![Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa attends a ceremony unveiling new Syrian banknotes at the Conference Palace in Damascus, Syria on December 29, 2025. [Izz Aldien Alqasem - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AA-20251229-40109489-40109473-NEW_BANKNOTES_UNVEILED_IN_SYRIAS_CAPITAL_DAMASCUS-1-1.jpg)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa appeared in public on Monday evening, walking through the streets of Damascus and shopping at a local store using the new Syrian currency, in a move that confirmed he is safe and denied rumours of an assassination attempt. The official Syrian TV channel, Alikhbaria , published video clips showing al-Sharaa during his walk, interacting with citizens and customers inside the shop. He appeared to be carrying out his daily activities normally, with routine security measures in place around the area. The footage also showed al-Sharaa shopping at a store located in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, where he paid using the newly issued Syrian currency. The public appearance came after rumours spread claiming that an assassination attempt […]
