AGP Executive Report

Energy & Infrastructure Sabotage: The Kurdish National Council in Syria condemned recent attacks and sabotage hitting the energy sector, citing a gas pipeline bombing in Deir ez-Zour, a strike on a bus carrying electricity workers near Masyaf Bridge that killed seven, shelling tied to the Tishreen power supply, and a landmine blast near Tiyas airbase—warning such moves endanger civilians and stall recovery. Damascus Security Update: Syria’s Internal Security forces arrested suspects and opened an investigation after a shooting in Yabroud killed three adults and wounded four children, with preliminary reports pointing to a family dispute. Power Grid Disruption: A gas pipeline explosion near the Tishreen plant in rural Damascus sparked a major fire and forced three major power stations offline, worsening electricity rationing and outages. Southern Syria Tensions: Syrian media reported Israeli shelling on the outskirts of Abdeen village in western Daraa, as cross-border raids and artillery fire continue to roil the governorate. Aviation Security Shock (Regional Spillover): UAE investigators said a flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain with an emergency crash axe planned a “terrorist act,” with reports linking him to extremist concerns and raising new questions about vetting for flights to Israel.

Aviation Security Shock (Syria link): Investigators say the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the cockpit on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, identified as Omani Hamam Alhamami, had been barred from flying in Oman over alleged extremist views and spent significant time in Syria, raising fresh questions about hiring and vetting. Reports also claim pro-Palestinian material was found among his belongings and that he told authorities he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. Homs Violence: Gunmen opened fire on a civilian bus near Masyaf Bridge in western Homs, killing seven and wounding four; no group claimed responsibility. Local Governance Push in Al-Hasakah: Dozens protested in Ghwayran district calling for the Syrian government to reassert authority across the province and restart courts and local institutions, while Internal Security Forces increased patrols. Regional Counter-ISIS Cooperation: Qatar took part in 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. Finance Ties: The UAE and Syria central banks signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on payment systems, monetary policy, cash management, and financial technology.

Damascus & Southern Syria Security: Israeli forces carried out raids and incursions in Daraa and Quneitra, while gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus in Homs province, killing seven and injuring others; separately, armed attackers hit security posts and homes in western Suwayda’s Mazraa area, with no official casualty figures yet. Energy Disruptions: A major gas pipeline blast near Damascus suburbs forced three power plants offline, and authorities in eastern Syria blamed sabotage for a pipeline fire that disrupted supplies. Diplomacy & Regional Tensions: Turkey, Syria, and Hezbollah-linked officials traded denials over reports of secret Syria–Hezbollah talks in Turkey, as Damascus also faced renewed pressure over alleged arms smuggling. Governance & Politics: The Syrian Muslim Brotherhood announced a Shura Council meeting in Damascus, signaling continued political activity after Assad’s fall, even as party rules remain unclear. Turkey–Syria Ties: Ankara said a new Turkish school will open in Damascus on Oct. 4, aiming to expand education access for returning Syrian families. Finance Cooperation: The UAE central bank and Syria’s central bank signed an MoU to boost financial and technical cooperation.

Security Vacuum in Iraq: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi declared the full end of the US-led coalition mission and a “new chapter” for sovereignty, with a roadmap to bring weapons outside state control under state authority by June 30, 2027. Militia Pushback: Iran-aligned Harakat al-Nujaba warned against any continued US presence in Iraq and demanded reduced embassy footprint and an end to US influence. Syria Violence and Energy Strain: In Homs, gunmen killed at least 7 in a bus attack as a gas pipeline explosion hit near Damascus, shutting down three power plants. Children at the Center: UNICEF chief Catherine Russell urged prioritizing children in Syria’s recovery, citing millions needing aid and widespread school disruption. Hezbollah-Syria Talks Denied: Reuters reported secret Syria-Hezbollah security talks in Turkey, but Damascus and Türkiye denied hosting any meeting. Rojava Education Protests: Kurdish-language education protests continued as students and teachers reject a Damascus plan limiting instruction to three hours weekly. US Policy Shift on Syria Arms: The US lifted a long-standing blanket ban on arms export denials to Syria, moving to case-by-case reviews. Latakia Tourism Idea: Syria unveiled a proposed underwater museum off Latakia, turning decommissioned war equipment into a marine habitat.

Bus Attack in Homs: Gunmen opened fire on a civilian minibus carrying workers near the Masyaf Bridge in western Homs, killing seven and wounding four; no group claimed responsibility and authorities launched an investigation. Pipeline Sabotage, Power Cuts: A major gas pipeline blast near Damascus knocked out three Syrian power plants, deepening an already fragile electricity situation. Israel’s Southern Incursions: An Israeli convoy of about 12 vehicles entered villages in western Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin before withdrawing, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Damascus–Hezbollah Talks via Turkey: Reuters reports Syria’s government and Hezbollah held secret face-to-face security talks in Turkey aimed at easing border and arms-smuggling tensions; Syria asked Hezbollah to halt smuggling and dismantle sleeper cells, while Hezbollah denied interference in Syria. US Policy Shift on Syria Arms: The US State Department removed Syria from a blanket policy denying military export licenses, allowing case-by-case review.

US-Iraq Shift: The US formally completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq, ending the 12-year anti-ISIS mission, while CENTCOM says the transition moves to a bilateral defense relationship and warns ISIS threats could still emerge. Iraq Sovereignty Drive: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared a new era of full Iraqi control, urging weapons to be under one state command and setting June 2027 as a deadline for a plan to bring all arms under state control. Syria Power Crisis: A gas pipeline explosion near Damascus’s Tishreen area knocked three power plants offline (Deir Ali, Al-Nasiriyah, Tishreen), triggering fire response and expected electricity rationing. Security in Homs: Seven people were killed and four wounded in a bus shooting in rural Homs, with authorities investigating. US-Syria Arms Policy: Washington removed Syria from a blanket US arms export denial list, allowing case-by-case reviews as ties with Damascus reportedly warm. EU/Regional Diplomacy: Turkey urged “concrete steps” against Israel, citing violations of Syria’s sovereignty and warning of regional instability.

US-Iraq Withdrawal: The Pentagon says the US has completed its orderly exit from Erbil Air Base, formally ending Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and shifting the fight against ISIS remnants to Iraqi forces, with the coalition’s counter-ISIS work continuing from Jordan. Regional Security Vacuum: Analysts warn the timing could reshape the balance as Iran and its allies look to exploit reduced Western presence, while Kurdistan leaders worry about air-defense gaps. Syria-Defense Cooperation: Syria’s Defense Ministry reports talks with Jordan on boosting border security and coordination, including recent ISIS cell busts near Damascus and in the Yarmouk basin. Hezbollah Denials in Daraa: Hezbollah rejects claims linking it to a cell arrested in Syria’s Yarmouk Basin, accusing rivals of trying to inflame tensions. Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR warns severe funding cuts put 8.3 million displaced people at risk of losing protection and aid. US-Syria Policy Shift: The US removes Syria from the arms export denial list (ITAR), moving to case-by-case review as Washington eases steps tied to the new Damascus leadership. Energy Disruption: Reports say sabotage hit a gas pipeline in eastern Syria, disrupting supplies to power stations. Refugee Rights: Syria’s foreign ministry denies Germany plans to deport 700,000 Syrians, saying talks focus on residence-status categories.

EU-Syria Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister urged the EU to move beyond “statements of concern” and apply effective pressure on Israel to halt attacks, calling for withdrawal to Dec. 8, 2024 lines as EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas met Damascus officials. Security in Southern Syria: Syrian authorities say they dismantled a Hezbollah-linked cell in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin, arresting three suspects after plans to set up rocket launchers; separately, ISF said it foiled a Hezbollah sabotage plot in the same area. Energy Sabotage: Syria reported major sabotage on its gas network, with a pipeline fire near Deir ez-Zor disrupting supplies to power stations and halting flows from the Jbeissa system. Sanctions Relief: Japan lifted asset freezes and sanctions on 16 Syrian entities to support reconstruction, while keeping measures on Assad-linked figures. Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR warned that nearly 8.3 million displaced people face losing access to aid amid severe funding cuts. Education Rights: A Syrian presidential adviser urged Kurdish families in Al-Hasakah to keep sending children to Kurdish-medium schools as Damascus expands Kurdish-language teaching.

EU-Syria Diplomacy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus, saying Brussels wants to “upgrade” its partnership and boost recovery—but only if Syria delivers reforms, security, rule of law, and reconciliation. Israeli Pressure on Syria: Al-Shaibani urged the EU to turn concern into “effective pressure” to stop Israel’s attacks, calling for withdrawal to Dec. 8, 2024 lines and stressing the Golan is Syrian territory. Humanitarian Reality Check: Two years after Assad’s fall, Syrian children are returning to school amid ruins and power cuts, with families in Damascus still facing long commutes and daily hardship. Border & Trade Moves: Syria has started work on the Qamishli–Nusaybin border crossing with Türkiye, aiming to reopen a key route closed since 2012. Energy Disruption: Syria reported sabotage behind a major fire on the Deir ez-Zor gas pipeline, halting supplies to power stations. Post-Assad Security & Justice: Rights group MAF-DAD released a report raising “reasonable grounds” for violations in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiah areas in early 2026.

Fuel Crisis in Syria: Syria’s interim government faces fresh backlash after raising fuel prices (26%) and diesel (40%), with protests erupting as living costs soar and services struggle to recover. Border & Trade Moves: Damascus has started building a new Qamishli–Nusaybin crossing with Türkiye, while Iraq and Syria agreed to streamline truck transit via expanded Rabia crossing capacity, dedicated lanes, and electronic customs data. Counterterror Operations: Syrian security forces arrested and dismantled ISIS cells across multiple governorates, including plots targeting attacks. Humanitarian Funding Warning: UNHCR says 8.3 million displaced people are at risk as “severe” funding cuts erode protection services. UN Diplomacy: Algeria’s foreign minister condemned Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon at the UN General Assembly, calling for de-escalation and respect for sovereignty. Local Development: Aleppo Citadel launched “Touristech” to digitize and improve heritage visits, while Rural Damascus residents in Qudsaya and Dummar halted real estate work over disputed expropriation files.

Counterterrorism in Syria: Syrian security forces arrested four ISIS leaders and several members across Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Homs, accusing the cell of kidnappings, explosive planting and assassinations; explosives, weapons and ammunition were seized in a pre-emptive operation, with investigations ongoing. Justice and accountability: Damascus also detained Brig. Gen. Jaber Mehrez Ibrahim, a former Assad-era commander, over alleged involvement in the 2011 southern Syria crackdown, including the Saida Housing massacre that killed or left nearly 120 people missing. EU aid for recovery: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc will provide about €722 million for Syria’s post-war recovery, bilateral support and humanitarian aid. Church-state dispute (Damascus link): Armenian Apostolic bishops including Damascus’ Armash Nalbandian urged that the Catholicos election or removal be handled only by church bodies, warning the state not to exercise canonical authority. Regional security backdrop: The US completed its withdrawal from Iraq, ending a long campaign against ISIS while cells remain active.

ISIS Security Crackdown: Syria dismantled an ISIS cell operating across Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Homs, arresting four leaders in Raqqa and others in the other provinces, while seizing explosives and linking the group to kidnappings, assassinations and bomb plots. Israeli Strikes in the South: Israeli warplanes and forces carried out raids and artillery fire in Daraa and Quneitra, including shelling near Kodna Dam and home searches, with no casualties reported in one account. Fuel Corridor to Iraq: Syria began gasoline transit to Iraq via the Banias oil terminal, with tanker trucks moving supplies through al-Tanf, as regional shipping disruptions continue. Iraq-Syria Trade Boost: Iraq and Syria agreed on measures to streamline border trade and passenger traffic, including direct electronic customs-data exchange and faster transit procedures, with a 30–50% trade growth forecast. Returns from Idlib: About 263 displaced families returned from Idlib camps to areas in Damascus, Hama and Aleppo with UNHCR and Syrian Red Crescent support. Detention Over Torture Allegations: Syrian internal security arrested a former air defense brigade commander in Daraa over alleged torture of Hamza al-Khatib and links to the Saida Housing Massacre. Bread Sector Update: Syria’s Bakery Corporation says 159 bakeries were upgraded since the fall of the former regime, with more nearing return to service.

Aviation & Economy: Damascus granted Fly Dar Airlines its first Air Operator Certificate for a private carrier since Assad’s fall, a step toward restarting commercial flights from Damascus International Airport. Reconstruction & Rights: Human Rights Watch warned Syria’s transitional government is signing reconstruction deals without a rights framework, saying affected communities aren’t consulted and compensation and appeal mechanisms are missing. Finance & Compliance: Syria’s central bank chief said foreign capital could fund new banks exceeding $1 billion, as Damascus moves to expand banking infrastructure and align with international transfer standards. Regional Trade: Iraq has begun importing petrol through Syria, with the first cargo unloaded at Baniyas and transported by lorries, deepening US-backed energy ties. Public Services: The Syrian Bakery Corporation said 159 bakeries have been upgraded since the former regime fell, with dozens nearing return to service. Governance in the North-East: Rojava University urged clearer, decentralized integration with Syria’s higher education ministry, warning delays could harm students’ education in their mother tongue.

Human Rights & Reconstruction: Human Rights Watch warns Syria’s transitional government is signing major reconstruction deals without a rights framework, saying affected communities aren’t properly consulted and residents lack clear ways to challenge home and land decisions. Aviation & Economy: Damascus granted Fly Dar Airlines its Air Operator Certificate, the first private Syrian airline certified since Assad’s fall, as the government pushes to reopen the aviation sector and attract investment. Fuel & Cross-Border Trade: Iraq began importing gasoline via Syria’s Baniyas port through the Al-Waleed crossing, with about 3,000 truck loads planned to ease shortages. Security in Southern Syria: Reports say Israeli forces carried out simultaneous land and air movements in southern Syria, including a vehicle incursion near Beit Jinn and reconnaissance flights over Quneitra and Daraa. Aid & Livelihoods: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn vocational project in northwestern Syria to train 540 people—especially women, returnees, and people with disabilities—in Aleppo, Idlib, Jisr Al Shughur, and Al Amal City.

Fuel Transit & Regional Trade: Syria has started trucking imported gasoline from its Baniyas refinery into Iraq, with the first batch of about 32,800 tons delivered and dozens of truckloads heading to the border as Hormuz shipping disruptions continue. Counterterrorism Accountability: Syria’s Counterterrorism Directorate arrested former Assad-regime pilot Khaldoun Hussein Mubarak in Latakia, linking him to the 2014 Otaiba massacre. Kurdish Rights & Politics: Mohammed Ismail (KDP-Syria/Kurdish National Council) said constitutional recognition of Kurdish existence and national rights is “non-negotiable,” while also stressing continued political work from Damascus. Humanitarian Access: The last UN aid convoy entered northern Syria via Bab al-Hawa as the cross-border entry mandate faces renewal talks at the UN Security Council. Security & Civilian Risk: The Syrian Observatory reported 13 deaths across Syria over 72 hours, warning civilians remain exposed to weapons, landmines, and unexploded ordnance. Return to Afrin: Syrian Kurds in Afrin are beginning to return home after years of displacement, with families describing relief and the challenge of rebuilding.

UN Diplomacy & Protests: Activists were arrested outside the UN during Benjamin Netanyahu’s General Assembly speech, as dozens of diplomats left the hall in protest and police detained around 100 demonstrators. Regional Security: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warned that any attempt to divert Pakistan’s river waters would be treated as an “act of war,” while also condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and calling the Mecca-Medina “red line.” Syria Heritage & Culture: Syria’s Saladin Citadel (Saladin Castle/Sahyun) was added to ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, marking Syria’s return to the registry after a 14-year gap. Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR chief Barham Salih said forced displacement is outpacing durable solutions and urged political answers over indefinite aid. Syria-Related Aid & Finance: Circle Foundation announced new UNDP and WFP digital-payment initiatives, building on earlier pilots that included Syria, to speed and secure humanitarian transfers. Displacement in NE Syria: The Serêkaniyê Forcibly Displaced Persons Committee called for safe, orderly, and legal return convoys and protection for returning families.