Five Martyred including People’s Assembly Member, 23 Injured in Three Terrorist Bombings Targeting Interior Ministry Building
Dec 12, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA)- Three terrorist bombings took place on Wednesday evening, targeting the Interior Ministry building Kafarsouseh area in Damascus, martyring five and injuring 23.
A statement from the Interior Ministry said that at 5:20 PM of Wednesday 12/12/2012, three explosions took place in front the Interior Ministry building, two of them caused by explosive devices with a delay between the two, followed five minutes later by the explosion of car bomb carrying around 200 kilograms of explosives, martyring five and injuring 23, including civilians and Ministry personnel.
The statement said that the authorities at the Ministry began investigations and lifted evidence, remains of explosives, and body parts from the site and sent them to labs to uncover the details of this terrorists attack.
The Ministry affirmed that this criminal act will not dissuade it from combating terrorism along with the Army and Armed Forces, vowing to exert all its forces and sacrifice everything for the sake of the security of citizens and the country, stressing that it will show no leniency in pursuing murderous takfiri terrorists.
Earlier, the Interior Ministry announced that the Interior Minister and senior officers at the Ministry are safe and unharmed.
People’s Assembly Member Martyred in Terrorist Attack on Interior Ministry
Among that martyrs was member of the People’s Assembly for the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, Abdullah Kayrouz.
In a statement, the Politburo of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party said that the martyrdom of Kayrouz and other Syrians in the bombings that took place on Wednesday constitute clear evidence of the heinous, undiscriminating crimes committed by the armed terrorist groups in Syria.
The statement said that the Syrian Social Nationalist Party condemns terrorism and extremism and holds the western, Arab and regional forces that support terrorists groups responsible for the shedding of Syrian blood.
The statement affirmed that the blood of martyrs only makes Syrians more determined to confront the conspiracy targeting their homeland, and that terrorism will not dissuade them from carrying out their national duties and defending Syria’s unity and stability.
Kayrouz was born in the town of Kafer Takharim in Idleb. He assumed several posts in the Syrian Social Nationalist Party before becoming a member of its Politburo and a member of the People’s Assembly for Aleppo province.
Terrorists Detonate Explosive Device in Microbus in al-Mazzeh 86 Neighborhood, Martyring Three Citizens including a Journalist and Injuring Eight
Terrorists on Wednesday evening detonated an explosive device planted in a public transport minibus while it was in front of Hafez Ibrahim School in al-Mazzeh 86 neighborhood in Damascus, martyring and injuring a number of civilians including women and children.
A source at Martyr Yousef al-Azmeh Hosptial told SANA that the bodies of two martyrs arrived at the hospital, one of the a child, along with three people suffering critical injures due to the bombing.
A source at al-Muwasat Hospital said that the body of one woman who was martyred in the blast arrived at the hospital, along with five injure people, some of them women and children.
SANA’s reporter who visited the site of the attack said that the explosion destroyed the minibus completely and caused severe material damages to nearby cars and shops.
Al-Mazeh 86 was targeted several times by terrorists, most recently by an explosive device planted in a car near al-Saadeh bakery on December 6th which led to the martyring of one citizen and the injuring of others.
Journalist Anmar Yassin Mohammad who works at the News Center was among those who were martyred in this terrorist attack.
Mohammad worked as a chief editor and a program producer at the General Establishment of Radio and Television’s News Center, working on programs such as the daily news program Headlines and Columns and The World This Morning, in addition to working on a variety of other programs and interviews and as a field reporter.
Mohammad was born in 1973. He left behind a wife and two children.
One Citizen Martyred, Four Injured by Two Explosive Devices Blasts in Jaramana
Terrorists on Wednesday detonated two roadside bombs at the entrance of al-Qurayat neighborhood in Jaramana in Damascus Countryside, killing a citizen and injuring 4 others in addition to causing material damage.
A source at Jaramana Surgical Hospital told SANA reporter that a body of a martyr was admitted to the hospital, in addition to 4 citizens with light injures who were given necessary treatment.
Another source at al-Radi Hospital said that a citizen injured in the explosion was admitted to the hospital.
Member of Damascus Countryside Governorate Council, Iyad Barakat, said that the detonation of the two explosive devices took place near the Second Elementary School of Jaramana.
Terrorists Detonate 2 Explosive Devices in al-Qanawat, Citizen Injured
Meanwhile, terrorists blew up two explosive devices behind the Justice Palace building in al-Qanawat area in Damascus, injuring one citizen.
A source at Damascus Police Command told SANA reporter that the terrorists had attached one explosive device to a car, adding that the second one was planted between two parked vehicles.
The source said that one citizen was wounded by the terrorist attack, adding that there was material damage to the surrounding cars and stores.
A Number of Citizens, including Children, Martyred by Terrorists’ Shellfire in Aleppo
Terrorist groups fired a number of shells on al-Neel Street near the Orphaned Girl School, al-Qalaaji Hospital crossroad and the local market in Aleppo.
The terrorist attack caused the martyrdom of nine citizens at least, including children, a number of casualties and material damage.
An official source told SANA reporter that the authorities pursued the terrorists and clashed with them, killing and injuring many.
Terrorists Killed in Several Provinces, Explosive Devices Workshop Discovered in Damascus Countryside
Dec 12, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA) – A unit of the Armed Forces on Wednesday clashed with an armed terrorist group in Joret al-Shayyah neighborhood in Homs.
SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that scores of terrorists, including snipers and machinegun shooters, were killed and others were wounded in the clashes.
In Homs countryside, an Armed Forces unit destroyed a gathering of terrorists north of al-Mustafa Mosque in the town of al-Rastan, inflicting heavy losses upon the terrorists.
In the village of al-Ghanto in Telbiseh countryside, an Armed forces unit destroyed 8 cars, some of which were equipped with heavy machineguns, which were used by terrorists to move around and transport weapons and munitions.
Another unit destroyed 4 cars equipped with machineguns along with the terrorists inside them in al-Nsasirye in Teldo area.
Terrorists’ Hideout Stormed in Damascus, Explosive Devices Workshop Discovered in Daraya, Damascus Countryside
The security authorities stormed an armed terrorist group’s hideout in a neighborhood in Damascus, killing all of its members.
The leader of the terrorist group, Iyad Ibrahim al-Dabbas, was identified among the dead.
An army unit discovered a workshop for manufacturing explosive devices near al-Furn roundabout in Daraya city in Damascus Countryside.
An official source told SANA reporter that the army unit seized tens of explosive devices that were ready for remote detonation inside the workshop, in addition to materials and tools used by terrorists to make explosives.
The source added that another unit of the Armed Forces foiled terrorists’ attempt to detonate two explosive devices near al-Bashaer al-Arabiya Kindergarten in al-Kournish area in Daraya. It indicated that one of the explosive devices weighed 30 kg and it was planted at the entrance of the kindergarten while the second explosive device, weighing 50 kg, was planted on the street adjacent to the kindergarten.
In Darayya, an Armed Forces units eliminated a number of terrorists including Abdelmajid Shamshan, Munir al-Muwadamani, Maamound Ghabash, and Nazih Ashour.
The Armed Forces also destroyed a number of terrorist hideouts along with the terrorists, weapons and munitions inside them in Douma and Harasta. The terrorists killed in these operations include Mahmoud al-Rayes and Mohammad Elewa, two leaders of terrorist groups, along with Anwar al-Boushi, Mohammad Abu Taqiya, and five snipers.
In an operation in Sheba’a, the Armed Forces killed or injured a number of terrorists and destroyed a van loaded with weapons, munitions and terrorist near Aqraba.
After investigations and surveillance, an Armed Forces unit dealt with an armed terrorist group in the eastern part of al-Ghouta, eliminating its members including the group’s leader Tahsin Barakat.
Armed Forces Units Eliminate Terrorists in Aleppo and Its Countryside
A source in Aleppo province said that Armed Forces units destroyed terrorist hideouts and gatherings in Aleppo countryside, specifically in the areas of Babnes, al-Huwaydi farm in al-Maslamiye, near Amrit company, al-Qarya Mosque in Handarat, and Ibn Hayyan School in Hreitan, eliminating large numbers of terrorists and injuring others.
Other units targeted gatherings of terrorists near Aalam al-Sehr complex, al-Rashidin in al-Zarbeh, Qabtan al-Jabal, the Great Mosque in Mare’a, the cemetery in Kafer Da’ael, and enar the finance department and the municipality building in al-Safira.
The Armed Forces also destroyed eight vehicles along with terrorist inside them in Tal Rahhal and carried out several operations in Daret Azza.
In Aleppo city, Armed Forces units killed Ala’a al-Za’im, a leader of a terrorist group, alogn with several members of his group in the Castello area, in addition to destroying a missile launcher in Busta al-Basha near Saad bin Muaz, and a gathering of terrorists in al-Lairamoun near the bus stations area and Marketna mall.
Other units also targeted gatherings of Terrorists in Bani Zeid, Hanano housings, the Old City near Aleppo Citadel, and the schools of Zhuhair bin Abi Sulma and Zakariya al-Qawwas.
Terrorists’ Hideouts Destroyed, Terrorists Killed in Idleb Countryside
Military units carried out last night and early morning today several qualitative operations, destroying terrorists’ hideouts and killing dozens of the terrorists inside of them in Idleb countryside.
An official source told SANA reporter that the bodies of the terrorists Mohammad Abdul Rahman Shuheim and Abi al-Nour al-Sibaei were identified among the killed as a result of the operations carried out in Sarja, Khan al-Subul and Saraqeb towns.
The source added that the military units destroyed several terrorists’ hideouts completely in Sarmin, Taranba, Ein al-Sooda, al-Janoudiyeh and al-Ghassaniyeg in Jisr al-Shugour countryside. The Armed Forces are continuing hunting the armed terrorist groups in al-Hamediyeh and Maaret al-Numaan in Idleb Province according to the source.
An Armed Forces unit clashed with an armed terrorist group that attempted to attack an army checkpoint at Kafer Najd bridge in Ariha area, with the clash resulting in the killing of four terrorists including Ahmad Rahhal and injuring others.
An Armed Forces unit targeted a terrorist gathering in al-Bara, killing a number of terrorists and destroying their machinegun-equipped vehicles.
Another unit targeted a gathering of terrorists in the town of al-Maghara, killing 28 terrorists and wounding many others, while yet another unit targeted a terrorist gathering in the town of Shannan, killing a number of terrorists including Sallouh Obeid, Mohammad al-Sayyed and Khaled al-Bek.
Five Explosive Devices Dismantled in Hama Province
Army engineering units dismantled five explosive devices rigged for detonation that were planted on al-Twayna bridge in al-Sqailibiye area in Hama province.
A source in the province told SANA’s reporter that the devices ranged in weight from 25 to 30 kilograms.
Military Source in Central Region Dismisses News of Any Massacre in Aqrab, Hama Countryside
Dec 12, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)- A military source in the Central Region on Wednesday denied news claiming that a massacre took place in Aqrab in Hama countryside.
Lavrov: US Recognition of Opposition Syrian Coalition Contradicts Geneva Statement
Dec 12, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that the US recognition of the opposition Syrian coalition contradicts what was agreed on in Geneva Statement regarding launching a comprehensive Syrian dialogue between representatives of the government and the opposition.
In a press conference following his talks with his Slovakian counterpart, Miroslav Lajcak, in Moscow on Wednesday, Lavrov wondered about this recognition, saying that by recognizing the opposition Syrian coalition, the US decided to bet on the military victory of the opposition.
The Russian Minister added that “Moscow will ask for explanations from Washington regarding its vision on the situation and its subsequent steps in light of this recognition.”
“Naturally, we will go for our American partners and see how they will act according to this announcement as it constitutes an unexpected turning point to Russia,” he confirmed.
He stressed that the American side showed during the latest talks in Geneva understanding to the need to create a climate for the Syrian comprehensive dialogue with the participation of the government.
While including one faction of terrorist groups committing terrorist acts in Syria in its list of international terrorism, Washington has recognized the rest of factions representing the political council of these groups.
US President Barack Obama awarded the ‘Doha Coalition’ as “the legitimate representative of the Syrian people”, in a new step that stresses the U.S. hypocrisy and double standards policy towards terrorism in Syria.
The US recognition of the Doha Coalition followed that of the European Union, constituting an aggression on the right of the Syrian people to determine their future and elect their representatives by themselves through recognizing externally-formed organizations as guardians for the Syrians.
The U.S. and European moves are considered obstacles in the way of the international efforts seeking a solution to the crisis in Syria through dialogue since the Doha Coalition has taken terrorism as a means to achieve the goals of its founders and funders.
Damascus First Attorney-General Issues 3 Arrest Warrants in Absentia against al-Hariri, Saqr and al-Mikdad
Dec 12, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The First Attorney-General in Damascus Mohammed Marwan al-Loji issued three arrest warrants in absentia against the Lebanese MPs Saad Eddin al-Hariri and Oqab Saqr and the Syrian citizen Loai al-Mikdad.
In a statement to SANA, al-Loji said that the crimes committed by these people are terrorist crimes and those involved in them are terrorists which makes them liable to the international law on terrorism. He added that any state where those wanted men exist should hand them over to the Syrian authorities to be prosecuted, indicating that the failure to implement any of these warrants constitutes a breach of the international law.
The First Attorney-General said that the Public Prosecution was informed about the records which revealed the involvement of al-Hariri and Saqr in providing money and arms to the terrorists in Syria and the death of some terrorists sent by al-Hariri and Saqr on the Syrian-Lebanese borders.
He added that the Public Prosecution has filed a public interest litigation against the two Lebanese MPs and the Syrian citizen involved with them to take necessary procedures and start collecting evidence and investigation reports in this regard.
Al-Loji said that it was the duty of the Lebanese authorities to lift the parliamentary immunity of the involved MPs and refer them to the Lebanese justice or hand them over to the Syrian justice in terms of the agreements signed between the two sides.
He added that the Public Prosecution continues collecting evidence and follows up on what has been revealed regarding any statements or recorded phone calls, pointing out that a public interest litigation will be filed against anyone who proved to be involved in terrorist acts in Syria.
Lebanese National Media Agency announced Tuesday that the Interpol at the Lebanese Interior Security received via web arrest warrants form the Syrian Judicial authorities against Saad al-Hariri, MP Uqab Saqr and Spokesman of the “Free Army” Louai al-Mikdad on charges of arming this “Army”.
The Interpol will refer the arrest warrants to the Special General Prosecution.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister: Solution to Crisis in Syria through Disarming Disputed Parties, Launching Peaceful Dialogue
Dec 12, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA) – The Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that the Zionist entity which occupied the Arab territories with a British-U.S. support is the main reason for what is taking place in Syria and the aggressive attacks against it.
In a statement to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Mahathir Mohamad indicated that the crisis in Syria turned into a war between the East and the West, with the foreign powers exerting all efforts to overthrow the Syrian government. “In case the situation got more complicated in any state and the protests against its political system escalated, the army of that state should protect its people,” he added.
He attributed the difference between the situation in Syria and the similar cases to two main reasons, the first is related to the diversity in the Syrian society and the strength of the Syrian army while the second reason is that the foreign countries and their forces are doing their best to bring down the Syrian government.
The Malaysian Former Premier stressed that the solution to the crisis lies in disarming the disputed parties and starting a peaceful dialogue to settle tension in countries and then reducing the number of victims through preventing the escalation of attacks.
Higher Committee for Relief Discusses Humanitarian Aid Offered to Affected Families
Dec 12, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Participants in the Higher Committee for Relief meeting held on Wednesday focused on following up on what has been implemented in terms of providing humanitarian aid and solving problems which hinder the national efforts to help the affected families in the temporary makeshift shelters.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Jassim Zakarya, said that SYP 23 million were transferred to about 40 civil associations to help them in providing aid to the affected families.
He referred to the Higher Committee for Relief humanitarian activities in Aleppo city to meet the citizens’ basic needs through distributing food and health aid and opening new temporary makeshift shelters in the city.
The Minister stressed the need for specifying obstacles hindering the delivery of aid to all areas and facilitating the passage of humanitarian convoys.
He added that a committee was formed to follow up on and evaluate the civil organizations’ work and funds with the aim of activating their role.
Minister Zakarya indicated that the Ministry has recently formed a committee to deal with any phenomenon regarding children who lost their parents and provide care for them.
In turn, Minister of State for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Affairs, Joseph Sweid said that a map to deliver humanitarian aid to the affected families in all provinces was set up in coordination with the sub-committees in order to meet all needs.
Director of International Organizations Department at the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Hussam-Eddin Ala reviewed the UN proposed project within the framework of the response plan for the first half of 2013 to be adopted before the end of this year.
He added that the United Nations proposed USD 523 million to fund the projects in the 2013 plan.
Syrian Human Rights Network, Syrian Family Forum Denounce Terrorist Bombings in Damascus
Dec 12, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian Human Rights Network denounced the terrorist bombings which were committed by armed terrorist groups on Wednesday, resulting in the martyring and injuring of citizens.
In a statement, the Network said that these attacks are part of the efforts to undermine civil peace exerted by the opposition groups which are linked to foreign agendas, which constitutes a violation of the international human rights laws and resolutions that condemn terrorists and those who support and fund it.
The statement called for bringing the opposition groups that support terrorism to justice, stressing that those who support, finance and direct terrorism must be subject to articles 25 and 27 of the Rome Statute.
Syrian Family Forum Condemns Terrorist Bombings in Damascus
The Syrian Family Forum condemned the terrorist bombings that took place in Damascus on Wednesday, martyring and injuring innocent civilians.
In a statement, the Forum held the United States and its minions in the region – including Al Saud, Al Thani, the Doha coalition and its supporters – responsible for these crimes.
Austrian State Secretary Calls for Keeping Austrian Unit in UNDOF Forces
Dec 12, 2012
VIENNES, (SANA) – Austrian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Reinhold Lopatka stressed the need for maintaining the deployment of the Austrian forces operating in the United Nations Disengagement Forces (UNDOF) deployed in the Golan, as the Austrian forces have a good reputation and considerable experience that allows them to take the necessary steps and precautions to protect themselves in light of the events in Syria.
In a statement issued by the Austrian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Lopatka said that Austria asked the UN to take extra precautionary measures to protect the UNDOF forces, particularly after the recent attacks by terrorists on a convoy transporting Austrian soldiers on the road to Damascus International Airport.
The statement said that the Austrian Parliament approved extending the mission of Austrian international forces operating in 12 areas around the world, including the Golan and South Lebanon.
The aforementioned attack by terrorists injured two members of the Austrian unit operating with the UNDOF forces.
Mother of Ukrainian Journalists Abducted in Syria Issues Appeal for Her Release
Dec 12, 2012
KIEV, (SANA) – The mother of Ukrainian journalist Anhar Kochneva, who was abducted in early October by terrorists in Syria who threaten to kill her, issued on appeal on Wednesday to release her daughter, asking her government and Russia to assist in this.
In a video broadcast by the Ukrainian channel 1+1, Lyudmila Kochneva was shown crying and addressing those who kidnapped her daughter, reminding them that they too have mothers and children and begging them to release her daughter.
In turn, the Ukrainian Foreign Minsitry warned Kochneva’s abductors from harming her.
Media sources reported that the terrorist group currently holding Kochneva hostage threatened to kill her on Thursday unless they receive a ransom of USD 50 million.
Authorities Confiscate Car Loaded with 300 Gas Cylinders to Be Smuggled in Hasaka
Dec 12, 2012
HASAKA, (SANA) – Authorities seized on Wednesday a car loaded with 300 gas cylinders for domestic use that were prepared for smuggling near al-Baydar crossroad on al-Qamishli-Tal Tamer road in Hasaka countryside.
An official source in the Province told SANA reporter that the cylinders were distributed to the citizens of al-Derbasiyeh town immediately at the official price.
The authorities confiscated last week a car loaded with 600 gas cylinders , as they were prepared for smuggling in the same area.
Khamenei: Sides Stoking Violence and Igniting Civil War in Syria Responsible for Continuing Crisis
Dec 11, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA) – Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, said that the parties which work on stoking violence and igniting a civil war in Syria are responsible for continuing the crisis in it.
Meeting the participants in the International Conference for Islamic Awakening in Tehran, Khamenei warned of the enemies’ attempts to create divisions among Muslims through exploiting their racial and sectarian disputes.
He called upon all Muslims to solve their disputes through dialogue and peaceful means and be aware of the western-U.S. moves.
Khamenei hailed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, expressing appreciation of the Palestinian resistance’s victory over the Israeli enemy in its recent assault on the Gaza Strip.
MASSAR Carries out Several Activities Targeting Displaced Children and Youths in Lattakia
Dec 11, 2012
LATTAKIA, (SANA) – Lattakia’s Exploring Centre “Amwaj MASSAR” continued to hold several activities targeting children and youths with the aim of developing a generation able to shoulder responsibility towards the society.
Amwaj MASSAR is one of the projects of the Syria Trust for Development, which has expanded activities to include all children affected by the recent events, that forced large numbers of children and youths to leave their houses because of the acts of the armed terrorist groups.
The Trust, in cooperation with the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs and with the assistance of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, started a series of activities in the makeshift centers in the city, including distributing 300 baskets of children milk to families staying at the Sport City.
Activities, carried out in the framework of MASSAR, also included visits to elementary schools, in cooperation with the Education Directorate in Lattakia, where the Trust made medical tests to all the 6-year-old children in the school.
The Trust made several other health-related and artistic activities, including shaving for about 100 children, and taking hundreds others to watch films.
The Syria Trust for Development is a non-governmental and non-profit organization that works on empowering societies and persons through encouraging social initiatives and building partnerships with the civil society organizations