Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government, SDF

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Updated 30 January 2026
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government, SDF

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF, via a statement on X on Friday. 

The ministry said the Kingdom hopes the comprehensive agreement will support the Syrian Arab Republic’s path toward peace, security and stability, in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people and enhances national unity.

It also renewed its full support for all efforts exerted by the Syrian government in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of its lands.

“We appreciate the responsiveness of the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to the Kingdom’s endeavors and the efforts made by the US in consolidating the deescalation and reaching this agreement.”

The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Friday they had ​agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire and a phased integration of military and administrative bodies into the Syrian state under a broad deal.

Under the agreement, forces that had amassed on front lines in the country’s north would pull back and Interior ‌Ministry security forces ‌will deploy to the ‌centers ⁠of ​the ‌cities of Hasakah and Qamishli in the northeast, both held by the SDF. Local security forces will be merged.

The two sides announced the deal after Syrian government forces under President Ahmad Al-Sharaa captured swathes of northern and eastern ⁠Syria from the SDF this month, forcing the ‌Kurdish forces to retreat into a ‍shrinking enclave.

The agreement ‍includes the formation of a military division ‍that will include three SDF brigades, in addition to the formation of a brigade for forces in the SDF-held town of Kobani, also known ​as Ain Al-Arab, which will be affiliated to the governorate of Aleppo.


Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
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Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible in Northern Borders
  • Meteorology center issuing swift weather alerts for pilgrims

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in the Kingdom with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition, the National Center for Meteorology has confirmed its readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

On Tuesday evening in Arar there was a rare alignment of the planet Venus with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan.

Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, the SPA said.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

Meanwhile, as the faithful began fasting, the NMC announced the readiness of its observatories at the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and ensure aviation safety.

The NCM’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam said there would be round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the two holy mosques.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the Nusuk and Tawakkalna smart applications. Ten-day forecasts and alerts will also be available via the Anwaa app and on guidance boards along highways.

The center has 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season, the SPA reported.