AGP Executive Report

SDF Integration: Syria says the SDF-to-state integration is in its final phase, with four brigades reportedly joining the army, thousands entering Internal Security after screening and training, and more than 1,000 detainees released as Damascus takes over prisons and key services. Northwest Security: A Kurdish returnee was killed in Afrin, sparking fears for civilian safety and renewed calls for transparent investigations and stronger protection. Human Rights Watch: Rights groups warn that abductions of women in Syria are exposing deep gaps in investigations and accountability, raising questions about state commitment and security oversight. UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres’ Damascus visit put renewed focus on Syria’s sovereignty and reconstruction needs, while condemning Israeli violations around the Golan. Aviation Links: Germany resumed direct flights to Damascus after nearly 14 years, with more routes planned to Aleppo and additional German cities. Economy & Business: Baladna reported strong H1 2026 growth, including progress on its Syria manufacturing facility in Adra. Diaspora Pressure: TPS expiry in the US is renewing anxiety for Syrians and other communities, with fears of job loss and deportation.

Border Incursions: The IDF detained three Israeli activists from the “HaBashan Pioneers” after they breached into Syria’s Mount Hermon area, then returned them to Israel for police action, calling the repeated crossings a dangerous disruption. Security in Damascus: In Set Zaynab, southern Damascus, locals say security has improved since the Assad era, but fear remains; authorities recently arrested an alleged bomb-planting cell tied to ISIS activity. Currency Transition: Syria’s Central Bank says about 80% of old Assad-era banknotes have been exchanged ahead of the deadline, with the new pound removing two zeros—an economic shift that also carries symbolic weight for many Syrians. Regional Pressure on Jordan: Analysis highlights how Iran and allied militias have increasingly targeted Jordan, including missile and drone threats that underscore Jordan’s role as a frontline in the wider Middle East conflict. Israel-Syria Tensions: Reports also say fringe Israeli settler groups have been infiltrating Syrian territory to try to establish a Jewish outpost, with Mount Hermon and nearby areas repeatedly mentioned.

Border Trade: Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Border Crossings and Ports says it plans to reopen the Al-Dabousiyah crossing with Lebanon in September after rehabilitation and modernization, aiming to speed up cargo and passenger movement. Security Operations: Syrian security forces carried out major operations against militants in Jableh and ISIS cells in Aleppo, including killings of wanted suspects and weapons seizures. Displacement & Return: Displaced residents from Shehba renewed calls for safe return, saying Turkey-backed armed groups operate freely and that locals want protection under their own Kurdish security force. UN Refugee Policy Pressure: The UN warned that asylum rules are being politicized, as UNHCR chief Barham Salih urged countries to shift from managing displacement to resolving it, with Syria among the major displacement sources. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi held calls with multiple partners including Syria and UN chief António Guterres, focusing on de-escalation and the worsening situation in the occupied West Bank.

UN Accountability in Post-Assad Syria: A UN inquiry and other investigators are digging into atrocities after the fall of Assad, focusing on what the new Syrian order means for justice and international counterterrorism. UN Refugee System at 75: As the Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary, coverage highlights rising displacement pressures and the growing gap for internally displaced people, including Syria’s large IDP population. Security and Governance in Northeast Syria: Kurdish-led SDF and the AANES are reportedly preparing to dissolve as part of a transition, with administrative appointments in Hasakah seen as a key step. Energy Corridor via Syria: Syria is moving large volumes of Iraqi fuel oil to Europe by road, with lorries feeding exports through the Mediterranean coast—an effort tied to shifting Gulf routes. Regional Tensions Spill Over: Iran-backed militia drone activity linked to Iraq is reported to have targeted areas including Syria, underscoring how Syria remains pulled into wider Middle East security dynamics.

UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres wrapped a first Syria visit in 17 years, calling for massive international support for internally displaced people and pledging the UN will be a “steadfast partner” for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction. Israeli Strikes in Syria: Israeli forces fired on residential areas in Daraa’s Maariya and advanced toward Jamla, while the Sijil Center reported a Quneitra raid and detentions, describing repeated incursions as pressure tactics. Southern Syria Pressure: The Sijil Center also said Israeli tanks and a vehicle moved near Wadi al-Raqqad in western Daraa amid heightened activity. Lebanon Spillover: UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned that Israel’s conduct in southern Lebanon—including displacement and blocking returns—could amount to war crimes. US Policy Shock for Syrians: In the US, Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Syrians ended Monday, leaving many facing deportation proceedings as ICE prepares intensified enforcement. Regional Security: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi met Guterres, urging adherence to the US-Iran ceasefire and an end to Israeli attacks on Syria.

Syria-Israel Tensions: Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa says Damascus has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon, while warning that chaos there would spill into Syria and worsen the wider Iran conflict. UN Diplomacy: UN chief Antonio Guterres is in Damascus and urged an end to Israeli violations, with calls for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and for sanctions to be lifted. Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria: Syrian state media report fresh Israeli ground incursions and raids in Quneitra and Daraa, including home searches, artillery shelling, and the detention of a civilian. Security Deal Talks: Al-Sharaa also reiterates Syria’s push for a security arrangement with Israel that preserves Syrian rights, as Damascus seeks a broader political and economic reset. Lebanon Pilot Zones: In southern Lebanon, pilot zones are being implemented as the Lebanese army deploys in areas after phased Israeli withdrawals, testing whether state authority can replace armed group control. Regional Trade: Türkiye’s exports to Syria jumped 26.4% in H1 2026, with cement, food and energy-related goods leading the rebound.

UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres toured Sednaya’s notorious “Assad prison” and wrapped up a landmark Damascus visit urging the immediate removal of all remaining sanctions, saying Syria has a “moment of opportunity” to rebuild security, services, jobs and inclusive belonging. Israel-Syria Talks: President Ahmed al-Sharaa told Al Jazeera Syria is seeking a security agreement with Israel as a step toward comprehensive peace, while stressing it will not compromise Syria’s claim to the occupied Golan Heights and ruling out military intervention in Lebanon. Cross-Border Tensions: Israel launched a fresh incursion into Quneitra, detaining a civilian after a raid, while also advancing in Daraa, as UN calls for respect of Syria’s sovereignty intensified. Humanitarian/Recovery Focus: Guterres met al-Sharaa and officials, backing refugee returns and transitional justice, and warned current UN aid covers only about a fifth of needs. Domestic Update: Syria’s Central Bank set July 30 as the final deadline to exchange old banknotes, with a five-year withdrawal redemption period starting July 31.

UN Sanctions: UN chief Antonio Guterres wrapped up a landmark Damascus visit by calling for the immediate removal of all Syria sanctions, saying eased steps aren’t enough for recovery. He also toured Sednaya prison, describing it as a symbol of past regime oppression. Golan and Israel Tensions: Guterres reiterated that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and urged Israel to stop violations. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Damascus is seeking a security agreement with Israel with help from other countries, while stressing Syria won’t give up the Golan and won’t intervene militarily in Lebanon. Southern Syria Incursions: Despite the UN push, state media reported Israeli shelling in Quneitra and an incursion into villages in western Daraa, including a checkpoint and leaflet warnings. Deadly Crash on Damascus–Deir ez-Zor Road: A bus collision killed at least 38 people and injured dozens, with helicopters used for evacuations. Humanitarian Pressure in Jordan: WFP says reduced funding has cut food assistance for about 83,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan’s host communities, while camp aid continues at reduced cash values. Recovery on the Ground: Syria announced major highway rehabilitation plans to boost trade and connectivity across the country and toward Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and the Gulf. UX of War’s Aftermath: In rural Homs, three children were injured after a cluster munition explosion.

UN Diplomacy in Damascus: UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived for the first visit by a UN chief to Syria in over 15 years, meeting interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to press for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and to urge international support for reconstruction and recovery. Golan Heights: Guterres reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and called Israel’s presence and incursions “totally unacceptable,” while urging an end to violations around the UN-patrolled buffer area. Humanitarian and Reconstruction Talks: The UN and Syrian leadership discussed boosting cooperation in humanitarian and development work, including plans to close displacement camps. Deadly Road Accident: A collision between two buses on the Deir ez-Zor–Damascus road killed at least 35 people and injured around 30, with helicopters and medical teams evacuating victims; officials blamed years of neglect and deteriorating infrastructure. Cultural Heritage Returns: France returned 23 antiquities to Syria during Macron’s Damascus visit, including Roman, Byzantine and Islamic items, after delays tied to security and diplomatic strains. Regional Energy Moves: Iraq and Türkiye held talks to expand crude exports via the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline and strengthen security along the route.

UN Solidarity Visit: UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Damascus for the first visit by a serving UN chief since 2009, meeting interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to press for stronger UN support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, while stressing respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Golan Tensions: Guterres said the situation around the Golan Heights is “totally unacceptable,” as al-Shaibani demanded an immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from the UN-patrolled buffer zone. Deadly Road Crash: A bus collision on the Deir al-Zor–Damascus highway killed at least 35 people and injured about 30, with one bus reportedly carrying Internal Security Forces personnel; helicopters and ambulances were used for evacuations and body recovery. Women’s Jobs Under Pressure: UN Women and ESCWA warned that the 2026 Middle East crisis could deepen risks to women’s employment across Arab states, including in Syria, through job losses and higher poverty.

Landmine Toll: A new report says at least 800 people, including many children, have been killed or maimed by mines and unexploded devices since Assad’s fall, as families return to farmland in north-west Syria. Drug Smuggling Crackdown: Syrian border forces say they seized more than 700,000 Captagon pills and 40kg of hashish in attempts routed from Lebanon toward areas including Homs and Damascus. Tourism Push: Syria launched its first motorcycle rally in Damascus, sending riders on a multi-day route through Homs and Tartus as the government tries to revive a war-hit tourism sector. UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Damascus to revive UN work in Syria, with missing persons and recovery efforts expected to be on the agenda. Regional Security Pressure: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued warnings to residents across several Arab states, including Syria, to stay away from U.S. military sites, hotels, banks and Trump-linked properties. Captagon & Recovery Link: The landmine and drug stories underline the same challenge: rebuilding life and livelihoods safely after years of conflict.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Damascus this week for the first time since 2009, meeting President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, with a field tour of UNDOF positions in the occupied Golan Heights as Syria seeks renewed international engagement. Human Rights & Missing Persons: Carla Quintana, head of the UN missing persons body in Syria, says her team processed over 75,000 documents in the past year, but still lacks a permanent office in Damascus—an obstacle she links to slower answers for families. Security & Borders: Jordan’s army says it thwarted a drug smuggling attempt using guided balloons on the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border area, continuing earlier similar operations. Regional Power & Conflict Spillover: Reports say Turkey is considering settling around 200 senior PKK figures in Sulaymaniyah, while barring them from returning to Turkey, tied to a disarmament-linked plan. Energy Pressure: With Hormuz risks rising, Gulf states are accelerating pipeline projects to bypass chokepoints—routes that could reshape trade corridors affecting Syria’s wider region.

Energy & Trade Routes: Brent surged past $100 as Strait of Hormuz disruption spread toward Bab el-Mandeb, pushing Gulf states to accelerate pipeline and port alternatives. Iraq-Syria Energy Deal: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU for an 800-kilometer oil pipeline from Haditha to Baniyas, targeting about 2.5 million barrels per day and aiming to cut reliance on chokepoints. Tourism Digital Push: Syria’s Tourism Ministry signed with three Saudi tech firms (Tamkeen, Cipher, Hawaz) to build a digital tourism ecosystem, including a unified booking platform and national tourism portal. Displacement & Rights: A UN expert said Syria has a historic chance to shift from managing displacement to recovery, but warned reconstruction and rights gaps remain huge. Missing Persons: UN officials said Syria’s missing-persons crisis is among the most pressing stabilization hurdles, with tens of thousands of documents processed so far. Security Leadership: Syria’s new authorities continue reshaping security and intelligence posts, signaling a new phase of state consolidation.

Tourism Digital Push: Syria’s Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with Saudi tech firms Tamkeen, Cipher and Hawaz to build a unified digital tourism platform, a national tourism portal, and stronger data governance and cybersecurity. Security and Terrorism: Syria’s Interior Ministry confirmed IS carried out the deadly Mar Elias Church bombing in Damascus last year, saying it aimed to undermine social cohesion and noting authorities also foiled a parallel plot against the Sayyida Zainab shrine. Regional Trade Facilitation: The Syrian-Jordanian Business Council welcomed Jordan’s expanded entry facilities for Syrian investors and businesspeople, allowing spouses and children under 18 to enter without prior approval. Energy Route Shift: Iraq and Syria move to revive a long-dormant Kirkuk-to-Baniyas oil pipeline as Gulf states accelerate plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed regional tensions. Diplomacy Watch: Iraq’s PM arrived in Tehran for high-level talks with Iranian leaders on bilateral cooperation, energy, and regional stability.

Water Security in Hasakah: Alouk water station in Ras al-Ayn (Sari Kani) resumed pumping after years offline, restoring drinking water supply to Al-Hasakah city and surrounding areas after maintenance and rehabilitation. UN Political Milestone: UN officials say Syria’s transition has reached key institutional steps, including a People’s Assembly and a Supreme Constitutional Court, while warning insecurity, Israeli operations, and humanitarian funding gaps could derail progress. Media Law Consultations: Syria launched nationwide consultations on a new media law covering journalism, digital platforms, and online content, aiming to set rules on expression, cybercrime, and misinformation. Border Tensions in Daraa/Quneitra: The Syrian Observatory reports five Israeli air and ground operations in the Daraa and Quneitra countryside, including detentions and releases tied to incursions. Oil Pipeline Rehab Talks: Iraq and Syria moved into preparatory work to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, with studies underway and Chevron set to manage technical and financial aspects. Justice Case in Damascus: Prosecutors sought the death penalty for Wasim al-Assad in his third trial session, with proceedings adjourned for final review next week.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Syria later this week, the first by a UN chief since 2009, with meetings planned in Damascus including President Ahmed al-Sharaa and officials on the political transition and humanitarian situation. Security & Borders: Syrian authorities say they seized a vehicle-borne arms shipment bound for Lebanon, uncovering 226 RGC-type grenades hidden in compartments at the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, as Damascus tightens controls amid Hezbollah-related concerns. Regional Support: Bahrain’s interior minister delivered a royal message to President al-Sharaa and pledged deeper security coordination and civil protection cooperation, including an MoU on disaster risk reduction. Humanitarian Pressure: Kuwait urged UN-backed transitional justice and action on missing persons in Syria at a Security Council session, highlighting ongoing family distress and the need for state capacity. Political Reset: A report on Syria’s “rapid developments” points to political consultations, security restructuring, and renewed efforts to restore services and enable returns after years of conflict. International Context: China called for an inclusive political transition in Syria and urged Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights, warning against continued military actions.