Online jihadis expressed unhappiness that Syrian security services are protecting Christmas trees across Syria, according to an X post by @azelin published between 12:46 AM and 3:46 AM UTC on December 19, 2025. The post referenced a December 2024 incident in Suqaylabiyah where foreign fighters lit a Christmas tree on fire and were arrested. @azelin highlighted the contrast to events one year prior during the final days of the Assad regime, when such acts by foreign fighters led to their detention. This development occurred throughout the 3-hour reporting window amid Syria's ongoing post-Assad stabilization. The incident in Suqaylabiyah took place in Hama province, as noted in the X post. Syria has seen significant changes since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in December 2024, including the U.S. repeal of Caesar Act sanctions via the National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Donald J. Trump between 10:16 PM UTC on December 18 and 12:16 AM UTC on December 19, according to prior reports citing @azelin and @ivarmm.
