AGP Executive Report

Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli forces reportedly opened fire toward civilian areas in Maariya, Daraa, prompting residents to flee; separate reports say Israeli units set up a temporary checkpoint in Quneitra and fired illumination flares that sparked a fire in Al-Rafid. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO says attacks on healthcare in conflict zones averaged more than four a day in 2026, with hundreds of incidents and major damage to hospitals in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. Returns From Lebanon: UN migration officials report around 50,000 Syrians returned from Lebanon over the past week. Diplomacy & Connectivity: Germany and Syria plan a new direct Cologne–Deir ez-Zor air route starting Sept. 1, as Damascus continues rebuilding transport links. Justice & Accountability: Syria’s court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, while Syria also moves to coordinate with Interpol on former officials’ extradition. Russia–Syria Ties: Russia and Syria agreed a new framework for Russian base facilities in Tartus and Hmeimim, alongside renewed cultural cooperation.

Assad-era justice and nuclear files: Syria’s Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad and other former officials to death in absentia, while the government says it is making “significant progress” on nuclear materials and preparing for an IAEA visit. Security and detainees: Syria and Iraq agreed to form judicial committees to review ISIS prisoner cases after transfers from Syrian detention to Iraqi prisons. Health under fire: The WHO reported more than 10,000 attacks on healthcare since 2018, with no cases entering accountability systems, and said 2026 is averaging over four attacks a day. Regional diplomacy and economy: Lebanon and Syria are planning a Damascus investment conference to reset economic ties, while Syria’s new leadership, Ahmed al-Sharaa, outlined a long-term vision for a modern Arab democracy. Israel-Syria tensions: Israeli forces reportedly carried out strikes and incursions in southern Syria’s Daraa and Quneitra, as Israel signals it will keep troops in security zones. Broader geopolitics: A new Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan defense pact was detailed, adding another layer to shifting Middle East alliances.

Assad Verdict: Syria’s transitional court in Damascus sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, a ruling that raises fresh questions about whether Russia will hand him over. Judicial Links: Iraq’s top judge Faiq Zidan met Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to expand legal cooperation, including joint committees over Syrian detainees transferred from al-Hol. ISIS Detainees: The two sides also discussed the legal status of Syrians held in Iraq and how to coordinate trials and guarantees. Refugee Aid: WFP says food assistance for Syrian refugees in Jordan’s host communities has been suspended since April due to funding gaps, while camp aid continues at reduced levels. Southern Syria Security: Syrian media and reports say Israeli forces carried out raids and incursions in Daraa and Quneitra, including detentions and threats to residents. Diplomacy & Memory: Syria displayed artifacts returned from France at the Damascus Citadel, part of a push to reopen access to heritage sites.

Assad Verdict: Syria’s transitional court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and crimes against humanity, but his exact location in Russia remains unclear. Nuclear File: Syria says it will work with the IAEA and has moved to remove Assad-era nuclear material, while U.S. and Israeli officials discuss using the Syrian nuclear operation as a model for Iran. Syria-Russia Deal: Damascus and Moscow agreed to end Russia’s military use of key Mediterranean bases and reshape the presence at Hmeimim and Tartus into joint training centers, with Syria taking control of civilian facilities. Regional Diplomacy: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani spoke with Lebanon’s PM Nawwaf Salam on boosting coordination and stability, as Kurdish leaders urged dialogue with Damascus to resolve Syria’s Kurdish issues. Return and Security: The Kurdish National Council condemned attacks on returnees to Sari Kaniye, calling for protection, investigations and accountability. Food Security: Syria’s wheat harvest reached self-sufficiency, with the grain agency reporting 2.7 million tonnes collected versus 2.55 million needed.

Israeli Strikes in Syria: Israeli artillery shelled agricultural land near Hamidiya in Quneitra, with no casualties reported, as border activity and reconnaissance intensified. Southern Syria Under Pressure: The Syrian Observatory says 51 Israeli attacks hit Quneitra and Daraa since the start of 2026, including airstrikes and ground assaults on depots and military sites, killing five and injuring others, with civilians among those affected. Syrian Air Force Returns: Social media shows Syrian Su-22 fighter-bombers flying again for training over northern Syria, a symbolic step after the 2017 shootdown and losses during the post-Assad transition. Regional Security Realignment: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” signaling a shift toward collective regional defense as the US security umbrella shrinks. Diplomatic Fallout Over Golan: Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan triggered rapid Arab and Syrian condemnation, with the Arab League rejecting it as having “no legal effect.”

Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia: Syria’s hardline court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death, alongside senior regime figures including his brother Maher and cousin Atef Najib, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, prompting celebrations in Deraa. Russia-Syria Bases Deal: Russia and Damascus agreed to reorganize Moscow’s presence at Tartus and Khmeimim, with civilian facilities handed to Syrian control and the sites repurposed as joint training areas, while some Russian forces remain. IAEA Nuclear Move: Syria says an IAEA delegation will visit to announce “significant progress” on nuclear materials, as the country signals cooperation on the file. Lebanon Amnesty Shockwave: Lebanon’s parliament passed a sweeping general amnesty law and abolished the death penalty, aiming to cut prison overcrowding but drawing criticism over exclusions and potential leniency for certain detainees. Golan Heights Diplomatic Fallout: Syria submitted a UN protest after Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan; Turkey and other Arab states condemned the move as violating international law. Regional Security Talks: Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Kurdistan officials met in Jordan to coordinate border security and counter cross-border threats.

Court Verdict: Syria’s Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher, plus cousin Atef Najib, to death in absentia over killings, torture, arbitrary arrest and crimes against humanity, with Syrians gathering outside as the judge read the convictions. IAEA Nuclear Step: The IAEA is set to remove nuclear materials from a secret Assad-era site in Syria under a US-brokered deal, with access planned to “Site 99,” tied to remnants of the Al Kibar program. Russia-Syria Bases: Russia says a new memorandum will boost ties after Syria takes over civilian control at Tartous and Hmeimim, while military areas shift into joint training centers. Regional Tensions: Israel shelled agricultural land in Quneitra and set up a temporary checkpoint, as Damascus condemned renewed moves around the occupied Golan. Diplomatic Fallout: Qatar, Turkey and Kuwait joined other states condemning Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.

Assad Sentenced: A Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, convicting him of killings, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity; his brother Maher and former security official Atef Najib also received death sentences. IAEA Nuclear File: Syria says an IAEA delegation will arrive soon to announce “significant progress” on unresolved nuclear materials from the Assad era, as the UN watchdog prepares further work after traces were found. Russia Base Deal: Moscow and Damascus signed a memorandum reshaping Russia’s last Syria footholds: Syria will take control of civilian parts at Hmeimim and Tartus, while military areas shift toward joint training centers. Golan Diplomatic Clash: Syria condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan, with Jordan and Gulf states also denouncing the move as violating UN resolutions. Regional Security Talks: Jordan hosted a high-level military meeting with Syria and Iraq’s forces to coordinate border security and counter cross-border threats. Lebanon Frontline: Israeli drones struck in Nabatieh, wounding two and hitting an ambulance team, while Lebanon condemned attacks on emergency crews.

Curfew in Kobani/Ayn al-Arab: Syria’s Internal Security Department imposed a curfew Monday night after Kurdish protesters attacked government-affiliated sites, with unrest also reported in Hasakah and Al-Qamishli. Kurdish return violence: Hundreds of families tried to return to Ras al-Ain/Sari Kani after nearly seven years, but gunmen attacked the returning group, and local authorities said the dispute was tied to returns without coordination. Nuclear materials deal: The Syrian government reached an understanding with the US and Israel for the IAEA to remove nuclear material from the secret “Site 99” linked to the Assad-era program, aiming to prevent escalation. Russia-Syria base handover: Syria and Russia signed an MoU on the future of Hmeimim and Tartous, with civilian management taking over key facilities and military areas shifting toward joint training centers within three months. US-Iran Hormuz pressure: Trump demanded compensation from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran and Oman continue talks—raising uncertainty for regional shipping. Turkey PKK amnesty: Turkey’s parliament approved a conditional pardon for thousands of Kurdish militants, effective only after PKK disarmament verification. Aleppo Times note: These developments directly shape security, displacement, and strategic leverage across Syria’s northeast and coastal fronts.

UN Safety in Quneitra: UNDOF cleared unexploded ordnance in Syria’s Quneitra to cut risks to civilians, underscoring how war remnants still kill and injure years later. Syria-Russia Accord: Damascus says it will take over civilian parts of Hmeimim and Tartus while converting the military sites into joint Syrian-Russian training centers within three months, a major shift in Russia’s footprint. Kurdish Returns & Rights: First convoys of Serêkaniyê IDPs began returning after years of displacement, while in Damascus the Kurdish National Council launched free legal consultations; Kurdish leaders also say the new Syrian authority is serious about resolving the Kurdish issue. Refugee Talks: Syria’s president met the UN refugee chief to discuss voluntary, safe returns plus early recovery and livelihood support. Security on the Ground: Syrian media reported Israeli patrol incursions into Quneitra countryside, while Syria’s health ministry announced new projects in Deir ez-Zor including an oncology hospital. Turkey’s Peace Push: Turkey’s parliament opened debate on a conditional amnesty bill for thousands of PKK militants as part of a broader Kurdish peace process.

Damascus-Moscow Deal: Syria and Russia signed a memorandum to reorganize Moscow’s coastal footprint, with Syria taking over civilian facilities at Hmeimim Airport and the Tartus port berth, while Russian military sites are set to shift into joint training and qualification centers within three months. Security Crackdown: Syrian authorities arrested a nine-member ISIS cell in Khan Arnabah (Quneitra) near the Israel-Syria demilitarized zone, including the cell leader “al-Sini,” as part of efforts to disrupt ISIS supply networks. Regional Trade Push: Iraq is seeking to reopen border crossings with Syria and streamline customs to boost bilateral trade, citing shipping disruptions and higher costs tied to Hormuz. Local Infrastructure: Hasaka’s water authority says trial pumping from Alouk Station will continue another week, with residents told not to drink network water until safety checks are completed. Sports (Syrian-linked): Syria is listed among opponents in youth tournaments across the region, including handball and U18 basketball schedules.

Syria-Russia Military Deal: Syria and Russia signed a memorandum reshaping Moscow’s coastal footprint: Damascus will gradually take over civilian management at Hmeimim Airport and Tartus port’s commercial berth, while Russian military facilities are set to be converted into joint training and qualification centers, with a transition capped at three months. Tartus Commercial Handover: Syria’s ports and customs authority says commercial sections previously run by Russia— including Tartus berth No. 4 and nearby warehouses—will transfer to Syrian control. Southern Syria Tensions: Reports say Israeli forces detained a civilian in Ma’ariya village in Daraa after a raid, amid renewed incursions and ground movements in Daraa and Quneitra. Counter-ISIS Push: Syria’s internal security forces dismantled a nine-member ISIS cell in Quneitra’s Khan Arnabeh, arresting its leader and seizing roles tied to weapons and explosives. Economy & Energy: Syria’s petroleum authorities plan maintenance and rehabilitation at Rmelan oil fields and the Sweidiya gas plant to lift output toward 250,000 barrels per day by end of next year. Currency Access: Syria’s central bank says old-currency withdrawals continue via authorized Syrian Post outlets across governorates, without requiring visits to the central bank.

Israeli Operations in Syria: Israeli forces detained a young man during a raid in Maariya, Daraa, and carried out bulldozing in Quneitra near the Samadaniya al-Sharqiya–Khan Arnabeh road, with reports of civilian harm fears. Security & Smuggling Crackdowns: Syria’s Interior Ministry says it foiled a weapons and ammunition smuggling attempt from Tartus into Lebanon, seizing rifles, RPG rounds and ammo; Syria’s Anti-Narcotics Administration also reported arrests in Quneitra after seizing drugs and pills. Regional Connectivity: Jazeera Airways launched direct flights from Kuwait to Deir ez-Zour after the airport reopened, boosting links for the province. Economy & Aid: The World Bank approved a $100m grant to modernize Syria’s finance sector, while reports say economic modernization projects are moving forward under Jordan’s program. Culture & Memory: A new piece spotlights Asmahan’s Syrian roots and her rise in Egypt’s music scene.

Israeli Incursions in Quneitra: Israeli forces bulldozed agricultural land in the Samadaniya al-Gharbiya area of Quneitra and reportedly detained a civilian during raids, with UNDOF observers arriving to monitor the situation. Lebanon-Syria Justice Link: Lebanon detained former Assad-era Maj. Gen. Adel Issa after he visited the Syrian embassy in Beirut for paperwork; prosecutors are weighing whether to hand him to Damascus over alleged crimes against humanity. Syrian Security Updates: Syria’s defense ministry said one soldier was killed and two wounded in an attack in eastern Deir ez-Zor, while security forces also said they neutralized two ISIS militants near Sayyida Zainab. Regional Air Connectivity: Jazeera Airways launched its first direct flight to Deir Ezzor from Kuwait, adding new nonstop links to Damascus and Aleppo. Economy & Aid: The World Bank approved a $100 million grant to support Syria’s financial sector modernization. Arbaeen in Damascus: A mourning ceremony for Imam Hussein’s Arbaeen was held at the Grand Ayatollah Mirza Javad Tabrizi Hussainiya in Damascus.

Syrian Security: Syrian forces killed two suspected ISIS militants after a night patrol in the Sayyida Zainab area near Damascus turned into a gun battle, with authorities saying an improvised explosive device and weapons were recovered. Israeli Incursions: Israeli forces entered the southwestern Quneitra countryside and set up a checkpoint in Ain Ziwan, part of repeated ground incursions Damascus says violate sovereignty. Finance & Reconstruction: The World Bank approved a $100 million grant to modernize Syria’s financial sector, aiming to expand safer digital payments and strengthen financial integrity. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey said it participated in the Geneva meeting to push a political solution in Syria aligned with UN resolution goals. Energy & Industry: Saudi Al Harfi and the Syrian Electricity Company signed agreements for 760 MW of solar and 1,077 MWh of battery storage in Damascus countryside. Regional Security Pact: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, treating an attack on one as an attack on all, as Iran tensions and Gulf instability continue.

Damascus Security: Syria corrected the casualty count from the Jaramana minibus bombing near the capital, saying 14 were injured and no deaths were reported, while authorities continue their investigation and regional governments condemned the attack. Returns & Governance: Syria says 645+ displaced families are set to return to Ras Al-Ain next week as implementation of the SDF-related accord advances, with remaining issues tied to security and administration steps. Energy & Trade: Syria exported over 2 million tons of Iraqi oil via Baniyas Port since the start of 2026, with dozens of tankers moving fuel and refined products through the transit system. Regional Aid: Kuwait pledged $2.5 million to support humanitarian response in Syria through the Syria Humanitarian Fund, under a broader UN-backed aid package. New Parliament: Syria’s first post-Assad parliament includes 22 women lawmakers out of 207 seats, highlighting a push for visible inclusivity. Power Projects: A Saudi-Syrian deal targets 760 MW of solar and 1,077 MWh of battery storage in Damascus to ease chronic blackouts. Drug Smuggling Crackdown: Kuwait customs seized 4,255 Captagon pills from a Syria-bound passenger at Terminal 5, sending the case to drug control authorities. Regional Security Pact: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca, declaring an attack on one is an attack on all—raising new stakes for the wider Middle East.