FREE -- Syria Weekly: June 30-July 7, 2026
Macron visits Syria; Sharaa set for Trump meeting; parliament forms; FM Lebanon visit seals ties; Kuwait’s Zain $1.5bn telecoms deal; Syria intel chief in New York; MOD joins regional dialogue; & more
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SYRIA’S TRANSITION:
Transition Meetings:
June 30:
Syria’s government revealed on June 30 that the post-MTN cellular contract had been awarded to Kuwaiti telecoms firm Zain, with the company poised to invest more than $1.5 billion to operate one of Syria’s two cellular networks — $747 million to secure the license and approximately $800 million to expand and modernize infrastructure. The Syrian government will retain a 25% stake in the license. The first Zain-facilitated phone call is anticipated to take place before the end of 2026, with an official launch of Zain operations scheduled for January 2027.
As part of the Zain announcement, President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with Badr al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Zain in Damascus.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab hosted a visit by Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi to Damascus on June 30, to discuss the state of bilateral security cooperation and proposals to increase support in combating Syria’s security threats and challenges.
In a subsequent readout, Minister Çiftçi said meetings had covered cooperation in counterterrorism, countering narcotics, and transnational crime, as well as coordinating in border security, migration issues, and facilitating a more efficient process of Syrian refugee return.
That day, Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response Raed al-Saleh also met with Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and signed a cooperation agreement.
Syria’s intelligence chief Hussein Salama participated in the 4th annual UN counterterrorism week at the UN HQ on June 30, including giving a speech outlining Syria’s counterterrorism and security priorities.
Later that day, intelligence chief Salama met with the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Counterterrorism Alexandre Zouev at the UN HQ.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor participated in the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (entitled Enhancing Stability, Resilience, and Governance in Syria and the Region) in Germany on June 30, convened alongside German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan.
That day, Minister Kabawat also met with the Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Carl Skau, to discuss Syria’s food security challenges and needs.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani convened an expanded meeting of the ministry’s various departments and directors on June 30 to discuss their ongoing work, achievements, and plans for the coming second half of 2026.
The head of Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hosari, led a delegation to Rabat, Morocco on June 30 to participate in the 29th session of the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar hosted a meeting with a delegation from the British economic delegation visiting in advance of the inaugural Syrian-British Business Council conference.
Later that day, Minister al-Shaar hosted a delegation from the Arab-Austrian Chamber of Commerce to discuss plans and proposals to enhance economic engagement between Syria and Austria. The meeting was attended by Austria’s special representative for Middle East affairs at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Christoph Wiedinger, and by Austrian Chargé d’Affaires, Herwig Nöbauer.
Governor of Tartus Ahmed al-Shami hosted a visit by a delegation from UNICEF, led by country representative Meritxell Relaño Arana on June 30, during which they discussed existing support to sectoral needs in health, education, water, and social care across the governorate.
Governor of Damascus hosted a meeting with the Indonesian Ambassador to Syria, Lukman Hakim Siraj, on June 30.
July 1:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke by phone with UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on July 1, to discuss bilateral relations, ongoing and proposed investments in Syria, as well as regional affairs and challenges.
Later that day, President al-Sharaa also spoke by phone with Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The head of the Supreme Committee for the People’s Council elections, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, announced the 70-person list of members of parliament selected by President Ahmed al-Sharaa at a press conference on July 1 — thereby completing the parliamentary selection process and naming July 6 as the first session of the transitional parliament when members will take their oath.
Ahmad added that the parliament will have a 30-month term, which can be extended, and that the parliament will be responsible for reviewing pre-existing decrees, old laws and newly proposed legislation. “Specialized committees” nominated from within the parliament will also have the capacity to recommend new decrees and laws.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal hosted a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Dima al-Yahya, during which they discussed digital transformation and opportunities to support Syrian digital projects and plans.
The MOD’s Director of International Cooperation, Colonel Ahmed Saeed Issa, traveled to Manama, Bahrain on July 1 to participate in a regional security dialogue convened by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper to discuss regional security challenges and responses. This marked the first time Syria had been included in such a regional mechanism.
The Syrian-British Business Council launched its inaugural conference in Damascus on July 1 (entitled “Building a Diversified Economy”), alongside the attendance of Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh, Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr and Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar
Later that day, a British economic delegation met with Hamza al-Mustafa, European Affairs Advisor at the Foreign Ministry and Sally Shout, Director of the European Affairs Department, to discuss the work of the Syrian-British Business Council and economic exchange.
The Foreign Ministry’s director of the American Affairs Department, Saad Baroud, hosted a meeting with a delegation from the UN’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) on July 1.
Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh hosted a working meeting with a delegation from the IMF in Damascus on July 1 to discuss the ministry’s budget committee and its work and plans to develop “a medium-term financial framework” to shape the 2027 budget.
Justice Minister Mazhar al-Ways hosted a meeting with the Syrian Investment Authority (SIA), led by its CEO Talal al-Hilali, on July 1 in order to discuss coordination in the development of new laws and legislation to “overcome procedural obstacles faced by investors” interested in Syria.
Assistant Minister of Defense for the Eastern Region, Sipan Hamo, traveled to Damascus on July 1 and met with Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II off the Syriac Orthodox Church to discuss the need for enhanced communication and coordination in order to promote civil peace.
EU Charge d’Affairs Michael Ohnmacht traveled to Latakia on July 1 and met with Governor Ahmed Mustafa to discuss new proposals for support within the governorate.
Governor of Aleppo launched the “Echoes of Resilience” project on July 1, which will see earthen barriers and trenches removed from 200 km of areas through northern Aleppo.
Later that day, Governor al-Gharib hosted a visit by a delegation from the Syrian American Council, including a large number of Syrian Americans making their first visit back to Syria following the fall of Assad’s regime.
Minister of Information Khaled al-Zaarour traveled to Tartus on July 1 and met with Governor Ahmed al-Shami alongside the Director General of the General Authority for Radio and Television, Alaa Barsilo to discuss the media conditions in Tartus and mechanisms to “unify the media discourse” and tackle disinformation.
Governor of Raqqa Absulrahman Salama hosted a visit by the head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, on July 1 to discuss the state of ports and borders in the governorate and prevailing needs.
Later that day, Qutaiba Badawi traveled to Deir ez Zour and met with Governor Ziyad al-Ayyash.
Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response Raed al-Saleh and Qatari Minister of Culture, Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani inaugurated Syria’s first museum dedicated to folk heritage in Jayroud outside Damascus.
July 2:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani traveled to Beirut, Lebanon on July 2 and held meetings with President Joseph Aoun; Prime Minister Nawaf Salam; Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri; Druze leader and former President of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt; Lebanon’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdullatif Derian; Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai; leader of the Phalange Party, Sami Gemayel; and leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea.
During the visit, it was announced that Syria and Lebanon had established the Joint Higher Committee for Cooperation and Partnership as a mechanism to cooperate in electricity interconnection, transport, trade, cross-border movements and other bilateral interests.
Late that day, Foreign Minister Shaybani drove north to the Lebanese city of Tripoli, where he met with the Mufti of Tripoli, Sheikh Mohammed Tariq alongside a delegation of other notables, including Christian leaders.
Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh hosted a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Dima al-Yahya, on July 2 to discuss potential cooperation in pushing forward Syria’s digital transformation.
The head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, traveled to Hasakeh on July 2 and inspected the al-Yaroubiyeh crossing with northern Iraq, as well as the nearby free zone.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, hosted a meeting with a delegation from the UK, including parliamentarians and members of the Syrian-British Business Council on July 2.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar traveled to Hama on July 2 and met with Governor Abdulrahman Sahyan to discuss the current state of industrial and commercial sectors in the governorate.
Health Minister Musab al-Ali traveled to Istanbul, Turkey on July 2 and participated in the WHO’s ministerial conference entitled “Protecting Health in the Face of Earthquakes and Enhancing Health Security”.
While there, Minister al-Ali met with WHO’s Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge to discuss Syria’s prevailing health sector needs and opportunities to support them.
Minister of Administrative Development Mohammed al-Skaf traveled to Rabat, Morocco on July 2 and participated in the Third Arab Forum for Public Administration.
Minister of Information Khaled al-Zaarour traveled to Latakia on July 2 and met with Governor Ahmed Mustafa to discuss proposals to further develop the media sector in Latakia and to elevate its role in supporting public awareness, building social cohesion, and highlighting rehabilitation and reconstruction work.
A delegation from the General Authority for Ports and Customs traveled to Istanbul, Turkey on July 2 to participate in the Fifth Turkey Maritime Summit.
June 3:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa and First Lady Latifa al-Droubi hosted a meeting with a group of Syrian-American women involving in health, education and community activism during their visit to Damascus on July 3.
Governor of Homs Marhaf al-Naasan hosted a meeting with a delegation from the UN’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) on July 3, to discuss conditions in Homs relating to housing, land and property rights, as well as dealing with the consequences of crimes committed by the former Assad regime.
A delegation from the Energy Ministry - led by Director General of the General Establishment for Drinking Water and Sewage, Taher al-Omar - traveled to Amman, Jordan on January 3 to participate in the Water Peace Dialogue summit.
January 4:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani traveled to Doha, Qatar on July 4 and met with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani to discuss the state of bilateral relations.
Later that day, Foreign Minister Shaybani spoke by phone with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot on July 4.
Hours later, Syrian media reported that French President Emmanuel Macron would soon be visiting Syria — the first Western head of state to do so.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab spoke by phone with his Saudi counterpart Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif on July 4, to discuss ongoing security coordination, as well as the recent bombing in Damascus.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar traveled to Idlib on July 4 and first met with Governor Mohammed Abdulrahman and later with a group of industrialists and business leaders.
Assistant Minister of Economy and Industry, Mohammed Yassin Hawriyam traveled to the Netherlands on July 4 and met with business leaders and members of the Syrian-Dutch Business Council.
Governor of Quneitra Ghassan al-Sayyed Ahmed hosted a meeting with a delegation from the UN Commission of Inquiry on July 4, to discuss ongoing Israeli military actions inside Syrian territory.
A delegation from the MOI - led by Director of the Counter-Terrorism Department, Nayef Abdul Majid and advisor for legal affairs and human rights, Samer al-Hussein - traveled to The Hague, the Netherlands on July 4 to participate in a training session convened by the OPCW to focus on confronting threats related to chemical weapons.
July 5:
Justice Minister Mazhar al-Ways hosted a meeting with a delegation from the UN Commission of Inquiry on July 5.
A Syrian government delegation - comprising officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Public Works and Housing, Local Administration and Environment and from the Governorates of Damascus, Homs and Aleppo - traveled to Kobe and Hiroshima, Japan on July 5 to study lessons learned in large-scale reconstruction, both following World War II and the 1995 earthquake.
Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response Raed al-Saleh and CEO of Chemonics James Butcher provided keynote remarks on July 5 at a ceremony to mark the opening of Chemonics’ first company office in Damascus — where work in supporting Syria’s recovery, reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.
Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr hosted meetings with a delegation of German business leaders interested in investments and work in the transport sector.
The head of Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hosari, hosted a visit by a delegation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on July 5 to enhance coordination in aviation safety and security, air traffic management, and the development of institutional capacities in Syria.
Minister of Education Mohammed Turko hosted a meeting with a delegation from the UN Commission of Inquiry on July 5 in order to discuss the importance of integrating human rights concepts within education curricula.
A delegation from the National Commission for Transitional Justice, led by its chairman Abdul Basit Abdul Latif traveled to al-Houla in Homs on July 5 to meet with victims and relatives of victims of the May 2012 al-Houla massacre.
A delegation of investors from the Saudi “Al-Mahdi Group” traveled to Tartus on July 5 to explore potential investments in in commercial and tourist sites.
Commander of Internal Security in Daraa and Suwayda, Brigadier General Hossam al-Tahhan toured the frontline around the al-Matuna checkpoint in western Suwayda on July 5, where heavy clashes erupted late on June 2 following an attack by Druze National Guard militiamen.
July 6:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa gave a televised interview with France’s BFMTV late on July 6 in which he celebrated the significance of Syrian-French relations and indicated that French support would be significant in supporting the recovery of Syria’s infrastructure and financial sectors — agreements upon which would be announced during the visit of President Emmanuel Macon to Damascus that day. One such agreement, he added, would see Syria placing an order for 8 Airbus aircraft.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani greeted French President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival at Damascus International Airport late on July 6, for the first state visit by a Western head of state to Syria since Assad’s fall in December 2024.
That evening, President al-Sharaa hosted President Macron for dinner in Damascus’ Old City.
Commander of Syria’s Border Forces, Brigadier General Hassan Abdul Ghani, traveled to Baghdad, Iraq on July 6 and met with his counterpart Major General Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sakr to discuss enhancing coordinated control and security measures along the Syrian-Iraqi border.
Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr and Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib announced a $16 million project to rehabilitate Aleppo’s southern bypass road leading to the international airport on July 6, as part of efforts to enhance the governorate’s transportation infrastructure. The work will include resurfacing the road, replacing all safety barriers, and installing new lighting, road marking and traffic signage.
Later that day, Transport Minister Badr, Minister of Public Works and Housing Mustafa Abdulrazzaq and Governor of Raqqa Abdulrahman Salama inaugurated the newly rebuilt al-Rashid Bridge in Raqqa city.
A large dinner was convened at the Four Seasons Hotel by the Syrian-French Business Council late on July 6, to mark the visit by French President Macron.
Ministers of Health (Musab al-Ali) and Information (Khaled al-Zaarour) met on July 6 to discuss coordinating a more effective dissemination of information relating to public health among the population.
Later that day, Health Minister Ali hosted a meeting with a delegation from the WHO, led by deputy representative Christina Betchky to discuss coordinating more closely on cooperation in the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; developing priorities for Syria’s health system recovery; holding a nationwide tuberculosis survey; and building domestic capacity in radiology and laboratory work.
The director of Syria’s Investment Authority, Talal al-Hilali, met with a delegation of German business leaders and investors - led by the head of the German Business Association for the Middle East, Michael Soss - on July 6.
Later that day, Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar also hosted a meeting with the delegation of German business leaders and investors - led by the head of the German Business Association for the Middle East, Michael Soss - to discuss their interest in investing in Syria.
Minister of Agriculture Bassel al-Sweidan signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE-based “MIR Group” to develop an “Emirati-Syrian Company for Agricultural Development, Food Security, Value Chains, and Exports” in Damascus.
Director-General of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority, Khaled al-Homsi, traveled to Geneva, Switzerland on July 6 to participate in the The Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance alongside UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other international leaders.
July 7:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at the People’s Palace on July 7, following a breakfast Macron had attended with French and Syrian officials at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.
As Macron arrived at the People’s Palace, two IEDs detonated in central Damascus near the Tourism Ministry, injuring 18 people. Shortly thereafter, Macron issued a statement indicating that he would stay in Syria and his trip would continue as planned.
Following the meeting, a large roundtable was convened bringing together Syrian and French leadership (including President al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Shaybani, and the Ministers of Finance, Economy and Industry, Energy, Communications and Information Technology, and the Governor of the Central Bank, the director of the Ports and Customs Authority, and of the Civil Aviation Authority) as well as business leaders. New memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed.
During proceedings in the Syrian-French roundtable, Foreign Minister Shaybani and his French counterpart signed a “declaration of intent” indicating that Rifat al-Assad’s assets would be returned to Syria. Additional included an MOU in the health sector; a cooperation agreement in the water treatment and energy sector in Homs; an MOU in “institutional capacity building” for the Central Bank; an MOU to advance economic cooperation and trade relations; a declaration of intent in civil aviation support.
The head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, also signed a “strategic partnership” with France providing for assistance and investment in maritime and air transport and logistics services.
Assistant Minister of Energy for Water and Electricity Affairs, Osama Abu Zeid, hosted a meeting with a delegation from OXFAM (led by Executive Director of Oxfam America, Abi Maxman, CEO of Oxfam UK, Richard Hawkes, and the Regional Director of Oxfam International for Southwest Asia and North Africa, Sally Abu Khalil) on July 7 to discuss the potential rehabilitation of water stations across the country, as well as the sewage sector.
Appointments:
The Secretary-General of the Presidency, Abdulrahman al-Aama issued a decree on July 5 appointing Firas al-Adhm as the Director-General of the Insurance Supervision Authority.
Abdul Majid Khalaf was appointed as the head of Hasakeh governorate’s Culture Directorate on July 5.
Hamrin Mohammed Oumo was appointed as head of Hasakeh governorate’s Directorate of Antiquities on July 5.
Abdulhafez Ahmed Khalaf was appointed as Assistant to the Director of Culture in Hasakeh governorate on July 5.
Khalil Mohammed al-Zaher was appointed as the Administrative Director of the Ras al-Ayn National Hospital in Hasakeh on July 5.
Political Developments:
The presidential team tasked with following up on the SDF integration reported on July 4 that it was monitoring the AANES’s ongoing demolition of the Qamishli municipal headquarters, calling it “an attack on one of the city’s historical and architectural landmarks” that “damages the cultural heritage that forms part of the memory of the people of Hasakah Governorate.” It added in a statement that “public property and government buildings belong to all Syrians and cannot be disposed of, altered in their status or legal and administrative description, or modified outside the legal framework and competent state institutions,” warning that “legal consequences” would follow.
The Supreme Committee for the People's Assembly Elections announced on July 5 that the public launch of the inaugural parliament on July 6 had been postponed to a later date. It provided no reasoning, though media reporting later that day claimed it was linked to the imminent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and plans for President al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Shaybani to attend the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Economic Developments:
Syria’s “Muhan” Construction and Contracting Company signed a $15 million contract with the Saudi al-Jouf Cement Company on June 30 to export cement and clinker to Syria.
The Governor of the Central Bank, Safwat Raslan, confirmed in public comments on July 1 that a meeting 2 weeks earlier had seen him meet with his Turkish counterpart and request that mechanisms be introduced to gradually withdraw the Turkish Lira from the Syrian market, especially in the northwest.
Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan conducted the first electronic credit card payment in Idlib on July 1, using the Paymera system. Raslan was in Idlib to inaugurate a Central Bank branch in Idlib city.
Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan traveled to Hasakeh on July 2 and alongside Governor Nour al-Din Ahmed, inaugurated a new branch of the Central Bank in Hasakeh city.
The General Authority for Ports and Customs announced on July 2 that more than 863,000 travelers crossed the Bab al-Salama crossing with Turkey in the first 6 months of 2026 — 470,000 arriving into Syria and 393,000 departing.
The Ministry of Energy issued a statement on July 5 declaring that gasoline supplies across Syria remained at their standard levels, but that a “sudden increase in demand over a short period” and delays by some gas stations to draw upon their supplies had resulted in a shortage in supply to customers in parts of the country. The Ministry added that more than 1.57 million liters of gasoline had been shipped to Damascus and Homs earlier that day.
The Finance Ministry announced on July 6 the establishment of a “Macro-Financial Policies Unit” to prepare medium-term financial frameworks and planning in coordination with the IMF.
Infrastructure Developments:
Syrian media revealed on June 30 that a new German-provided (from Kone Cranes) crane with a 125-tonne capacity had been delivered and begun work at the Tartus Port.
Syria’s Atomic Energy Authority announced on June 30 that the country’s Radioactive Isotope Production Accelerator (Cyclotron) had been repaired and restarted to assist the medical sector in producing radioactive isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment.
Local authorities inaugurated 3 new postal officers in al-Qasr, al-Haader and al-Karama in Hama on June 30.
Local authorities inaugurated a newly established Civil Status Department in al-Hader in southern Aleppo on June 30.
Kuwait Airways announced on July 1 that it would begin operating flights into and out of Damascus beginning on July 15.
The first DAN Air flight from Bucharest, Romania, landed into Aleppo International Airport on July 1.
The first Syrian Airlines flight from Amsterdam, Netherlands landed into Damascus International Airport on July 2.
Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir announced on July 2 that work had begun — in terms of site preparation and office installations — at the sites for the Deir ez Zour and northern Aleppo power station projects, funded and conducted by the UCC-led comglomerate. Work has already begun at the other 2 power station sites, in Mhardeh, Hama and Zayzoun, Homs.
Syria secured a 5-year $27.7 million Green Climate Fund grant during multilateral climate meetings in Tajikistan on July 3, covering for infrastructure work in groundwater monitoring, more efficient underground water infrastructure and irrigation systems. The grant came in the form of a partnership — entitled the WATER-RES Project — between the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment and the ACTED international NGO.
Syrian media reported on July 3 that the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) and Saudi company ADES had begun work in developing several gas fields in Homs governorate, with a goal set to increase production by 25% within 6 months and 50% by mid-2027.
The Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) confirmed on July 4 that a new oil treatment facility with a capacity of processing 10,000 barrels per day had been installed into the Tartus port facility, following three weeks of intensive work.
The inaugural Air Arabia (based out of the UAE) landed into Aleppo International Airport from Sharjah, UAE on July 4.
Aleppo Governorate confirmed on July 5 that the provincial capital had experienced a 40% reduction in the quantity of drinking water over the previous 48hrs as a result of a malfunction at the Bab al-Rahma water station and the al-Jir canal. The governorate added that full water production had resumed that day, at full capacity.
The Director General of the Director General of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority, Khalid al-Homsi, announced on July 5 that the contract with Kuwaiti telecoms company Zain will result in a commercial launch within 6 months of the license signing, with commercial operations due to begin in January 2027. Homsi confirmed earlier Bloomberg reporting that $800 million will be invested by Zain.
Syria’s first international postal parcel to arrive into the country for more than 10 years arrived into Damascus International Airport on July 5, from Jordan — marking the resumption of external mail.
Local authorities inaugurated a new postal office for the towns of Salma and Kouba in northern rural Latakia on July 5.
The Syrian Postal Corporation signed a cooperation agreement with Syrian Airlines on July 6 to coordinate the international transport of postal packages through Damascus International Airport.
Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed inaugurated a newly established post office in Amuda on July 7.
Education Developments:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued two decrees on July 5 establishing a University for Security Studies and a National Defense University.
Security Developments:
Some Syrian media and well-connected sources reported on June 30 that plans were allegedly afoot to restructure the Ministry of Defense through a centralization of forces into 5 Corps:
1st Corps concentrated in Eastern Syria and comprised of Divisions 42, 66, 72 & 86, and led by Brigadier General Ahmad Muhammad al-Jassim.
2nd Corps concentrated in Northern Syria and comprised of Divisions 60, 62, 76 & 80, and led by Brigadier General Awad al-Jassim.
3rd Corps concentrated in Central Syria and comprised of Divisions 40, 52, 54 & 82, and led by Brigadier General Haytham al-Ali.
4th Corps concentrated in Damascus and comprised of Divisions 44, 64 & 70, and led by Brigadier General Omar Muhammad Jaftashi.
5th Corps concentrated in Western Syria and comprised of Divisions 50, 56, 74 & 84, and led by Brigadier General Munir al-Sheikh.
The reporting could not be confirmed.
A delegation of UNDOF peacekeepers traveled into the village of Abidin in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on June 30, to meet with residents to discuss recent Israeli military operations in the area.
Local Syrian media confirmed for the first time on July 2 that Israel’s June 28 claim that its forces had killed enemy gunmen in Quneitra had related to the killing of two Syrian Shia men tied to the IRGC and originally from the Shia villages of Nubl and Zahra in Aleppo, who were shot while moving from Quneitra into the village of al-Hader.
The MOI confirmed on July 3 that Major General Ali Saleh Dhiab had been detained in a targeted raid and charged with “systematic crimes and violations” committed while head of the Military Security Branch in Qamishli between 2008-2018.
The MOI announced the start of public registration for female applicants into enlisted positions on July 3, listing registration requirements and required documents.
A second batch of former SDF fighters traveled from Hasakeh to the MOD’s training facility in al-Nabk, Rif Dimashq on July 5 to begin a 3-week training course before full integration into the Defense Ministry.
The first batch, from Qamishli, completed training the previous week and were deployed into duty in their district.
Humanitarian Developments:
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed a strategic agreement with the UNDP on July 1 to implement programming aimed at economically empowering women in rural areas of Syria. The program will initially target 520 direct beneficiaries and 285,000 indirect beneficiaries through rehabilitating multi-purpose facilities for producing goods for sale, including food manufacturing, recycling waste, and commercial marketing materials.
A convoy of 50 IDP families departed camps in rural Idlib on July 2 and headed to their places of origin in Kafrzeita and al-Latamineh in Hama, facilitated by the Idlib governorate’s Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor confirmed on July 6 that 87 IDP camps had been completely emptied and 183 other IDP camps had undergone some level of “mergers” in order to reduce camp numbers over the past 18n months.
The General Authority of Ports and Customs confirmed on July 6 that 522,000 people had passed across the Jousiyeh crossing with Lebanon in the first 6 months of 2026, with 331,000 arriving into Syria and 191,000 departing into Lebanon.
Health Developments:
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib inaugurated 3 new health clinics in Tel Rifat, Deir Jamal and Mayer on July 1.
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi inaugurated newly rehabilitated and expanded services at the Hematology Department at Al-Muwasat University Hospital and at the Critical Care Unit at the Damascus University Children’s Hospital on July 2, thanks to work undertaken by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS).
The Ministry of Health announced on July 2 the launch of a project to enhance the nutritional health of children under the age of 5 in Syria, through the provision of nutritional health services to 242,000 children in Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Deir ez Zour. The project is coordinated by the Syrian “Sham Humanitarian Foundation” and funded by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar traveled to Hama on July 3 and met with Governor Abdulrahman al-Aama and participated in a large working meeting with business leaders and industrialists from across the governorate.
Assistant Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad jointly inaugurated the newly established Endoscopic Surgery Skills Center at Aleppo city’s Maternity Hospital on July 3.
Aleppo’s Health Directorate inaugurated the newly established radiology department at Manbij National Hospital on July 4, which includes one MRI machine.
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the French company Ellipse Projects on July 7, to explore the establishment of university hospitals in Syria.
Justice Developments:
The Suwayda Investigative Committee announced on July 3 that several individuals found complicit in committing crimes in Suwayda in July 2025 had been referred to the Military Prosecution and that the Military Criminal Court had begun hearing public cases on July 1. In subsequent comments, a spokesman for the committee clarified that the initial session of the public trial on July 1 was not aired publicly in order to protect the identity of sensitive witnesses.
A delegation of SDF-linked AANES judges traveled to Damascus on July 4 for meetings at the Justice Ministry to discuss and plan ahead for their integration into the state judicial system. Their interviews were due to begin the following day.
The Damascus Bar Association announced on July 5 that it would disburse financial compensation to the families of lawyers killed and injured in the July 2 bombing of a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus. A sum of SYP 15 million wold be provided to families of those killed, and SYP 5 million to those injured.
International Developments:
U.S. Presidential Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on July 6, during which they discussed recent events in Syria, as well as the upcoming NATO Summit in Turkey and a planned meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
A court in Austria sentenced former Assad regime General Intelligence commander Khaled al-Halabi to 8 years imprisonment on July 6, after convicting him of charges of torture and sexual assault against prisoners between 2011 and 2013.
CONFLICT & SECURITY:
Israel:
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the Wadi al-Raqad area and then into Jamla in western rural Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on July 1.
Israeli military forces launched at least 3 artillery shells into agricultural lands between the villages of Briqa and al-Kuda in southern Quneitra late on July 1.
Shortly afterwards, 2 artillery shells were launched into the outskirts of the village of Abidin and 3 more artillery shells fired into the Wadi al-Ruqad area — both in western Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin.
Israeli military forces fired at least 3 artillery shells into the outskirts of the village of Abidin and the Tel al-Maghar area in western Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on July 2.
Late that evening, Israeli military forces opened fire with heavy machine guns towards agricultural areas outside the village of Maariya in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the Wadi al-Raqad area of Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on July 3.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Sayda al-Hanout in Quneitra on July 6.
Later that day, another incursion was launched into the outskirts of the village of Jamla in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin.
ISIS:
N/A
Idlib:
N/A
Aleppo:
A former Assad regime militia commander, identified as Yasser Bilal (Abu Mahmoud) was detained by MOI forces in a targeted raid on June 30. He was reportedly in charge of the infamous al-Ashrafiyeh checkpoint for five years, responsible for a large number of arbitrary arrests and forcible disappearances.
A former Assad regime officer was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Aleppo city on June 2.
Latakia:
N/A
Tartus:
N/A
Hama:
MOI Public Security forces intervened to put a stop to a brawl between rival young men in the town of al-Salamiya on July 4, but upon their arrival, they were assaulted by several local men, prompting the deployment of reinforcements and an end to clashes. No casualties were confirmed.
Seven anti-government insurgents who reportedly constituted an assassination cell were detained in a targeted raid by MOI personnel in the Sahl al-Ghab region on July 5.
One MOD engineer was injured when an unexploded landmine he was attempting to make safe detonated near Uqayribat on July 6.
Homs:
Former Assad regime militiamen Ibrahim al-Haji was detained by MOI Public Security forces in a raid in the al-Mazraa district of Homs city on June 30.
One MOD soldier was killed and another was injured when an unexploded landmine he was attempting to make safe detonated in rural Homs on July 1.
A former Assad regime operative was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Homs city late on July 1.
The dead bodies of 5 men were discovered on July 3 some time after they had been killed after triggering an unexploded landmine inside the perimeter of the T4 Military Airport in rural eastern Homs. The Homs Governorate Media Directorate added that the 5 men had illegally infiltrated a military zone several days earlier.
1 man was killed and another was injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Safran near al-Sukhna on July 6.
The MOI in Homs announced on July 7 that a women who had been kidnapped in late June from her home in the al-Hamadiya district of Homs city had been safely released after an MOI targeted raid, which also resulted in the capture of the kidnap-for-ransom cell.
Raqqa:
Three IEDs previously emplaced by the SDF under asphalt on the M4 highway near Ayn Issa were discovered and rendered safe by MOD engineers on July 4.
Hasakeh:
One combatant was killed in an armed clash between rival clans in Qamishli on June 30.
Local media reported that a small group of SDF gunmen launched a raid inside the al-Roj camp late on July 3 and assaulted several women, leaving two injured. The cause for the raid was unknown and no arrests were confirmed.
Deir ez Zour:
Unidentified militants detonated an IED targeting an MOI vehicle carrying prisoners along Port Said Street in Deir ez Zour city late on July 2, but it missed and caused no casualties.
One oil facility guard was killed and two others were injured when local tribal gunmen launched an attack on their vehicle near the town of al-Rubaydah in northern Deir ez Zour on July 5. Local media ascribed the attack as linked to an ongoing tribal dispute in the area.
Rif Dimashq:
MOI Public Security forces detained several former Assad regime Qalamoun Shield militiamen in a series of coordinated raids in Yabroud on June 30.
A shipment of 832,000 captagon pills was seized by MOI counternarcotics forces in a raid against an organized crime smuggling cell newly arrived from neighboring Lebanon into al-Nabk on July 1.
A wanted organized crime leader, Daniel Riad Dawoud (wanted on charges of murder and drug trafficking), was killed after being stopped at the Kashkoul checkpoint outside Jaramana and resisting arrest by throwing grenades at MOI Public Security forces late on July 2. Another suspect was detained and 3 MOI personnel were injured.
A former Assad regime operative with operational links to the IRGC, identified as Tammam al-Khatib, was detained by MOI forces in a targeted raid in al-Maliha on July 5.
One combatant was killed in clashes between rival families in the town of Talfita outside al-Tal late on July 6.
Damascus:
Former Assad regime militia commander tied to the 4th Division, Ihab Rahma, was detained by MOI forces in a targeted raid in Qaboun on June 30.
Ten civilians were killed and 21 others were injured when an IED detonated inside a cafe in the Hijaz district of Damascus near the Justice Palace on July 2.
MOI personnel uncovered and disarmed an IED emplaced by unidentified militants inside a passenger bus in the Alawite-majority Wuroud district of Damascus late on July 3.
Former Assad regime Brigadier General Mansour Hamid Qaddour - formerly the deputy commander of the Military Security's Branch 220 (Sasaa) - was detained in a targeted raid by MOI personnel in the Mezzeh 86 district of Damascus on July 4.
A female former pro-Assad television reporter, identified as Bushra Muqalli, was detained by MOI forces in a targeted raid in the Mezzeh 86 district of Damascus on July 4.
Former Assad regime officer Kamal Abbas (aka “Mario”) — an associate of Amjad Yusuf, implicated in the Tadamon Massacre - was detained by MOI forces in a targeted raid in Damascus on July 5.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Abu Mohammed al-Shayeb, four police officers and 13 civilians were injured in two consecutive IED attacks (one in a trash bin, another in a parked vehicle) near the Ministry of Tourism in Damascus on July 7 — timed to coincide with the visit to the city by French President Emmanuel Macron.
In subsequent public comments, the MOI said the two devices had been identified and that they detonated during attempts to defuse them. The two IEDs were described as “rudimentary” and they had been emplaced outside President Macron’s security perimeter.
Daraa:
One wanted organized crime leader was captured and nearly 16,000 captagon pills in his possession were seized by MOI counternarcotics forces in a large-scale raid on drug trafficking facilities in the town of Nassib near the border crossing with Jordan on July 1.
A group of local gunmen took to the streets of Inkhil late on July 3 in protest at the release of a murder suspect from the local prison, creating a stand-off and curfew in the town by the MOI.
One man, identified as Mohammed Ali al-Bardan, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in a targeted attack in Tafas on July 4.
A small MOI convoy was shot at by unidentified gunmen while driving along the Damascus-Daraa highway in rural Daraa late on July 4. No casualties were caused.
Suwayda:
Jordanian armed forces downed and intercepted two heavy-lift and directed drones carrying a total of 220,000 captagon pills after being launched from Suwayda’s southern desert late on June 30.
Two male civilians were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine near the village of al-Rashida in eastern rural Suwayda on July 1.
Druze National Guard militiamen launched a brief probing attack on government MOI Public Security forces at the al-Matuna checkpoint on the Damascus highway late on July 1. No casualties were confirmed.
Two Druze National Guard militiamen were killed and 30 others injured after they launched a large-scale assault on the government-held Tel Hadid hilltop position in western rural Suwayda late on July 2, which triggered heavy clashes, but was repelled.
Brief clashes erupted between Druze National Guard militiamen and MOI Public Security forces along the Ura frontline in western rural Suwayda late on July 3. No casualties were caused.
Jordanian armed forces intercepted three heavy-lift guided balloons carrying a total of 350,000 captagon pills after being launched from Suwayda’s southern desert late on July 3.
Jordanian armed forces intercepted a total of 4 heavy-lift guided balloons carrying approximately 200,000 captagon pills after their launch from Suwayda’s southern desert in the early hours of July 5.
Druze National Guard militiamen launched a brief attack on government MOI Public Security forces along the al-Majdal frontline in western rural Suwayda late on July 6, triggering clashes that involved heavy machine guns and mortars. No casualties were confirmed.
Quneitra:
A group of at least 50 Israeli Jewish settlers fro the “Pioneers of Bashan” movement infiltrated Israeli-controlled Syrian Golan Heights on July 5 in an attempt to break deeper into Syrian territory — but they were intercepted, detained and returned to Israel by IDF forces.