AGP Executive Report

Southern Syria Under Fire: Israeli forces shelled Abidin in western Daraa and opened fire toward residential areas during a separate Quneitra incursion, with residents reporting panic and damage but no immediate casualties. Urban Earthquake Preparedness: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted an IFRC-backed ShakeSmart workshop in Doha, training MENA communication focal points to turn risk messaging toolkits into practical, culturally tailored public awareness plans. Flydubai Attack Fallout: UAE investigators say the Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned a terrorist act and used a cockpit crash axe to attack the captain; Australia is now probing his links after reports he studied there, while questions mount over how he was allowed back into aviation. Syria’s Investment Push: A US Chamber of Commerce delegation says Washington sees “the door open” for early US business in Syria as the transitional government moves to attract capital after sanctions changes. US Arms Policy Shift: Washington’s move to review Syria defense export requests case by case could enable selected transfers tied to communications, surveillance, counterterrorism and training. Syria-Cohen Case Revisited: A new interview revisits Eli Cohen’s 1965 execution aftermath, including claims about where he was buried and how Syrians detected surveillance gear hidden in Golan telegraph poles.

Israeli incursions and shelling: “Israeli” forces pushed further into villages and rural areas in Quneitra and Daraa, conducting raids, searches and arrests while setting up checkpoints; Syrian media also reported artillery shelling near Abdeen in western Daraa. Energy strain in Syria: A gas pipeline explosion near the Tishreen Thermal Power Plant in rural Damascus sparked a major fire and forced three power plants offline, worsening electricity rationing and outages. Counter-ISIS and finance: The US and Italy co-chaired a Rome meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, with pledges of over $75 million for Iraq and Syria; separately, the US Treasury co-hosted a Syrian banking roundtable in New York focused on anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing as sanctions were lifted. Flydubai terror probe with Syria links: UAE investigators say the Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned a “terrorist act,” attacking the captain with an emergency axe; reports cite extremist material, a ban from flying in Oman, and alleged time spent in Syria. Kurdish politics and rights: A Brussels KNK conference issued a declaration calling for Kurdish UN recognition and observer representation; the Kurdish National Council condemned sabotage targeting Syria’s energy sector. Humanitarian/culture: Saint Simeon’s church complex in Aleppo reopened after 14 years, following restoration and clearance of war remnants.

Flydubai cockpit attack: UAE investigators say the Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing Indian captain Smit Machchhar and trying to take control with an emergency axe was planning a “terrorist act,” while reports add he was previously barred from flying in Oman over extremist views and allegedly spent time in Syria; his identity is widely reported as Hamam al-Hammami, and questions now focus on how he was hired despite earlier red flags. Israeli pressure on Syria: Israel carried out further raids, searches and arrests in southern Syria’s Quneitra and Daraa while intensifying strikes across southern Lebanon. UN on Syria recovery: UN envoy Claudio Cordone urged real funding for Syria’s reconstruction and warned that Israeli operations in the south are destabilizing communities and undermining sovereignty. Security strain inside Syria: In Homs, gunmen killed seven on a bus carrying electricity workers, as explosions hit gas infrastructure and disrupted power and water services. Regional diplomacy: Jordan’s King Abdullah II spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about de-escalation and warned of the fallout from Israeli escalation in southern Syria. SOC and France: SOC President Nasr al-Hariri met France’s special envoy, calling for more EU relief for IDP camps and warning of sabotage of a ceasefire in northwestern Syria.

Israeli Incursion in Daraa: An Israeli force of about 15 vehicles raided Ma’ariya in the Yarmouk Basin west of Daraa, searching homes and raising fear among residents. Diplomacy to Cool Tensions: Jordan’s King Abdullah II spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a comprehensive regional ceasefire, warning that Israel’s escalation in southern Syria could have serious consequences. Finance Ties: The UAE Central Bank and Syria’s Central Bank signed a MoU to boost cooperation on payment systems, monetary policy, cash management, and financial technology, aiming to strengthen resilience and oversight. Energy Under Strain: Syria reported sabotage-linked damage to a gas pipeline near Deir ez-Zor and said crews restored service after replacing a section, as the country battles both security threats and utility disruptions. Counter-ISIS Cooperation: Qatar joined a Rome meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS focused on detention, repatriation, rehabilitation, and prosecution needs for people linked to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Security in Suwayda: Armed groups attacked internal security posts and homes in Mazraa, western Suwayda, with no official casualty figures yet. U.S. Arms Policy Shift: Washington ended its blanket denial of military export licenses to Syria, moving to case-by-case review.

Border Security: Lebanon’s army says it seized about 245 kg of TNT plus detonators and wiring smuggled from Syria, with suspects fleeing back across the porous border. Counter-ISIS & Prisoners: Iraq warns ISIS could exploit the end of the US mission, while Baghdad and Washington discuss repatriation of thousands of ISIS detainees transferred from Syria. Southern Syria Flashpoints: Israeli forces raided Maariya in western Daraa with about 15 vehicles and shelled farmland near the al-Mantara Dam in Quneitra. Homs Attack & Energy Hit: Gunmen killed seven on a passenger bus in Homs as a gas pipeline blast near Damascus shut down three power plants, worsening an already fragile security-and-power situation. Diplomacy in the Background: Reuters reports secret Syria-Hezbollah talks in Turkey to ease tensions; Ankara and Damascus deny hosting the meeting. Humanitarian Focus: UNICEF chief Catherine Russell urged putting children at the center of Syria’s recovery, citing millions still needing aid and schooling support.

Children & Recovery: UNICEF chief Catherine Russell urged Syria to put children at the center of recovery, calling for investment in health, education and water as returns from abroad and internal displacement continue. Arms & Security Tensions: Syria and Hezbollah talks reported in Turkey were denied by both Damascus and Ankara, with Reuters citing sources and the Syrian Information Ministry saying no meeting took place. Border Smuggling Crackdown: Lebanon’s army seized about 245kg of TNT and detonators allegedly smuggled from Syria, saying follow-up efforts are underway to arrest those behind it. New Tourism Idea: Syria unveiled a proposed underwater museum off Latakia that would turn decommissioned war equipment into marine habitat, presented at Syria Travel Show 2026. Regional Shift Watch: Iraq confirmed the complete withdrawal of the US-led coalition, while local armed groups rejected disarmament demands on a timetable. Local Violence: Gunmen killed seven and wounded others in a bus attack in Homs, as Syria’s security crisis deepens.

US-Syria Defense Trade Reset: The Trump administration removed Syria from the U.S. arms export denial list, shifting future weapons requests to case-by-case review and signaling closer engagement with Damascus, alongside plans to reopen the U.S. embassy. Hezbollah-Syria De-escalation Talks: Syrian officials and Hezbollah held secret face-to-face talks in Turkey aimed at calming tensions after Damascus accused Hezbollah of arms transfers and smuggling, with both sides reportedly agreeing Syria would not intervene militarily in Lebanon. Security Shock in Homs: Gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus near Masyaf Bridge, killing seven and wounding four; no group claimed responsibility and motives remain unclear. Damascus Power Disruption: A gas pipeline explosion near Damascus reportedly knocked three power plants offline, adding pressure to an already strained energy system. Turkey Targets Reyhanlı Plotters: Turkish intelligence detained Syrian suspect Ömer el-Hatip (Omar al-Khatib), wanted over the 2013 Reyhanlı bombings that killed 53, as he tried to flee to Europe by sea. Humanitarian Focus: UNICEF chief Catherine Russell warned 6.9 million Syrian children urgently need aid, citing efforts to restore services like water, schools, and immunization.

Energy Crisis: A gas pipeline explosion near the Tishreen power plant in eastern rural Damascus forced three major plants—Deir Ali, Al-Nasiriyah and Tishreen—offline, with civil defense firefighting and crews isolating the damaged section; the shutdown is expected to cut electricity output and extend scheduled power outages. Security in Homs: Seven people were killed and four wounded after unknown gunmen opened fire on a bus crossing the Masyaf Bridge in Homs countryside; victims included engineers and workers tied to a private electricity company, and investigations are underway. US-Syria Policy Shift: The United States lifted its long-standing blanket ban on arms exports to Syria, moving to case-by-case licensing under revised ITAR rules, as Washington signals closer engagement with Damascus. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s National Security Council urged the international community to take “concrete steps” against Israel, linking the issue to regional stability and Syria’s territorial integrity. Iraq Withdrawal Ripple: The US formally ended its 12-year anti-ISIS mission in Iraq, completing the departure from Erbil Air Base—an outcome Baghdad hailed while others fear it could reshape security dynamics across the region.

US-Iraq Exit: The US has formally concluded its anti-ISIS Operation Inherent Resolve after withdrawing from Erbil Air Base, ending a 12-year coalition mission and shifting security responsibility to Iraqi forces, with the coalition’s work moving to a new setup in the region. Hezbollah-linked Arrests in Syria: Syrian authorities say they dismantled a Hezbollah-linked cell in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin and arrested three suspects over alleged rocket-attack preparations, as security pressure on Hezbollah networks continues. EU Eyes Syria Upgrade: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met Syrian officials in Damascus, saying the bloc wants to “upgrade” its partnership and boost investment, but only if Syria delivers reforms, rule of law, and security. Southern Syria Tension: Reports highlight ongoing Israeli raids and incursions in Quneitra and Daraa, including detentions during searches, amid heightened field activity near the ceasefire line. Humanitarian Funding Alarm: UNHCR warns shrinking aid could leave 8.3 million refugees and displaced people without protection, with Syria among the hardest-hit.

EU-Syria diplomacy: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met EU chief Kaja Kallas in Damascus, urging Brussels to lift remaining unilateral restrictions and to use “effective pressure” to stop Israeli attacks, while the EU pledged to upgrade partnership and boost investment tied to reforms and security. Humanitarian strain: UNHCR warned that severe funding cuts could leave 8.3 million displaced people without vital protection and aid, as Syria’s needs remain massive and response plans are far from funded. Education and identity: Presidential adviser Mazloum Abdi urged Kurdish families in Al-Hasakah to keep sending children to Kurdish-medium schools during the transition, saying mother-tongue education is a right. Security developments: Syria’s interior forces said they arrested a Hezbollah-linked cell in Daraa after it tried to deploy missile launchers near the Israel border. Energy and regional spillover: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupted, Iraq has started importing gasoline via Syria’s Baniyas port, using land routes to meet demand. Reconstruction finance: The World Bank approved a $100M grant to modernize Syria’s financial sector, aiming to improve banking supervision, digital payments, and integrity. Japan signals support: Japan partially lifted sanctions on 16 Syrian entities, citing developments and reconstruction needs. Returns with gaps: UN OCHA said displacement-site returns are rising, but needs are shifting to communities where damaged homes, weak services, and job shortages make rebuilding hard.

Sabotage & Energy: A fire blamed on sabotage hit Syria’s eastern gas pipeline near Deir Ezzor, halting gas flows from the Jbessa/Jbeissa area to power stations and disrupting electricity supply as Syrians already complain about rising fuel prices. Border Tensions: Israeli forces carried out raids and set up a checkpoint in southern Syria’s Daraa and Quneitra, including the detention of a man in Quneitra, amid claims of hundreds of strikes and incursions since late 2024. Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR warned that nearly 8.3 million displaced people are at risk of losing assistance as severe funding cuts erode protection services. Reconstruction & Rights: Human Rights Watch cautioned that Syria’s reconstruction deals may leave people with “a raw deal” unless a rights framework is built into redevelopment. Sanctions Relief: Japan lifted sanctions on 16 Syrian entities to support reconstruction, while keeping measures on dozens of individuals and remaining entities. Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister told the UN chief Tehran will keep demanding accountability for US and Israeli “war crimes,” while Syria’s finance minister pushed stronger UAE ties.

Sudan Diplomacy at UN: The UAE urged an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a civilian-led political process, warning against letting the conflict drag on. Syria-Turkiye Trade: Syria’s border authority has started building a new Qamishli–Nusaybin crossing in Hasakah to ease pressure on existing crossings and speed freight and passenger movement. Post-Assad Foreign Policy: A new analysis says Damascus’ pragmatism reopened ties broadly after Assad’s fall, but Syrian-Iran relations remain frozen—raising questions after Iranian President Pezeshkian’s remarks. Aleppo Heritage Tech: Aleppo Citadel launched “Touristech” to digitize heritage visits with interactive stops and QR-based information. ISIS Security Push: Syrian forces arrested four ISIS cell leaders across Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Homs, seizing weapons and explosives tied to planned attacks. Regional Power Contest: Another report frames Syria as a key arena where Turkey and Saudi Arabia compete over the post-Iran order in the Levant. Syria Budget Pressure: Syria may delay some investment projects to plug a $1bn budget gap, prioritizing security, services and vital infrastructure. Travel Connectivity: flydubai is showcasing its growing Syria network at the inaugural Syria Travel Show in Damascus. Humanitarian Warning: UNICEF warns Zaatari camp water and sanitation could fail within months without new funding.

EU-Syria Recovery Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the bloc will provide about €620m ($722m) to Syria this year and next for recovery, bilateral support and humanitarian aid, with talks on a revived cooperation accord and a new political partnership planned for 2026. Anti-ISIS Security Drive: Syrian forces say they dismantled an ISIS cell operating across Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Homs, arresting four leaders and seizing explosives and weapons after reports of kidnappings, assassinations and planned attacks. Fuel Corridor to Iraq: Syria’s Petroleum Company has started transporting imported gasoline to Iraq via the Banias port under a three-month renewable deal, with an initial 57-tanker batch and plans to raise capacity toward 200 trucks a day through al-Tanf. Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli warplanes and incursions were reported in Daraa and Quneitra, including raids and firing toward agricultural areas and homes. Displacement Returns: UN says more than 60,000 Syrians have returned from displacement sites since January, with another convoy moving 263 families from northern camps to home areas in Idlib and parts of Hama, Aleppo and Damascus.

Israeli strikes in southern Syria: Israeli warplanes and forces carried out raids and shelling in Daraa and Quneitra, including firing toward agricultural land and incursions into towns such as Kodna, with no immediate reports of casualties. Fuel corridor deepens with Iraq: Syria began trucking gasoline to Iraq via the Banias oil terminal, with an initial batch of tanker trucks and plans to scale up through the al-Tanf crossing as shipping disruptions around Hormuz continue. Iraq-Syria border upgrade: Iraq and Syria agreed on eight measures to streamline trade and passenger movement, including direct electronic border communication and electronic customs-data exchange, with Damascus business leaders forecasting a 30–50% trade boost. Security arrests in Daraa: Syrian internal security arrested a former air defense brigade commander over allegations tied to torture of Hamza al-Khatib and involvement in past abuses in eastern Daraa. Displaced families return: About 263 displaced families came back from Idlib camps to homes across Damascus, Hama, Aleppo and Damascus countryside with UNHCR and Red Crescent support. Cultural and heritage note: A new study highlights how archaeologists risked their lives to save around 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during the ISIS threat.

Aviation & Investment: Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has granted Fly Dar Airlines its Air Operator Certificate, the first private airline license issued since Assad’s fall, with the carrier set to base operations at Damascus International Airport. Anti-Money Laundering Cooperation: Qatar’s NAMLC met Syria’s CASI to boost cooperation on money-laundering, terrorist financing, corruption controls, and preparations for mutual evaluation. Humanitarian Diplomacy: A Qatar-Switzerland-linked workshop on rebuilding health systems after war wrapped in Doha, bringing together major humanitarian and health actors including Syrian medical partners. Economic Recovery Push: A Syrian official told Turkish business leaders that reforms are underway to remove red tape and that Turkish investors are key to reviving damaged energy and transport networks. Rights & Reconstruction Warning: Human Rights Watch says Syria’s reconstruction deals are moving ahead without a rights framework, risking weak consultation, compensation, and remedies for displaced and affected residents. Kurdish Education Uncertainty: Rojava University says its integration into Syria’s higher education ministry remains unclear and rejects centralized decisions that could affect mother-tongue education. Aid Skills for Syrians: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn+ training project for 540 women and men in northwestern Syria, linking vocational courses to jobs and small-business support.

Fuel & Trade Corridor: Syria has started trucking imported gasoline from the Baniyas refinery into Iraq via the Al-Waleed border crossing, with convoys already moving and about 3,000 loads planned to ease shortages in Baghdad and other provinces. Southern Syria Security: Israeli forces carried out new land and air moves in Quneitra and Daraa, including a ground incursion near Beit Jinn and reconnaissance flights, raising fears for civilians along the contact lines. UN Diplomacy on Navigation: Saudi Arabia urged international cooperation to protect freedom of navigation through Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, warning against turning waterways into pressure points; Kuwait and Bahrain echoed similar calls at the UN. UNGA Syria Politics: Turkey rejected Netanyahu’s accusations at the UN, while Syria’s leadership continued pressing for sovereignty and rejecting threats to its security. Counterterrorism: Syria’s Counterterrorism Directorate arrested a former Assad-regime pilot in Latakia, part of a broader crackdown on ex-air force figures. Kurdish Rights: Kurdish officials in Syria reiterated that constitutional recognition of Kurdish people and national rights is “non-negotiable.”