AGP Executive Report

Israeli Strikes on Idlib Airbase: Syria and the US both condemned Israel after eight airstrikes hit the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Idlib, targeting the runway and storage facilities; Syria called it an unjustified aggression and a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty, while US envoy Tom Barrack said it was an “unnecessary escalation” that won’t stabilize the region. Regional Condemnations: Türkiye also “strongly” condemned the attack, urging the international community to act and hold Israel accountable. Transitional Justice: Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court sentenced Wasim al-Assad, a cousin of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, to death for murder, torture, and crimes against humanity/war crimes, including alleged militia-linked attacks and kidnappings. Security Crackdown: Syria’s Interior Ministry said it arrested an ISIS senior commander, Hamza Abdullah Mohammed (“Abu Jihad al-Muhajir”), in Aleppo/Manbij operations. Economic Recovery at Tartous: DP World delivered three Mobile Harbour Cranes to the Port of Tartous, aiming to boost cargo handling capacity by about 40% under an $800m modernization plan. Power Plant Tragedy: A blast at the Baniyas thermal power plant killed three workers; the cause is under investigation.

Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria: Israeli forces randomly targeted civilian homes in Maariya village, Daraa countryside, and carried out raids and arrests across Abdeen and Quneitra areas, with reports of detentions of young men during incursions. Death in Custody in Latakia: Syrian authorities arrested seven security personnel after Mohammad Ghamira, a former White Helmets volunteer, died in hospital following release from police custody; officials opened an investigation amid renewed torture-abuse concerns. Interpol Cooperation Push: Syria’s new authorities say they are reactivating cooperation with Interpol to pursue most-wanted figures linked to the Assad-era, including names tied to alleged fraud and looting. Trade and Border Moves: Türkiye is expanding and modernizing multiple customs crossings with Syria to boost trade and transit, including upgrades at Cilvegözü, Akçakale, and other key points. Energy and Infrastructure: Reports say Russia crude supplies to Syria continue for now, while DP World marked progress at Tartous port with new mobile harbour cranes, and an Iraq-to-Syria pipeline to bypass Hormuz is still years and billions away. Regional Politics: Turkey’s Libya “pivot” continues as Hakan Fidan meets Khalifa Haftar, drawing scrutiny over Ankara’s Eastern Mediterranean ambitions.

Damascus–Moscow Air Links: Syrian Airlines has resumed regular direct flights between Damascus and Moscow after more than 18 months, with officials saying the route will boost diplomatic, business, scientific and cultural exchanges. Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces carried out raids and abductions in western Daraa, including detaining young men in Abdeen village and searching homes in Al-Rafid, as border-area violations continue. Assad Sentenced to Death: Syria’s court sentenced deposed President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, reviving fresh debate over accountability and the fate of remaining former regime figures. Aleppo’s Living Archive: A 91-year-old Aleppo bookseller, Rizkullah Abd, is preserving rare manuscripts and volumes in a million-book collection, keeping the city’s past from disappearing. Regional Security Signaling: Turkey’s Erdogan said the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement sends a “message” to the world, framing it as a collective defense step amid tensions involving Iran and Israel. Humanitarian Pressure on Health: WHO warned that attacks on healthcare facilities and workers remain widespread in 2026, with Syria among countries reporting incidents.

Healthcare under fire: WHO says Nigeria is among countries recording attacks on medical care, with 10,400 incidents globally since 2018, including Syria this year. Custody death in Latakia: Syria detained seven people after a young man with hemophilia died in a coma following alleged police beatings; the Interior Minister vowed accountability. US immigration pressure: The US has ended Temporary Protected Status for Syrians, urging beneficiaries to arrange status or leave. Damascus-Moscow air link returns: Syrian Airlines resumed regular Damascus–Moscow flights after an 18-month pause, easing travel for Syrians in Russia and boosting bilateral ties. Former regime crackdown: Damascus arrested relatives of ex-security chief Rustum Ghazaleh in raids tied to alleged bribery and influence attempts. Regional politics: Turkey says it’s preparing a visit to Syria and insists Damascus won’t stand alone, while also stressing Kurdish rights in any peace. Russia exits Syria: A new report says Russia is ending independent control of key Mediterranean bases, shifting administration to Syria.

Syria-Russia Air Links: A Syrian Airlines passenger flight from Damascus landed in Moscow on Aug. 16, the first direct civilian service since the Assad era fell in Dec. 2024, with the return flight back the same day—signaling renewed normalization after a deal that will see Syria regain control of two Russian-run Mediterranean bases. Kurdish Integration: A senior YPG-SDF commander says the group and the AANES structure will be dissolved within days, citing near-complete obstacles to integration into a single Syrian army and state. US TPS Pullback: The U.S. terminated Temporary Protected Status for Syrians effective July 27, 2026, after court delays, leaving thousands facing renewed deportation risk unless they qualify for another status. Germany Tightens Asylum: Germany revoked or withdrew protection in 23.2% of Syrian cases reviewed in the first half of 2026, far higher than 2025 and 2024, as Syrians return home but security remains uneven. Regional Security Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan says Egypt could join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, while Ankara reiterates it will not stand aside amid crises including Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

Arrests & Justice in Southern Syria: Syrian security forces in Daraa arrested former police commander Musab Abu Rakba, wanted by Austria over alleged torture and mistreatment of detainees in Raqqa (2011–2013), after he escaped from Austrian territory while an appeal was pending. Air Connectivity: Direct passenger flights between Moscow and Damascus resumed after an 18-month pause, with Syrian Airlines restarting weekly Sunday service; Germany also moved to restore links, as Sundair launched Berlin–Damascus flights and LEAV Aviation is set to begin Cologne–Deir ez-Zor service. Regional Diplomacy: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Egypt could join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which treats attacks on one member as attacks on all, and he reiterated plans to visit Syria soon. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO reported more than four attacks per day on medical facilities in 2026, with hundreds of deaths and injuries tied to attacks on healthcare. Security Tensions: Israel’s strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 11, including children, as Lebanon and Israel trade blame over the stalled withdrawal-and-disarmament talks. Culture Returns: Syrian army helicopters dropped roses on crowds at the Summer Syria festival at Damascus Citadel, signaling a push to revive public cultural events after years of war.

Damascus–Berlin Air Links: Syria is preparing to welcome its first direct flight from Berlin, with Sundair set to launch the new route from Saturday, as Damascus pushes to restore regular European connectivity. Southern Syria Incursion: Israeli forces entered western Daraa and set up a checkpoint near Jamla and Saysoun, deploying vehicles and drones to inspect passersby. Border Security Claims: Türkiye’s ambassador to Damascus says major security threats along the Turkish-Syrian border have “disappeared” since Syria’s new administration took over, citing reduced smuggling, drugs, migration and terrorism. Euphrates Flood Warning: Syria warned Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor residents of rising Euphrates levels after increased releases from Kudairan Dam, urging people to avoid the river and low-lying areas. ISIS Detainee Cooperation: Syria and Iraq agreed to form joint judicial committees to review ISIS detainee cases transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraq. Trade & Ports: Syria and Türkiye discussed port operations and free-zone development, including how Syria could benefit from Mersin’s free zone experience. Lebanon Tensions Spill Over: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed nine, including children, as negotiations over Hezbollah disarmament and withdrawal continue.

Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli forces reportedly fired toward civilian areas in Maariya, Daraa, prompting residents to flee, while in Quneitra Israeli troops set up a temporary checkpoint and illumination flares sparked a fire in Al-Rafid woods. Cross-Border Returns: The UN’s migration agency says nearly 50,000 Syrians returned from Lebanon to Syria over the past week. Aviation & Connectivity: Germany and Syria are set to launch a new direct Cologne–Deir ez-Zor route from Sept. 1, and Syrian Air confirmed Damascus–Moscow direct flights will resume Aug. 16 after nearly 18 months. Justice & Accountability: Syria’s court sentencing of ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia continues to draw attention, alongside reports on wanted former regime figures detained in Lebanon. Humanitarian/Health: WHO again condemned attacks on healthcare in conflict zones, as Syria-related medical aid and supplies also remain in focus.

Judicial Reset for ISIS Detainees: Syria and Iraq agreed to form joint judicial committees to review ISIS prisoner cases after thousands were transferred from Syrian facilities to Iraqi prisons, with Iraqi and Syrian justice officials meeting in Damascus to set up technical teams and ongoing coordination. Health Under Fire: The WHO says attacks on healthcare in conflict zones have topped 10,000 since 2018, with more than 900 attacks recorded in 2026 alone and no single case entering an accountability system, highlighting harm to hospitals, workers and patients across places including Syria. Post-Assad Legal Fallout: An Assad-era officer convicted in Austria has returned to Syria while his appeal continues, raising questions about how Austria handled the case and the officer’s departure. Syria-Economy Push: Syria’s finance minister met the World Bank in Damascus to discuss support for financial and institutional reforms, including pensions, social insurance, housing finance and governance of state institutions. Security in Hasaka: SDF chief Mazloum Abdi met a Syrian government delegation on Hasaka security, discussing attacks on returning IDPs and steps to accelerate integration and stability measures.

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 could intensify pressure for extradition and further legal cooperation. Judicial Cooperation: Iraq’s top judge Faiq Zidan met Syria’s justice leadership in Damascus to discuss ISIS detainees and set up joint judicial committees, while Syria and Iraq also move to handle al-Hol-linked cases. Border & Security: Syria and Lebanon held technical talks in Beirut on border management, focusing on crossings, smuggling trends, document checks, and faster passenger and goods flow. Regional Power Tensions: Iran’s foreign minister warned the U.S. is making a “bigger miscalculation” over Strait of Hormuz control, as Washington and Gulf states look at alternative export routes. Humanitarian Aid: WFP said food assistance for Syrian refugees outside Jordan’s camps has been suspended since April due to funding gaps. Culture & Heritage: Syria displayed artifacts returned from France at the Damascus Citadel, reopening public access and drawing strong visitor interest. Sports: Syria’s youth teams faced tough results in regional competitions, including a loss to New Zealand in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.

Assad Trial Update: A Damascus criminal court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over killings, torture and crimes against humanity, but the former leader remains in Russia, keeping the question of his whereabouts and possible extradition front and center. Agriculture & Food Security: Syria’s Grain Establishment says the wheat harvest has reached self-sufficiency, with 2.7 million tonnes collected versus 2.55 million tonnes needed, meaning no imports are planned for this season. Energy & Trade: Azerbaijan reported exporting about 575.1 million cubic meters of natural gas to Syria in January–June, worth roughly $194.4 million. Regional Security: The U.S. pushed back on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s remarks about not withdrawing from “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, saying a permanent presence contradicts the framework and is tied to conditions-based redeployment. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP says food aid to Syrian refugees in Jordan’s host communities has been suspended since April due to funding gaps, while camp assistance continues. Justice & Accountability: Syria says it has formed a committee to coordinate with Interpol over Assad-era figures, as transitional authorities continue prosecutions.

Assad-era justice: Syria’s Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and six senior officials to death in absentia over war crimes and crimes against humanity, with cousin Atef Najib also sentenced—sparking debate over what “transitional justice” should look like next. Nuclear file: Syria says it will hand over Assad-era nuclear material and that an IAEA visit will announce “significant progress,” as Damascus moves to reset its nuclear posture. Russia-Syria bases: Moscow and Damascus signed a memorandum reorganizing Russia’s military presence at Hmeimim and Tartus, with Syria taking over civilian facilities and assessing a possible return of civilian flights. Regional security pressure: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed troops will remain in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza security zones, drawing US pushback over whether a permanent presence fits the agreed framework. Diplomatic fallout over Golan: The EU and Gulf states rejected Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan, reaffirming it has no legal effect under UN resolutions. Energy corridors: Turkey is pursuing a Saudi–Turkey electricity corridor through Jordan and Syria, aiming to expand power trade and boost Syria’s electricity supply.

Assad Sentenced Again: Syria’s hardline Damascus court has sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over crimes including murder, torture, unjust detention and crimes against humanity, with other former regime figures—such as Maher al-Assad and Atef Najib—also handed death sentences. IAEA Nuclear Step: Syria says an IAEA delegation will visit to announce “significant progress” on nuclear materials, as Damascus moves to hand over Assad-era material. Russia Bases Deal: Russia and Syria reached a memorandum on the future of Moscow’s Tartus and Khmeimim bases, with civilian facilities shifting to Syrian operation and the sites repurposed toward joint training. Golan Diplomatic Fallout: Syria submitted a UN protest after Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, joining a wider Arab condemnation. Regional Security Talks: Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Kurdistan officials met in Jordan to coordinate border security and counter cross-border threats. Deraa Reaction: In Deraa, the heart of the 2011 uprising, residents celebrated the death sentence tied to the crackdown that sparked the war.

Transitional Justice: A Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, convicting him of killings, torture, arbitrary arrest and other atrocities tied to Syria’s nearly 14-year war; the ruling also handed death sentences to his brother Maher and security figure Atef Najib, with Syrians gathering outside the courthouse to celebrate. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Russia says a new Syria-Russia memorandum on the future of Moscow’s bases at Tartous and Hmeimim will boost ties, with Syria taking over civilian facilities and military sites repurposed into joint training centers. Nuclear File: Reports say the IAEA is set to visit Syria to remove nuclear material from a secret site linked to the Assad era, under a US-brokered arrangement. Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli forces shelled agricultural land in Quneitra and set up a temporary checkpoint, according to local media. Politics Beyond Syria: Turkey’s parliament approved a framework for disarmament and reintegration of PKK militants, a move analysts say could be pivotal but hard to implement.

Assad Sentenced to Death: A Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over killings, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity, in what Reuters calls the first conviction against him since rebels toppled the regime in Dec 2024; his brother Maher and cousin Atef Najib were also sentenced, alongside other former officials. IAEA Nuclear Steps: Syria says an IAEA delegation will visit in the coming days to announce “significant progress” on resolving the Assad-era nuclear legacy, as reports link the move to removal of material from the alleged Site 99 under a US-brokered understanding. Russia-Syria Military Bases Deal: Russia and Syria signed a memorandum on the future of Tartous and Hmeimim, with civilian facilities to be handed to Damascus and military sites repurposed into joint training centers. Regional Diplomacy on the Golan: Syria condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, while Jordan also rejected the move and urged pressure on Israel to halt incursions. US-Iran Pressure Talks: Trump renewed demands that Iran pay compensation as Strait of Hormuz negotiations stall, with Iran signaling talks via Oman.

Nuclear Deal: Syria’s interim authorities reached a US- and Israel-backed understanding with the IAEA to remove nuclear material from the clandestine “Site 99” storage area, a move aimed at lowering the risk of escalation tied to the former Assad-era program. Security & Bases: Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding reshaping Moscow’s military footprint at Hmeimim and Tartous, with civilian management of key facilities and a shift toward joint training and qualification centers over a transition period. Kurdish Return Crisis: In Ayn al-Arab/Kobani, Syria imposed a curfew after attacks on government-linked sites; meanwhile, the first organized convoy of displaced Kurds returning to Ras al-Ain/Sere Kaniye after nearly seven years was met with gunfire and assaults, prompting temporary suspension of further returns. Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces entered the Yarmouk Basin in western Daraa, as UNDOF stepped up clearance of war remnants in Quneitra to reduce risks to civilians. Humanitarian/Community: Qatar’s Red Crescent launched its “Back to School 2026” campaign, including support for students in Syria.