugee camps due to freezing temperatures and inadequate shelter. The IDF confirmed targeting Islamic Jihad operatives while minimizing civilian harm. These incidents highlight Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis during escalating violence.
Israel Airstrike Near Kamal Adwan Hospital Kills Nearly 50 Palestinians
Israel’s airstrike on a building near Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza killed nearly 50 Palestinians, including three medical staff. Hussam Abu Safia, the hospital’s director, confirmed that the medical staff were staying with their families at the time. The strike targeted a structure in Beit Lahia Project area, increasing civilian casualties. This attack contributes to Israel’s ongoing military operations, worsening the humanitarian crisis and highlighting the dangers healthcare workers face in Gaza during the conflict.
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★ TURKIYE
Turkey: Strengthening Defense Cooperation with New Syrian Administration
Turkey’s Ministry of Defense supports the establishment of a unified Syrian army and stresses defense collaboration with Syria’s new government. Turkey offers its strong defense infrastructure and counterterrorism expertise to enhance Syria’s security. Committed to eliminating terrorism, Turkey ensures no terrorist groups will operate in Syria or the region. This cooperation benefits both countries and promotes regional stability, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations and broader regional security dynamics.
Turkey-Backed Forces Claim Manbij and Tishreen Dam Control
Turkey’s Ministry of Defense announced that Syrian National Army forces, backed by Turkey, control Manbij and the Tishreen Dam. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rejected these claims, insisting the dam remains under their control despite multiple attacks. SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami released a video showing the SDF forces still holding the dam. The ongoing clashes have resulted in significant casualties, with 450 Turkish-backed fighters killed and major military equipment destroyed. Tensions remain high due to continuous bombardments.
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★ IRAN
Iran Retracts Naming Street in Tehran After Yahya Sinwar
Tehran City Council spokesperson Ali Reza Nadali announced the suspension of the decision to rename “Biston” Street in District 6 of Tehran to“Yahya Sinwar,” the former Hamas leader in Gaza, who was killed on October 17, 2024, during a gunfight with Israeli military forces in Gaza. The official Iranian news agency, IRNA, reported that the decision to name the street after Sinwar has been suspended, and the matter was referred back to the council’s naming committee for further study.
Senior Iranian Official: Resistance in Syria Will Revive Within a Year
The continuous statements by Iranian officials regarding Syria, expressed through various phrases, reflect their expectations of rejecting the current situation and the new administration in Damascus. Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and government spokesperson Fatima Mohajerani, share these views. In his latest statement, Mohsen Rezaei, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council and former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard during the Iran-Iraq War, told the semi-official news agency ISNA: “The young and resistant Syrian people will not remain silent in the face of foreign occupation and aggression nor against attempts for internal monopolization by any group.”
80 Power Plants Offline in Iran as Fuel Shortages Hit Country
Around 80 power plants in Iran have gone offline due to a decline in natural gas and liquid fuel supplies, causing frequent power outages in Tehran and several provinces during rising domestic demand. Data reviewed by the Energy Platform (based in Washington) revealed that, of approximately 600 electricity generation units, at least 80 are out of service due to a shortage or absence of fuel (gas and diesel). The fuel supply deficit has led to an increase in power outages, coinciding with a cold wave hitting the country during the first week of winter, signaling that the crisis may persist in the coming months.
Trade Between Iran and Eurasian Union Grows by 12.8% in 10 Months
Jeytjan Saginatayev, Head of the Executive Committee of the Eurasian Economic Union, announced that trade volume between the five member states of the union and the Islamic Republic of Iran grew by 12.8% during the first ten months of this year. During his meeting on Thursday with Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade at the Eurasian Union summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saginatayev emphasized that Iran is one of the Union’s important partners. He further noted that since the implementation of the temporary trade agreement between Eurasian countries and Iran from 2018 to 2023, financial trade between the two sides has doubled.
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★ IRAQ
Sunni Political Movements in Iraq Raise Shiite Concerns
Iraqi Sunni parties are intensifying activities after regional shifts, signaling possible leadership changes. Mohammed al-Halbousi’s U.S. visit on December 4 and subsequent Sunni leadership meetings demanded implementing political agreements, including general amnesty. Key meetings included Khamis al-Khanjar with Masoud Barzani on December 7 and Jamal al-Karbouli with Nouri al-Maliki on December 23. These movements prompted Shiite concerns, with Popular Mobilization Forces mobilized near Sunni-majority provinces, during speculation linked to Syrian developments.
Iraq’s Oil Exports Reach Nearly 100 Million Barrels in November
Iraq’s Ministry of Oil announced total oil exports for November reached approximately 100 million barrels, based on data from the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO). Exports from central and southern fields accounted for 98.6 million barrels, while exports to Jordan totaled 266,715 barrels.
Iraq Plans 20% Reduction in Gas Flaring by Next Year
Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, aims to cut gas flaring to 20% by 2025 to meet rising demand and reduce imports. Deputy Gas Affairs Minister Izzat Saber Ismail stated Iraq utilized 67% of gas from oil fields by late 2024, with new southern projects, including Total’s initiative, boosting efficiency. The country plans to eliminate gas flaring entirely by 2029 or early 2030. Iraq remains among the top gas-flaring nations, alongside Russia, Iran, and the U.S., wasting fuel crucial for electricity generation.
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★ YEMEN
Israeli Airstrikes Target Sanaa Airport and Hodeidah Port During Houthi Leader’s Speech
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and Hodeidah Port on Thursday, targeting Houthi infrastructure, homes, and Sanaa Airport. The attack coincided with a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Israeli sources revealed the operation followed a recommendation from the Chief of Staff.
Yemen Airstrike Toll Rises to 6 Dead, UN Chief Voices Concern
The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa Airport and Hodeidah province in Yemen has risen to six, with 40 injured. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the strikes. The Houthi group condemned the attack, calling it a “blatant aggression.” Earlier, Houthi media reported three killed and 16 injured at Sanaa Airport. Among the casualties were two airport staff and a UN pilot injured during the evacuation of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus from the capital.
Yemeni PM Advisor Urges End to Israeli and Houthi Threats
Dr. Ali Al-Sarari, advisor to Yemen’s Prime Minister, called for halting threats from both Israel and the Houthis, accusing the Houthi militias of escalating the current conflict. He emphasized the severity of Israeli strikes on Yemen, noting their detrimental impact on the Yemeni people.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Saudi King Receives Written Message from Russian President Putin
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz received a written message from Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations. Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji received the message during a meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. The discussions focused on strengthening and expanding cooperation in various fields.
Saudi Defense Minister Discusses Military Ties with Lebanese Army Chief
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with Lebanese Army Chief General Joseph Aoun on Thursday, focusing on military relations and developments in Lebanon. Prince Khalid stated on “X” that discussions included bilateral military and defense cooperation and efforts to address Lebanon’s current situation.
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★ EGYPT
Sisi: Regional Challenges Cost Egypt $7 Billion in 2024
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated on Thursday that recent tensions in the Red Sea region and regional challenges have cost Egypt approximately $7 billion in Suez Canal revenues in 2024. In a statement, Sisi added that Egypt lost over 60% of its canal revenues in 2024 compared to 2023. Since November, the Houthi group in Yemen has launched nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea. These attacks forced shipping companies to reroute ships from the Suez Canal to the longer Cape of Good Hope route around Africa, affecting global trade by delaying deliveries and increasing costs.
Egypt’s Exports to the U.S. in 2024 Exceed $2 Billion
The Information and Decision Support Center of the Egyptian Cabinet revealed that Egypt’s exports to the United States in the first 10 months of 2024 reached approximately $2.16 billion. According to a report published on the Cabinet’s official Facebook page, the export figures for each month are as follows:
January 2024: $136.5 million, February 2024: $207.3 million
March 2024: $245.8 million, April 2024: $234.2 million
May 2024: $193 million, June 2024: $228.6 million
July 2024: $203.4 million, August 2024: $263.9 million
September 2024: $203.6 million, October 2024: $244.9 million
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