Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Ankara.

🔴 Unidentified gunmen assassinated an Internal Security Forces officer in the town of al-Shafa, east of Deir Ezzor.

Source: Syria Now

UN Probes Israeli Occupation’s Killing of Teen in Quneitra

Read article here:https://levant24.com/news/2026/04/un-probes-israeli-occupations-killing-of-teen-in-quneitra/

An armed group from the National Guard's Security Office, affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri, stormed the Education Directorate building in Suwayda, assaulting employees and abducting the Syrian government-appointed director Safwan Balan in protest of his appointment. 

He was subsequently taken to Internal Security Forces headquarters, where he submitted his resignation. Druze leader Laith al-Balous voiced deep concern over the attacks, describing the intimidation of civilians and officials as part of a systematic effort to undermine state institutions and impose chaos.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss regional developments, reaffirm Syria’s solidarity with Lebanon, and stress the importance of ongoing coordination to support security, stability, and cooperation.

A delegation from the Syrian Foreign Ministry, including the Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs and the Director of the Department of Arab Affairs, visited the UAE Embassy in Damascus and met with Ambassador Hamad Rashid bin Alwan Al-Habsi. The visit reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and rejected attempts to sow discord.

The delegation emphasized that authorities are pursuing those responsible for the recent attack on the embassy, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to address the incident swiftly and prevent its recurrence.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued decrees establishing two fully state-owned public holding companies: the Syrian Mining Company and the Syrian Electricity Company. Both have legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and are headquartered in Damascus under the Minister of Energy.

The companies are authorized to manage all assets of their predecessors, invest in subsidiaries, enter local and international partnerships, develop strategic plans, oversee operations, and support investment, governance, and sustainability in their respective sectors.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations.

Both sides reviewed ongoing military escalation and its impact on stability, stressing the need to enhance security and military coordination between Syria and France to serve mutual interests and support regional stability.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree establishing the General Establishment for Drinking Water and Sanitation, a state-owned public institution, reporting to the Minister of Energy.

The decree creates water and sanitation companies in each governorate under the General Establishment, replacing existing local entities.

The administration of Al-Hol camp declared the area a closed military zone, banning all access to ensure civilian safety. In a statement, authorities warned that violations would result in strict measures, including immediate detention and legal action, with penalties that may extend to imprisonment.

Syria Improves to Sixth on Global Terrorism Index

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According to local sources, Israeli forces shelled the eastern al-Ahmar hill in the southern Quneitra countryside with artillery fire.

Qutaiba Azzam, Head of Media Relations in Suwayda:

Appointing Safwan Balan was a first step to address students’ needs after exams held under difficult conditions. The move aimed to resolve teachers’ issues, including delayed salaries.

Groups operating under the ‘National Guard’ name control decision-making, obstruct solutions, and committed serious violations, including opening fire inside the Education Directorate.

According to local sources, Israeli forces advanced between Ruwaihina and Western Zubaida in southern Quneitra, with heavy reconnaissance drone activity.

Syria Reexamines Industrial and Economic Policies

Read article here:https://levant24.com/economy/2026/04/syria-reexamines-industrial-and-economic-policies/

Israeli forces detained a young man during an incursion into the town of Kudna in the southern Quneitra countryside last night.

Source: Al-Ikhbariyah