AGP Executive Report

Israel-Syria Border Tensions: Israeli forces say 14 Israeli citizens crossed illegally from the occupied Golan into Syrian territory, were arrested and handed to police before being returned, with reports linking the group to the “Bashan Pioneers” movement. Diplomacy on the Golan: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the Atlantic Council that talks with Israel had reached “almost 90%” on a security framework before Israel pulled back, while insisting the Golan is Syrian territory and that peace can’t be based on one incident. UNGA Pressure on Israel: Jordan’s King Abdullah warned at the UN that Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat, citing Gaza, the West Bank and southern Syria. Regional Security Talks: Qatar’s emir urged a regional collective-security system and warned the Gulf crisis is in one of its most dangerous phases, while also backing Syria’s recovery and sovereignty. Counter-Extremism: Australia arrested a 65-year-old in Melbourne accused of ISIS propaganda and mass-attack planning instructions sent from Australia. Humanitarian/Recovery Support: QFFD and the Islamic Development Bank discussed coordinated support for Syria’s financial-sector transformation on UNGA sidelines, alongside a US-Syria congressional readout highlighting sanctions relief and recovery priorities.

UNGA Diplomacy: Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrives in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly, aiming to court investment while Syrians at home press for safety, justice, and a stable economy. Israel-Syria Security: Damascus is investigating possible Israeli involvement in a string of unexplained weapons-depot explosions, including blasts near Aleppo that injured four and a separate incident in the east that killed 11. Mine Action Cooperation: Ukraine and Syria sign an agreement to expand humanitarian demining, including training and drone-based mine detection and mapping. Regional Pressure at the UN: Turkey’s Fidan urges the US to use leverage over Israel to restore regional peace, as UNGA leaders focus on Iran, Gaza, and wider instability. Accountability & Courts: SNHR publishes a trial monitoring report on fair-trial guarantees in the Damascus case of Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun. Business & Daily Life: BMW Group Middle East appoints a new importer for BMW and MINI in Syria, signaling renewed commercial activity.

Ammunition Depot Blasts in Aleppo: Syrian authorities are investigating a fresh explosion at a weapons depot near al-Eis in southern Aleppo after a chain of secondary blasts injured at least four people, triggered evacuations, and forced road closures while emergency teams secured the area. Possible Israeli Link: A report citing a Syrian source says investigators are also looking at whether Israel played a role, though Damascus has not made a public accusation. Damascus–Washington Tensions: US envoy Tom Barrack told reporters the S-400 dispute with Türkiye “will be resolved,” framing it as a relationship issue tied to US legislation. Diplomacy Pressure on Israel: Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan urged the US to use its influence to push Israel to stop destabilizing policies, warning regional threats reinforce each other. UN Legal Accountability: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for urgent protection of the ICC amid “immense pressure,” arguing impunity fuels more impunity. Rebuilding and Connectivity: Syrian Airlines resumed direct Copenhagen flights, while Syria and Ukraine reportedly agreed to cooperate on post-war demining.

Aleppo Blast Investigation: Syria’s Defense Ministry says it’s probing a fresh series of explosions at an army weapons depot near Al-Eis, south of Aleppo, after at least four people were injured and roads were closed while civil defense teams evacuated nearby families. Military Safety Concerns: The incident adds to a wider pattern of depot blasts across Syria this month, with officials citing investigations into storage and handling failures and warning of unexploded ordnance. Energy Watch: Syria’s energy minister Mohammed al-Bashir told parliament the country needs $831 million monthly to buy crude oil and petroleum products, as Damascus seeks to restore production and secure foreign currency. Regional Gas Links: Jordan says it will supply Lebanon and Syria with a combined 6 million cubic meters of natural gas per day once infrastructure is ready, while separate reporting notes Jordan-Iraq energy exchange routes have been suspended and are under discussion. Diplomacy at UNGA: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, warning that regional escalation is hitting shipping, energy security, and stability. Humanitarian Pressure: Ahead of UNGA, WFP highlights rising hunger, saying 266 million people face acute food insecurity as funding gaps deepen. Sports & Displacement: Syrian taekwondo athletes Mahmoud Jasem Muhammad and Tala Hasan Hunaidi became the first refugee team members at the Asian Games, competing from Jordan’s Azraq camp.

Aleppo Security: Explosions rocked the Al-Eis area in southern Aleppo countryside, with state media saying an ammunition depot at a Syrian army site was hit and secondary blasts followed; civil defense said four people were injured and warned emergency teams were delayed by continuing blasts, while authorities shut roads including the Aleppo–Damascus highway and urged residents to stay away. Idlib Education: Syria reopened the Holy Land School in Jisr al-Shughur after nearly 60 years of closure under the Assad-era Baath Party, framing it as part of wider efforts to rehabilitate schools across Idlib. Southern Syria Tensions: Israeli forces reportedly blew up former Assad-regime military installations near Jandal Castle on Mount Hermon and shelled areas in Quneitra, with Damascus calling it sovereignty violations. Transitional Justice & Accountability: Syria arrested a former Assad-era air force general accused of overseeing attacks on civilians, as rights-focused reporting continues to spotlight prosecutions and trials tied to wartime abuses. Humanitarian Support: UNHCR and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity signed an agreement to assist nearly 4,860 Syrians, including returnees and refugees in Jordan’s camps.

Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli forces blew up former Assad-era military sites near Jandal Castle on Mount Hermon and shelled areas in Quneitra, with no immediate casualty details reported, as Damascus again denounces repeated incursions. ISIS Prosecutions: Iraq opened the trial of six French nationals accused of ISIS membership after they were transferred from northeast Syria; the court warned of possible death sentences and set the next hearing for Oct. 5. Energy Deals: Syria is pushing ahead with the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil corridor rehabilitation with Iraq and an international consortium, aiming for transit fees and links to wider energy networks. Trade & Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Syria held a business forum in Tashkent to advance joint investment projects, while Syria’s anti-corruption and money-laundering cooperation talks continued with Qatar’s public prosecution. Aviation: Syrian Airlines announced new direct routes to Copenhagen (Sept. 21) and Vienna (Sept. 22), expanding its European network. Border Trade: A Syrian trade official said some Iraqi border yards need upgrades to handle rising truck traffic and winter conditions.

Deir ez-Zor Blast: Syria’s Defense Ministry says 11 servicemen were killed in an explosion at a weapons depot in the Ayyash area west of Deir ez-Zor; a funeral was held and the cause remains under investigation, as Syria continues to see blasts at arms storage sites. Idlib Fuel Protests: A new wave of fuel-price protests has spread in Idlib, including Maarat al-Numan, challenging the idea that the former stronghold is uniformly supportive of the new Damascus order; the trigger is sharp diesel and other fuel hikes. Assad-Era Crackdown: Syria says it has arrested a former Republican Guard general, Ahmed Mohammad Ismail, accusing him of leading assaults on opposition-held cities including Aleppo and Daraa during the civil war. Cultural Return: Syrian singer Assala returned to Damascus after 15 years in exile, drawing thousands to a sold-out concert despite security and conservative backlash. Diplomacy & Economy: Uzbekistan and Syria agreed to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee and a business council to boost trade, with a 2026–2028 roadmap.

Deir ez-Zor Blast: Syria’s Defense Ministry says 11 soldiers were killed in an explosion at an army weapons depot in the Ayyash area west of Deir ez-Zor, with a funeral held at the National Hospital and an investigation still under way. Security Crackdown in Daraa: Syrian authorities arrested Walid al-Fallah, described by SANA as a Daesh-linked cell leader accused in the killing of three Internal Security personnel in Al-Sanamayn, after raids seized weapons and bomb-making materials. U.S.-Syria Sanctions Easing: The U.S. lifted the last arms and military financing restrictions on Syria under the 1991 chemical and biological weapons law, removing remaining legal prohibitions while noting other export licensing controls remain. Justice in Coastal Violence Case: A Syrian court issued first verdicts in a 2025 coastal killings trial, sentencing a former government forces member to 20 years, while two others received death and life terms. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan and Syria agreed to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee and launch a business council to boost trade, with a 2026–2028 roadmap planned.

Israeli Strikes in Quneitra: Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Al-Hamidiyah village in central Quneitra, with reports of shell landings near the border strip with the occupied Golan. Syrian-Russian Talks: Syria’s foreign minister visited Latakia airport to review implementation of a memorandum with Russia on its coastal presence, including Hmeimim airport and Tartus. Assad-Era Accountability: Syrian security forces arrested five former air force officers in Tartus accused of planning and carrying out airstrikes on populated areas during Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Nuclear Cooperation: Syria said cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA will support the transfer of peaceful nuclear technology, after a new country programme framework. Fuel and Public Pressure (context): Coverage continues to track Syria’s fuel-price unrest and the government’s efforts to manage costs. Culture: Assala Nasri returned to Damascus for her first concert in 15 years, drawing a large, heavily secured crowd.

Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria: Israeli forces entered the Wadi al-Raqad area of Daraa with nine military vehicles, with reports also citing shelling near Beit Jinn in Damascus countryside and the detention of a shepherd. Fuel Crisis and Policy Response: After fuel price hikes sparked protests, Syria announced subsidised diesel for heating, agriculture and eligible consumers, as officials said the move aims to ease pressure while keeping supplies steady. Assala’s Return to Damascus: Anti-Assad singer Assala Nasri held a sold-out Damascus concert after 15 years in exile, despite calls from religious conservatives to cancel it; half the proceeds will go to charity. Aleppo Airport Upgrade: Aleppo International Airport is set to begin major upgrade works in early 2027 under a Saudi-Syrian deal, including improvements to services and planning for a new facility. US-Iran UNGA Visas: The US approved visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to attend the UN General Assembly, with travel restrictions. US Torture Conviction: A former Syrian prison official convicted in the US for torture at Adra Prison was sentenced to 60 years. Kurds and Regional Strategy: Kurdish leaders urged political and diplomatic struggle and warned against treating disarmament talks as separate from guarantees for Kurdish gains. Fuel Protests Go Global: Reports say fuel shortages and price pain linked to the Iran conflict have triggered demonstrations across multiple countries, including Syria.

Anti-ISIS Security in Daraa: Syrian security forces launched an operation against an ISIS-linked cell in Al-Sanamein, Daraa, killing three personnel and wounding others; a curfew was imposed as clashes continued. UN Diplomacy Clash: Syria told the UN Security Council that Israel’s actions are the “greatest threat” to regional stability, while Israel pushed back and warned Turkey may expand its role in Syria. Post-Assad Justice in the U.S.: A Los Angeles court sentenced former Adra prison official Samir Ousman Alsheikh to 60 years for torture and related crimes tied to Assad-era abuse. Assad-Era Court Overhaul: Syria’s People’s Assembly unanimously voted to abolish the Assad-era “Terrorism Court,” aiming to unwind rulings affecting more than 90,000 cases and restore confiscated rights. Fuel Pain and Protests: With diesel and fuel costs rising amid wider regional tensions, protesters burned tires and blocked roads, while Syria’s energy minister said diesel will be offered in multiple categories and some refineries restarted to ease pressure. Damascus Book Discovery: A Syrian man in Damascus broke a wall to recover a private library hidden for 15 years after fleeing in 2011. Business and Banking: Estithmar completed a 48.68% stake transfer in Shahba Bank to Masaref Holding, signaling further investment in Syria’s banking sector.

Coastal Justice in Aleppo: Syria’s military criminal court in Aleppo issued its first verdicts over the March 2025 Alawite coastal killings, sentencing a former government forces member to 20 years and two Assad-era supporters to death and life in prison, while acquitting a fourth; further rulings are due next week, with rights groups criticizing the narrow scope. Fuel Price Protests: Syria’s energy minister defended fuel price hikes after demonstrations spread, with protesters blocking roads and burning tires as the government cited higher import costs and refinery maintenance. Daraa Security Clash: Three Syrian internal security personnel were killed during an operation to arrest a wanted suspect in Al-Sanamayn, where authorities said the armed group was ISIS-linked and a curfew was imposed. Islamic State Raid: Separate reports said three security personnel were killed in southern Syria during an operation against an ISIS-linked cell in Daraa, with clashes and a temporary curfew reported. Austin Tice Case: A BBC investigation alleges Assad personally approved the 2012 abduction of U.S. journalist Austin Tice, naming a trusted driver as a key figure in the trap.

Fuel Price Protests: Syrians across Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Daraa and the northeast took to the streets after a government decree hiked diesel by 40% and petrol by 28%, with demonstrators blocking highways and reports of a booming black market as security forces intercept tankers heading to unlicensed refineries. Kurdish Northeast Tensions: In Hasakah, Syria’s integration push is still sparking friction, while Damascus-linked releases and security coordination efforts continue around Kobani. Legal Overhaul: Syria’s parliament voted to abolish the al-Assad-era “terrorism” court and nullify the legal effects of its rulings, a major early move by the new assembly. Security Cooperation: Syria’s military chief met Russian commanders at Hmeimim, as Damascus and Russia discuss joint training and qualification centers. Drugs Crackdown: Authorities reported nearly 700 million Captagon pills seized since the fall of the former regime, alongside dismantled networks and shut down production facilities. Diplomatic Push: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to travel to the US for UNGA 81, including meetings with US officials.

Kurdish Northeast Tensions: Demonstrators blocked a highway near Tal Tamr, leaving hundreds of oil-tanker trucks stranded as fuel-price anger grows while Syria moves ahead with SDF integration and central-government control. SDF Releases: Damascus’ interim authorities released 49 SDF members, though more detainees remain. Legal Overhaul: Syria’s parliament voted to abolish the Assad-era Counter-Terrorism Court and nullify its rulings, a major shift for detainees and confiscated-property cases. Fuel Protests Spread: Reports describe fuel-price hikes sparking protests and blockades across Kurdish areas, adding pressure to the new administration. U.S.-Syria Sanctions Implementation: Syrian FM al-Shaibani and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio discussed completing the technical steps to make sanctions relief actually benefit Syria’s economy and banking. Regional Media Push: President al-Sharaa opened the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, pitching Syria’s “future” role as cyber-attacks and media expansion take center stage. Trade & Food Exports: Syria shipped about 10,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables in refrigerated trucks over 10 days, with Gulf markets leading demand.

Fuel Price Protests: Syrians kept protesting for a third straight day after steep gas and diesel hikes, with demonstrations reported in Qamishli and other cities; authorities said the increases were tied to global prices and refinery maintenance, but crowds demanded relief and chanted against “starvation.” UAE–Syria Diplomacy: President Ahmad al-Sharaa met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, pitching Syria as a future trade and investment hub while discussing economic cooperation and regional security. Asylum Crackdown: Greece moved to revoke international protection for some Syrian cases, arguing legal conditions no longer apply and challenging prior appeals, including decisions that cited Syria’s economic hardship and risks like compulsory military service. Druze Security Crisis: A report says Sweida’s Druze community remains under siege with medicine shortages and ongoing fear, arguing trust in the state has collapsed due to lack of accountability after violence in 2025. Nuclear Oversight: Syria’s nuclear file remains in focus as international reporting highlights IAEA safeguards and regional nuclear non-proliferation calls.

Fuel Crisis & Protests: Syria’s fuel prices jumped again, with diesel up about 40% and petrol up roughly 26–28%, triggering unrest that spread from Damascus to Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Daraa, Raqqa and Qamishli, where Kurdish residents protested in the northeast against what they call a starvation policy. Kurdish Education: In Qamishli, Syrian Kurds are pushing to keep schooling in Kurdish as Damascus rolls out a new Arabic curriculum, with a decree allowing some Kurdish-language teaching but falling short of demands for a fully Kurdish program. UAE-Syria Ties: UAE leaders met President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Dubai, stressing economic and development cooperation and Syria’s “return to development” after sanctions relief. Sanctions & Economy: Al-Sharaa told the Arab Media Summit that Syria was “born again” after sanctions were lifted, laying out growth targets and highlighting new investor interest. Nuclear File: Syria says it has started working with the IAEA to uncover remnants of the al-Kibar site in Deir ez-Zor and placed about 73 tonnes of uranium under IAEA safeguards. Syria-Turkey Outreach: Damascus and Ankara say they’ve signed dozens of agreements linking ministries and agencies, aiming to turn ties into real projects and trade. Security & Courts: Syrian authorities arrested an Aleppo woman over a viral “witchcraft” video, while separate reporting notes arrests and investigations tied to ISIS-linked planning.