AGP Executive Report

Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria: Israeli forces randomly targeted civilian homes in Maariya village, Daraa countryside, and carried out raids and detentions in Quneitra and Daraa, with reports of abducted young men and shelling of farmland. Custody Death Spurs Accountability Push: Syria’s Interior Ministry arrested seven security personnel after Mohammad Ghamira, a former White Helmets volunteer, died shortly after release from police custody in Latakia; authorities opened investigations and detained suspects tied to the case. Interpol Cooperation Rebuilds Legal Tools: Syria moved to reactivate cooperation with Interpol to pursue wanted figures linked to alleged fraud, embezzlement, robbery and forgery, naming individuals including Shalati, Kazbari and Mazen Al-Tarazi. Refugee Health Support in Jordan: Qatar Red Crescent Society, UNHCR and QRCS-backed partners concluded a health access project for Syrian refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari and Azraq camps, including dialysis and specialist referrals. Regional Diplomacy and Trade: Turkey expanded Syria border crossing capacity to boost trade and passenger movement, while Russia crude supplies to Syria reportedly continue amid shifting pressure over Russian ties. DP World Port Upgrade: DP World delivered three mobile harbour cranes for Tartous port, aiming to raise cargo handling capacity and support Syria’s economic recovery.

Aviation & Diplomacy: Syrian Airlines resumed regular direct flights between Damascus and Moscow after more than 18 months, with officials saying the route will boost exchanges and bilateral cooperation. Regional Security: Israeli forces abduct several young men during an incursion into western Daraa and also raid homes in Quneitra, as southern Syria continues to face near-daily incursions and checkpoints. Justice & Accountability: Syria’s courts sentenced deposed President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, reviving fresh attention on torture allegations and the fate of regime figures. Human Rights & Detention: Reports of seven detainees in Syria tied to deaths in custody, alongside renewed torture concerns after the death of Mohammed Ghumaira following detention. Counterterror & Prison Transfers: Iraq’s Justice Ministry issued circulars to receive ISIS prisoners from Syrian territory, excluding those sentenced to death. Nuclear & International Oversight: Syria announced steps involving removal/handling of nuclear material and an IAEA-related process, as Damascus seeks to manage international scrutiny. Migration Pressure: The U.S. continues ending Temporary Protected Status for Syrians, while New York officials warn of major economic and public-safety fallout. Connectivity & Reconstruction: Syria and Cyprus signed a deal for a new 240km subsea cable (UGARIT 2) to strengthen international digital links.

Syrian Justice & Security: Syria detained seven people in Latakia after a man with hemophilia, Mohamed Ghumeira, died following alleged police beatings in custody; Interior Minister Anas Khattab said misconduct will be held accountable. Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister held calls with Saudi, Jordanian and Syrian counterparts, urging de-escalation and respect for the US-Iran MoU, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Air Links: Syrian Airlines resumed regular Damascus–Moscow flights after more than 18 months, a move Russia says will boost exchanges and cooperation. International Pressure on Syria: The US termination of Temporary Protected Status for Syrians took effect, urging beneficiaries to adjust status or leave. Former Regime Fallout: Damascus arrested relatives of former security chief Rustum Ghazaleh in raids tied to alleged attempts to influence security procedures. Geopolitical Context: Iran announced a $30,000 bounty for killing or capturing US soldiers, as tensions over Hormuz negotiations continue.

Assad-era ties reset: Syrian Airlines resumed direct passenger flights between Damascus and Moscow for the first time in over 1.5 years, landing in Moscow on Aug. 16 as Syria and Russia move toward a new framework for military presence and base handovers. Refugee policy squeeze in Europe: Germany revoked or withdrew asylum protection for Syrians at a sharply higher rate in early 2026, with 23.2% of reviews ending in loss of status, after hundreds of thousands returned post-Assad’s fall but security risks persist. Kurdish integration milestone: A senior SDF commander said the YPG-SDF and the AANES structure will be dissolved within days, citing near-complete obstacles to integration with Damascus under “one army, one state, one flag.” US migration crackdown with spillover risk: The US terminated Temporary Protected Status for Syrians effective July 27, 2026, ending work and deportation shielding for thousands. Regional security diplomacy: Erdoğan said Egypt could join the new Mecca Defence Agreement, while also pledging support for stability in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

Assad-Era Accountability: Syrian Internal Security Forces arrested former police commander Musab Abu Rakba in Daraa, wanted by Austria’s Vienna Criminal Court over alleged torture and mistreatment of detainees in Raqqa (2011–2013), after he escaped while an appeal was pending. Regional Diplomacy: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he will visit Syria soon and that Syrian Kurds should have a “share” in regional peace and stability, while also warning that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon remain a concern. International Air Links: Direct passenger flights between Moscow and Damascus resumed after more than 18 months, with Syrian Airlines scheduling weekly Sunday service. Security Pressure in the South: Israel’s strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 11, including children, as Lebanon’s officials accused Israel of massacres and violations of the US-brokered framework. Golan Heights Fallout: Colombia’s former president Gustavo Petro apologized to Arab countries after Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, a move condemned across the region.

Damascus–Europe Connectivity: Syria is preparing to receive its first direct Berlin–Damascus flight, with German airline Sundair scheduled to launch the Saturday route, as Damascus pushes to restore regular European air links. Border Security Claims: Türkiye’s ambassador in Damascus says the main security threats along the Turkish-Syrian border—human smuggling, drug trafficking, uncontrolled migration and terrorism—“disappeared” after Syria’s new administration took over in late 2024, pointing to growing military and logistical cooperation. Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces entered western Daraa and set up a checkpoint to inspect passersby, while separate reports describe Israeli artillery and troop activity in the Yarmouk Basin area. Judicial Cooperation on ISIS: Syria and Iraq agreed to form joint judicial committees to review ISIS detainee cases transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraq, with expert teams expected to examine files and coordinate trial outcomes. Raqqa/Deir ez-Zor Flood Warning: Syria’s disaster authorities warned residents of rising Euphrates levels after increased releases from the Kudairan Dam, urging people to avoid the river and low-lying areas. Lebanon–Israel Escalation Spillover: Reports say Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed nine, including children, as Lebanon rejects Israel’s stated justifications and calls for de-escalation.

Southern Syria Flashpoints: Israeli forces reportedly opened fire toward civilian homes in Maariya, Daraa, driving some residents to flee; details remain unconfirmed by Israel. Border Incursions & Fire Risk: In Quneitra, Israeli troops set up a temporary checkpoint near Saida al-Hanout and al-Razaniya farm, while illumination flares sparked a wildfire in Al-Rafid after an incursion. Humanitarian Movement: The UN’s migration agency says about 50,000 Syrians returned from Lebanon to Syria over the past week. Diplomacy & Reconstruction: Germany and Syria are set to launch a new scheduled Cologne–Deir ez-Zor air route from Sept. 1, signaling renewed commercial connectivity. Justice & Accountability: Syria’s transitional authorities continue legal steps tied to the Assad-era, including moves involving Interpol extradition coordination and court sentencing coverage. Regional Security Posture: Reports say the U.S. blocked an Israeli request for unrestricted freedom of airstrikes in Syria, reflecting tighter allied coordination.

Judicial Cooperation: Syria and Iraq agreed to form joint judicial committees to review ISIS prisoner cases after Iraqi officials met Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara and Justice Minister Mazhar Al Wais, aiming for “mutually acceptable solutions” for detainee files. Economic Reset: Lebanon and Syria moved to revive economic ties, with a Damascus investment conference planned for autumn and a plan spanning private-sector links, a Lebanese-Syrian business council, and government-to-government reviews of dozens of agreements. Reform and Finance: Syria’s Finance Minister met the World Bank to discuss support for financial reform, social protection, pension and insurance restructuring, and housing finance updates, including mortgage-law changes and governance improvements at state institutions. Nuclear and Sovereignty: Syria said an IAEA delegation will visit to announce progress on removing nuclear material left from the Assad era, as the issue remains tied to international pressure and regional security calculations. Humanitarian Accountability: The WHO reported more than 10,000 verified attacks on healthcare since 2018 with no cases entering accountability systems, highlighting ongoing risks to patients and workers across conflict zones including Syria. Security in the North-East: SDF chief Mazloum Abdi said “solutions” were reached with Damascus on Hasaka security issues, including attacks on returning Sari Kani IDPs, after a Syrian delegation met SDF officials.

Transitional Justice: Syria’s Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture and arbitrary detention, with the verdict now raising fresh pressure on Russia over custody and extradition of Assad-era figures. Judicial Cooperation: Syria and Iraq moved to formalize legal coordination after Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council chief Faiq Zidan met Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, with talks focused on ISIS detainees transferred from al-Hol and plans for joint judicial committees. Regional Security: Israel continued raids and incursions across the occupied West Bank and struck southern Syria, while Israeli officials reiterated plans to keep troops in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza security zones—fueling fears of a wider regional escalation. Nuclear & State Capacity: Syria and the US/IAEA track progress on removing nuclear material from a covert Syrian site, while Damascus also announced steps to coordinate with Interpol on Assad-era figures. Diplomacy & Alliances: Iraq sought outreach to Syria and Saudi Arabia amid militia tensions, as regional powers deepen new defense alignments, including the Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan “Mecca” pact.

Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia: Syria’s criminal court in Damascus has sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death over killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and crimes against humanity, while reporting also notes thousands of former regime figures still remain at large. Interpol Coordination: Syria says it has formed a committee to coordinate with Interpol over Assad-era figures, as the transitional authorities push legal accountability. Nuclear Material Moves: Syria also says it has agreed to turn over Assad-era nuclear material and will host an IAEA delegation to announce progress, signaling a major shift in how Damascus handles sensitive sites. Russia Base Deal: Multiple reports say Syria and Russia are reshaping Moscow’s military presence, including transferring control of key Mediterranean bases and converting facilities into joint training centers. Southern Lebanon Tensions: The U.S. pushed back on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz after he said Israel would not withdraw from “security zones,” warning that a permanent presence would clash with the framework tied to Hezbollah disarmament. Return of Displaced Kurds: In Kobani, officials registered 124 Sere Kaniye families seeking return under the Jan. 29 agreement, with coordination underway on security and damage assessments. Syrian Artifacts Back from France: A Damascus exhibition highlights returned Palmyra and Roman-era artifacts, part of a broader cultural and political push to reclaim heritage.

Assad Accountability: Syria’s Damascus court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and six senior officials to death in absentia over war crimes and crimes against humanity, with Atef Najib also receiving a death term—sparking renewed debate over what “transitional justice” should look like. Nuclear File: Syria says it has made progress on nuclear issues and is preparing for an IAEA visit tied to removing Assad-era nuclear material from a secret site. Regional Security Posture: Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed troops will remain in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza security zones, drawing US pushback over any long-term presence. Diplomatic Fallout Over Golan: Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan triggered fast condemnations from Syria and multiple Arab states, with the EU also reaffirming non-recognition under UN resolutions. Military Footprint Shift: The US says it is on track to complete its Iraq pullout by Sept. 30, ending the latest phase of a presence that began in 2003. Russia-Syria Bases: Russia and Syria agreed to reorganize Moscow’s coastal facilities, with Syria taking over civilian functions at Hmeimim and Tartus while redefining military roles. Energy & Trade Links: Turkey is pursuing a new electricity corridor connecting Saudi Arabia through Jordan and Syria, aiming to expand regional power trade.

Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia: Syria’s court under the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led authorities handed Bashar al-Assad a death sentence in absentia over crimes including murder, torture, unlawful detention, and crimes against humanity, with other senior figures—such as Maher al-Assad and Atef Najib—also receiving death terms. Russia–Syria Base Deal: Russia and Damascus agreed to reorganize Moscow’s Mediterranean footprint: civilian facilities at Tartus and Khmeimim would shift to Syrian operation, while military sites are repurposed as joint training hubs with some Russian forces remaining. Nuclear File Moves: Syria says an IAEA delegation will visit to announce “significant progress” on nuclear materials, while reporting also points to efforts to remove Assad-era nuclear material from the al-Kibar site. UN Protest Over Golan: Damascus submitted a formal protest to the UN after Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, calling it a violation of international law and UN resolutions. Lebanon Amnesty Shockwave: Lebanon’s parliament passed a sweeping general amnesty law and abolished the death penalty, aiming to cut prison overcrowding—while critics warn it could skew leniency toward certain detainees. Regional Security Talks: Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Kurdistan officials met in Jordan to coordinate border protection and counter cross-border threats.

Transitional Justice: A Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, convicting him of crimes including killings, torture, and arbitrary detention, and handing the same sentence to his brother Maher and security figure Atef Najib—sparking celebrations in Deraa, widely seen as the uprising’s birthplace. Military Bases: Russia and Syria signed a memorandum reshaping Moscow’s Tartous and Hmeimim footprint: civilian facilities move under Syrian management, while military sites are repurposed into joint training centers, with some Russian personnel reportedly staying. Nuclear File: Syria is set to host an IAEA delegation to announce progress on nuclear materials, amid reports that US-brokered steps will remove material from a secret site tied to the Assad era. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar, Turkey, Kuwait and others condemned Colombia’s recognition of “Israeli” sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, calling it a major obstacle to peace and a violation of international law. Security & Governance: Turkey’s parliament approved a conditional legal framework for PKK disarmament and reintegration, while Syria also faced fresh local security strain as Israeli forces shelled areas in Quneitra and set up checkpoints.

Transitional Justice: A Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia, convicting them of premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity; the ruling also handed death sentences to Assad-era officials including cousin Atef Najib, tied to the 2011 Daraa crackdown that helped ignite the war. Nuclear Diplomacy: Syria said it will receive an IAEA delegation in the coming days to announce progress on resolving the Assad-era nuclear legacy, as reports say nuclear material from the “Site 99” area is set for removal under a US-brokered understanding—raising the stakes for how Israel and Damascus manage security without escalation. Military Realignment: Russia and Syria signed a memorandum on the future of Russian bases at Tartous and Hmeimim, with civilian facilities to be transferred to Syrian administration and military sites repurposed into joint training centers. Regional Security: Jordan hosted a high-level military meeting with Syria, Iraq and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region on border security and cross-border threats, while also condemning Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.

Syrian Security & Governance: Kobani/Ayn al-Arab saw a night curfew after Kurdish protesters attacked government-affiliated sites, with internal security deployed to contain unrest and protect property. IDP Returns in the Northeast: After nearly seven years, the first organized convoy of displaced families returned to Ras al-Ain/Serekaniye, but gunmen and attackers sparked assaults and protests, leading to temporary suspension of further return trips pending security guarantees. Regional Military Pressure: In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces carried out artillery shelling, incursions, explosions and house burnings, with attacks reported around Nabatieh and Khiam amid ongoing ceasefire violations. Nuclear File & International Diplomacy: Syria reached a US- and Israel-linked understanding for the IAEA to remove nuclear material from the clandestine “Site 99,” tied to the former Al-Kibar program, aiming to prevent escalation. Russia-Syria Base Management: Damascus and Moscow agreed a memorandum reshaping Russia’s Hmeimim and Tartous presence, with civilian control of key facilities and a shift toward joint training centers within a three-month transition. Kurdish Peace Framework in Turkey: Turkey’s parliament approved a conditional PKK disarmament and reintegration law, with implementation tied to verification of PKK dissolution and weapon surrender—an issue with spillover relevance for Syria’s Kurdish-administered areas. Lebanon-Iraq Energy Logistics: Lebanon’s PM chaired preparations for Iraqi crude and petroleum transit through Lebanon, focusing on storage, border capacity, roads, and safety procedures.

Syrian-Russian Military Reset: Syria and Russia agreed to reorganize the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus port, shifting civilian facilities to Damascus and converting the military sites into joint training and qualification centers, with a transition set to finish within three months. Border Returns in the North-East: About 2,500 Syrian Kurds began returning to Ras al-Ain after years of displacement, following a Damascus-Kurdish integration deal and coordination on security guarantees. Southern Security Pressure: Syrian state media reported new Israeli patrols and incursions into Quneitra countryside, renewing accusations of violations of the 1974 disengagement framework. Counter-ISIS Operations: Syrian forces arrested a nine-member Daesh cell in Quneitra, as security efforts continue in the south. Health Services in Deir ez-Zor: Syria’s Health Ministry announced new projects in Deir ez-Zor, including an oncology hospital foundation stone and repairs to key medical equipment. Energy and Trade Logistics: Iraq’s Oil Ministry discussed pipeline routes to Fishkhabur (Turkey border) and Baniyas (Syria coast) to diversify exports amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. World Bank Support: The World Bank approved a $100m grant to modernize Syria’s financial sector, aiming to expand digital payments and improve supervision and transaction security.