AGP Executive Report

Counterterrorism: Syrian security forces say they foiled Daesh plots against places of worship and patrols in Homs, arresting two suspects and seizing explosives. Hasakah Tensions: Pro-Damascus rallies and counter-protests in Hasakah led to clashes and injuries as Kurdish officials urged restraint and dialogue. Israeli Incursions: The UN says it recorded about 280 Israeli military incursions into Syria in September, the highest monthly total this year; 49 Syrians reportedly remain detained. Border Strike: An Israeli drone strike near Lebanon’s border wounded six people, including five Syrians. Israel said it had targeted a Syrian operative it accused of planning attacks. Displacement: A convoy of about 400 displaced families is preparing to return to villages around Sere Kaniye, though the city’s residents are not yet included. Aleppo Heritage: The Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after restoration, ending a 13-year closure.

Israeli Incursions: The UN says Israeli forces made 280 incursions into Syria in September, the highest monthly total this year, and 49 Syrians remain detained. Reports include home raids, movement restrictions and alleged abuse; Israeli troops also raided villages and shelled farmland in Quneitra. Aleppo: The Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after 13 years of restoration. Separately, teams found 10 more remains at a suspected mass grave in Tishreen, bringing the number of sites identified this year to 25. Security and Diplomacy: Damascus and Ankara discussed integrating the SDF, while Syrian authorities arrested former-regime figures accused of abuses and an alleged ISIS commander linked to the 2025 Homs mosque bombing. Iraq rejected Syria’s request to take back 4,000 suspected ISIS detainees. Missing Sailors: Syria called for an independent inquiry after a cargo ship sank in the Black Sea, leaving nine Syrian crew members missing.

Security: Syrian forces say they dismantled an ISIS-linked cell in Homs, arresting two suspects and seizing explosives allegedly intended for attacks on places of worship and patrols. Black Sea Sinking: Damascus is seeking an international probe into the sinking of the cargo ship Alfa Watan; nine Syrian sailors remain missing. Diplomacy: Syrian and Turkish officials met in Ankara to discuss security and integration efforts, though key issues remain unresolved. Southern Syria: Damascus condemned renewed Israeli incursions and shelling near Quneitra, as reports described continued Israeli activity in the area. Accountability: Authorities arrested 13 people accused of abuses under the former government, while a BBC investigation reported that the U.S. and Lebanon are sheltering former Assad adviser Bassam al-Hassan, whom Syria wants returned for trial. Aleppo: The Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after 13 years closed. Energy: Iraq plans to route crude exports through Syria by truck to the Mediterranean, seeking an alternative amid regional shipping risks.

Southern Syria: Israeli forces shelled farmland near al-Samdaniya al-Sharqiya in Quneitra late Wednesday; no injuries were reported. Damascus has repeatedly called for Israeli forces to withdraw and respect the 1974 disengagement agreement. Accountability: Syrian authorities announced arrests of former-regime figures accused of abuses against civilians, as Damascus also held regional-security talks with the United States. Yemen: Although reports said Syria was weighing military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, a presidential adviser denied Riyadh had requested troops and said Damascus would not open a new front. Energy and shipping: Syria says pipeline attacks threaten its plans to become an oil and gas transit route; officials reported 22 attacks this year. Nine Syrian sailors remain missing after the cargo ship Alfa Watan sank in the Black Sea, and Damascus is seeking an international investigation. Aleppo: The Great Umayyad Mosque has reopened after 13 years of closure.

Security and Accountability: Syrian and US officials discussed regional security in Istanbul as Damascus announced the arrests of five former Assad-era militia and intelligence figures accused of abuses against civilians. Yemen Spillover: Houthi attacks on Saudi airports killed three people and injured 36, disrupting flights. Reports said Damascus was weighing support for Riyadh, but Syria said it had no plans to send troops or join the war. Black Sea Tragedy: Nine Syrian sailors remain missing after a drone strike sank a cargo ship off Bulgaria; Damascus called for an independent investigation and urged authorities to resume efforts to establish the crew’s fate. Tourism and Investment: International hotel groups are exploring opportunities in Syria as visitor numbers more than doubled in the first half of 2026, while Aegean Airlines plans a direct Athens–Damascus route.

Yemen Policy: Reports say Damascus is weighing Saudi requests for military support against the Houthis after President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Syrian officials say no decision has been made, and Damascus has also said it does not plan to join the war. Southern Syria: Israeli artillery struck farmland near al-Samdaniya al-Sharqiya in Quneitra, with no injuries reported, amid ongoing incursions and disputes over Israeli work near the Golan separation line. Security: Seven Alawite workers were killed in an armed attack on a bus in Homs. Separately, Syrian authorities arrested a senior ISIS commander accused of a deadly mosque bombing. Suspects were also arrested after sabotage damaged a pipeline in Hasakah. Regional Ties: Syria and Saudi Arabia discussed investment and reconstruction, while Damascus says it can help Iraq export crude to the Mediterranean. Maritime: Six Syrian sailors are reported missing after a cargo ship sank off Bulgaria; the search has been suspended.

Northeast Tensions: Kurdish parties urged calm after protests in Al-Hasakah, warning that one-sided demonstrations could deepen community divisions. They said integration between Syrian forces was proceeding without major obstacles and called for demands to be pursued peacefully. Security: Syrian authorities arrested a senior ISIS commander accused of involvement in the deadly Homs mosque bombing. Meanwhile, reports of Israeli raids and incursions in southern Syria, including Quneitra, kept border tensions high. Saudi Ties: President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed bilateral cooperation and regional security in Riyadh. Saudi business groups are developing pathways for companies to enter Syria, while UAE developer Eagle Hills signed a framework deal for housing in Damascus and a tourism project in Latakia, expected to create more than 40,000 jobs. Energy: Syria’s Petroleum Company says it aims to raise onshore gas production by year-end and finalize offshore exploration deals with Chevron and QatarEnergy.

Syria-Saudi Reconstruction Talks: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to discuss reconstruction and “qualitative investments,” with both sides also reviewing plans to rebuild war-damaged infrastructure and facilities. ISIS Crackdown in Syria: Syrian security forces arrested suspected ISIS commander Khalid Raed Biruni, accused of planning attacks including the December bombing of the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs that killed eight and injured 18. Aleppo Violence: Two separate armed attacks in Aleppo left two people dead, including a shop owner shot in the Sulaymaniyah neighborhood and a man killed in Nêreb. Regional Security Pressure: Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Yemen’s legitimate government, warning the Houthi militia is escalating militarily and threatening Red Sea navigation, after reported attacks on Saudi airports. Aviation Security Fallout: Reports say the Flydubai co-pilot accused in the attempted crash trained in Britain, renewing scrutiny of cockpit security and vetting. Power Crisis Context: A Lebanon power-sector briefing blamed a long-running generation shortfall and misused depositor funds, saying private investment and IFC studies were pursued to expand capacity.

Syrian Security: Syria arrested a senior ISIS/Daesh operative, Khaled Raed Birouni (Abu Hassan Dushka), accused of planning attacks in Homs, including the 2025 Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque bombing that killed worshippers. Aviation & Economy: Syrian Airlines unveiled new branding at Damascus International Airport and says it will double its fleet to 12 aircraft, aiming for 25 destinations by end-2026 while overhauling booking and digital services. Regional Trade: Lebanon is trying to position itself in a growing regional trade network, including a rail link idea connecting Tripoli to Syria’s network via Homs—while investors still question Lebanon’s stability and state authority. Israel-Syria Tensions: The UAE condemned Israel’s continued digging and bulldozing inside Syria along the “Sufa 53” line, calling it a violation of sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement deal. Humanitarian & Heritage: Archaeologists say they saved about 30,000 artifacts from Syria’s Deir ez-Zor museum before ISIS seized the city. Crime Near Damascus Gate: Israeli police arrested three minors over an attack on an elderly Palestinian man near Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate.

Israel-Hamas Anniversary: Israel says it has ordered its military to pursue and kill the remaining ~2,000 participants in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, after claiming 4,000 of about 6,000 attackers have been killed, as Netanyahu reiterates plans to end Hamas rule in Gaza. Southern Syria Incursions: The IDF says it seized two suspects after identifying them approaching an outpost in the occupied “security zone,” following other reported killings near IDF posts. Golan Tensions Over “Sufa 53”: Syria’s foreign ministry accuses Israel of completing the “Sufa 53 line” in violation of the 1974 disengagement deal, with Qatar and Jordan echoing condemnation. Fuel Price Unrest: Analysts link recent protests in Idlib, Aleppo and the northeast to frustration over fuel price hikes and the strain on integration after SDF merger with the Syrian army. Christian Community Under Strain: Gunmen attacked the Christian town of Suqaylabiyah in Hama, smashing shops and wounding a woman, while security forces reportedly failed to stop the violence. Syrian Economy & Investment: Eagle Hills signed deals for housing and tourism projects in Damascus and Latakia, promising tens of thousands of jobs.

Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces entered western Damascus countryside, with reports of vehicles and bulldozers blowing up a former regime position near Beit Jann/Beit Jin, as Damascus warned of ongoing violations. Golan Tensions: Turkey condemned Israel’s resumed excavation on the “Sufa 53” line in Quneitra, calling it a breach of the 1974 disengagement deal and warning against new facts on the ground. Security Zone Clashes: In the UN-patrolled buffer area, IDF troops shot and killed a suspect after he approached an outpost; separate incidents also involved attempts to infiltrate and gather intelligence, with arrests reported. Diplomacy: Syria’s interior ministry and Qatar’s officials discussed cooperation on search and rescue and disaster response, while France welcomed Syria’s joining the International Partnership against Impunity for Chemical Weapons. Culture & Memory: Syria submitted Tawfik Sabouni’s documentary “The Other Side of the Sun” for the 2027 Oscars, spotlighting Saydnaya prison experiences after Assad’s fall. Sports: India’s U17 women’s team opened AFC qualifiers with a 14-0 win over Iraq, with Syria next on the schedule.

Southern Syria Escalation: Israel says troops killed a man after he tried to infiltrate an IDF post in the southern “security zone,” as raids and shelling continue across Quneitra and Daraa. Golan Buffer Tensions: Syria’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s “Sufa 53” excavation and fortification work near the 1974 disengagement line, calling it a blatant breach and urging international action. Damascus Seeks French Help: President Ahmed al-Sharaa told Macron in Damascus that Syria is counting on an active French role to halt Israeli escalations. Flydubai Aftermath: UAE investigators and reports say the Omani co-pilot behind the Tel Aviv-bound cockpit attack planned a 9/11-style crash at Ben Gurion; authorities are also weighing possible links to Syria and extremist networks. Finance Deal: The UAE and Syria central banks signed an MoU covering payments, fintech, supervision, and capacity building. Human Rights Warning: HRW warns thousands of alleged ISIS-linked men and boys transferred from Syria to Iraq face abuse, unfair trials, and possible execution. Sports & Refugee Milestone: Two Syrian athletes made history at the Asian Games as part of the Asian Refugee Team, reaching the round of 16 in taekwondo.

Israel-Syria Border Tensions: Syria and Qatar condemned Israel’s completion of the “Sufa 53” line, calling it a sovereignty breach and a threat to regional security, with Syria warning of escalating violations around the 1974 ceasefire zone. Aviation Security Fallout: The UAE and investigators say Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, planned a “terrorist act” after attacking the captain with an emergency axe; Australia is probing his links to Australia, including alleged study in Melbourne. Southern Syria Violence: Gunmen killed seven people in a bus attack in Homs province, with reports pointing to sectarian targeting and an ongoing security investigation. Regional Economy Watch: Iraq’s state oil firm shipped crude through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in decades as the US-Iran conflict disrupts exports, signaling pressure on Iraq’s oil-dependent economy. Tourism Push: Jordan and Syria’s tourism bodies agreed to move cooperation into practical steps, including joint marketing and faster entry procedures for Syrians.

Flydubai Terror Probe: UAE investigators say the co-pilot of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight planned a “terrorist act,” attacking the captain with the cockpit emergency axe and trying to seize control; the aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia and the captain survived. Identity & Radicalization Trail: Media and officials identify the suspect as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, reportedly barred from flying in Oman over extremist concerns and linked to Syria and al-Qaeda-linked propaganda, while Australian authorities probe possible links to Australia. Israel Security Scrutiny: Israel is investigating whether dual-national pilots with Iranian, Syrian or Iraqi citizenship may have landed at Ben Gurion without required screening, after the incident exposed a security “loophole.” Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli helicopters and forces reportedly set up checkpoints and detained a man in Quneitra’s countryside amid ongoing incursions. US-Led Counter-ISIS: The US and Italy co-chaired a Rome meeting where coalition partners pledged over $75 million for counter-ISIS work in Iraq and Syria. Syria Finance Talks: US Treasury co-hosted a Syrian banking roundtable in New York, stressing financial connectivity as sanctions are lifted.

Flydubai Terror Probe: UAE prosecutors say the co-pilot of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight planned a “terrorist act,” attacking the captain with a cockpit crash axe and trying to seize control before passengers stopped him and forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Reports identify the suspect as 29-year-old Omani Hamam al-Hammami, previously barred from flying in Oman over extremist concerns and linked by investigators to radical material and a Syria stay. Kurdish UN Push: In Brussels, the Kurdistan National Congress released a final declaration calling for Kurdish recognition at the UN and observer representation in UN-affiliated bodies, with speakers stressing Kurdish presence across Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Iran. Energy Sabotage Fallout: Syria’s power crisis deepened after a gas pipeline explosion near the Tishreen Thermal Power Plant disrupted fuel supplies and knocked multiple major plants offline, worsening rationing. Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli forces shelled areas in Quneitra and Daraa, including reported fire near Abdeen and Ma’ariya. Damascus Shooting: Internal Security arrested suspects after a taxi shooting in Yabroud killed three adults and injured four children.

Aviation Security in Focus: Investigators say the Flydubai co-pilot accused in the cockpit attack on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami, was previously barred from flying in Oman over extremist concerns, with reports also pointing to alleged influence during time spent in Syria; the captain Smit Machchhar survived after opening the cockpit door and passengers overpowered the attacker, and the aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia. Syrian Governance Pressure: In Hasakah, demonstrators in the Ghweiran district rallied for the Syrian government to reassert authority, reactivate courts and local institutions, and speed up integration of the dissolved SDF into state structures, while internal security forces deployed patrols to maintain order. Local Violence in Homs: Gunmen killed seven people and wounded four after opening fire on a civilian bus in western Homs province, with authorities launching an investigation and no group claiming responsibility. Counter-ISIS Cooperation: Qatar took part in a Rome meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, discussing detention, repatriation, rehabilitation, and support needs for Iraq and Syria, including displaced people in northeast Syria.