AGP Executive Report

US-Mediated Talks in Jordan: Syria and Israel sent high-level delegations to Amman for US-mediated de-escalation talks after recent strikes, with Damascus pushing for an end to attacks, withdrawal to pre–Dec. 8, 2024 lines, and full restoration of the 1974 disengagement deal, while also urging steps to keep Israel-Turkey rivalry from spilling into Syria. Golan Heights Row: Syria reiterated the Golan is Syrian territory and said final-status discussions are premature; meanwhile US envoy Tom Barrack walked back earlier comments, reaffirming Trump-era recognition of Israeli sovereignty. Damascus Security Attack: An explosive device hit a bus carrying Syrian internal security personnel north of Damascus, wounding several. Southern Syria Incursions: Israel carried out fresh incursions in Quneitra, detaining a shepherd near Al-Rafid, as drone and strike activity continued amid rising regional tensions. Chemical Weapons Accountability: Syria said it is entering a new phase in dismantling the Ghouta chemical weapons legacy in cooperation with international partners and the OPCW.

US-Syria Sanctions: Syria cleared a key 45-day US congressional review hurdle toward removal from Washington’s terrorism list, but officials say the designation won’t end automatically until the State Department issues a final decision and publishes it in the Federal Register. Israel-Syria Escalation: Tensions spiked again as Israel carried out a second strike in a week and forces reportedly entered southern Syria’s Quneitra, setting up temporary checkpoints and raising fears of further escalation. Damascus-Tel Aviv Talks: Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani said security negotiations with Israel are expected to resume soon, while stressing Damascus still lacks trust and wants confidence-building steps tied to stopping attacks. Turkey-Israel Deconfliction: Multiple reports say Israel and Türkiye are secretly communicating to avoid a military clash in Syria, after the Abu al-Duhur airbase strike and renewed accusations about Turkish deployments. Security Attack in Damascus: A bomb targeted a bus carrying Syria’s Internal Security Forces near Al Tal north of Damascus, injuring personnel; regional states condemned it as terrorism.

Israel-Turkiye Syria Row: US envoy Tom Barrack says intelligence behind Israel’s Abu al-Duhur airbase strike was wrong, adding there may have been miscommunication and that neither the US nor Türkiye was informed in advance; Israel’s Katz hit back, saying Barrack’s claims are inaccurate and that Israel shared intelligence with Washington. Airbase Tensions & Warnings: Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insists there’s “no interest” in escalating with Türkiye and says Israel will preserve the status quo, while also rejecting Turkish bases in Syria; Israel also told the US it believes Türkiye sought to deploy radar and air-defense assets at the airbase. New Strikes in Syria: The IDF says it fired at a militant preparing an IED attack near Beit Jinn in rural Damascus, while Syrian media and the foreign ministry say a drone hit a civilian vehicle and caused injuries. Security Bus Bombing Near Damascus: Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned a roadside blast that targeted a bus carrying Syrian Internal Security Forces personnel on the Maarounah–Al-Tall road, injuring several; no group claimed responsibility. US-Syria Sanctions Move: Syria says a US congressional review cleared a key step toward removing Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, though final executive procedures are still pending.

Israeli Drone Strike in Damascus Countryside: Syria’s foreign ministry condemned an Israeli drone attack on a civilian vehicle near Beit Jinn, west of Damascus, saying it injured several people and was a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and international law. Southern Syria Incursions: Alongside the strike, reports said Israeli forces carried out an incursion into Quneitra countryside toward Al Raqad Dam. US- Israel Dispute Over Warnings: The US envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, said Israel did not warn Washington before the earlier Abu al-Duhur airbase strike, adding US intelligence found claims about Turkish activity were “not true,” while Israel’s officials rejected the criticism. Diplomatic Fallout With Turkey: The airbase attack has further inflamed Israel-Türkiye tensions, with Ankara seeking an Interpol Red Notice for Netanyahu and both sides trading accusations as Syria warns continued attacks will fuel regional instability and demand UN action.

Chemical Weapons Accountability: Syria and France renewed vows to pursue justice for the 2013 Ghouta chemical attacks, with Damascus also requesting to join the International Alliance against Impunity for Chemical Weapons. Airbase Strike Fallout: Pakistan and 11 Muslim-majority countries condemned Israel’s Abu al-Duhur airbase strikes as an extreme escalation and urged withdrawal from occupied Syrian areas. Diplomacy & Defense Pacts: Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani said Damascus is reviewing whether to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, while calling Türkiye a “key partner” in reconstruction and stressing Syria won’t accept Israeli dictates on alliances. Turkey–Israel Legal Escalation: Türkiye moved to seek Interpol red notices for Netanyahu over the Gaza flotilla case, prompting sharp Israeli counterattacks and warnings that the dispute could spill into Syria. Security Realignment in Syria: The SDF announced full integration into Syria’s national armed forces, completing civil and military merger steps with Damascus. Local Life in Damascus: A new Hyrox community, “Move, Syria,” is taking shape in the capital, bringing a modern fitness scene to young Syrians.

Israel-Türkiye tensions: Turkey asked Interpol for red notices against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials over the Gaza-bound “Sumud” flotilla case, as the row deepens after Israel struck Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase near the Turkish border; Netanyahu’s office says the move targets a supposed Turkish military plan, while Ankara and Damascus deny any troop deployment. SDF integration: Kurdish-led SDF commanders say civil, military and administrative integration into Syria’s state institutions is complete, but experts warn Kurdish political autonomy demands are still unresolved. Mine clearance in Deraa: Teams are preparing controlled detonations of Assad-era mines found in farmland, highlighting how unexploded ordnance still threatens civilians. Syria-Pakistan defense talks: Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani met Pakistan’s army chief in Rawalpindi to expand defense and security cooperation, as both sides also discuss trade and people-to-people links. Regional diplomacy: A group of Muslim and Arab states condemned the Abu al-Duhur strikes as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a dangerous escalation.

Israel-Turkey-Syria Tensions: Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani told Axios Israel’s Abu al-Duhur airbase strike was unjustified, saying there was no plan for Turkish troops or a permanent Turkish presence there, as Israel insists it acted to stop a Turkish buildup. Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces entered Al-Duraiyat Hill and the outskirts of Al-Rafid in Quneitra, while artillery shelling sparked a fire in farmland near Jabata al-Khashab. Idlib Blast: An explosion in Ain al-Qasab killed at least three civilians and injured six, with civil defense saying fishing explosives were stored in the house. Kurdish Integration Update: SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said the merger of Kurdish civil and military institutions into Syria’s state structures is complete, marking a “new phase” for the region. Diplomacy: Pakistan and Syria reaffirmed ties in Islamabad, with Pakistan reiterating support for Syria’s sovereignty and unity.

Israel-Turkey Tensions: Israel escalated its dispute with Turkey after strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warning Ankara against any Turkish military foothold and calling it a threat to Israel’s security. Turkish Denial: Turkey rejected the claims, saying there was no Turkish military delegation at the base before or during the attack, and vowed to keep supporting Syria’s sovereignty and stability. Damascus Response: Syria’s foreign minister said there were no plans for Turkish forces to deploy, while reporting high-level contacts with Israel’s Mossad chief days before the strike. Pakistan-Syria Diplomacy: In a separate push for regional engagement, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif met Syrian FM Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in Islamabad, reaffirming support for Syria’s unity and Golan Heights position and discussing expanded cooperation and possible direct flights. Justice in Syria: Syria said a police investigator who slapped a detainee with hemophilia will face prosecution after the man died in custody, renewing outrage over abuse allegations. Lebanon Extradition: Lebanon handed Syria an ex-Assad general, Maj Gen Adel Issa, for trial over alleged war crimes—the first such transfer since Assad’s fall.

Israel-Turkey-Syria Tensions: Israel carried out eight airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib, saying it was meant to stop a Turkish military foothold near Aleppo; Damascus and Ankara rejected the claim as a sovereignty violation, while the U.S. warned of “unnecessary escalation” and a real risk of rapid confrontation. Rare Israel-Syria Contact: Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly spoke by phone with Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani about Turkey’s deployments days before the strikes, underscoring how Damascus is trying to manage competing security demands. Netanyahu’s Warning: Netanyahu said Israel sent a “clear message” to Turkey and vowed it “will not tolerate” Turkish forces moving south. Syrian Diplomacy: Syria’s top diplomat arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit—the first by a foreign minister in 19 years—aimed at boosting bilateral ties amid regional strain. Lebanon Extradition to Damascus: Lebanon handed over former Syrian army officer Adel Issa to face charges including murder and torture resulting in death. Humanitarian Education: Qatar Charity launched its 2026 education campaign to support up to 123,000 students at home and abroad.

Israel-Turkey-Syria Flashpoint: Israel carried out eight strikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in Idlib, saying it was acting to prevent a Turkish deployment near Aleppo; Damascus called it unjustified aggression and a sovereignty breach, while Turkey rejected Israel’s claims and warned of destabilizing intent. US Deconfliction Push: U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack said Washington is working on a deconfliction mechanism to prevent clashes among Israel, Turkey and Syria after the strike drew rare U.S. criticism as “unnecessary escalation.” Diplomatic Moves: Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani is set to visit Pakistan for high-level talks, as both sides seek to deepen cooperation. Energy Disruption: A sabotage blast hit a gas pipeline in northeastern Syria, disrupting gas flow to power generation; repairs are underway. Nuclear Oversight: The IAEA said inspectors found “tons” of nuclear material at an undeclared site in Syria, with Damascus saying it will remain under Syrian custody and safeguards. Regional Dealmaking: Türkiye and Syria signed a phosphate cooperation deal, and Ankara also announced plans for oil and gas exploration and seismic surveys in Syria. Local Human Impact: Protests erupted after a young Syrian man died in custody following alleged police beating in Latakia countryside.

Israeli Airstrikes in Idlib: Israel carried out eight strikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Syria’s Idlib, hitting the runway and storage facilities; Syria condemned the attack as an unjustified violation of sovereignty, while the US envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, called it “unnecessary escalation.” Turkey–Israel Tensions: Ankara rejected Netanyahu’s claims that it posed a threat by preparing to deploy troops, saying the accusations are meant to justify “unlawful” strikes; the US is also working on a deconfliction mechanism among Israel, Türkiye and Syria after the incident. Regional Condemnations: Egypt, Kuwait and the UAE also condemned the strikes as breaches of international law and threats to regional stability. Nuclear File Moves Forward: The IAEA said inspectors found several tonnes of nuclear material at an undeclared Syrian site tied to the Assad-era legacy; Damascus says the material will remain under Syrian custody and be safeguarded. Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, is set to visit Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials. Energy Disruption: A blast at a northeastern Syria gas pipeline halted gas flow from the Al-Jabsah plant, disrupting power generation; Syria’s petroleum company called it deliberate sabotage. Domestic Finance Update: Syria approved a new electronic payments and money transfer system to modernize transactions and expand payment options.

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.