AGP Executive Report

ISIS Fight in Daraa: Syrian security forces launched an operation against an ISIS-linked armed group hiding in a town in southern Daraa, killing three personnel and wounding others; residents reported heavy clashes and a temporary curfew. U.S. Torture Sentences for Assad-Era Prison Chief: A Los Angeles federal judge sentenced former Adra Prison head Samir Ousman Alsheikh to 60 years for torture and lying to U.S. immigration authorities. UN Security Council Clash: Syria told the UNSC that Israel poses the “greatest threat” to regional stability, accusing it of strikes and incursions, while Israel pushed back and warned about Turkish plans to expand its military role in Syria. Post-Assad Legal Reset: Syria’s parliament voted to abolish the Assad-era “Terrorism Court,” transferring legacy cases to the Supreme Judicial Council and ordering restitution for confiscated assets. Fuel Pressure and Protests: Syria’s energy ministry moved to introduce multiple diesel categories and restart some refineries, as fuel-price anger continues to ripple through daily life.

Coastal Justice in Aleppo: Syria’s military court in Aleppo issued first verdicts over the 2025 Alawite coastal killings, handing one former government forces member 20 years, while two Assad-era supporters received death and life sentences; more rulings are due next week, and rights groups say the cases are too narrow for the scale of the violence. Daraa Security Clash: Three Syrian Internal Security Forces personnel were killed in Sanamayn after a raid to arrest a wanted suspect, followed by clashes and a curfew, with authorities linking the cell to ISIS-linked networks. Fuel Price Fallout: Syria’s energy minister defended fuel price hikes after protests and road blockings, saying higher import and supply costs and refinery maintenance forced the temporary increases. Refugee Return Talks: Damascus held separate talks with Germany and Belgium on refugee return cooperation, reintegration, and climate-finance-linked development projects. UN Warning on Israel: A UN envoy told the Security Council that Israeli incursions and searches in southern Syria keep threatening the transition and must stop, urging respect for the 1974 disengagement framework.

Fuel Protests in Syria: Syria’s fuel price hike—diesel up about 40% and petrol up about 28%—has sparked fresh demonstrations across provinces including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Deir al-Zour, Hasakah and Raqqa, with protesters blocking highways and burning tires; authorities have cleared some routes, while anger is also feeding a growing black market for diesel. Kurdish Security & Integration: In Kobanê, Syrian presidential adviser Mazloum Abdi met Aleppo Internal Security Forces commander Mihemed Ebdulxenî to discuss security, stability and mechanisms for integrating forces. Latakia Security Crackdown: Syrian security forces launched a large operation in Latakia after an ambush killed two Ministry of Defense personnel, targeting remnants of Assad-era militias. Syrian Courts & Accountability: Syria’s parliament voted to abolish the Assad-era “terrorism” court and nullify its rulings, as tensions in the Kurdish northeast continue alongside integration talks. U.S.-Syria Justice: A former Syrian official convicted in the U.S. for torture at Adra Prison faces sentencing, with prosecutors seeking a decades-long term.

Syrian-Kurdish Northeast Tensions: Hundreds of oil tanker trucks were stranded near Tal Tamr after demonstrators blocked a key highway over rising fuel prices, underscoring growing Kurdish discontent as Damascus pushes SDF integration and tighter central control. Fuel Protests Spread: In Qamishli and other areas, protesters rallied against steep fuel hikes, with slogans targeting “starvation” policies and demanding prices return to earlier levels. Damascus Legal Reset: Syria’s parliament voted to abolish the Assad-era Counter-Terrorism Court and nullify its rulings, a major early move toward rewriting the post-war justice landscape. U.S.-Syria Sanctions Implementation: Syria’s foreign minister spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing that removing sanctions must translate into real changes for Syria’s economy and banking. Russia Base Reorganization: Syria’s chief of general staff visited Russia’s Hmeimim/Khmeimim base in Latakia and met Russian commanders, amid a memorandum to reorganize Russia’s Mediterranean presence. Regional Security Talks: Türkiye and Iran’s interior ministers met in Ankara to coordinate against PKK/KCK and PJAK, plus border security and irregular migration.

Fuel Protests in Syria: Syrians kept up widespread demonstrations after Damascus raised fuel and gas prices, with protests reported in Aleppo and Raqqa and in the Kurdish northeast; crowds blocked roads and burned tires, chanting against “soaring fuel prices” and “the policy of starvation.” U.S.-Syria Talks: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani about regional security and boosting cooperation, while Syria credited the U.S. for lifting sanctions. UAE-Syria Outreach: President Ahmad al-Sharaa met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, pitching Syria as a future trade and energy corridor and discussing reconstruction and regional stability. Quneitra Detention: Israeli forces released a Quneitra resident after more than a year in detention, amid continued incursions and arrests. Asylum Pressure in Greece: Greece moved to revoke asylum protection in 20 Syrian cases, arguing some legal conditions no longer apply. IAEA Nuclear Step: Syria’s nuclear safeguards dispute was reported as closed, with international attention on verification and compliance.

Fuel-price protests in Syria: Syrians took to the streets after the government raised diesel and gasoline prices by up to 40% and 30%, with roadblocks and fires reported across multiple cities. The hikes are linked to higher global oil prices tied to the Iran-U.S. conflict and refinery maintenance that cut output, as Syria struggles to meet energy needs. Kurdish education and integration: In Kobanê, President adviser Mazloum Abdi met Kurdish party representatives and said mother-tongue education is being handled through integration committees, with a transparent probe promised after the prison-fire unrest. In Damascus, Kurdish MPs pressed for a formal Kurdish-language education framework and recognition of prior schooling. Kobanê prison fire memorial: Thousands attended funerals for nine victims killed in the Kobanê prison fire, with officials reiterating they will pursue accountability through legal and political means. UAE-Syria ties: Al Sharaa told the Arab Media Summit in Dubai that a “strong Syria” benefits the region, while UAE leaders met him to discuss economic and development cooperation. Diplomacy and nuclear file: Syria’s nuclear safeguards dispute was closed at the IAEA, and Qatar urged stronger global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Fuel Crisis in Syria: Syrians are taking to the streets again after the government raised diesel and gasoline prices, with reports of road blockades and tire burnings as protesters demand energy officials resign and say the hikes are crushing already fragile incomes. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey and Syria are coordinating for President Erdogan’s upcoming Damascus visit after talks in which Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other Syrian officials, stressing unity and territorial integrity. Nuclear File Update: Syria says it has placed 73 tons of natural uranium under IAEA safeguards, while the IAEA board has moved to close Syria’s long-running non-compliance file. Russia Resupply to Syria: A Russian convoy has delivered supplies to Tartous for the first time since the Moscow-Damascus deal, signaling continued military logistics under a new framework. Protests and Pressure: The fuel shock is described as the widest unrest since the fall of the Assad regime, with parliament summoning the energy minister amid shortages and refinery disruption.

Fuel Protests: Syria’s fuel shock is turning into the country’s widest unrest since the fall of Assad, with diesel prices up about 40% and demonstrators blocking roads and tanker routes across Aleppo, Daraa, Deir Ezzor and Hasakah; parliament has summoned the energy minister for a hearing. Nuclear Diplomacy: Syria told the IAEA it has placed 73 tons of natural uranium under agency supervision after granting access to the Deir ez-Zor site, while the IAEA board formally ended Syria’s nuclear noncompliance consideration. US-Syria Economic Talks: A US business delegation met Syrian officials in Damascus to expand investment and bilateral economic ties, as Damascus seeks a more open economy and stronger private-sector role. Suwayda Displacement: In Suwayda, families remain stuck in shelters more than a year after violence, with the UN-backed return roadmap still stalled despite renewed Damascus-Amman-U.S. discussions. Kobani Prison Fire: Syrian officials met Kobani authorities over a prison fire that killed nine and injured 18, stressing a transparent independent investigation and tighter security and judicial coordination. Turkey-Syria Diplomacy: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Syrian leaders and a Turkmen Council delegation in Damascus, while Turkey also pushed for armed-group integration as key to Syria’s sovereignty.

Fuel Price Protests: Syrians took to the streets across Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor after the government raised fuel prices—diesel up to 40% and petrol up to 28%—with demonstrators burning tires, blocking roads and stopping fuel tankers, as Syria’s energy minister warned the country still needs far more fuel than it produces. Digital Payments Push: QNB Syria and Mastercard launched Syria’s first locally issued internationally accepted payment card, aiming to reconnect the banking system to global networks and expand secure international transactions. Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli forces carried out new incursions and shelling in southern areas including Quneitra and Damascus countryside, with reports of fires set during patrols and artillery rounds hitting western Beit Jinn outskirts. Turkey-Syria Talks: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Syrian leaders in Damascus, stressing integration of armed groups under state authority and warning that Israel is a major obstacle to Syria’s development, while both sides discussed trade, security coordination and energy ties. Returns Slow: UNHCR says refugee returns to Syria have slowed after an initial surge, with about 1.8 million voluntary returns since Dec. 8, 2024.

Syria-Turkey Rapprochement: Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan say Damascus and Ankara aim to lift annual trade to $10 billion and expand energy cooperation, while Fidan also backs the integration of Kurdish-led SDF into Syrian state structures and signals President Erdoğan’s possible visit. Israeli Pressure in Southern Syria: Damascus accuses Israel of attacking Abu al-Duhur Airport as part of destabilization, while Turkey warns Israel’s strikes undermine anti-terror efforts and calls for withdrawal under the 1974 disengagement framework. Fuel Shock Hits Daily Life: Syria temporarily raises fuel and cooking gas prices, triggering protests and transport fare hikes across the Kurdistan region. Rojava Education Crisis: Kurdish-language education protests continue in Rojava after new rules limit Kurdish to three hours weekly, with councils calling it a red line. Border Drug Seizures: Syrian forces report seizures along the Lebanon border, including hashish and Captagon pills, plus arrests. Aleppo Ordnance Blast: A child is injured in an Aleppo explosion blamed on leftover ammunition from the Assad era. Germany Migration Debate: Germany’s AfD leader Alice Weidel calls for expelling Ukrainian and Syrian residents, including Syrians, reigniting asylum and citizenship tensions.

Kobane Prison Fire: Nine detainees died and about 20 were injured after a blaze erupted in Kobane prison amid unrest over reported transfers, as tensions also rose between Kurdish Asayish forces and Syria’s General Security Service. Displacement Deadline: Syria says it will close all internally displaced persons camps by September 2027, with 141,000 families still living in settlements and returns already underway, especially in Idlib and Aleppo. Literacy Push: Syria’s Culture Ministry launched a stepped-up literacy drive after war and displacement left around 1 in 5 Syrians unable to read or write, with hundreds of adult courses planned and more digital tools. Mezzeh Airport Plan: Rights groups warn Syria’s plan to repurpose Damascus’ Mezzeh military airport into a private aviation hub could disturb suspected mass graves and unresolved Assad-era land disputes. Regional Pressure Points: Saudi Arabia shut an East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack; Iraq blamed the attacks on its Maysan province and dismissed a commander, while Syria was among Arab states condemning the strike. BRICS Summit: BRICS leaders urged “maximum restraint” in West Asia, backed Lebanon’s sovereignty, and reaffirmed Syria’s unity and territorial integrity in a New Delhi declaration.

Kobani Prison Fire: A prison blaze in Ain al-Arab (Kobani) killed at least nine detainees and injured dozens after unrest tied to plans to transfer inmates, as tensions also rose in the city following the killing of former SDF member Sami Sheikhmous Hiso. Northern Syria Security Tensions: Syrian media says Presidential Adviser Mazloum Abdi is heading to Kobani to meet local institutions amid clashes between Kurdish Asayish forces and the General Security Service, while Kurdish parties accuse Damascus-linked forces of provocation and demand public investigations. Israeli Incursions in Quneitra: Israeli forces infiltrated Al-Rafid in Quneitra, conducting home searches as residents reported anxiety and restrictions. BRICS Diplomacy on Syria: At the New Delhi summit, BRICS reaffirmed Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged withdrawal of occupying forces, while also calling for Syria to oppose terrorism and extremism. Damascus Munitions Blast: An explosion in the Dumayr area of Damascus countryside was reported as a scheduled detonation of a munitions depot, with only material damage reported. Lebanon Detains Assad Relative: Lebanese authorities arrested Suleiman Assad, a relative of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, alongside another man on weapons and drug charges. Mezzeh Airport Plan: Rights groups and residents warned Syria’s plan to convert Mezzeh military airport into a private jet hub could disturb suspected mass graves and clash with land claims.

Damascus–Quneitra & Daraa Frontlines: Israeli forces released three Syrians detained during Thursday incursions into Quneitra, while artillery and heavy-machine-gun fire hit areas around Beit Jinn and Maariya, with residents reporting panic but no immediate casualties. UN Diplomacy: Syria’s UN envoy condemned Netanyahu’s Mount Hermon visit as a breach of sovereignty, warning that repeated incursions could unravel Syria’s fragile recovery; 40+ countries backed Syria at the UN. Private Aviation Plan Sparks Rights Alarm: Reuters reports Syria is moving to convert Damascus’ Mezzeh military airport for private jets, raising fears of disturbing suspected mass graves and overriding land claims. Security Shock in Damascus Countryside: A loud explosion was reported in Al-Dumayr, with civil defense teams responding; separately, Shafaq News said a powerful blast hit a Defense Ministry weapons depot in al-Shajara, northeast of Damascus. Lebanon–Assad Ties: Lebanese forces arrested Suleiman Hilal Al-Assad in a drug raid, amid claims of cooperation with Damascus over alleged killings and smuggling. Regional Context: Canada eased some economic sanctions on Syria, removing entities to reduce barriers for recovery-related transactions.

Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli forces shelled western Damascus and carried out a ground incursion into southern Quneitra, detaining a man and his son, according to Syrian state media. Regional Diplomacy: Damascus says it remains committed to a US-mediated diplomatic track to reduce tensions, even as Israel continues operations and detains Syrians. Nuclear File Update: Turkey welcomed an IAEA consensus decision to close Syria’s nuclear safeguards file after nearly 20 years, following renewed cooperation and access for inspectors. IAEA Resolution Details: The case stems from an undeclared Assad-era reactor site in Deir el-Zour; inspectors also monitored uranium material under safeguards. Humanitarian/Local Safety: A rear-end crash involving an occupied school bus in Damascus left several students and staff injured, with authorities reporting minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Security Tech Watch: Anthropic says its Claude AI has been misused for cyber and military-related purposes by actors linked to multiple countries, raising new concerns for online safety.

US-Iraq Pullout: US-led coalition forces have begun withdrawing from Iraq’s Kurdistan region and are expected to finish by Sept 30, with troops already moving out daily and now mainly present at Erbil airport. Israel-Syria Incursions: Israeli forces abduct a young man during an incursion into Al-Hamidiya in Quneitra, where raids and ID checks have become routine amid ongoing border activity. Idlib Weapons Blast: A major explosion at a weapons depot in northwest Syria killed at least 14, with funerals held for victims and questions raised about hidden arsenals. IAEA Nuclear File Closure: Syria welcomed the IAEA decision to close its outstanding nuclear non-compliance case, calling it a diplomatic achievement. AI Misuse Watch: Anthropic says it blocked attempts to use Claude for missile guidance and other harmful projects, while also warning governments and criminals are misusing AI for surveillance and weapons-related work. 9/11 Anniversary: Leaders and communities marked 25 years since Sept 11, reflecting on the long shadow of the “war on terror” and its impact on security and rights.

EU Asylum Drop: The EUAA says EU+ (with Switzerland and Norway) received 332,000 asylum applications in the first half of 2026, down 17% and at the lowest level since 2021, blaming fewer Syrian filings after Syria’s political transition and tighter EU cooperation with origin and transit countries. Mount Hermon Row: Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria all condemned Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s “illegal” entry into the occupied Mount Hermon area, calling it a breach of sovereignty and urging UN action. IAEA Nuclear File: Syria welcomed the IAEA decision closing outstanding nuclear non-compliance issues, calling it a diplomatic breakthrough. Idlib Blast: Reports say a weapons depot explosion in Syria’s Idlib killed at least 14 people, with injuries also reported. Energy Pressure via Hormuz: Iran expanded a “no-go” area around the Strait of Hormuz and attacked vessels, pushing Brent back above $100 and raising fears of wider regional escalation. Local Energy Output: Syria’s Al-Tabiya gas field in Deir ez-Zor moved into a new production phase, targeting up to 1.5 million cubic meters after a third well restart. Rojava Education Protests: Kurdish students in Cizîr/Rojava protested a new education rule limiting Kurdish-language instruction, demanding mother-tongue schooling and official recognition.