Putin:

We have evacuated 4,000 Iranian fighters to Tehran from the Khmeimim base.

Russia was not defeated in Syria. We achieved our goal in Syria, we did not allow the creation of an Islamic caliphate, it was not terrorists who came to power there.

30,000 government troops and pro-Iranian units retreated without a fight.

Putin:

350 militants were able to capture Aleppo.

Putin:

Politics is the art of compromise, Russia is always ready for it.

Putin on Tartus and Khmeimim military bases in Syria:

We suggested that our partners use our air base in Syria for humanitarian purposes, as well as the naval base.

Another batch of North Korean 170mm M1989 Koksan SPGs spotted in Russia.

The first photos of these SPGs in Russia appeared a month ago, with no evidence yet of their use in combat.

Putin:

Western countries communicate with Syrian opposition factions, and if they were terrorists, they would not have done so. This means that they have changed.

Syrian opposition factions that fought government forces witnessed internal changes.

The U.S. intelligence report highlights China’s H-20 stealth bomber, expected to debut operationally by the 2030s despite claims of an imminent unveiling.

Capabilities:
• Range: Over 10,000 km (6,214 miles), with global reach via aerial refueling.
• Payload: Nuclear and conventional weaponry, including land-attack and anti-ship missiles.
• Design: A stealthy flying-wing, similar to the U.S. B-2 Spirit.

Strategic Goals:
• Expand China’s strike range beyond the “Second Island Chain,” targeting Guam, Hawaii, and parts of the U.S.
• Surpass the H-6 bomber family as China’s premier long-range strike platform.

• Enhance China’s ability to deter and strike strategic targets.
• While currently lagging behind U.S. stealth technology, China’s modernization efforts may close the gap.

Source: TWZ

Putin:

We are ready to talk to Zelensky if he is re-elected, any talks with Ukraine must be held on the basis of the Istanbul agreements and facts on the ground.

Putin: The main beneficiary of the events in Syria is Israel.

Putin:

We hope that Israel will leave Syrian territory. But it seems to me that not only are they not leaving, but they are also getting stronger, introducing new forces.

Iraqi forces are returning soldiers and officers of the Assad regime back to Syria.

Syrian Minister of Internal Trade: We will reduce taxes on imports.

NEW: All Israeli military deployment in the Golan must end and Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

- French Foreign Ministry

Tishrin Dam, located on the Euphrates River 90 kilometers east of Aleppo, is Syria's second-largest dam and a critical water source for Aleppo and surrounding regions. Built with outdated technology, the dam has suffered severe damage and neglect due to Syrian civil war and PKK/YPG activities.

Reports indicate that the water drainage system and critical operational systems have failed, and the water level reached a critically low point in early December. Terrorist control around the dam has hindered access for inspections, leaving only limited information from workers to assess the situation. A potential collapse poses a grave disaster risk.

Türkiye has reduced its Euphrates River water release as a precaution, but international pressure on the PKK/YPG is essential to prevent further damage and avert a humanitarian crisis.

Syrian forces now oversee military operations along the Syrian coast.

NEW: Militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) ambushed several trucks heading to Niger near Dori, Burkina Faso, on December 18, 2024. The convoy, carrying goods and supplies, was attacked at the town’s entrance. Multiple trucks were destroyed in the assault, with casualties still unconfirmed.

Source: Zagazola

Zelensky responding to Putin’s proposal for Ukraine to surrender and align with Russia.

“Just an old dreamer (Putin), living in his own world, his own aquarium.”

Israeli soldier sniped by Palestinian fighter in Gaza.

Iranian President calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territories and expresses disappointment over international silence on its attacks.

IMF is ready to help Syria in reconstruction efforts, Reuters reported.

The IMF reportedly has not had any meaningful contact with Syrian authorities since an economic consultation in 2009.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the urgent need for an arms embargo against Israel, calling for a halt to trade and advocating for its international isolation.

Erdoğan assured that Muslim countries must be at the forefront of measures that can be taken against Israel to put an end to its atrocities.