AGP Executive Report

IAEA Nuclear File Closed: The UN nuclear watchdog’s board of governors voted to end its long-running probe into Syria’s secret Assad-era nuclear activities, saying outstanding questions are resolved and Syria is no longer in non-compliance. Weapons Depot Blast in Idlib: A massive explosion at a temporary arms and munitions storage facility near Sarmada killed at least 14 people and injured 11, with authorities still probing the cause. Netanyahu on Mount Hermon: Israel’s prime minister said Israel has “absolute control” over a swath from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk and vowed it will not allow a “terror army” on its border, adding Iran’s regime is “very close” to collapse. Diplomacy in Damascus: Deputy PM and foreign minister Ayman Safadi arrived for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and FM Asaad al-Shaibani on bilateral ties and regional issues. Education Under Attack: Qatar’s education minister Lolwah Al Khater urged decisive action to protect children’s right to safe schooling, citing rising attacks worldwide and ongoing harm in Syria and the region. Damascus Culture: The historic Al-Zahiriyyah Library in Damascus highlighted its centuries-old manuscript and book collections.

Electricity Strain in Qamishli: Families in Qamishli are selling gold to afford rooftop solar as unreliable grid power and generator costs push bills toward $250 a month. Business Watch: Majid Al Futtaim says it’s “keeping a close eye” on Syria after reporting a 25% profit jump in H1, hinting at possible expansion. Minority Rights Push: Syria’s Social Affairs minister says the new constitution must guarantee equality for religious minorities to curb emigration, citing a sharp Christian population decline. Syria-Ukraine Trade: Damascus has set up a Syrian-Ukrainian Business Council as the sole accredited Syrian body to expand economic ties. Regional Energy Talks: Iraq and Syria discussed boosting trade, with cement and asphalt flagged, while Iraq’s oil plans include a pipeline project linking Basra to Syria’s Baniyas. US-Iran Escalation: CENTCOM says it destroyed five Iranian crude carriers after IRGC missile attacks on a US warship; Jordan reported intercepts of Iranian missiles over Damascus. Humanitarian/War Crimes: UN-linked reporting warns Israeli actions in Syria may amount to war crimes, while a new report highlights cluster munitions’ heavy civilian toll in 2025. Extremism Cases in Australia: An “ISIS bride” accused of slavery in Syria was denied bail again in Victoria.

UN Probe on Syria: A UN commission warned that Israel’s sustained ground incursions, raids and detentions in southern Syria could amount to war crimes, urging attacks to stop and citing dozens of detainees transferred across the border. Nuclear Fallout: The IAEA said an Assad-era reactor in Syria was configured to produce fissile material suitable for nuclear weapons, after inspections uncovered key reactor features and stocks. Quneitra Raids: Israeli forces raided villages in Quneitra, including Bariqa and Breqa, with searches and shelling reported as part of repeated incursions into the occupied buffer area. Energy Corridor: Jordan approved a plan to supply Lebanon with natural gas imported as LNG, regasified at Aqaba, then shipped through Syria—building on the Arab Gas Pipeline route. Digital Access: Syrians report Microsoft Store access is gradually returning without VPNs, though availability still varies by provider and account. Russia Bases Shift: Syria and Russia agreed to reorganize the Tartous and Hmeimim presence, moving facilities toward Syrian civilian administration and joint training roles. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan met U.S. officials in Ankara, including the U.S. envoy for Syria and Iraq, as talks continue on regional issues.

IAEA Nuclear Findings: The UN nuclear watchdog says a secret Assad-era reactor in Deir ez-Zor was configured for nuclear weapons use, and inspectors also confirmed large undeclared uranium and fuel-rod stocks now under IAEA monitoring. State Security & Sovereignty: Syria’s interim FM Asaad al-Shaibani told the Arab League in Cairo Damascus remains committed to diplomacy with Israel while calling for exclusive state control of weapons, as the government says it has integrated armed factions into the national army. Southern Syria Tensions: Reports from Quneitra say Israeli patrols and artillery shelled areas including Taranga, with families also appealing for the release of 43 detainees held by Israeli forces. Civil Aviation Upgrade: Syria plans to convert the Mezzeh military air base into a civilian business and general aviation airport, with early rubble removal and navigation upgrades underway. Counter-Terrorism in the North: Kurdistan Region counter-terrorism forces arrested an ISIS logistics suspect in Bazian, after he allegedly pledged allegiance in 2015 and later lived in Al-Hol camp. Humanitarian Partnership: Qatar Red Crescent Society signed a strategic cooperation deal with Syria’s Red Crescent and opened a Damascus representation office to expand relief work.

IAEA Nuclear Findings: UN watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says Assad-era Syria had a nearly completed reactor in Deir ez-Zor configured to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons, with inspectors now placing seized uranium and fuel under safeguards. Accountability in Syria: Internal Security Forces arrested former Major General Mohammed Ali Durgham over alleged orders to fire on unarmed protesters during the 2011 repression and alleged mass arbitrary detentions tied to the Hama crackdown. Return to Serêkaniyê: About 689 families (around 7,000 people) in Serêkaniyê Camp began dismantling tents to prepare for home returns under a January 29 deal between interim Damascus authorities and the SDF. Arab League Diplomacy: Qatar joined the Arab League Council ministerial session in Cairo, with discussions including Israeli aggression, Lebanon and Syria, and Iranian escalation. Regional Security Talks: Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani told Arab ministers that Arab rights in the occupied Golan are “non-negotiable,” while pushing for a diplomatic path and renewed border security.

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.