AGP Executive Report

ISIS Crackdown: Syrian authorities say they dismantled an ISIS cell operating across Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Homs, arresting leaders and seizing explosives. Fuel & Trade Links: Syria has started shipping gasoline to Iraq via the Banias terminal under a three-month deal, while Iraq and Syria also agreed on electronic border and customs coordination to boost trade. Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli warplanes and incursions were reported in Daraa and Quneitra, including raids and shelling near agricultural areas. UN Walkout Over Gaza: Delegations from at least 77 countries walked out or left seats during Netanyahu’s UN speech, including multiple Arab states and Syria. Justice After Assad: A new report highlights Syrians’ struggle to pursue accountability for Assad-era torture without tearing the country apart. Regional Watch: Iraq’s Kurdish leader condemned the planned US withdrawal as “shameful,” warning the region is left exposed.

Syria’s aviation revival: Damascus granted Fly Dar Airlines its Air Operator Certificate, the first Syrian private airline certified since Assad’s fall, signaling a push to reopen the sector and attract private investment. Economy & reconstruction: Syria’s Central Bank chief said foreign capital could fund new banks, with expectations of over $1 billion coming in, alongside new rules easing foreign currency investment and profit transfers. Counterterror cooperation: Iraq received thousands of ISIS prisoners transferred from Syria, boosting international judicial coordination and information-sharing. Regional logistics: Iraq has begun importing petrol through Syria via Baniyas, deepening Damascus–Baghdad ties as Hormuz disruptions pressure trade routes. Security & politics in the region: In Lebanon, a Syrian ISIS operative was arrested over a planned assassination of Pope Leo XIV during his 2025 visit. UN politics: A UN-linked “Board of Peace” said UNRWA will have no role in Gaza reconstruction, intensifying the fight over refugee aid and future governance.

Aviation & Economy: Syria’s civil aviation authority has granted Fly Dar Airlines its Air Operator Certificate, the first Syrian private airline certified since Assad’s fall, with the carrier set to base operations at Damascus International Airport. Reconstruction Rights: Human Rights Watch warns Syria’s reconstruction deals are moving ahead without a rights framework, saying residents still displaced or facing land and home disputes are not guaranteed consultation, fair compensation, or a way to challenge decisions. Southern Syria Security: Reports say Israeli forces carried out new land and air movements in southern Syria, including a ground incursion near Beit Jinn and reconnaissance flights over Quneitra and Daraa. Regional Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, Saudi officials stressed freedom of navigation through Hormuz and the Red Sea, while also condemning Iranian and Houthi attacks; the same UN week saw renewed calls for diplomacy to cool Middle East tensions. Humanitarian & Livelihoods: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn vocational project in northwestern Syria to train 540 people and connect them to work and entrepreneurship, targeting women, returnees, and people with disabilities.

Syria-Iraq Energy Link: Syria has started trucking imported gasoline from the Baniyas refinery into Iraq, with the first batch of about 32,800 tons moving via trucks to the Iraqi border as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Border Smuggling: Lebanese media reports illegal crossings from Syria into Lebanon are still happening despite daily Lebanese army interceptions, with smugglers charging $150–$300 per person. Security and Accountability: Syria’s Counterterrorism Directorate arrested a former Assad-regime pilot in Latakia, following earlier detentions of other ex-air force officers tied to past airstrikes. War Remnants Risk: In Hasakah, residents warn mine threats and slow clearance are delaying safe returns, pushing displaced families to return individually. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Syria discussed expanding economic ties, highlighting Azerbaijani gas supply and a humanitarian project to restore education infrastructure. UN Humanitarian Gap: Aid chief Tjada McKenna says Syria’s recovery will take “multi-decade” support and current international assistance is “woefully insufficient.”

Syria Security & Conflict: Syria’s Aleppo is again shaken by a run of blasts at a military weapons depot, with reports of at least four injured as authorities investigate possible causes and whether sabotage or poor storage played a role. UN & Humanitarian Focus: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that forced displacement is outpacing durable solutions and urged the Security Council to prioritize political settlements over endless aid. Gaza Humanitarian Update: UNRWA’s acting chief Christian Saunders said Gaza and the West Bank face worsening conditions amid a major funding shortfall, warning of gaps as winter approaches. Damascus & Regional Diplomacy: Iraq’s prime minister pitched a UN push to invest in Iraq and expand energy links that include routes through Syria, while meeting Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa in New York. Heritage & Culture: Syria’s Saladin Citadel (Sahyun Castle) has returned to international heritage spotlight after being listed by ICESCO.

UNGA Walkout: Nearly 70 countries’ delegations walked out or left seats vacant as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu began his UN General Assembly address, denouncing Gaza genocide claims and attacking critics as “moral cowards.” Syria-Israel Incursions: Syrian state media reported Israeli forces opened fire on a shepherd and his children in Daraa, and shelled areas in Quneitra and Daraa, as Damascus reiterated its claim that the Golan Heights “will remain Syrian territory.” Cultural Heritage Returns: New York authorities returned 36 looted antiquities worth over $5 million to Syria, including a Palmyra relief and Roman mosaics seized from trafficker Georges Lotfi. Digital Aid Payments: Circle Foundation backed UNDP and WFP efforts to speed humanitarian and development payments using regulated stablecoin infrastructure. Iraq-Syria Energy Links: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi told the UN Baghdad wants energy routes linking Iraq with Türkiye, Jordan and Syria, aiming to diversify exports and strengthen regional stability.

UNGA Showdown: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly speech sparked a mass walkout, with delegates protesting his Gaza stance and Iran war claims; he taunted those leaving as “moral cowards,” while also brandishing a pager tied to Israel’s 2024 Hezbollah operation. Regional Pressure: Eighty countries condemned Iran’s attacks and urged reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning of risks to Gulf and Red Sea shipping. Syria’s Cultural Recovery: Syria received 36 looted antiquities worth over $5 million back from the US, including a Palmyra funerary relief and rare mosaics. Damascus Economy & Finance: QNB Syria launched a syndicated financing facility with Al Baraka Bank Syria and the Commercial Bank of Syria to fund the final phase of the “Qasioun Journey” project in Damascus. Culture Returns: Al Hamra Theatre reopened in Damascus after nearly nine months of rehabilitation, part of a wider push to restore Syrian theatres, museums, and cultural spaces in 2026. Local Reality Check: Syrian villagers in Quneitra reportedly face Israeli occupation raids while Damascus government stands aside.

Golan Heights at UN: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the UN General Assembly that the Golan is Syrian land, rejecting Colombia’s recognition of Israel’s sovereignty and warning any violations of Syria’s sovereignty will be stopped; Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz hit back, saying the plateau is “under Israeli sovereignty” forever. Damascus finance push: QNB Syria, with Al Baraka Bank Syria and the Commercial Bank of Syria, launched syndicated financing for the final phase of the “Qasioun Journey” project in Damascus, aiming to back strategic tourism and development. Regional diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan used UNGA to call for UN veto reform and a stronger General Assembly, while also urging renewed US-Iran talks over Hormuz and defence cooperation; separately, Turkey and Iraq agreed Turkish forces would gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zelikan camp in northern Iraq. Security and instability: Türkiye’s defence ministry said continued Israeli attacks in Syria and Lebanon violate international law and undermine regional stability. Energy talks: Lebanon and Turkey discussed possible electricity links and pipeline cooperation in New York, with no contract announced. Sports spotlight: Syria’s Olympic Committee chief met OCA President Sheikh Joaan to strengthen cooperation as the Asian Games continue.

UN Diplomacy: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used the UN General Assembly to say Syria is “rising” and that the Golan Heights “will remain Syrian territories,” citing hundreds of Israeli strikes, incursions and detentions since Assad’s fall, while urging Israel to withdraw to enable talks. Golan Clash: Israel’s defense leadership rejected the UN stance, insisting the plateau is “forever” under Israeli sovereignty, as the dispute escalated into a fresh diplomatic showdown. US–Syria Tensions: Al-Sharaa also recounted joking with US President Donald Trump at the White House that Trump should give “New Jersey” to Israelis, while stressing he cannot “give away” Syrian land. Regional Links: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met Syria’s economy chief Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, calling for a “new page” in ties and closer cooperation between Lebanese and Syrian business councils. Security and Sovereignty: In parallel, IDF forces reported rotating deployments in Syria and the West Bank amid the High Holy Days, while al-Sharaa warned Israel’s actions endanger Syria’s fragile recovery.

UNGA Showdown: Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his UN speech to demand Israel withdraw to the 1974 disengagement lines, accusing it of “500” air strikes, “1,200” incursions and “300” detentions since late 2024, and insisting the Golan Heights “will remain Syrian territory.” Diplomacy vs. escalation: Al-Sharaa said Syria still wants negotiations, noting talks with Israel reached “nearly 90%” on a security framework before Israel pulled back. Regional security talks: In New York, Trump convened GCC and regional leaders to contain Iran-linked escalation and protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. Women in policing: Syria’s first cohort of women graduated from a new police academy near Damascus after six months of training, with the Interior Ministry saying they will join units nationwide. Syria-Iraq reset: Al-Sharaa met Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi for their first UNGA meeting, focusing on security coordination and expanding trade and economic ties. Mine risk in the north: Three Syrian soldiers were injured clearing a mine in Tal Abyad, Raqqa, underscoring the lingering danger of unexploded ordnance.

UNGA Diplomacy: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the Atlantic Council he may run again if needed to finish his plans, while also saying Israel’s Oct. 7 attack cannot dictate Syria’s policy and that talks with Israel once neared “almost 90%” agreement before Israel pulled back. Israel-Syria Tensions: Jordan’s King Abdullah warned Israel’s “expansionist appetite” threatens the region, citing Gaza, the West Bank and southern Syria; meanwhile, Israeli forces detained 14 “HaBashan Pioneers” after they crossed from the occupied Golan into Syria. Regional De-escalation Talks: On UNGA sidelines, the US hosted a multilateral meeting with leaders including Syria’s al-Sharaa, Turkey’s Erdogan, Jordan’s King Abdullah and Qatar’s emir, focused on security, stability and energy amid the Iran war. Qatar Support for Syria: Qatar’s QFFD and the Islamic Development Bank held a high-level roundtable on coordinated international support for rebuilding Syria’s financial sector. Security and Economy: Oil prices slid for a sixth day as Saudi pipeline hopes and US-Iran diplomacy raised expectations, even as global shipping disruptions from the Iran conflict remain a major concern.

Syrian Transition at UNGA: President Ahmad al-Sharaa met the Syrian community in the US as he begins a New York visit tied to reconstruction and investment talks, with officials saying the diaspora can strengthen ties between Damascus and Washington. Northeast Security Integration: Syria’s Defense Ministry opened a Military Police branch in al-Hasakah, as Damascus continues folding former SDF structures into state ministries under the January 29 agreement. Aleppo Weapons Depot Blasts: Multiple explosions and injuries were reported at Syrian army ammunition sites near Aleppo, renewing fears about sabotage or poor storage and the lingering danger of weapons stockpiles. Accountability in Syria: A landmark trial sentenced top former Syrian officials, including Bashar al-Assad, to death in absentia for crimes against humanity. Regional Security Cooperation: A US-led air-defense coordination report described embedded liaison and Patriot/THAAD systems working alongside Israel’s Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome. UN Mine Action Deal: Ukraine and Syria signed an agreement to expand humanitarian demining cooperation, including drone-based detection and training for Syrian specialists.

Afrin returns: Over 125 displaced Arab families from Afrin have started going back to homes in Idlib and Hama, with returns linked to the post-December 8, 2024 shift. Local pressure in Suwayda: Residents in Suwayda forced the Syrian regime to release university student Danni Obaid after a 75-day detention, following public pressure and the detention of regime officers. Aleppo blast probe: Syrian authorities are investigating unexplained explosions at weapons depots near al-Eis in southern Aleppo, with one source telling Haaretz that Israeli involvement is among possibilities; roads were closed and residents evacuated. Syria transition under strain: A new analysis warns that Syria’s political transition is not translating into better daily life, as costs rise and austerity deepens hardship. UN diplomacy spotlight: UN officials say they’re ready to investigate chemical weapons use in Sudan if a mandate is approved, as the UN General Assembly opens with regional conflicts in focus. US-Türkiye Syria file: US envoy Tom Barrack says the S-400 dispute with Türkiye “will be resolved,” while emphasizing ongoing coordination on Syria and regional stability.

Aleppo Security: Syria’s Defense Ministry says it’s investigating a fresh blast at a weapons depot near Al-Eis, south of Aleppo, after civil defense reported four injured and evacuations as roads were closed and emergency teams stayed on alert. Munitions Crisis: The same week saw multiple explosions at ammunition sites across Syria, with officials citing storage and movement problems while analysts warn sabotage or outside interference can’t be ruled out yet. Energy Pressure: Syria’s energy minister Mohammed al-Bashir told parliament the country needs $831 million monthly to buy crude oil and petroleum products, pointing to foreign-currency shortages and a heavy legacy from the former regime. Humanitarian Angle: As UNGA opens, WFP highlights that 266 million people face acute hunger and warns that funding gaps are worsening the food-security crisis. Regional Diplomacy: The Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging action to contain regional escalation and protect shipping and energy routes. Sports & Displacement: Syria’s refugee taekwondo duo made history by joining the Asian Games’ first dedicated refugee team, turning sport into a rare spotlight for displaced lives.

Aleppo Blasts: Powerful explosions rocked a Syrian army weapons depot near al-Eis south of Aleppo, injuring at least four people, with civil defense and ambulances rushed in as secondary blasts continued; authorities shut roads and urged residents to stay indoors. Regional Security: The incident adds to a string of recent strikes and depot explosions across Syria, underscoring ongoing instability around military sites. Humanitarian/Legal Cooperation: Syria’s Central Authority for Control and Inspection met Qatar’s Public Prosecution to discuss fighting corruption and money laundering, including legal training and oversight. Education in Idlib: Syria reopened the Holy Land School in Jisr al-Shughur after nearly 60 years, part of a broader push to restore schooling in Idlib. Humanitarian Aid: UNHCR and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity agreed to support nearly 4,860 Syrians, including returnees in Syria and refugees in Jordan’s camps.

Israeli Strikes in Quneitra: Israeli forces shelled agricultural areas in southern Quneitra near Al-Rafid and earlier west of Zubaida, with no immediate casualty figures reported, as Damascus warns the raids violate sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement deal. Fuel-Price Protests & UN Alarm: Syrians across multiple provinces staged protests over living conditions, rising fuel costs and public services, while the UN Security Council discussed the Sweida situation and broader political and humanitarian concerns. Post-Assad Diplomacy, Two Tracks: Analysis says Damascus is trying to keep both Russia and the United States engaged—Russia resupplies at Tartus while U.S. firms meet Syrian officials on investment and energy. Deir ez-Zor Blast Toll: Syria’s defense ministry said an explosion at an army arms depot in Deir ez-Zor killed 11. ISIS Trials Continue: Iraq opened trials of six French ISIS suspects transferred from northeast Syria, with the next hearing set for October 5. Trade Push with Iraq: A Syrian trade official said some Iraqi border yards need upgrades to handle growing Syria-Iraq truck traffic and winter conditions. Syrian Airlines Expands Europe: Direct flights to Copenhagen (Sept. 21) and Vienna (Sept. 22) will add to Amsterdam as Syria’s carrier grows its European network. Legal Cooperation: Syria’s control and inspection authority visited Qatar’s public prosecution to discuss anti-corruption and money-laundering oversight. Uzbek-Syrian Business Forum: Tashkent hosted a forum to advance joint investment and trade, with exhibitions planned for 2027.