AGP Executive Report

UN Accountability: UN Human Rights Commissioner Michel Bachelet says Syrian regime and allied air strikes have killed at least 103 civilians in the past 10 days, including 26 children, and warns the pattern makes “mistake” unlikely. Southern Syria Security: The Syrian Observatory reports fresh Israeli incursions and searches in Quneitra and Daraa countryside, adding to residents’ fear amid repeated patrols. Humanitarian Relief: Qatar Charity and Molham teams distributed 1,200+ food baskets (about 84.6 tonnes) to vulnerable families in Deir ez-Zor neighborhoods hit by destruction and displacement. Diplomacy: Saudi Ambassador Ghazi Al-Anzi presented credentials to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, delivering greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Economy & Daily Life: In Hasakah, prices for vegetables and fruits reportedly climbed, with some items topping 9,000 Syrian pounds. Regional Energy Talk: Iraq says it is pushing crude export capacity above 3 million bpd and targets 5 million bpd via new pipeline routes that include a link toward Syria’s Banias port.

Damascus Diplomacy & Protest: At the 63rd Damascus International Fair, crowds chanted “Al-Aqsa, be patient” and “we will liberate Palestine from the Zionist scum,” as Syria pushed “Syria Shines Again” and sought wider market ties with firms from dozens of countries. Southern Syria Crossfire: Reports say Israeli artillery and machine-gun fire hit areas in Quneitra and Daraa over the past two days, with monitoring groups tallying a sharp rise in violations during August. Sweida Tensions: A US envoy urged restraint in Druze-majority Sweida after intracommunal violence tied to a pro-Israeli Druze figure, warning that where governance is absent, gangs fill the void. Kurdish Education Row: In Kobanê and Hesekê, students boycotted classes after education authorities limited Kurdish-language schooling to three lessons weekly, calling it an identity and rights issue. Digital Push: Syria signed the Digital Cooperation Organization charter, aiming for expanded cooperation in startups, talent, innovation, and investment. UN Rights Calendar: The UN Human Rights Council’s autumn session opens in Geneva, with Syria among the crisis situations set for discussion.

Southern Syria Tensions: Israel shelled the outskirts of Al-Rafid in Quneitra, firing six shells, after earlier incursions and raids in the area; SANA also reported a shepherd was detained then released. Oil & Transit: Iraq says crude exports have topped 3 million bpd and aims for 5 million by routing flows via pipelines to Fishkhabur and Syria’s Banias port, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Druze Governance in Sweida: US envoy Tom Barrack urged restraint in Suwayda after renewed escalation and intracommunal violence, warning that gaps in governance let armed groups fill the void. Kurdish Security Integration: YPJ fighters (over 1,500) are seeking a role in Syria’s new security order after being excluded from SDF integration, with talks focused on possible placement under the Interior Ministry. ISIS Detainees in Iraq: Iraq says it has completed its investigation into about 5,700 ISIS suspects transferred from Syria, with cases set to proceed to trial and some Syrians to be released. Economy & Daily Life: In Damascus, families are struggling with high back-to-school costs as prices for stationery and basics remain out of reach. Internal Security: Syria’s Internal Security Forces arrested former regime Major General Jalal Kamil Saqr over alleged war crimes and arbitrary arrests. Alcohol Curbs in NE Syria: In Qamishli and surrounding areas, new taxes and stricter rules tied to the Semalka crossing have pushed alcohol prices up, with residents reporting only smuggled supplies reaching them. Diplomacy: Qatar took part in an Arab League Council session in Cairo, discussing Palestine, regional conflicts, and evolving situations in Syria and Lebanon.

Jordan-Iran Fallout: Jordan, a key US ally hosting American forces, is absorbing repeated Iranian drone and missile strikes tied to its Washington ties, while officials keep a low profile and insist the alliance will continue. ISIS Returns Home: Iraq says more than 20,000 Iraqis have been rehabilitated after leaving al-Hol camp in Syria, with the Hawl file nearing closure and no security breaches reported in return areas. SDF Dissolution Aftermath: In Hasakah, Syria’s integration process after the SDF dissolution is moving from talks to implementation, with state authority and security said to be strengthening. US-Iran Tensions Spill Over: CENTCOM says US strikes disabled three Iranian crude tankers after Iranian ballistic missiles targeted US warships, underscoring the wider regional pressure around oil routes. Lebanon Front: Israeli airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon left at least 3 dead and 23 injured, including paramedics, as raids hit multiple towns. Arab League Diplomacy: Arab League delegates met in Cairo under Tunisia’s chairmanship, with the agenda including Iranian attacks and developments in Syria. Energy Route Debate: Reports say Syria is being pitched as an alternative corridor to Hormuz for oil exports, but analysts warn the plan faces major cost and security hurdles.

Syria’s Chemical Cleanup: UN officials say Syria has begun destroying remaining Assad-era chemical weapons materials, marking the first destruction since 2014 and a key step in the chemical file. Explosive Remnants of War: UN OCHA warns UXO and landmines keep killing and injuring civilians across Syria, with a recent spike including child deaths in Deir ez-Zor and repeated incidents in Raqqa. Damascus and Aleppo Security: Reports say Israeli forces shelled Damascus outskirts during talks, while Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud saw SDF-linked kidnappings amid the post-SDF reshuffle. SDF Dissolution Fallout: Mazloum Abdi announced the end of the SDF and integration into Syrian state institutions, but critics say major political and rights issues were left unclear. Tourism Push: Damascus hotels are reporting improving occupancy and business demand as Syria tries to lure back visitors and investment. Regional Power Politics: The US is drafting a “day after” Middle East plan aimed at containing Iran and tightening security arrangements involving Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

Chemical Weapons Cleanup: Syria has started destroying remaining Assad-era chemical weapons materials under OPCW supervision, with UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi calling it the first such process on Syrian territory in over a decade. Kurdish Integration: Mazloum Abdi rejected claims Kurds “lost everything” after SDF dissolution, saying integration into Damascus institutions preserved gains like Kurdish language in schools and calling for Kurdish seats in the constitution drafting committee. Returns and Displacement: UNHCR says nearly 1.8 million Syrians have returned since Dec. 2024, while it also estimates about 2.0 million internally displaced people have gone back to areas of origin. Security and Society: The SDF announced the death of French internationalist fighter Lorcan Sharonat; meanwhile, SOHR reported 118 women killed across Syria in eight months, highlighting ongoing risks from violence and explosive remnants. Local Hardship: In Hasakah, generator owners struck after new pricing tied to lifted diesel subsidies, warning costs are pushing residents to cancel subscriptions.

Chemical Weapons Accountability: Syria has begun destroying Assad-era chemical weapon materials under OPCW oversight, with the UN envoy calling it the first such process on Syrian territory in over a decade. Damascus Gate Attack: A man in his 30s was lightly wounded in a suspected stabbing terror attack near Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate; Israeli police said the attacker was shot. Kurdish Education Row: PYD-linked groups and crowds in Cizîr protested a decision by Syria’s interim education ministry to cut Kurdish-language classes to three hours weekly, calling it a rights rollback. Regional Tensions Around Syria: Analysts warn Israel and Türkiye are not seeking direct war, but recent strikes tied to Syria’s airspace and Turkish influence raise escalation risks. US-Iran Election Pressure: US Vice President JD Vance rejected calling the US-Iran fight a “war,” while stressing strikes are tied to attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. Lebanon Aid: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a $2.5m grant with UNRWA to rebuild a damaged school in Syria for Palestinian refugees.

Chemical Weapons Cleanup: Syria has started destroying Assad-era chemical weapons materials, with the UN saying it’s the first such destruction on Syrian territory in over a decade. Nuclear File Update: The IAEA confirmed Syria tried to build a nuclear reactor at a Deir Az Zor site, matching reactor cooling infrastructure found during August verification. SDF Integration in Hasakah: Syrian forces began taking possession of heavy weapons from the SDF as the group’s dissolution and integration into the Syrian army continues, including tanks, mortars and air-defense systems. Golan Tensions: Israel carried out a military drill along the Syrian border and in parts of the occupied Golan Heights, training for multiple scenarios. Oil Route Push: Trump praised Syria as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, while reports say Iraq is exporting fuel oil via Jordan and also moving crude through Syria toward Mediterranean ports. War Remnants Toll: A humanitarian group says nearly 700 people were killed or injured by explosive remnants of war in Syria during 2026, with clearance expected to take decades.

IAEA Nuclear Probe: The UN nuclear watchdog says Syria tried to build a nuclear reactor in Deir Az Zor under Bashar al-Assad, citing uncovered cooling infrastructure consistent with a reactor and uranium-linked findings from earlier access. Currency Crisis: The Syrian pound keeps sliding in Damascus black-market trading, pushing up the cost of food and daily essentials. Israel-Syria Talks: An Israeli bid for a security agreement with Damascus reportedly failed over the buffer zone, with Israel refusing to withdraw from it while talks continue under active channels. Regional Security Tensions: Lebanon’s army rejected Israeli criticism in the south, accusing Israel of not meeting its commitments as Israel fortifies positions. Hezbollah Denials: Hezbollah again denied links to a reported security cell allegedly aimed at destabilizing Lebanon and Syria. Local Aid in Afrin: Barzani Charity Foundation says it provided medical services to displaced returnees in Afrin. Kurdish Politics and Fighting: Hasaka Kurdish councils stressed unifying Kurdish positions, while clashes between YPG and al-Sanadid were reported in Syrian Kurdistan. Idlib Blast: An ammunition-laden vehicle explosion in Idlib killed at least five.

UN Nuclear Watch: The IAEA says Syria hid a covert nuclear reactor program under Assad, uncovering about 73 tons of undeclared uranium and reactor-related infrastructure in Deir el-Zor, with material now under agency surveillance. Humanitarian & Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted a Syria-sponsored resolution setting Dec. 19 as an International Day recognizing women searching for missing persons, spotlighting discrimination and violence faced by families. Security on the Ground: Syria’s government forces moved into Hasakah to support integration of SDF-linked security structures into state systems, as Damascus pushes to fold former Kurdish forces into national command. War Remnants: A new tally warns explosive remnants of war are still killing and injuring people across Syria—2,375 casualties since the fall of the former regime. Economy & Reconstruction: Gulf-backed developer Arada and Syria’s sovereign fund signed a $7B “New Damascus” megaproject deal, signaling renewed investment hopes amid ongoing instability.

IAEA Nuclear Probe: The UN nuclear watchdog says Syria under Bashar al-Assad tried to build a reactor in Deir el-Zor and failed to report key nuclear material and sites, confirming cooling infrastructure consistent with a reactor and noting uranium material was found. Mine Risk in Syria: A clearance charity warns unexploded ordnance is killing or injuring people every six hours, with families still suffering blast deaths long after the fighting. Israel–Turkey Tensions Over Syria: Israel and Turkey trade sharp insults after Israel struck Abu al-Duhur, with both sides denying any plan to deploy Turkish forces there—yet the rhetoric and reported naval maneuvers keep the pressure rising. Diplomacy and Europe: Denmark reopened its Damascus embassy after 14 years and pledged $76 million for recovery and refugee return support, while Syria says it remains committed to US-mediated talks with Israel. Kurdish Education Row: Teachers and students in Kobanê and Hesekê protest interim education restrictions, demanding Kurdish-language teaching be restored. Regional Security/Politics: Reports also cite Israeli incursions and raids in southern Syria, as Damascus presses for withdrawal from occupied areas.

Damascus Prison Exhibit: At the 63rd Damascus International Fair, an Interior Ministry pavilion titled “When the Walls Speak” displays items and photos tied to Assad-era prisons, including a reconstructed cell and Saydnaya-related material, drawing emotional reactions from visitors. Nuclear Reactor Claim: A UN report seen by AP says Syria was building a nuclear reactor in Deir el-Zour under Bashar Assad. Idlib Blast: In northwestern Syria’s Idlib, an ammunition-laden vehicle exploded in Binnish, killing at least five and injuring others; authorities say the cause and ownership remain unclear. Diplomacy With Israel: Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani says Damascus is pursuing a diplomatic solution with Israel via US mediation despite ongoing Israeli strikes and incursions. Denmark Returns: Denmark reopened its Damascus embassy after 14 years, linking the move to refugee returns and recovery support, including $76M for early stabilization. Kurdish Politics: Kurdish parties in Qamishlo held talks on Syria’s transitional phase and safeguarding Kurdish rights, stressing dialogue among Kurdish forces. Regional Pressure: Qatar urged de-escalation between Iran and the US and warned that attempts to impose new realities in Syria and the region will only fuel escalation.

Suwayda Security Tensions: Syrian internal security forces reported four wounded while repelling “outlaw groups” in the Suwayda countryside, including drone targeting near al-Mansoura, as Druze National Guard accused Damascus-aligned forces of shelling western Suwayda and injuring a child. Kurdish Language Shift: Syria’s education authorities moved Kurdish into the official curriculum, adding three Kurdish lessons weekly in areas with significant Kurdish populations ahead of the new school year. Afrin Faction Clashes: In Afrin, fighting between al-Hamzat and Ahrar al-Sharqiya erupted over a land dispute tied to a displaced Kurdish resident, spreading from central streets to nearby villages and prompting hospital evacuations. Refugee Returns Watch: UNHCR in Jordan said 1,352 Syrians returned in the first three months of the year, with 638,760 registered in Jordan and resettlement options limited. Diplomacy Boost: Denmark reopened its Damascus embassy after 14 years and pledged $76M for recovery and stability, saying it could help refugee returns. Water Flows: Iraq’s water ministry said Euphrates inflow from Syria quadrupled to nearly 680 cubic meters per second. Regional Crime Probe: South Korea arrested four Uzbek men over alleged financing and logistics support for a UN-listed Syria-linked al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, including crypto transfers and shipping vehicles to Syria.

Israel-Syria Border Watch: An Israeli security source says Israel is monitoring the Syrian front and will not allow hostile forces to establish a presence, while reporting that arms smuggling from Syria to Lebanon has decreased and that Israel is fortifying border defenses. SDF Dissolution Fallout: With the Syrian Democratic Forces dissolving and fighters integrating into the Syrian state, Kurds and neighboring Turkey are weighing what’s gained and what’s lost, including fears over Kurdish language and political protections. Kurdish Language in Schools: Rojava-based groups warn against limiting Kurdish-language education, calling mother-tongue schooling a right that shouldn’t be traded away. US Delisting Opens Economic Door: The US rescinded Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, a legal shift that could ease some financial and trade barriers, though investment won’t arrive overnight. Healthcare Aid: The EU provided €12 million via WHO to support Syria’s health services, including medicines for chronic diseases and emergency/mental health care. Diplomacy and Trade: Syria re-engaged internationally with embassy reopenings and new financial/payment steps, while regional ties keep expanding.

Diplomacy: Syria reactivated its embassy in Libya after 14 years of closure, with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani saying the move will boost services for Syrians in Libya and strengthen Damascus–Tripoli ties, including a plan to revive the joint higher committee. Russia–Syria ties: Putin spoke by phone with interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, stressing cooperation on trade, economy and humanitarian work, and backing a deal to reorganize Russia’s Khmeimim and Tartus facilities under Damascus control. Security on the ground: Israeli forces carried out a ground incursion and checkpoint operations in Quneitra’s northern countryside while artillery shelled parts of southern areas, according to local reporting. Regional cooperation: Türkiye and Syria completed a floating bridge over the Euphrates in Deir ez-Zor, aimed at easing transport after earlier damage. Economy & reintegration: Damascus International Fair opened under “Syria Shines Again,” with officials touting renewed openness and business-to-business talks. Sports (Syria in focus): New Zealand beat Syria 126–74 in FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, while other qualifiers saw Syria face tough tests.

Israel–Turkey Rhetoric: Erdogan renewed harsh attacks on Israel, calling Zionism “murderous” and Gaza a “children’s cemetery,” prompting an immediate Israeli rebuttal. Diplomacy in North Africa: Libya’s acting FM met Syria’s foreign chief in Tripoli to restart ties, including reopening the Syrian embassy and reviving a joint higher committee. Money & Sanctions: Visa and Mastercard began international card transactions in Syria after the U.S. delisted the country as a terrorism sponsor, with the first live tests reported in Damascus. Kurdish Language Fight: Rojava University condemned new limits on Kurdish-language classes, warning it undermines education rights. Bread Crisis in Qamishlo: Long queues returned as many bakeries stayed closed over flour and currency transaction hurdles. Water Flows: Euphrates flows from Syria reached Iraq and are expected to rise, with officials monitoring river levels. Southern Syria Exams Blocked: “Outlaw groups” blocked students from Suwayda exam centers for a second day. Sports (Syria in focus): India’s U20 team opens AFC qualifiers against Syria in Tashkent; New Zealand thrashed Syria 126-74 in FIBA qualifiers.