AGP Executive Report

Damascus Café Bombing: Syria’s Health Ministry says the death toll from the blast at a central Damascus café near the Palace of Justice has risen to 10, with 21 injured; investigators say it was caused by an improvised explosive device planted inside the café, and no group has claimed responsibility so far. Justice & Security Push: Authorities have launched an investigation and vowed to identify the perpetrators, as the attack struck a busy legal area frequented by lawyers and court visitors. Assad-Era Accountability: Syria’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of former Major General Ali Saleh Dhiab, once head of military intelligence in Qamishli, accusing him of “systematic” abuses including sending detainees to Sednaya and the Palestine Branch. Syria–Lebanon Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani continued efforts to reassure Beirut, including meetings with Lebanese leaders, amid US pressure over Hezbollah and concerns about any Syrian military role.

Damascus Cafe Blast: A bomb went off inside a crowded café in central Damascus near the Palace of Justice, killing nine and injuring 20. Syria’s Interior Ministry says a device was hidden in a bag by the entrance, and investigations are ongoing with no group claiming responsibility so far. Diplomacy—Syria & Lebanon: Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun Damascus has no intention of military intervention in Lebanon, while both sides announced a new Joint Higher Committee to boost cooperation and security coordination. Regional Security Talks: The U.S. hosted a CENTCOM-led regional security dialogue in Bahrain with 12 countries, including Syria and Lebanon, focused on defense cooperation and keeping trade flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. Culture Spotlight: In Jayroud (Damascus countryside), Syrian and Gulf officials opened a private folk heritage museum, highlighting efforts to preserve local artifacts, tools, costumes, and traditions. Kurdish Politics: The Kurdish National Council condemned the Damascus café bombing and urged unity to protect civil peace during Syria’s transition.

Damascus Cafe Bombing: A blast at a crowded cafe near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus killed at least six people and wounded 22, with Syrian authorities saying an explosive device was planted inside and investigations are underway; no group has claimed responsibility so far. International Condemnations: The UN said the attack on civilians is unacceptable and urged those responsible be identified, while Qatar and Türkiye both condemned the bombing and sent condolences. Syria-Lebanon Diplomacy: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Beirut to ease fears of any Syrian military intervention, stressing Damascus has “no intention” of taking military steps and is open to talks with Hezbollah only if it serves national interest; Lebanon’s leaders also highlighted sovereignty and a new chapter in ties, including a joint high-level committee. US Policy Push: US lawmakers urged the State Department to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, arguing the legal basis no longer applies after the Assad era ended. Aviation Restart: Syrian Airlines resumed direct Amsterdam–Damascus flights after years of suspension, signaling gradual reopening of European routes.

Israeli Strikes in Southern Syria: Israeli artillery and shelling hit farmland near Jamlah in western Daraa, with a reconnaissance drone reported overhead; earlier raids and shelling around Abdeen drew condemnation. Occupation Timeline: Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz says troops will stay “indefinitely” in security zones across Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, with no withdrawal date. Russia in the Golan: Russia has installed new military points near the Israeli border in the Golan contact area, according to monitoring groups. Arab League Returns to Damascus: An Arab League delegation arrived in Damascus for talks with Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, aiming to restart cooperation and discuss refugee return. Humanitarian Pressure: Jan Egeland says Syria is becoming “easier” for aid work but warns returns without housing and reconstruction leave people stuck in ruins. Drug Crackdown: Syria says it foiled a captagon smuggling attempt from Lebanon, seizing 832,000 tablets near Al-Nabek and arresting a suspect. New Parliament Steps In: Syria’s first post-Assad parliament takes shape as al-Sharaa names lawmakers ahead of its first session. Regional Security Talks: CENTCOM led a 12-nation defense dialogue in Bahrain including Syria and Lebanon, focused on Hormuz shipping and defense cooperation. Transit Route Push: Syria’s transport minister says Damascus is seeking practical steps for a Gulf-linked transit route via Iraq, as trade corridors gain urgency after Hormuz disruptions.

Post-Assad politics: Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has completed the first post-Assad Parliament by appointing the final 70 lawmakers, bringing the chamber to 210 seats; the legislature will hold its first session next week (Monday for swearing-in), with a 30-month term and work on a new elections law. Regional security talks: The U.S. led a defense dialogue in Bahrain with senior officials from 12 countries, focusing on Strait of Hormuz shipping and regional defense cooperation, as indirect U.S.-Iran talks continue in Doha. Israel’s long-term posture: Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz said troops will stay in “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza “until further notice,” with no withdrawal timetable, while Netanyahu reiterates wars “never end.” Southern Syria patrol: An Israeli patrol of four vehicles entered western Daraa near the “Valley Company” area, stayed briefly, and withdrew without reported clashes. IS threat picture: Islamic State claimed multiple small attacks across Syria over the past month, while Syria’s defense ministry says it continues dismantling cells and detaining suspects. Women and rights debate: A rights group urged family law reform across the Middle East and North Africa, warning discriminatory rules undermine women’s economic rights and post-conflict recovery.

Israeli incursion in southern Syria: Residents in Abdin blocked roads and reported warning shots and artillery after Israeli forces entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone, with many families fleeing again and fear of renewed raids lingering. Syria’s response to attacks: President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the strikes and reiterated Syria will not accept being a “testing ground,” while the foreign ministry called the incursions a violation of sovereignty. Iran expansion warning: The Syrian Negotiating Committee condemned an Iranian militia bombing of a medical center in Idlib, calling it proof of the danger of Iran’s regional expansion. UNRWA funding crunch: UN chief Guterres urged countries to close a $100 million gap for UNRWA, warning the Palestinian refugee agency is nearing a “breaking point,” with sweeping restrictions affecting its work across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Humanitarian and return pressures: Turkey warned UNRWA faces unprecedented political pressure, while UNRWA leaders again called for urgent funding and reform. Syria’s recovery push: Syria launched its 2026 summer tourism season in Tartus, highlighting port upgrades and visitor-support readiness as part of broader economic recovery efforts. Telecom investment: Zain won a 25-year Syria mobile license after a $747 million bid, with a planned Q1 2027 commercial launch.

Medical Aid in Idlib: Qatar Red Crescent launched a specialist cardiac program in northwestern Syria, setting up heart surgery and catheterization services at Al Hidaya Hospital in Idlib, with renovations, equipment, and staff training aimed at helping about 3,000 patients a year. Israeli Incursions Condemned: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE all condemned Israeli shelling and incursions into Syria’s Quneitra and Daraa, calling them violations of sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement framework. Diplomacy in Damascus: Turkey’s interior minister visited Damascus for talks on security cooperation, migration, police training, and disaster response, including plans for emergency systems and counter-narcotics coordination. Kurdish Politics: Syria’s Kurdish National Council said it wants the PYD back under the Kurdish national umbrella after a June 28 meeting at PYD headquarters in Qamishli. UNRWA Funding Push: UN chief António Guterres urged immediate support for UNRWA amid an “existential crisis,” warning that Israeli actions against UN facilities and worsening conditions threaten regional stability. Communications Deal: Reuters reports Kuwait’s Zain obtained a 20-year license to operate a mobile network in Syria.

Southern Syria Escalation: Israeli forces entered Abdin in Daraa, with residents blocking roads and throwing stones as artillery fire sent many fleeing; Turkey and Syria both condemned the incursions and shelling near the UN-patrolled buffer zone. Regional Condemnations: Egypt, the UAE, and Türkiye all denounced attacks on Quneitra and Daraa as violations of Syria’s sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement framework. Iraq–Syria Talks: Iraqi FM Fuad Hussein visited Damascus for first post-Assad-level meetings, focusing on security, energy, and restoring oil pipeline links. Humanitarian & Social Strain: A Syria Response Coordinators group reported 62 suicide cases in northwestern Syria this year and urged psychiatric clinics and support services. US Policy Ripple: The US Supreme Court’s move allowing TPS termination for Haitians and Syrians is driving fresh uncertainty for Syrians in the US. Culture & Media: Doha Film Institute announced 48 Spring Grants projects across 39 countries, including Syria, as Arab cinema continues to find new audiences.

Southern Syria Flashpoints: Israel shelled and raided near Abdin in Daraa, triggering panic and temporary flight before calm returned after forces withdrew, as Damascus condemned “incursions” and artillery shelling in Quneitra and Daraa. Buffer Zone Standoff: Defense Minister Israel Katz told CENTCOM Israel will not withdraw from security zones in Syria, signaling a long-term posture unless Hezbollah is disarmed. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein began his first official visit to Damascus since Assad’s fall, aiming to restart energy and security cooperation, including rehabilitation of the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline and joint committees. Humanitarian Support: ICO restored schooling and backed Syria healthcare with new equipment for Al Raqqa National Hospital, while RHF joined UNIDO talks on industrial recovery in Syria and the region. Accountability Move: Syrian authorities arrested an elite unit member accused of abuses tied to the 2013 Ghouta massacre. US Policy Shock: The US Supreme Court greenlit ending TPS for Haitians and Syrians, sparking renewed political pressure for extensions and legal challenges. Security Threat Abroad: Russia’s FSB said it stopped an arson plot targeting a synagogue in Yaroslavl, alleging the suspect took instructions from Syria.

Israel-Lebanon Escalation: Israel detonated a tunnel in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah saying it reserves the right to respond, even as a U.S.-backed Lebanon-Israel framework deal was signed to pave the way for peace. Syria Condemns Border Attacks: Damascus says Israeli incursions and artillery shelling in Quneitra and Daraa “terrorised civilians” and violate sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement deal, urging UN action. Southern Syria Firefights: The IDF reported gunfire at its troops in the southern Syria buffer zone and said it retaliated with mortars and a helicopter strike; Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the incidents. Trump’s Hezbollah Proposal: Trump urged Syria’s new Islamist-led leadership to take on Hezbollah instead of Israel, drawing concern in Lebanon and Israel; Damascus denies any plan to intervene militarily. Iran-U.S. Gulf Tensions: Iran resumed drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after U.S. strikes, while Washington and Tehran later said they would stand down and continue technical talks tied to Hormuz arrangements. Humanitarian Relief: UN-backed international rescue teams continue searching in earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Syria sending medical support and Kazakh UN peacekeepers treating residents in Quneitra.

US Immigration Policy: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CNN that migrants in the U.S. on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Haiti and Syria should apply for permanent residence or leave, adding the U.S. will provide a plane ticket and about $2,100 to help people re-establish. Syrian Media Under Fire: Israeli forces shot at a Syrian news crew while entering the village of Abdin in the Daraa countryside, according to footage from the scene. Regional Lebanon-Syria Tensions: Trump renewed pressure for Syria to take on Hezbollah instead of Israel, a move that has alarmed Lebanon and raised fresh questions about Damascus’ role. Women’s Press in Syria: The Women’s Press Union of North and East Syria (YRJ) marked its sixth anniversary, highlighting the risks women journalists face while covering conflict and human rights abuses. Humanitarian Response: Syria sent its first international search-and-rescue team to earthquake-hit Venezuela, described as a “historic milestone” by SANA.

Israel-Syria Border Tensions: The IDF says it killed armed fighters in southern Syria and struck Hezbollah-linked targets in southern Lebanon, including an RPG team and a rocket launcher near the border, as Israel continues operations in the UN-monitored buffer area. UN Diplomacy in Damascus: UN envoy Geir Pedersen says talks in Damascus will focus on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and pushing toward a political settlement. Kurdish Politics and Disputes: A PKK-linked figure, Bahoz Erdal, told a televised interview that Damascus should “thank” the YPG/PYD for the regime’s survival, while another report highlights renewed claims about the kidnapping of Aleppo resident Ahmed Sido by PYD-linked figures. Humanitarian Response Abroad: Syria has deployed a 15-member rescue team to earthquake-hit Venezuela, partnering with Qatar’s international rescue force, as international teams search for survivors after twin quakes. Regional Power Talks: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Iraq to discuss gas payment settlements, frozen assets, and regional security arrangements amid US-Iran tensions.

US-Lebanon-Israel Trilateral Framework: The US says a June 26 deal sets a “trust, but verify” approach for Lebanon to rein in Hezbollah, with Israel’s troop steps tied to conditions—while Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem calls the agreement “null and void” and a loss of sovereignty. SCOTUS TPS Ruling: The US Supreme Court cleared the way to end Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians and Syrians, triggering fresh fear of detention and deportation across US communities. Syria Accountability in Court: In Damascus, the trial of former Assad-era Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun began, with prosecutors linking him to incitement and “barrel bomb” justifications. Syria’s Regional Moves: Syria sent its first international search-and-rescue team to earthquake-hit Venezuela, partnering with Qatar’s teams. Security and Conflict Watch: Reports say US Abrams tanks were deployed to northeastern Syria, while Israel carried out brief incursions in Daraa’s countryside. Local Life in Syria: In Hasakah, Jinwar—a women-run village project—continues rebuilding livelihoods through farming, workshops, and shared governance.

Human Rights in Syria: The Syrian Network for Human Rights says it has documented 231,278 civilian deaths since 2011, citing mass arrests, torture deaths, and ongoing disappearances. Ceasefire Friction in Damascus Region: Syrian government forces pressed an offensive in the Barada Valley northwest of Damascus as rebel groups suspended talks, accusing Damascus of violating a Russia-Turkey brokered ceasefire. US TPS Ruling Echoes for Syrians: A US Supreme Court decision cleared the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, triggering fear of deportation and work-permit losses across US cities with large Syrian communities. Regional Security Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, with Israel signaling it will remain in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza “without time limit,” while experts warn Iran-backed interference could still derail stability. Syria’s Wider Pressure Points: UN reporting says Syria has made no progress on Sweida reintegration, as Druze tensions persist and political delays continue.

US Immigration Crackdown: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians, a 6-3 ruling that DHS says it can implement without court review—sparking fear of deportation and legal chaos for families and employers. Border Asylum Tightening: In a separate decision, the court backed Trump’s push to limit asylum access for people at the U.S.-Mexico border, reinforcing a broader “turn away” approach. Syria Diplomacy: Syria’s Foreign Ministry sent a delegation to inspect its Tripoli embassy ahead of reopening, with technical upgrades and a new operational push after more than a decade. Drug Policy Messaging: Syria marked International Day against Drug Abuse by saying it has shifted from being a Captagon hub to partnering in anti-drug efforts, citing dismantling of facilities. Security on the Ground: ISIS attacks on Syrian government forces rose sharply in 2026, according to a monitoring report, after a nationwide campaign against the group. Regional Pressure on Lebanon: Analysts and officials continue debating whether Syria will be pulled into Hezbollah-related files, with Damascus signaling it prefers economic lines over military ones. UNDOF in the Golan: The UN Security Council extended the Golan ceasefire observer mission for six months, as Israel-Syria border stability remains under strain. Economy Watch: Syrian industrialists are increasingly importing finished goods instead of investing locally, blaming fees, invoice scrutiny, and long payback periods.

US Supreme Court & Syria TPS: The US Supreme Court backed the Trump administration in a 6-3 ruling allowing Homeland Security to end Temporary Protected Status for about 6,100 Syrians and 350,000 Haitians, leaving families more exposed to deportation even while other immigration cases are pending. Border asylum limits: In a separate 6-3 decision, the court cleared the way to restrict asylum processing for people at the US-Mexico border, further tightening access to protection. Damascus-relevant ripple effects: US State Department travel warnings keep citing danger in Syria, while US lawmakers and local officials in places like Massachusetts and Ohio urged employers and TPS holders not to panic, saying the decision’s practical impact may unfold over days or weeks. Regional Syria angle: Iraq and Syria signed a memorandum on managing shared water resources, focusing on the Euphrates after recent flooding hit Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa.