FREE -- Syria Weekly: July 28-August 4, 2026
KRG Barzani visit, “70%” of SDF integration complete; Parliament agrees internal rules; Homs urban construction agreement; record wheat harvests; World Bank affirms reforms; 5 new flight routes & more
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SYRIA’S TRANSITION:
Transition Meetings:
July 28:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted consecutive meetings with Egyptian Charge d’Affairs Mohammed al-Feqi and Omani Ambassador Turki bin Mahmoud al-Busaidi on July 28, to discuss the state of bilateral relations and proposals to continue to expand them. The meeting was Oman’s Ambassador was also to mark his imminent departure from his role.
Later that day, Foreign Minister Shaybani spoke by phone on July 28 with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman al-Safadi.
Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdulrazzaq, hosted a meeting on July 28 with Egyptian Charge d’Affairs Mohammed al-Feki to discuss a potential Egyptian role in housing and urban development projects in Syria.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of Arab Affairs, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmed, hosted a meeting with Somalia’s Ambassador Abib Farah on July 28.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of European Affairs, Sally Shobut, hosted a meeting with Political Advisor and Acting Head of the EU delegation in Syria, Ulrich Big, on July 28.
A delegation from the Central Bank traveled to Ankara, Türkiye on July 28 to engage in working meetings with their Turkish counterparts to cooperate in bank reconnections and "“enhancing the efficiency of payment services and financial settlements.”
Governor of Latakia Ahmed Mustafa hosted a visit by the UNHCR country representative Kevin Allen on July 28.
Governor to Suwayda, Mustafa Bakkour, hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Danish Refugee Council on July 28, during which they discussed proposals for the DRC to undertake a “comprehensive support package” for the governorate’s health, water, education, and shelter sectors.
July 29:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with and received the credentials of Lukman Hakim Siregar, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Syria at a ceremony in the People’s Palace on July 29.
Later in the day, President al-Sharaa met with Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Vítězslav Fiřt, and received his credentials.
Minister of Education Mohammed Turko traveled to Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region on July 29 in order to meet with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the issue of education and the ongoing process of integration in Northeast Syria.
Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan hosted a visit from his Turkish counterpart, Fatih Karahan, in Damascus on July 29 in order to sign an agreement officially re-establishing bilateral banking channels.
Later that day, Foreign Minister al-Shaybani hosted a meeting with Turkiye’s Central Bank Governor in order to discuss bilateral economic cooperation.
The Chairman of Syria’s General Authority of Border Crossings and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, hosted a visit by a high-level delegation of Saudi investors led by advisor to the Minister of Investment, Ahmed Abdulrahman al-Muhairi, on July 29, during which they discussed potential investment in free zones, ports and other development projects.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of International Organizations and Conferences, Saad Baroud, hosted a meeting with the UN Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone on July 29.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of Afro-Asian Affairs, Nada al-Aswad, hosted a meeting with Japan’s Charge d’Affairs Akihiro Tsuji on July 29.
Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr hosted a meeting with Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Jan Sechter, on July 29, during which they discussed potential avenues of support for Syria’s railway sector, including the rehabilitation and maintenance of lines and the updating of operational systems and infrastructure.
Later in the day, Transport Minister Badr also met with Governor of Daraa Anwar al-Zoubi to discuss plans to rehabilitate the Nassib-Damascus highway, which was now at the stage of assessing technical bids and financial bids.
Director of Lattakia Port, Abdelhamid al-Wahab, hosted a visit by a Belgian diplomatic delegation led by Charge d’Affairs Arnaud Pawels, on July 29 due inspect operations at the port and to discuss potential opportunities for cooperation.
The CEO of the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) Yousef al-Qablawi hosted a meeting with a delegation of commercial representatives of oil refining companies based in the Czech Republic on July 29.
A launch event was hosted in Damascus’ Seven Gates Hotel on July 29 to mark the establishment of a new cellular application, “My Syria,” which provides digital services in the tourism, hospitality and lifestyle sectors, including the use of cross-border digital payments using international credit cards for use in Syria.
July 30:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke by phone with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud in consecutive calls on July 30 — discussing the ongoing regional conflict with Iran and regional responses to it.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of International Cooperation, Qutaiba Qadesh, presided over a working meeting in which Japan’s Charge d’Affairs Akihiko Tsuji and the Director of Regional Programs at the UN Human Settlements Programme, Patrick Kanagasinham, signed an agreement to co-manage and support a $9.5 million “integrated urban reconstruction project and the promotion of sustainable solid waste management in the city of Homs.” As part of the project’s work, Homs Old City clock tower will be rehabilitated, along with its surrounding souq, and the city’s solid waste management system (a landfill) would be overhauled.
Later that day, the delegation from the UN Human Settlements Programme met with Minister of Public Works and Housing Mustafa Abdulrazzaq to discuss cooperation in the recovery of Syria’s housing sector and related challenges associated with the Syria Without Camps initiative.
Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed hosted a meeting with the region’s tribal leaders and notables on July 30 to discuss the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and proposals to improve basic public services. The meeting - which was attended by Deputy Governor Ahmed al-Hilali and Commander of Internal Security Marwan al-Ali - came as part of the “dialogue process” the government and tribes agreed to conduct following the demobilization of tribal war tents the previous week.
Later that day, Deputy Governor of Hasakeh Ahmed al-Hilali and Internal Security commander Marwan al-Ali met with delegation of other tribal leaders and notables to discuss the state of public services and other tribal concerns.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali traveled to Hasakeh on July 30 and met with Adnan Darwish and Khaled al-Zubaydi — the governorate’s health officials responsible for southern Hasakeh and al-Shadadi, respectively. They discussed the process of integrating health sector employees into the provincial health directorate and ongoing plans to rehabilitate and enhance the capabilities at Shadadi National Hospital.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal hosted a meeting with Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Jan Sechter, and his wider delegation on July 30 to discuss potential opportunities for cooperation in the telecommunications and digital sectors.
Assistant Minister of Energy for Water and Electricity Affairs, Osama Abuzeid, hosted a meriting with delegations from the German Development Bank (KfW) and UNICEF on July 30 during which they discussed ministry priorities and opportunities for support to Syria’s water sector.
Governor of Tartus Ahmed al-Shami hosted a visit by the UNCHR’s country representative Kevin Allen on July 30, during which they discussed ongoing programming in the governorate, and proposals to support legal clinics, civil service offices, empowering small enterprises, and supporting economically disadvantaged communities.
Minister of Education Mohammed Turko participated in the Kurdistan Educational Forum (KEF) in Erbil in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region on July 30.
July 31:
August 1:
Minster of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra spoke by phone with his Turkish counterpart Yaser Guler on August 1.
Syria’s appointed Permanent Representative of the Arab League (& Charge d’Affairs to Egypt), Yahya Diab, met with Arab League Secretary General Nabil ElAraby on August 1 to hand over his credentials.
The Stabilization Support Unit convened the first session of community dialogue in Aleppo’s Kurdish majority districts of Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ashrafiyeh on August 1, with the participation of MOI spokesman Nour al-Din Baba and members of the district council. The session saw dialogue focus on community safety, economic security, proposals to support civil peace and inter-community cohesion.
August 2:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting at the People’s Palace on August 2 with all members of the new parliament in order to discuss its planned work and broader issues relating to Syria and its transition.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a meeting with the Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs at Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Keiichi Iwamoto, on August 2.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab hosted a meeting with Lebanese Ambassador Henri Kastoun on August 2, during which they discussed bilateral ties and security coordination.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director for International Cooperation, Qutaiba Qadesh, hosted a meeting with the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Regional Director, Angelita Caredda on August 2, during which they discussed the the NRC’s ongoing works across Syria and its proposed future programming.
Minister of Agriculture Bassel al-Sweidan hosted a meeting with Egypt’s Charge d’Affairs Mohammed el-Feki on August 2, during which they discussed proposals to cooperate in the field of developing and testing modern technologies in the agricultural sector.
The head of Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons, Mohammed Reda Jalkhi, hosted a meeting with Germany’s new Charge d’Affairs Markus Heiken on August 2 to discuss the commission’s ongoing work.
Governor of Latakia Ahmed al-Shami hosted a visit by the Patriarch of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Aleppo, Makarios Ashkarian, on August 2, during which they discussed the importance of healing social differences and fostering national solidarity and unity.
August 3:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed a state visit by Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani on August 3, during which they discussed bilateral relations, prospects for economic cooperation, and the ongoing process of integrating the SDF into the state.
In subsequent public comments, President Barzani said he had “expressed my confidence in President al-Shara’s vision and my belief that, under his leadership, Syria is capable of moving towards greater stability, prosperity, and a brighter future for all its people.”
The E-Commerce Forum began in Damascus’ Seven Gates Hotel on August 3, with government ministries, chambers of commerce, and representatives from the business, technology and finance sectors all in attendance. During the forum, the “500 Digital Merchants” initiative was launched, which aims to empower commercial entities entering the digital commerce and electronic payment system sectors, with support in training and development of digital infrastructure.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab hosted a meeting with the head of Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons, Mohammed Reda Jalkhi, on August 3 during which they discussed the joint mechanism channeling coordination on the issue of mass graves, as well as ways to better utilize modern technologies for verifying identification of remains.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar traveled to the UAE and met with Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zayoudi, on August 3 — during which they discussed the restructuring of the UAE-Syria Business Council and “and activating the role of the private sector in building sustainable investment and trade partnerships.”
Later that day, Minister al-Khattab also convened a meeting with Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, to discuss coordinating in the search for missing children.
Minister of Agriculture Bassel al-Sweidan hosted a meeting with a visiting delegation from Turkish company “Badıllı” on August 3, during which they discussed proposals for cooperation in the supply of agricultural equipment and machinery.
Deputy Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed led a government delegation to Ras al-Ayn on August 3 to meet with tribal leaders and other notables to discuss their ongoing concerns regarding displacement and service provision.
Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan visited Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi in his residence in Damascus on August 3.
August 4:
Syrian media claimed on August 4 that SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and senior political leader Ilham Ahmed had arrived into Damascus on August 4 for a meeting with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani to discuss the ongoing integration process in the northeast. Some speculation claimed that depending on the outcome of that meeting, a follow-up meeting with President al-Sharaa could follow, with some claiming an announcement of the SDF’s dissolution may be imminent.
Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra spoke by phone on August 4 with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali al-Thani.
CEO of the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) Yousef Qablawi led a delegation from U.S. energy company HKN Energy to a technical visit of the Rumeylan oil fields in Hasakeh on August 4, in preparation for HKN’s planned investment there.
Appointments:
Atallah Rahhal was appointed as the Hasakeh governorate branch director of the People’s Credit Bank on July 30.
Brigadier General Ahmed al-Hayes (Abu Hatem al-Shaqra) was appointed as the Deputy Commander of the MOD’s First Corps on August 2.
Colonel Mudir al-Najjar was appointed on August 2 as the Deputy Commander of the MOD’s Second Corps. He had been a founding member of Liwa al-Tawhid in Aleppo.
Political Developments:
The Raqqa Governorate’s Political Directorate confirmed on July 28 that the first phase of employee auditing had been completed, in order to begin the process of reinstating workers dismissed by the former regime and to integrate employees of the former SDF-linked Autonomous Administration.
The People’s Assembly voted to officially approve the final draft of the parliament’s internal regulation and process on July 30, following three consecutive days of intensive meetings and consultations over their substance. The text contained 227 regulatory articles, including:
30 month term, potentially renewable;
President al-Sharaa cannot dissolve the parliament
President al-Sharaa will refer all international agreements to the parliament for ratification or rejection;
The parliament will manage approximately 25 committees, including ones dedicated to Constitutional & Legislative Affairs, Budget and Finance, Freedoms, the Media, Defense & Security, Diplomacy, and Transitional Justice;
All parliamentary sessions will be broadcast to the public;
All parliamentary voting will be broadcast to the public, except in exceptional circumstances approved by an internal vote;
The parliament will be responsible for passing legislation relating to elections, political parties, the judiciary, the Supreme Constitutional Court, and transitional justice;
No criminal charges can be brought against parliamentarians, unless one is caught directly committing a crime.
President al-Sharaa has the ability to object to legislation passed by the parliament within one month, with qualifying reasoning;
President al-Sharaa has the right to recommend amendments to the constitutional declaration, but they will be voted on by the parliament for potential approval or rejection;
A minimum of one third of the parliament has the right to request the dismiss a member of the parliament’s managing bureau.
Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed stated publicly on July 30 that approximately 70% of the SDF integration process had been achieved. He added that the next phases of integration would prioritize the transport, communications and financial directorates, along with bank branches and universities.
Female Kurdish parliamentarian Fasla Yusuf said in public comments on July 31 that she had delivered a speech in the People’s Assembly in Kurdish, generating positive responses from the room. She had been unable to give her oath in Kurdish because the oath was given collectively by all members simultaneously.
In public comments on August 1, Mustafa Abdi of the Presidential Follow-Up Team announced that the integration of the SDF and AANES had reached its “final stages,” with 8 displaced convoys having returned to Afrin and other areas of Aleppo and additional convoys planned for Ras al-Ayn temporarily delayed due to issues relating to unexploded ordnance (UXO). He added that MOD demining teams had worked for 50 days in a row between Tel Tamr and Ras al-Ayn to expedite the process.
Economic Developments:
In public comments published on July 28, the Vice President of the Syrian Petroleum Company confirmed that a total of 2.1 million tonnes of Iraqi fuel oil had so far reached Europe after transiting Syria by land and being shipped from Baniyas. He added that the number of Iraqi oil tankers crossing into Syria had increased from an initial rate of 10 per day to 1,000 per day.
The Ministry of Energy confirmed on July 30 that a tanker carrying 37,646 tonnes of gasoline had arrived into the Baniyas oil terminal for domestic consumption.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir announced on July 30 that he had directed a reduction in the price of industrial fuel oil in Syria from $475 to $400 to “help reduce production costs for industrialists” and to “support the continued production cycle.”
The Director of Grain Holding in Qamishli, Hasakeh (Abdulhamid Dawoud) confirmed on August 1 that at least 2.15 million tonnes of wheat had been harvested in Hasakeh, with 400,000 tonnes marked as “high grade.” He added that approximately 350,000 tonnes had been transported to other governorates (particularly to Aleppo and Damascus), with Hasakeh’s silos reaching capacity of 1.2 million tonnes (including 560,000 tonnes stored from the 2025 harvest).
On August 2, the Central Bank granted an extension nationwide for people to exchange their old Syrian Pound currency, valid until August 6.
The Director of the Aleppo Pistachio Office (within the Ministry of Agriculture), Adel Hawash, confirmed on August 2 that the pistachio harvest for 2026 is projected to significantly outweigh that of 2025 in both quality and quantity. Syria’s governorates of Aleppo, Hama and Idlib are notable producers of pistachios.
Syria’s Grain Establishment announced on August 2 that for the first time in more than a decade, Syria would meet food self-sufficiency in 2026, with more than 2.5 million tonnes of wheat harvested so far — more than half coming from Hasakeh governorate.
Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh announced on August 2 that the World Bank had completed its review of the Performance and Policy Frameworks (PPF) process for 2026, confirming that Syria had achieved the necessary reforms, public debt sustainability measures, and transparency improvements to qualifying for an increase in grant allocations in 2027. The process is managed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).
Syrian media confirmed on August 3 that more than 10,000 new companies had been registered inside Syria in the first 6 months of 2026, including:
7,619 sole proprietorships
2,087 LLCs
713 general partnerships
56 limited partnerships
46 joint stock companies
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed on August 4 that the purchase price for 1 kilogram of harvested cotton received through the General Establishment for Cotton Ginning and Marketing will be SYP 85 — SYP 55 of which was covered by the Ministry of Economy and Industry and SYP 30 covered by the Agricultural Production Support Fund.
Infrastructure Developments:
Syrian Airlines confirmed on July 29 that it would begin operating flights between Damascus and Deir ez Zour on August 3.
The inaugural LEAV Aviation flight from Dusseldorf, Germany landed into Damascus International Airport on July 29.
The Syrian Grain Authority confirmed on July 29 that more than 2.5 million tonnes of wheat had been harvested and received into stocks across the country from the 2026 harvest.
Deputy Governor of Tartus Samih al-Zakeh inaugurated a new automated bakery in Tartus on July 29, constructed through cooperation with the WFP.
The General Company for Drinking Water and Sewage in Hasakeh announced on July 30 that the Alouk Water Station had begun a trial period of pumping water into the al-Aziziyah, al-Talai, al-Ghazal and Khashman districts of Hasakeh city for periods of 8-hours. It noted however that the water was not yet ready for drinking “until further notice.”
Local authorities in Nawa, Daraa inaugurated the district’s new post office on July 30, following 10 years of its closure.
Syrian Airlines confirmed on July 30 that it would resume flights between Damascus and Medina, Saudi Arabia on August 11 — with weekly flights operating on Tuesdays.
Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani inaugurated the newly established Palm Village Hotel in Yaafour outside Damascus on July 31. The 3,500 square meter hotel contains 33 suites and will employ approximately 60 people.
The inaugural SunExpress flight from Antalya, Turkey landed into Aleppo International Airport on August 1.
The inaugural FlyNas flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia landed into Aleppo International Airport on August 1.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly rehabilitated automated bakery in al-Marjeh, Aleppo on August 2 — with a production capacity of 6 tonnes of bread per day.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly rehabilitated automated bakery in Maarat Misrin in Idlib on August 2 — with a production capacity of 15 tonnes of bread per day. The rehabilitation and expansion work was supported by the WFP.
The General Authority for Ports and Customs announced on August 2 that more than 100,000 travelers had crossed the Jisr Qamar crossing (linking al-Mushayfirah in Homs to Akkar in Lebanon) since its reopening in May. Within that number were 15,000 Syrians permanently returning to Syria.
That day, the General Authority also confirmed that more than 1.7 million people had crossed through the Jdeidat Yabous crossing (linking to al-Masnaa in Lebanon) so far in 2026, with more than 43,000 being permanent returnees.
The Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) announced on August 2 that 6 wells at the Jabsa oil field’s West Tishreen station in Hasakeh had been fully rehabilitated and reactivated.
The Chairman of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hosari, confirmed on August 3 that the month of July 2026 had seen a 30.1% increase in civilian air traffic crossing through Syrian airspace compared to June 2026 — with 20,315 aircraft, compared to 15,620.
The General Authority for Ports and Customs announced on August 3 that approximately 625,000 people had crossed through the Jousiyeh crossing with Lebanon so far in 2026, 150,000 of whom were permanent returnees.
The Authority also confirmed that 1.04 million people had crossed the Bab al-Salama crossing with Turkey in 2026, with 63,000 of them being permanent returnees.
The Director General of the Syrian Postal Corporation, Imad al-Din Hamad, alongside local authorities, inaugurated four newly established post offices in Saraqeb, Idlib; in Basreen, Hama; in Morek, Hama; and in Qalaat al-Mudiq in Hama on August 3.
Local authorities inaugurated a newly established automated bakery in Hama city on August 3, following significant work supported by the WFP. The bakery will supply bread to the al-Qusour, al-Arbayn and al-Hamidiya districts.
The head of Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation Omar al-Hosari announced on August 4 that flights between Damascus and Moscow, Russia — operated by Syrian Airlines - would resume on August 16.
Education Developments:
Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed confirmed on July 30 that approximately 20,000 employees within the formerly AANES education sector had been integrated into the state’s ministries amid ongoing integration.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly established Deir ez Zour Children’s Library on August 1, which was constructed with the support of several local NGOs.
The Ministry of Education confirmed on August 2 that the 2026-2027 school year was scheduled to begin on September 6, with administrative work to begin five days earlier, on September 1.
In public comments on August 2, Turkish Ambassador to Syria Nuh Yilmaz confirmed that a Turkish School in Damascus was set to open for the upcoming 2026-2027 year and that pre-registration of students had begun through the Education Ministry in coordination with the Turkish Embassy in Damascus.
Security Developments:
The MOI announced on July 29 that it had captured “three of the most prominent” individuals involved in committing crimes inside Assad regime military hospitals:
Brigadier Ali Mohammed Assi, former director, Homs Military Hospital
Maher Abdo Qanab, former Military Police, Tishreen Hospital
Mohammed Ali Mansour, former Military Security, Homs Military Hospital
The MOI’s Traffic Directorate revealed on July 31 the receipt of a fleet of new tow trucks to enhance their capacity to safely and efficiently remove vehicles from accidents.
The MOI announced on August 1 that 3 former Assad regime soldiers responsible for a mass execution of 15 civilians had been captured in raids in undisclosed locations in Syria.
The MOI’s Traffic Department in Homs received a new fleet of motorbikes on August 1, to support a more efficient provision of operation throughout the governorate.
The MOI’s Traffic Department in Aleppo received a new fleet of motorbikes and tow trucks on August 2, to support a more efficient provision of operation throughout the governorate.
Syria’s National Cybersecurity Center announced on August 2 that more than 8.4 million cyberattacks emanating from at least 47,500 different sources had been foiled in June and July 2026.
MOI personnel disbanded a former Asayish checkpoint on the road between Hasakeh city and Tel Brak on August 4, amid the ongoing integration of the Kurdish Asayish into the MOI Public Security service.
Humanitarian Developments:
A convoy of 98 displaced families departed IDP camps in Idlib on July 29 en route to their areas of origin around Kafr Nabuda in northern Hama — in an operation facilitated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the UNHCR and SARC.
EU-supported NGO “Solidarite” signed a memorandum of understanding with the Latamineh district in Hama on July 29 to plan for the rehabilitation of 130 damaged homes in the area.
In comments made to the public on July 31, Mustafa Abdi from the Presidential follow-up team for SDF integration confirmed that approximately 12,500 displaced families would soon be returned to their places of origin in Ras al-Ayn.
A convoy of 106 displaced families returned from IDP camps in Idlib to their places of origin in Kafrzeita in northern Hama on August 2 — in an operation supported by the UNHCR, SARC and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
Jordanian NGOs launched a new humanitarian convoy comprising 16 trucks into Syria on August 3. The convoy included 32 mobile homes intended to support the most needy within displaced communities.
Health Developments:
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali inaugurated the newly established radiology center in Hama city on August 1, and the newly rehabilitated Intensive Care unit at the Hama Maternity and Children’s Medical Complex — both of which had been constructed and equipped with the support of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS).
Syrian media reported on August 3 that the Sovereign Wealth Fund had signed a contract with InterHealth Canada to work on developing 14 modern hospitals and clinics across Syria, in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Douma National Hospital outside Damascus on August 3, following extensive rehabilitation and repair work supported by the WHO and the government of Japan.
Local authorities inaugurated the newly established outpatient clinics for mental health services within the Health Annex of the Ibn Khaldun Hospital for Mental and Psychological Diseases in Homs city on August 4. Dedicated clinics within include those for psychological care and assessment, a counseling clinic, and a clinic for the treatment of substance abuse.
Justice Developments:
The fourth session of the trial against Bashar al-Assad’s cousin and organized crime leader Wassim al-Assad took place at Damascus’ Criminal Court on July 29. The proceedings continued through the day and were adjourned until the next session on August 5.
The Central Agency for Control and Inspection announced on July 29 that a theft of five trucks of wheat from the Salhab Mill in Hama had been uncovered involving a number of employees who sought to profit from the $309,366 stolen.
The fourth session of the trial against former Assad regime Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassoun took place in Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court on July 30. The next session was adjourned for August 6.
Aleppo’s Public Prosecutor, Ahmed Abdulrahman al-Mohammed, and Deputy Governor of Aleppo Ali Hanoura inaugurated the newly established court in Tadef in al-Bab district on July 30.
The Central Financial Audit Agency announced on July 31 the discovery of financial forgery and fraud within the al-Kiswah Financial Directorate in 2025 in which approximately SYP 2.5 billion (old currency) had been embezzled by an employee working in tax collection.
The President of the newly established Supreme Constitutional Court, Issam al-Khalif, confirmed on August 1 that a draft of the Constitutional Court bill had been completed and was ready for submission to the People’s Assembly and Presidency. He added that the bill defines the conditions necessary for court membership; the mechanisms for their potential termination; for the court’s powers and procedures; and scope of its jurisdiction. The Supreme Constitutional Court’s purpose as defined by the decree establishing it was to be the primary actor responsible for defining and interpreting the Constitutional Declaration; managing the constitutionality of existing and new laws; and ensuring the constant separation of powers in the transitional state.
The National Committee to Counter Corruption announced on August 2 that in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the General Authority for the Management and Protection of State Property, a national campaign will be launched to review contracts and investments relating to state property nationwide to protect public funds and recover any rights removed by corruption or illicit gains from the time of the previous regime.
The eighth session of the trial against former Assad regime intelligence leader Atef Najib took place in Damascus’ Justice Palace on August 4, with the close of proceedings adjourning the trial until August 11. Reporting underlined that the prosecution has requested the death penalty.
International Developments:
The Saudi Foreign Ministry officially appointed Ghazi bin Raif al-Anzi as the Kingdom’s new Ambassador to Syria on July 28.
Authorities in Lebanon confirmed in Arabic media on July 29 that a 4-man ISIS cell operating between Lebanon and Syria had recently been detained. It added that the cell was being coordinated by an inmate in Quba Prison in Tripoli.
Tensions rose between Iraq and Syria on July 31 and August 1, amid reports that Iranian-linked PMF militiamen had been spotted mobilizing along parts of the border — triggering a warning from Syria that any attack or hostile activity would require a military response. On August 1, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi issued public remarks noting that Iraqi soil would not be used as a launching pad for attacks against any of its neighbors.
Russia reportedly appointed Dmitry Dogadkin as its new Ambassador to Syria on August 3 — a veteran diplomat and Arabic speaker, Dogadkin was posted in Syria from 2009-2013 and served previously as Ambassador to Oman (2017-2021) and Qatar (2021-2026).
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) announced on August 4 that a pick-up truck loaded with artillery rockets had been seized in the town of Arsal shortly after being smuggled into the country from Syria. Two Lebanese nationals were detained.
The Secretary General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, issued public comments on August 4 in which he indicated “no objection” to a meeting with Syria’s transitional government “at an appropriate time.” He added that Hezbollah allegedly sought to retain a united and stable Syria.
CONFLICT & SECURITY:
Israel:
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the Wadi al-Raqad area of Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on July 28 — at one point opening fire with heavy machine guns into agricultural areas.
Israel released two men — one from Beit Jinn, Rif Dimashq and another from Quneitra - on July 29, after approximately one year held in detention.
Israeli military forces fired 5 artillery shells into farmlands around the village of Abidin in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin late on July 29.
Israeli military forces fired 3 artillery shells into farmlands near the village of Tel al-Ahmar in Quneitra early on July 30.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Rasm al-Sanad in central Quneitra on July 30.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Briqa in Quneitra on July 31.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion in the Wadi al-Raqad area of Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on August 1, at one point opening fire with heavy machine guns towards farmlands.
Later that day, another incursion was launched into the village of al-Ajraf in central Quneitra, where surveillance cameras were installed on the main roadway leading to al-Samdaniya al-Gharbiya.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into an area between the villages of al-Hayran and al-Rufayd in southern Quneitra on August 2.
Later that day, another incursion was launched into the village of Jubata al-Khashab in northern Quneitra.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Samdaniya al-Sharqiya in central Quneitra on August 3.
That same day, another incursion was launched into the al-Shahhar forest area outside Jubata al-Khashab in northern Quneitra, where multiple areas of elevated ground and planted areas were bulldozed.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Maariya in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin in the early hours of April 4, raiding several homes.
ISIS:
The MOI confirmed on July 28 that two ISIS cells - comprised of 7 militants - had been neutralized and arrested in a series of coordinated raids in al-Rai and al-Bab in Aleppo, with caches of explosives (IEDs, grenades, landmines and suicide belts) and light weaponry seized from their possession.
One ISIS militant was killed and 5 others were detained when MOI counterterrorism forces launched a raid in al-Baghouz in eastern Deir ez Zour on July 29 targeting a cell responsible for several previous attacks in the area, most recently an IED that targeted an MOI patrol vehicle late on July 27. One child was injured in crossfire during a brief clash.
In a subsequent statement, the MOI confirmed that the killed militant was the “coordinator” of assassinations, “Atallah” (who had been shot before he could detonate an explosive vest he had been wearing) and the cell leader Abdulfattah Jumaa al-Khalaf and his deputy Haydar al-Jassem were among those captured alive.
An IED - emplaced by suspected ISIS militants - was discovered attached to the underside of an MOD vehicle in the Haffah area of Latakia on August 2. Similar devices have been found in ISIS possession, including in Homs in December 2025.
Suspected ISIS militants briefly opened fire on a passing MOI Public Security vehicle in the town of Tel Saman on August 3. No casualties were caused.
Idlib:
One child was killed after triggering an unexploded landmine in the town of Kafr Batikh in eastern Idlib on August 3.
Aleppo:
One Kurdish man who had recently returned to the Afrin region was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while working in his olive orchard near Jindires on July 28.
MOI counternarcotics forces detained two drug traffickers and seized 186,000 captagon pills in their possession in a targeted raid in Afrin on July 29.
One woman was injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Haj Hussein near Manbij on July 29.
A former Assad regime Special Tasks commander, identified as Ibrahim Maktabi, was detained in a targeted raid in Aleppo on July 31. Local media accused of him of coordinating crackdowns on protests at Aleppo University and for involvement in organized crime associated with the Qaterji family.
One combatant was injured during a brief clash between rival men in the New Aleppo district of the city on August 4.
Latakia:
MOI counternarcotics forces detained two drug traffickers and seized 100kg of hashish, 100,000 capatagon pills and 5,000 unlicensed pharmaceutical tablets found in their possession in a targeted raid in Latakia on July 31.
Tartus:
Two drug traffickers were detained and 56,000 captagon pills in their possession were seized in a targeted ambush by MOI personnel in Tartus on August 1.
Hama:
One child was injured after triggering an unexploded cluster munition in Latamineh on July 29.
Two children were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine near the village of Aqrab in southern Hama on August 2.
Homs:
The MOI announced on July 30 that it had captured former Assad regime officers Fayez Abbas al-Khal and Nasser Mohammed Ghosn in Homs — both charged with involvement in war crimes targeting civilians in the governorate.
Six civilians were injured when an unidentified gunman on a motorbike entered an IDP camp in al-Aydeen on the outskirts of Homs city and briefly opened fire on July 30.
Syrian MOD soldiers shot down an unidentified reconnaissance drone flying over Palmyra in the early hours of August 2. No imagery of the drone was revealed, and its operator remains unknown.
One man was killed and another was injured after triggering an unexploded landmine near the village of Mohajjan in eastern Deir ez Zour on August 3.
Raqqa:
MOI Internal Security forces detained a man who committed an earlier revenge killing in the governorate in a targeted raid on July 30. The man, identified only as “M.H.” was found in possession of a rifle, a handgun and ammunition.
Three combatants were killed and 1 other was injured in clashes between rival families in the village of al-Suwaida near Maidan in eastern Raqqa on August 2.
Hasakeh:
One man was injured after triggering an unexploded landmine outside the village of Tel al-Laban near Tel Tamr on August 1.
One man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Ghweiran district of Hasakeh city on August 2. Local media said the victim was a security guard at a nearby construction site.
Deir ez Zour:
One woman was injured in crossfire during an armed clash between rival tribesmen in the village of Moudhan near al-Sousah on July 29.
One MOD soldier was injured in a brief exchange of fire with an unidentified gunman in Deir ez Zout city late on July 29.
Six drug traffickers were detained and 3 kilograms of crystal meth in their possession was seized in a targeted MOI raid in Deir ez Zour on July 30.
One man, identified as Ibrahim Khalil al-Sayyad, was kidnapped and executed by unidentified gunmen in the al-Hawai area of eastern Deir ez Zour on July 31.
One drug trafficker was detained and a quantity of narcotics was seized from his possession by MOI forces in a targeted raid in al-Mayadin on August 1.
One combatant, identified as Mohammed al-Abdullah, was killed in clashes between rival families in al-Shuheil on August 3.
Rif Dimashq:
Local protesters surrounded, blockaded and briefly attacked engineers from the provincial Water Establishment while they worked on repairing old water wells near the town of Mneen on July 31 — triggering the deployment of MOI Public Security personnel to respond. Local media explained that protesters opposed any new water drilling work in their area, and accused the water establishment of repairing old infrastructure that would divert water away from Mneen and towards the neighboring town of al-Tal. One such water well was filled with rocks and other debris, during the violence. Several minor injuries were reported amid low-level fighting, during which MOI personnel opened fire into the air in an attempt to disperse protesters. Several MOI vehicles were vandalized, water machinery damaged and tires set on fire to close down local roads.
In the 36hrs that followed, provincial commander of internal security Ahmed al-Dalati met repeatedly with local notables to ease tensions. All of those detained for violence - including several MOI personnel - on July 31 were released on August 2.
Three combatants were killed and 5 others were injured in clashes between rival families in al-Maydani near Douma late on August 2. Local media said the clashes were related to crop irrigation.
MOI Public Security forces deployed to the town of Qudsaya late on August 2 to intervene in a growing brawl and low-level clashes between rival men. No casualties were confirmed.
MOI counternarcotics personnel launched a targeted raid on a drug trafficking cell in Aqraba on August 1, detaining 5 men and seizing 175kg of hashish and 4kg of marijuana from their possession.
A large quantity of small-arms and ammunition, as well as hashish, was seized in an MOI raid on an organized crime operative in Wadi Barada on August 2.
At least four organized crime operatives were detained by MOI personnel in a series of raids in Jaramana on August 2.
Damascus:
MOI Public Security forces discovered and defused an IED emplaced by unidentified assailants along the side of a road in Qudsaya in the early hours of July 30.
Daraa:
One man, identified as Atiyah al-Kasabrah, was shot in the legs by an unidentified gunman in the town of al-Hirak late on July 28, in what local media described as a feud tied to organized crime.
One MOI Public Security operative was severely injured when a small IED concealed inside his vehicle detonated in the village of Nimr on August 2.
MOI Public Security forces - acting on a local tip-off - seized a cache of 122mm Grad rockets hidden in farmlands near the village of al-Harra late on August 3.
Suwayda:
Druze militiamen affiliated with the Rijal al-Karama movement deployed to reinforce security at the home of militia commander and Druze notable Fadi Badriya’s home in Suwayda city on July 30 — amid widespread threats to assassinate him by rival figures within the Druze National Guard.
Two men were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine near the village of Najran on July 31.
Senior Druze National Guard commander Brigadier General Fadel Abu Assaf was injured in an assassination attempt that targeted him while he drove his vehicle through Suwayda city late on July 31. Local media added that Abu Assaf was a prominent voice within the National Guard calling for the dissolution of the controversial “Security Office,” which has been accused of abuses, arbitrary detentions and death by torture of critics within Suwayda. He had survived another assassination attempt two weeks earlier.
Unidentified gunmen threw two grenades outside the office of the Druze National Guard’s Military Justice Department late on August 2. He survived.
Druze National Guard militiamen kidnapped Druze man Sayf Hatem in Suwayda city on August 3. He had reportedly been issued with a summons from local authorities in response to posts on Facebook, including a video, in which he criticized security conditions in the region.
Hours later, the Rijal al-Karama movement mobilized fighters in the city to Hatem’s family home to secure it, while demanding he be released.
