DAMASCUS -- Syria's central bank on Sunday issued detailed guidelines for the launch of a new national currency, confirming plans to remove two zeros from the Syrian pound as part of a major monetary reform planned for 2026.
Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husrieh said under the reform, every 100 old pounds will be exchanged for one new pound. The exchange process will start on Jan. 1, 2026, and run for 90 days, with a possible extension if needed. (Syria-Monetary Reform-Banknote)
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JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military received its first operational high-power laser air-defense system on Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry said, calling it a milestone in the country's multi-layered defense capabilities.
Dubbed Iron Beam and developed by the ministry's research directorate in collaboration with the Israeli arms firm Rafael, the system is designed to intercept short-range ballistic threats such as rockets, mortar shells, and unmanned aerial vehicles. (Israel-Laser System-Iron Beam)
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DAMASCUS -- At least three people were killed and 60 others wounded in protest-related violence in the coastal city of Latakia on Sunday, state media reported, as the Syrian army moved to secure the Mediterranean region.
The casualties resulted from attacks by what state media described as "remnants of the former regime," who allegedly targeted security forces and civilians with gunfire, knives, and stones, according to the state-run SANA news agency. Health authorities in Latakia said medical teams provided emergency care despite disruptions caused by attacks on two ambulances, which were put out of service. (Syria-Protests-Casualty)
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GAZA -- The number of monthly births in the Gaza Strip has fallen by 40 percent as health officials warn of a surge in miscarriages linked to malnutrition and the breakdown of medical services.
Munir al-Bursh, director general of the Gaza-based health authorities, said in a statement on Sunday that the number of newborns has dropped to approximately 17,000 per month, down from a monthly average of 26,000 in 2024. (Gaza-Birth Numbers-Decline) ■
