FREE -- Syria Weekly: February 24 - March 3, 2026
Syria stays out of Iran war, but diplomacy surges; Kobani begins integration; IMF notes further economic growth; ISIS attacks persist, Israeli incursions decline; Parliament nominees named; & more.
SYRIA’S TRANSITION:
Transition Meetings:
February 24:
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi traveled to Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan on February 24 and met with PUK leader Bafel Talabani and U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack to discuss the ongoing process of implementing the January 29 agreement.
Local authorities facilitated a tour of the Jobar district of Damascus on February 24 attended by EU External Action Service Middle East and North Africa Deputy Managing Director Rosamaria Gili, UN Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone, and EU Charge d’Affairs to Syria, Michael Ohnmacht.
Governor of Rif Dimashq Amer al-Sheikh hosted a meeting with a delegation of Druze religious and civil figures from Sahnaya and Ashrafiyeh Sahnaya on February 24, during which they discussed their security and humanitarian conditions and mechanisms to enhance cooperation and coordination with MOI authorities.
Governor to Suwayda Mustafa al-Bakkour hosted a meeting with a delegation from Syria’s Agricultural Bank on February 24 to discuss potential interest-free loans for farmers affected by the conflict in Suwayda in July 2025 and by the inability to access their lands since then.
February 25:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack in Damascus on February 25, during which they discussed the process of integrating the SDF into the state; ongoing efforts to locate and destroy what remains of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons program; existing and potential interest from U.S. commercial companies to invest in Syria; and the fight against ISIS.
In an event co-hosted by the Ministry of Health and the EU at the Ibn al-Nafis Medical Complex in Damascus, the latter announced an €8 million investment into the health sector in Syria, alongside the WHO and Italian NGO Un Ponte Per. The funds will support the rehabilitation of 22 health clinics in al-Safira and Aleppo’s southern suburbs as well as enhancing the level of primary care and family health by training several hundred healthcare workers.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal signed a cooperation agreement with VISA during a visit to San Francisco, USA on February 25. The agreement will see VISA lend support to Syria’s digital transformation and the creation of “an inclusive digital economy.”
The head of Syria’s Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Alaa al-Ali, hosted a meeting with a Belgian Foreign Ministry delegation, led by Brigitte Stevens, on February 25 to discuss bilateral relations and prospects for investment and trade.
Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr hosted a meeting with Jordanian Ambassador Sufyan al-Qudah on February 25 to discuss cooperation in the agricultural sector, trade exchange and “harmonizing” standards between both countries.
Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra traveled to Hama on February 25 and met with Governor Abdulrahman Sahyan and MOD Commander for the Central Region, Brigadier General Fadlallah al-Hajji.
The head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, Omar al-Hosari, hosted a meeting with French Charge d’Affairs Jean-Baptiste Faivre and a delegation from Airbus on February 25 to discuss partnership and cooperation in modernizing Syria’s civil aviation infrastructure.
Governor of Damascus Maher Marwan hosted a meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Syria and Lebanon Gregory Galligan on February 25.
Minister of Justice Mazhar al-Ways hosted a meeting with UK Special Envoy to Syria Ann Snow on February 25 to discuss cooperation.
Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani hosted a meeting with Egypt’s Charge d’Affairs to Syria, Osama Khader, on February 25 to discuss partnerships in the areas of antiquities restoration, museum management, and the rehabilitation of heritage sites, as well as digital transformation and the modernization of management and operational systems within the tourism sector.
Officials from the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Response took a Ukrainian delegation on a tour of the Jobar suburb of Damascus on February 24 to see destruction and discuss the work of Syria’s National Mine Action Center.
February 26:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a meeting with EU External Action Service Middle East and North Africa Deputy Managing Director Rosamaria Gili and other EU officials on February 26 during which they discussed plans to “upgrade” the EU’s representation in Damascus and to reactivate previous agreements and arrangements pre-dating the 2011 conflict.
A joint government-SDF security delegation, led by Commander of Internal Security in Hasakeh, Brigadier General Marwan al-Ali and Asayish Commander Mahmoud Khalil (Siamend Afrin) traveled to Tel Brak and Tel Hamis on February 26 to meet with local notables and tribal leaders.
Later that day, the joint delegation also met with the leadership of the Shammar tribe, including Sheikh Maneh al-Jarba in Hasakeh, weeks after the tribe’s defection from the SDF to the government.
The government’s Director of Political Affairs in Hasakeh, Abbas Hussein and the government-appointed interim mayor of Ras al-Ayn visited Ras al-Ayn’s Military Police HQ on February 26 in order to further the SDF integration process and begin coordinating city-level security.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of American Affairs, Qutaiba Idlbi, hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in Damascus on February 26, to discuss the going integration process and ways to improve communication channels.
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib hosted a visit by the Mayor of Gaziantep, Fatima Sahin on February 26 and signed a cooperation agreement in which Aleppo city will be provided with support targeting its transportation sector and public cleanliness. Specifically, the city center’s Public Garden and the al-Shahba Garden in Bustan al-Qasr will be maintained and 5 new passenger buses provided for public transport. In addition, 5 waste compactors and 700 new garbage containers will be provided to the city.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal and a large delegation arrived in Washington DC on February 26 and held meetings within the U.S. Congress and with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Turkish Defense Industries Agency on February 26, to discuss proposals for bilateral cooperation and weapons sales to Syria.
Justice Minister Mazhar al-Ways hosted a meeting with Lebanon’s Ambassador to Syria, Henri Coston, on February 26.
The head of Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hosari, hosted a meeting with Swedish Charge d’Affairs Jessica Svardstrom on February 26 and discussed the potential reactivation of air transport to Europe.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir hosted a meeting with Interior Minister Anas Khattab on February 26 to discuss joint cooperation and plans to enhance security at the country’s energy infrastructure sites.
The Ministry of Economy and Industry signed memoranda of understanding with the Turkish companies “Takween & Inma” and “Nexus” companies on February 25 to develop a 300 hectare additional industrial zone in Sheikh Najjar, Aleppo. The MOU was reported to initiate a 6-month period of studies and negotiations, followed by the signing of an investment contract.
That day, an additional memorandum of understanding was signed with the Turkish company GrowFast on February 25 to establish a specialized industrial zone for furniture manufacturing in Jibrin in eastern Aleppo.
Minister of Education Mohammed Turko hosted a meeting with German Charge d’Affairs Anna Steig on February 26 to discuss efforts to support Syria’s development of improved vocational education.
Deputy Interior Minister Major General Abdulqader Tahhan hosted a meeting with UK Special Envoy Ann Snow, Humanitarian Advisor Erland Linklater on February 26 to discuss “advancing security cooperation… particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, institutional capacity-building programs, and support for the security sector.”
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi signed a cooperation agreement with Hungarian Charge d’Affairs Istvan Gyula Szos on February 26 stipulating that Hungarian universities would provide 250 scholarships to Syrian students each year, at the BA, MA and PhD levels.
Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa traveled to Ankara, Turkey on February 26 and participated in an international seminar focused on media’s role in conflict zones. Later that day, Minister al-Mustafa also met with Head of the Communications Directorate at the Turkish Presidency, Burhanuddin Duran, and discussed the proposed establishment of a joint initiative to combat disinformation.
Governor to Suwayda Mustafa al-Bakkour hosted a meeting with Director General of the Syrian Development Fund, Safwat Raslan, on February 26 to discuss development plans for the governorate, particularly in housing, education and health.
Commander of Internal Security in Homs, Brigadier General Marhaf al-Naasan, convened a meeting with all security directors, police chiefs and other security officials in the governorate on February 26 to assess security challenges and address how to enhance security readiness and reach.
February 27:
A government MOI delegation led by Major Majid al-Sheikh traveled into Kobani, Aleppo for the first time on February 27 and assumed control and responsibility for the district’s security directorate.
Later that evening, joint MOI-Asayish checkpoints began work in the Jalbuya area east of Kobani.
Assistant Minister of Energy for Water Resources, Osama Abu Zeid, traveled to Saudi Arabia on February 27 and conducted a number of visits, including to Saudi’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Saudi Water Authority, the Saudi Water Academy, the “SMC” Company HQ, and to the Shuaybah water desalination plant.
February 28:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke by phone with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud; Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani; Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on February 28 regarding ongoing hostilities between Israel and the United States against Iran, which had resulted in missile and drone strikes on Gulf states.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani spoke by phone with the following counterparts on February 28, amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and the United States against Iran:
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud
Iraqi Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani
UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nayhan
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi
UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell
Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani
Later that day, the Foreign Ministry issued a public statement, stating:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic strongly condemns the Iranian attacks targeting the sovereignty and security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The Syrian Arab Republic, while expressing its full solidarity with the brotherly countries that were subjected to these brutal attacks, affirms its categorical rejection of any threats to the security and stability of these countries and calls for the necessity of respecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Syria affirms its continued full support for all efforts aimed at supporting dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful solutions to resolve the region's issues and ensure security and stability for all the peoples of the region.”
Minister of Interior Anas Khattab hosted a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Syria, Shi Hongwei, on February 28 to discuss potential cooperation in security issues of shared bilateral interest.
Later that day, Minister of Interior Anas Khattab hosted a meeting with a delegation of Syrian Christian civil notables on February 28 to discuss the role of civil society in supporting Syria’s stability. Minister Khattab was joined by Major General Ahmed Latouf, the MOI’s Deputy Director of Police Affairs.
Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response, Raed al-Saleh traveled to Latakia on February 28 and met with Governor Mohammed Othman to discuss the ministry’s strategic plan for 2026, including the introduction of a disaster management system, mechanisms to enhance the readiness of rapid response teams, plans for further rubble removal, and coordination between local, provincial and national disaster response bodies.
March 1:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke by phone with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nayhan, Kuwaiti Emir Mishal al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah, and Iraqi Kurdish President Massoud Barzani on March 1, amid ongoing hostilities between US-Israel and Iran, which was directly affecting countries across the region.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani spoke by phone Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on March 1, amid ongoing regional hostilities linked to Israeli-US war on Iran.
Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa traveled to Amman, Jordan on March 1 and met with Jordanian Minister of Government Communication Mohammed Momani to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in media and government communications. Minister al-Mustafa later visited the HQ of the Petra News Agency.
Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr hosted a meeting with Cyprus’ Charge d’Affairs Michalis Khadjikerou on March 1 to discuss cooperation in the transport sector, including reactivating the 2007 bilateral search and rescue agreement and potential investment in road projects in Syria.
Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response, Raed al-Saleh traveled to Hama on March 1 and met with Governor Abdulahman al-Sahyan, before jointly announcing in the town of Latamineh a new 6-month project to remove rubble from across affected areas of Hama governorate.
Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib hosted a meeting with the ICRC’s Syria Representative Stephan Sakalian on March 1 to discuss ongoing ICRC-SARC work in the Kurdish districts of Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ashrafiyeh, ongoing efforts to stabilize conditions in Kobani, and the humanitarian response in the Ak-Burhan camp outside Akhtarin.
Later that day, Governor al-Gharib hosted a meeting with his directorate officials to discuss the situation inside the Ak-Burhan IDP camp housing former residents of the al-Hol Camp, including recent assessments of family needs in health, education, and social support sectors.
March 2:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke by phone with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 2, amid ongoing regional hostilities between US-Israel and Iran.
A government delegation led by Brigadier General Ziyad al-Ayyash visited Hasakeh city on March 2 and met with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, Hasakeh governor Nour al-Din Ahmed and other senior SDF officials to discuss the ongoing integration process.
In subsequent public remarks, Ayyash confirmed that 3 SDF military brigades would be integrated into the Defense Ministry’s 60th Division, under the command of Brigadier General Awad al-Jassem. He added that 60 unidentified prisoners who had not been charged with any crimes would soon be released and that all five roads leading into Hasakeh city (except for the M4 highway) would be fully reopened, with “specialized teams” prepared to facilitate the return of IDPs.
Later that day, a government delegation - led by Hasakeh Director of Political Affairs Abbas Hussein and engineers from the Syrian Petroleum Company - also visited the Rumaylan oil fields, while a second administrative delegation also reportedly conducted an inspection of the Semalka border crossing into Iraqi Kurdistan.
The government’s Director of Internal Security in Kobani, Majid al-Sheikh visited Kobani on March 2 alongside senior Asayish commanders, including Amin Saleh.
The Director General of the Syrian Development Fund, Safwat Raslan, hosted a delegation from UNHCR on March 2 to discuss initiatives and support aimed at facilitating refugee returns to Syria and generating sustainable employment opportunities.
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi hosted a meeting with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Country Coordinator in Syria, Mohammad Anas Sabaa, on March 2 to discuss plans to cooperate in supporting students at Damascus University’s Textile Engineering Department within the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
Governor of Rif Dimashq Amer al-Sheikh hosted a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Syria Nuh Yilmaz on March 2 to discuss potential assistance in reconstruction efforts in the governorate.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat hosted a meeting with Lisa Jain from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) on March 2, to discuss proposals for new cooperation in social protection, women’s empowerment, and economic recovery projects.
March 3:
Interior Minister Anas Khattab hosted a visit by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry - led by Commissioners Monia Ammar and Fionnuala Ní Aoláin - on March 3 to discuss the committee’s findings on human rights in Syria and provide the Interior Ministry with its findings.
A government delegation visited Hasakeh on March 3 to complete the process of integrating the General Postal Corporation and all of its related services to the governorate, including most importantly the disbursement of salaries to public sector employees and pensioners. The Syrian national flag was later hoisted above Hasakeh city’s post office.
Governor of Raqqa, Abdulrahman Salamah, visited Damascus on March 3 and met with Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal al-Shaar, to discuss plans for an “industrial revival” in Raqqa, including the construction of a new industrial city and a cement factory.
The General Authority for Fish Resources, within the Ministry of Agriculture, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) on March 3 to begin plans to develop Syria’s fishery sector and improve the efficiency of production and aquaculture infrastructure.
Appointments:
The Foreign Ministry appointed Masoud Battal as the Deputy Presidential Envoy to Hasakeh and the ongoing SDF integration process on February 24
Aleppo Governorate appointed Khayrou al-Ali Daoud as the district official responsible for Afrin on February 24. Daoud (a Kurd) replaced Masoud Battal (promoted above).
Sheikh Naim al-Arqousi was appointed as the Mufti of Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque on February 25.
The Supreme Committee for the People’s Assembly Elections appointed legal monitoring committees for upcoming electoral processes in Raqqa and Tabqa districts, as follows:
Raqqa: Mohammed al-Najm (Chairman), Mohammed al-Fayyad, Abdulrahman al-Saleh
Tabqa: Abdulaziz al-Hamadeh (Chairman), Tareq al-Hussein, Abdulaziz al-Ahmed
Daraa Governorate appointed Osama Ibrahim al-Atem as the director of al-Sanamayn City Council on March 2.
Political Developments:
Syria media reported leaks on February 25 regarding the purported appointment of 12 new ambassadorial posts from the Foreign Ministry:
Hussein Sabbagh, in Rome, Italy
Ahmed al-Hariri, in New York, USA
Bassam Barabandi, in Tokyo, Japan
Abdellatif Dabbagh, in Brussels, Belgium
Lamiya al-Hariri, in Ottawa, Canada
Khaled al-Saleh, in Cairo, Egypt
Bashar al-Haj Ali, in Buenos Aires, Brazil
Mahmoud Obayd, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Maher al-Jamaz, in Kuwait
Ahmed Shabib, in Dubai, UAE
Ayham al-Ghazi, in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Fadel al-Rifai, in Bucharest, Romania
In public remarks on February 26, the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment announced that as part of ongoing assessments of war damage with the UN, it had been found that Daraa governorate had suffered 572 damaged schools, 63 destroyed schools, 71 destroyed hospitals and clinics, and 617 damaged health facilities.
The Supreme Committee for the People’s Council Elections released the preliminary list of members of electoral colleges in Raqqa and al-Tabqa districts on February 27 — with 172 names registered for Raqqa and 63 names registered in al-Tabqa.
A large-scale demonstration was mobilized in the town of Sarrin in eastern Aleppo on March 1 to demand that newly established joint MOI-Asayish checkpoints be removed from their areas, given widespread hostility to the SDF.
A large-scale demonstration was mobilized in the town of Suluq in Raqqa on March 1 to demand that joint MOI-Asayish checkpoints be removed from their areas, given widespread hostility to the SDF.
Economic Developments:
The IMF issued a public statement on February 25 announcing that following a visit to Damascus from February 15-19, it had concluded that:
“Syria’s economy continues to recover. Activity has picked up further in recent months, supported by improved consumer and investor sentiment, the continuing return of refugees, increased electricity provision and rainfall, and Syria’s steady regional re-integration… Preliminary data indicate that the central government budget ended 2025 with a small surplus, with spending focused on meeting essential needs and improving wages and people’s living standards. This was done by prudently containing spending to available resources, and with the Ministry of Finance refraining from central bank financing—a major improvement compared to previous years… The authorities have prepared a budget for 2026 that aims to substantially increase spending on health care and education, including wage increases, and on the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure. Revenue projections are ambitious but feasible. Nonetheless, the budget includes important safeguards in case revenues and financing were to fall short of expectations.”
The Syrian Petroleum Company announced on February 25 that two gas tanker vessels — the GAZ MILANO and MARKO MARULIC - had docked at the Baniyas terminal to offload a total of 6,793.948 tonnes of LPG.
Director of Corporate Communications at the Syrian Petroleum Company, Safwan Sheikh Ahmed, said on February 25 that the Rumeilan oil field in Hasakeh was Syria’s largest, with a production capacity of 110,000 barrels per day, but that it remained in the hands of the SDF. He added that other fields in the northeast region that were under government control had a production capacity of 25,000 barrels per day, while the Conoco gas field had suffered such significant damage and disrepair that it required a year of rehabilitation work.
The Ministry of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding on February 28 with the Saudi Amiantit company, which specializes in the manufacture of pipes and tanks for the water sector.
The Central Bank announced on March 1 that it had completed all necessary procedures to settle banking relations with the Federal Reserve Bank in New York and to reopen accounts with it. Doing so will substantially improve Syria’s ability to manage foreign reserves and ensure secure and reliable channels for international transfers and payments.
The Damascus Chamber of Commerce issued a public statement on March 1 calling on decision-makers in both Syria and Jordan to “take exceptional temporary measures” to ensure that commercial truck traffic can resume efficiently across the Syrian-Jordanian border. The statement added that ongoing disputes surrounding truck entry procedures “exacerbates pressure on crossings and threatens supply chains.”
Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husriyeh announced on March 2 that an additional 60-day deadline would be in place for replacing the old Syrian currency, beginning from April 1, 2026.
The Energy Ministry issued a public statement on March 2 clarifying to the Syrian public that the recent reduction in electricity supplies was due to “a shortage of gas supplies coming through Jordan… as a result of ongoing regional escalation.” The Ministry added that Syria was currently relying on “local gas production” and was working to increase supplies.
Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husriyeh signed a cooperation agreement with UNDP on March 2 for the latter to provide support and technical and institutional assistance to help the Bank advance financial sector reform, regulatory oversight & monetary stability.
The Energy Ministry issued a public statement on March 3 clarifying that the supply of petroleum derivatives (gasoline, diesel, domestic gas) all remained stable and that a reported surge of demand at fuel stations had been driven by “anxiety over regional developments,” as conflict continued between US-Israel and Iran. The ministry attributed a 300% increase in normal demand to “hoarding behavior.”
Infrastructure Developments:
Local authorities inaugurated the newly rehabilitated automated bakery in Busra al-Harir, Daraa on February 24, following extensive work supported by the WFP.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Hajar al-Aswad water pumping station in Rif Dimashq on February 25, following extensive work undertaken by Medecins Sans Frontiers.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Otaybah water well and solar-powered pumping station in Rif Dimashq on February 25, following extensive work funded by provincial fundraising campaigns.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport began major rehabilitation work at Qamishli Airport on February 25, in order to prepare it to resume full operations. Initial work includes ground leveling along the runway and aprons in order to meet international standards.
Director of Agriculture in Hasakeh, Izzeddine al-Hasou, announced on February 25 that recent heavy rainfalls and subsequent periods of warm weather have “contributed to the improvement of the growth and germination of wheat and barley crops” and “promise a bountiful agricultural season if the good rainfall continues during the upcoming months of March and April.” He added that the area planted with irrigated wheat for the current season was 100,200 hectares, and the area planted with rainfed wheat was 363,300 hectares; while the area planted with irrigated barley was 21,000 hectares, and the area planted with rainfed barley was 268,000 hectares.
The Ismaili Aga Khan Foundation provided solar panels and medical equipment to supply 4 medical clinics in Idlib and Aleppo on February 26.
Governor of Latakia Mohammed Othman inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Civil Registry directorate in Ayn al-Bayda on February 26, following extensive work undertaken by UNHCR.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly upgraded Abu al-Qadour water well in Hama on February 26, following the installation of a 30-panel solar array to power the supply of water to the surrounding 4,000 people, for the first time in 14 years.
The General Authority for Civil Aviation announced on February 28 that amid regional hostilities between the US-Israel and Iran, Syria’s southern airspace was to be closed for a period of 12hrs — a notice that was later extended for a further 24hrs (throughout March 1).
Syrian Airlines announced on February 28 that all scheduled flights to Damascus and Aleppo International airports were to be cancelled until further notice, amid ongoing regional hostilities between the US-Israel and Iran.
Two water wells were inaugurated by local authorities in western rural Suwayda on March 2 following extensive rehabilitation work supported by UNICEF.
Education Developments:
The Ministry of Education announced on February 24 that a first batch of 100,000 school textbooks had been allocated and sent to Hasakeh and Raqqa governorates for schools in cities and the countryside. The ministry added that an additional 100,000 textbooks would later be sent to ensure all children had access to a book.
NGO workers delivered 500 school desks to al-Shadadi, Hasakeh on February 25 to assist with schooling in the area.
The Ministries of Education and Culture announced on February 26 the launch of a public competition to design school uniforms for boys and girls from kindergarten through secondary school. The competition called for designs that “adopted modern design aligning with educational and national identity… achieving a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and educational aspects, in harmony with the educational environment and that promote a sense of belonging and equality among students.”
A second batch of 100,000 school textbooks were delivered to Raqqa governorate on February 26.
The Ministry of Education announced on February 28 that all schooling was to be suspended in Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda “until further notice,” amid ongoing hostilities between the US-Israel and Iran.
Local authorities inaugurated 2 newly rehabilitated schools in southeastern rural Idlib on March 2, following work funded by local fundraising campaigns.
Health Developments:
Hasakeh’s Health Directorate announced on March 2 that all employees who had been previously dismissed for support of the anti-Assad revolution were now free to apply to have their cases reviewed for potential re-hiring.
Security Developments:
The MOI announced on February 24 a wholesale restructuring of the Syrian Desert Security Command, with 7 directorates established as follows:
Palmyra Directorate, in Palmyra, Al-Namouthajiyah, al-Dawa, al-Abbasiyah, Khneifis, al-Sawanah, al-Halbah, and al-Ulayaniyah.
Al-Sukhnah Directorate, in al-Sukhnah, Kadim, al-Taybah, al-Hayl, Arak, and T3.
Uqayribat Directorate, in Uqayribat, Huwaysis, Hasiyah, al-Shaer, and Ithriya.
Jubb al-Jarrah Directorate, in Jub al-Jarrah, Manukh, and Umm al-Rish.
Al-Qaryatayn Directorate, in Al-Qaryatayn and T4.
Sheikh Bayyar Directorate, in Abu Shamat, al-Zulf, Jalughaym and al-Batmi.
The al-Tanf Directorate, in al-Zuwairiyah, Mahir, al-Zakf, al-Wa’ar, Hamdah, and T2.
MOI spokesman Nour al-Din Baba held a press conference on February 25 in which he acknowledged that many residents of al-Hol escaped, while insisting that substantial numbers escaped in the window between the departure of SDF forces and arrival of government personnel, claiming that 138 breaks in the fencing were discovered on arrival. Baba added that al-Hol represented a detention center, not a “camp” and that the women and children resident in al-Hol were “not criminals by virtue of their family relations.” He said that the MOI was working closely with other government ministries to focus on providing aid and rehabilitation to former residents of al-Hol.
Hours after the conference, the SDF issued a media statement labeling the MOI claims as “misleading,” describing them as an attempt to “evade responsibility” and being responsible for “a clear failure” to manage the camp itself.
A convoy of trucks carrying SDF fighters and escorted by government MOI personnel departed Kobani in Aleppo on February 25 en route to rural Hasakeh. This was the second such departure of SDF military forces from Kobani in February 2025.
Media in Damascus and Suwayda reported late on February 25 that a significant prisoner exchange — involving 61 Druze individuals and 30 government MOD and MOI personnel - would take place the following day, facilitated by the ICRC at the al-Matunah checkpoint on the Damascus highway.
The following morning, February 26, 61 Druze prisoners and 25 government security personnel were exchanged via ICRC facilitation — with the Druze prisoners leaving Adra Prison outside Damascus.
In subsequent comments, MOI spokesman Nour al-Din Baba said efforts were underway to secure the remaining prisoners being held in Suwayda.
Defense Ministry Military Police deployed to al-Bukamal, Deir ez Zour on February 26 and enforced a daily motorbike ban from 7am-7pm following a spate of ISIS attacks.
An image emerged online on February 27 showing the commanders intended to play command roles within the SDF’s Brigades within the Defense Ministry wearing MOD uniforms alongside SDF leader Mazloum Abdi.
A convoy of several hundred new MOI vehicles arrived in Daraa on February 28 and took part in a public parade that day.
Joint SDF-government forces deployed along the highway linking Sarrin to Jalabiya in eastern Aleppo late on February 28.
The MOI issued a complete ban of motorbikes in Homs city between 7am to 7pm beginning on February 28, following a recent spike in vigilante killings.
The MOD deployed large numbers of reinforcements to the Iraqi border region in Deir ez Zour on February 28 to deter any possible move by Iran-linked militiamen in Iraq to cross the border to initiate any security incidents.
SDF military forces withdrew from the Shayoukh area south of Kobani on March 2, as part of implementing the integration agreement.
The Commander of the MOD’s 54th Division, Brigadier General Hussein Obayb, passed away on March 2 of a heart attack. He was formerly a senior Ahrar al-Sham military commander.
Humanitarian Developments:
Local NGOs delivered humanitarian aid from Medicins Sans Frontiers - Switzerland to displaced residents of Suwayda currently residing in the village of Sama al-Hindawi in western Suwayda on February 24.
Local NGOs associated with Medicins Sans Frontiers delivered water tanks to displaced residents of Suwayda currently residing in the town of Busra al-Harir in Daraa on February 26.
ICRC Syria Representative Stephan Sakalian visited Kobani, Aleppo on February 28 alongside SARC officials in order to discuss with local notables the ongoing needs in the health and electricity sectors.
More than 11,000 people crossed from Lebanon into Syria via the Jdeidat Yabous and Jusiyah crossings on March 2, amid Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
UNHCR confirmed on March 3 that more than 1.4 million Syrian refugees had returned to Syria since Assad’s fall on December 8, 2024.
A convoy of 34 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid - including flour, medical supplies, electricity infrastructure materials and water tanks - was delivered into Suwayda on March 3.
Justice Developments:
Deir ez Zour governorate dismissed Safwan al-Mughir from his role managing bakery ovens and bread supplies in the provincial capital on February 24. His dismissal followed local complaints alleging he had been forcing bakeries to utilize spoiled flour to increase production. Mughir had previously been an Assad regime operative.
Government authorities released 5 Druze detainees from Ashraiyeh Sahnaya on February 24, following mediation by Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party.
The head of the Committing to Combat Illicit Gains, Bassel al-Suwaydan, made public comments on February 25 acknowledging that “settlements” had been reached with Assad regime-linked businessmen, including Samer Foz and Tarif al-Akhras, but that such agreements were solely focused on the financial aspect of illicit gains, not on issues of transitional justice. Suwaydan added that a total of 32 companies and other assets belonging to Samer Foz had been transferred to government authority as part of his deal.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Jamla in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on February 26.
One local sheep herder was briefly detained and assaulted by Israeli military forces during a ground incursion into the village of Briqa in Quneitra on February 27.
International Developments:
The UN Security Council unanimously voted to remove HTS (and Jabhat al-Nusra) from its sanctions lists on February 27.
A trial began in Los Angeles, USA on March w for Assad regime General and former Governor of Deir ez Zour Othman al-Sheikh, who was charged in relation to his role previously commanding Adra Prison and committing widespread abuses against civilians in 2011-2013 in Deir ez Zour.
CONFLICT & SECURITY:
Israel:
One local man was detained by Israeli military forces during a ground incursion into the village of Briqa in central Quneitra on February 25.
That day, additional incursions were also launched into the villages of Jubata al-Khashab in northern Quneitra and Sayda al-Hanout in the south of the governorate.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Ruwayhina in central Quneitra on March 1.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Kudna in Quneitra on March 2, during which one 14-year-old boy herding sheep was detained.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Jamla in western Daraa on March 3.
Later that day, a father and his two sons were detained by Israeli forces during another incursion into an area located between al-Kudna and al-Isbah in southern Quneitra. Another man was detained in al-Kudna’s countryside while herding sheep.
ISIS:
One suspected ISIS militant identified as Mahmoud Eid al-Ali who was allegedly responsible for a deadly attack in al-Mayadin was detained in the town in Deir ez Zour on February 24.
MOI forces killed a senior ISIS commander and emir of Raqqa operations and detained 4 other ISIS militants in a series of targeted raids in Raqqa city early on February 24.
One former FSA commander identified as Bilal al-Khudayr was shot dead by ISIS militants in al-Bukamal, Deir ez Zour late on February 24.
ISIS militants conducted a drive-by shooting targeting a local MOD base in al-Bukamal, Deir ez Zour late on February 24, but it caused no casualties.
ISIS militants conducted a drive-by shooting targeting a local MOI checkpoint in al-Baghouz, Deir ez Zour late on February 24, but it caused no casualties.
ISIS militants conducted a drive-by shooting targeting a local MOI checkpoint in al-Sousah, Deir ez Zour late on February 24, but it caused no casualties.
ISIS militants conducted a drive-by shooting targeting a local MOI building in the al-Mansoura district of Raqqa late on February 24, but it caused no casualties.
The attack took place during several coordinated targeted raids by MOI personnel targeting ISIS cells in the area.
A local MOI officer was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on the main road between al-Bab and Aleppo late on February 26.
An ISIS militant, identified as Jassem al-Ahmad, was detained by MOI forces in a targeted raid in Aleppo on February 27, after which he admitted to having been responsible for several IED attacks in the governorate since 2022.
Two ISIS militants on a motorbike attempted to conduct a drive-by shooting targeting an MOI checkpoint in the village of Jazirat al-Buhamid in northwestern rural Deir ez Zour on February 27, but they were repelled. One militant was killed, while the other escaped.
One ISIS-emplaced IED was detonated outside a local MOI Public Security building in the village of Ayyash on February 28, causing localized damage but no casualties.
One ISIS militant - identified as Khalid Ahmed Azawi - was detained, several IEDs in his possession were seized, and several other IEDs already emplaced in the ground were defused during a targeted raid in al-Baghouz in eastern Deir ez Zour on March 1. Intelligence suggested the IEDs were intended for use in ambushing a government convoy in the area.
Two ISIS militants on a motorbike opened fire on a local MOI Public Security post in al-Duwayr in eastern Deir ez Zour on March 1, but no casualties were caused.
Two MOD soldiers were shot dead by ISIS militants in a targeted attack near al-Rai in Aleppo late on March 2.
Aleppo:
Defense Ministry personnel discovered and defused a viable car bomb in the Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo city on February 25.
Latakia:
Suspected anti-government insurgents threw a grenade at a police station in Qardaha late on February 24, but no casualties were confirmed.
Debris from a missile involved in ongoing regional conflict between US-Israel and Iran crashed into a residential area in Jableh on March 2, causing damage but no casualties.
Homs:
An Alawite man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Homs city center late on February 26.
Two members of the Murshidi religious minority were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Akrama district of Homs city late on February 27.
A refugee and former Assad regime NDF militiamen who had recently returned from Germany was attacked by locals and injured in Palmyra late on February 27.
The following day, a large demonstration mobilized in Palmyra demanding the government demonstrate justice against former regime remnants known to still be living in the area.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in the Tuwaynan desert area outside al-Sukhna on February 28.
Two men - taken hostage by gunmen near Safita, Tartus while en route to travel to Germany - were freed by MOI forces in a targeted raid outside al-Qusayr on March 1.
Two men - identified as Hassan Jaradeh and Mohammed Ramadan - were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in a targeted attack in the Abbasiyeh district of Homs city late on March 1.
Unidentified gunmen launched one RPG at the empty home of a former Assad regime mayor of Palmyra late on March 1, causing localized damage but no casualties.
Raqqa:
Two children were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the Umm al-Baramil area of northern rural Raqqa on March 1.
Hasakeh:
One Arab man was shot and injured and four of his brothers were detained by SDF forces during a raid on their family home in the village of al-Ashara in the Jabal Abdulaziz area on February 27. The same family had been raided by SDF forces in late-2025, when six members of the family were detained.
One Arab former SDF fighter (identified as Mohammed Hamoud al-Suwaydi) was shot dead along with his two brothers during a raid on their home by SDF fighters in the Nashwa district of Hasakeh city on February 27.
One child was killed after triggering an unexploded landmine while tending to sheep in the countryside outside al-Shadadi on February 28.
Al-Qaeda linked militants launched a rocket into the al-Shadadi military base late on February 28, causing a localized impact but no damage or casualties. The base had been emptied by U.S. forces on February 15. The attack was subsequently claimed by Ajnad Bayt al-Maqdis.
Deir ez Zour:
Three civilians were killed after triggering an unexploded landmine while hunting for truffles in western rural Deir ez Zour on February 27.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in eastern rural Deir ez Zour late on February 28.
Rif Dimashq:
The MOI announced on February 27 that a shipment of 180,000 captagon pills concealed inside shoes and horse saddles had been intercepted and seized en route towards Saudi Arabia. One drugs trafficker, identified only as “MJ” was detained.
The remains of an intercepted Iranian missile crashed into a section of the al-Otaybah power plant outside Damascus on March 2, temporarily taking the whole plant offline.
Damascus:
Unidentified gunmen briefly opened fire on an MOI patrol vehicle in the Umayyad Square late on February 27, triggering a car chase but no further incidents or any casualties.
An Iranian ballistic missile struck a residential area in Ain Tarma in eastern Damascus late on March 1, injuring 4 civilians.
Daraa:
Unidentified gunmen threw at least two grenades into the street in Busra al-Sham late on February 25, causing localized damage but no casualties.
Unidentified gunmen threw one grenade at a civilian vehicle in al-Hirak late on February 25, causing localized damage but no casualties.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in the Inkhil, al-Shajarah, Mushayakh, Ayn Zakhar and Nawa areas of Daraa on February 28.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in the al-Katiba, Inkhil and Khirbet al-Ghazaleh areas on March 1.
Unidentified gunmen severed the fiber optic cable connecting telecommunications and internet services from Damascus into Daraa and Suwayda governorates on March 1. The cabling was fully repaired and services restored on March 2.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in northern rural Daraa, al-Mushayfirah and outside the town of Izraa on March 2.
Suwayda:
Two Druze militiamen were detained by ‘National Guard’ fighters at the al-Matouna checkpoint on February 24 on suspicion of involvement in the killing of a vegetable truck driver at the same checkpoint the previous day.
One Bedouin man was killed when Druze ‘National Guard’ militiamen raided his home in the al-Muqawis district of Suwayda city on February 24.
Jordanian armed forces intercepted two heavy-lift guided balloons carrying approximately 150,000 captagon pills after they had been launched from Suwayda’s southern desert early on February 25.
Jordanian armed forces intercepted 5 separate heavy lift-balloons carrying a total of more than 300,000 captagon pills after they had been launched towards Jordan from Suwayda’s southern desert early on February 28.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in at least three areas of Suwayda on February 28.
Five people were killed and 3 others injured when an unexploded munition detonated unexpectedly during an attempt by a man identified as Tarek Ismail al-Awwar to make it safe inside an industrial building in Suwayda on February 28.
Quneitra:
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in al-Hayran on February 28.
Debris from intercepted Iranian projectiles landed in the town of al-Salam late on March 1