SYRIA’S TRANSITION:
Transition Meetings:
August 25:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a series of meetings with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi in Damascus on August 26 in order to discuss the state of the integration process and other shared issues. Additional participants from the SDF included senior SDF political leader Ilham Ahmed, Assistant Minister of Defense for the Eastern Region Sipan Hamo, and senior SDF commander Nowruz Ahmed.
Later in the day, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi spoke at a ceremony in which he announced the official dissolution of the SDF, following the completion of its integration into the state.
In subsequent public comments, Deputy Governor of Hasakeh Ahmed al-Hilali confirmed that “the departure of foreign fighters from the ranks of the SDF and their return to their home countries confirms the national path towards resolving this issue” and that “the resources of the Hasakah province are now 100% under the control of the Syrian state, and their revenues are returned to the state treasury.”
Further, Governor of Deir ez Zour and former deputy leader of the Presidential team tasked with the integration process, Ziyad al-Ayyash, said that “the state’s approach, and it remains so, is to embrace everyone and reject exclusion. A shared destiny is built under the umbrella of national institutions that unite us, and a single army that protects all.”
Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh spoke by phone with his Dutch counterpart Sjoerd Sjoerdsma on August 25 to discuss Syria’s economic recovery and supporting conditions for the return of refugees.
Minister of Information Khaled al-Zaarour hosted a meeting with UK Special Envoy to Syria Barrie Peach on August 25, during which they discussed issues including press freedoms, capacity building, digital media, and combating hate speech.
That day, UK Special Envoy to Syria Peach was also hosted for a meeting with Foreign Ministry Director of Overseas Nationals and Refugees, Nahla Othman, to discuss issues relating to refugees, displacement, and coordinating on these files bilaterally.
The Chairman of the Central Authority for Control and Inspection, Amer Al-Ali, and the Interior Ministry’s Department of International Cooperation, Colonel Abdulrahim Jabara, met with counterparts from Algeria, Libya and the UAE on the sidelines of the 7th session of the Global Network of Law Enforcement and Anti-Corruption Authorities at the UN on August 25.
Deputy Governor of Hasakeh Ahmed al-Hilali met with representatives of the Baggara tribe whose community members remain displaced from the Tel Tamr region and to discuss plans to facilitate their return.
August 26:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke by phone on August 26 with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed the August 9 agreement to restructure control and operations at Hmeymim Airbase and the Port of Tartus, as well as bilateral ties, economic cooperation, the SDF integration process, and tensions with Israel.
Later that day, President al-Sharaa and First Lady Latifa al-Droubi attended and participated in the launch ceremony for the 63rd Damascus International Fair. The German government was hosted as the guest of honor, which Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar said was highly symbolic given Germany’s experience with rebuilding and recovery after destructive war.
Later that night, shortly after Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Syria’s Sovereign Fund had confirmed the activation of Visa connectivity via the national Paymera network, President al-Sharaa made the first Visa credit card payment in Syria since the onset of conflict in 2011, alongside Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan.
The Damascus Global Economic Forum launched at the Damascus International Conference Center on August 26, with participation by multiple ministers and senior officials, including Ministers of Economy and Industry, Finance, Energy, Tourism, Communications and Information Technology, Agriculture and the Central Bank Governor.
The inaugural Syrian-Turkish Business Forum began in Damascus on August 26, at the Seven Gates Hotel and organized jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Syrian Chamber of Commerce, and Turkey’s Trade Ministry and Exporters’ Assembly.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir hosted a meeting with the Saudi-Syrian Business Council led by Muhammad Abu Niyan on August 26 in order to “discuss prospects for joint cooperation and investment opportunities” in the electricity, oil, mining, water, and sanitation sectors.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar hosted a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Trade Minister Omar Bulat, on August 26, during which they discussed the need to further remove mechanisms that presented challenges to trade and exchange and to create a more attractive business environment for investments.
The Director of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, hosted a meeting with the a delegation from the Saudi-Syrian Business Council, led by Muhammad Abu Niyan, on August 26 to discuss Saudi cooperation in the development of ports, free zones, and logistics services in Syria.
Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdulrazzaq, hosted a meeting with the CEO of the Saudi National Housing Company (NHC), Mohammed Al-Bati, on August 26 in order to discuss proposed Saudi roles in supporting the recovery of Syria’s housing sector.
Assistant Minister of Economy and Industry, Maher Khalil Hassan, hosted a visit by the Chairman of the Iraqi Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Amer Khleif Allawi, to Damascus on August 26, during which they discussed proposals to further expand trade and economic ties between Damascus and Baghdad.
Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response Raed al-Saleh traveled to Latakia on August 26 and met with Governor Ahmed Mustafa to discuss strategies to combat wildfires, including proposals for protecting green spaces; and the needs and responses to people residing in camps and informal housing.
Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on August 26 to begin a cooperative relationship with the Syrian Diplomatic Institute.
August 27:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with the Saudi Syrian Business Council on August 27 to discuss the wide range of bilateral cooperation in supporting Syria’s recovery.
Later that day, President al-Sharaa also hosted a meeting with Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser, to discuss recently signed agreements regarding cooperation in railway and road infrastructure projects.
Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan hosted a working meeting with the Syrian-Saudi Business Council on August 27, seeking to expand banking cooperation, the facilitation of investment and other areas of bilateral coordination. An agreement was reached to establish a joint Syrian-Saudi bank.
Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral air transport agreement in Damascus on August 27, which the General Authority for Civil Aviation said consisted of 37 separate articles.
Transport Minister Yaroub Badr signed two memoranda of understanding with his Saudi counterpart Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser in Damascus on August 27, focused on cooperation and joint projects in railway and road transportation in Syria.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser to cooperate in the development of postal services in Syria.
The Energy Ministry signed a strategic agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and the Saudi National Water Transportation Company (WTCO) on August 27 to begin feasibility studies to establish and construct an integrated water desalination and transportation network.
The Ministry of Tourism announced a project in coordination with Saudi hotelier Narcissus to establish a new 5-star hotel in Damascus in cooperation with the Syrian-Saudi Business Council.
Deputy Governor of Aleppo Ali Hanoura received a visit by Turkey’s Trade Minister Omar Bolat on August 27, during which they visited Aleppo’s industrial city in Sheikh Najjar and engaged in meetings with the region’s business leaders.
Minister of Local Administration and Environment Mohammed Anjarani hosted a meeting with the CEO of the Saudi National Housing Company, Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Buti on August 27 to discuss the findings of technical meetings and assessments on municipal services and innovation in housing reconstruction in Syria.
Minister of Agriculture Bassel al-Sweidan hosted a meeting with the World Bank’s Regional Director for Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iraq, Fawaz Balbisi, on August 27 to discuss the bank’s support for the recovery of the agricultural sector.
Governor Azzam al-Gharib met separately in Aleppo city with the Ministers of Education (Mohammed Turko), Information (Khaled al-Zaarour) and Finance (Mohammed Barnieh) on August 27 to discuss their respective sectors, files and priorities for the region in the coming months.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of International Cooperation, Saad Baroud, hosted a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria, Karla Quintana on August 27.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of Afro-Asian Affairs, Nada al-Asaad, hosted a meeting with Belarusian Ambassador Yuri Sulga on August 27.
August 28:
The commander of the MOD’s Military Police, Brigadier General Abdul Qadir Al-Tahoush, traveled to Jordan on August 28 and met with his counterpart, Brigadier General Abdul Karim Al-Sabeela, to discuss coordination and cooperation, as well as exchange of expertise.
Agriculture Minister Bassel al-Sweidan signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi holding company “Mazareena” in Damascus on August 28, covering proposed assistance in strengthening the capabilities of the livestock sector, improving the efficiency of production, processing, and export operations, as well as developing supporting veterinary and food services.
Agriculture Minister al-Sweidan also signed 2 memoranda of understanding with the CEO of UAE-based “Emirates Alliance for Technological Solutions,” Ahmed Misbah al-Kaabi, on August 28 to begin feasibility studies for a “Paperless Ministry” — by establishing a “data center and technological infrastructure to support the development of the technological environment within the ministry, improve data management and information systems efficiency, and enhance the readiness of the digital infrastructure.”
Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Bassel Abdel Hannan, presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Ithraa Holding Company on August 28 to rehabilitate, expand and operate the Public Company for Iron and Steel Products in Hama. The agreement will last 30 years and will require the introduction of new equipment and the increase in steel production capacity of 350,000 tonnes per year within four years.
Syrian and Turkish authorities signed agreements on August 28 to expand the industrial zone at the Bab al-Hawa crossing area, and to establish, construct and operate a new cement plant in Aleppo.
The President of Syria’s Chambers of Commerce, Alaa al-Ali, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with his Iraqi counterpart, Amer al-Fahdawi, in Damascus on August 28 — to “revitalize trade, strengthen direct communication between business communities, and encourage investments and joint partnerships.”
Minister of Administrative Development, Mohammed al-Skaf, traveled to Cairo, Egypt to participate in the 59th General Assembly of the Arab Organization for Administrative Development within the Arab League.
August 29:
Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons signed two partnership agreements with the ICRC on August 29 to strengthen institutional cooperation in clarifying the fate and whereabouts of the missing and helping families resolve their uncertainty. ICRC country director Stephan Sakalian explained that the ICRC would help establish a national DNA laboratory dedicated solely to the missing file; and provide technical capacity building for the commission at national and local levels.
Later that day, Minister al-Sweidan signed another memorandum of understanding with the Saudi al-Sahli Group and al-Daroubi Group — both for conducting a joint study into expanding the scale of Syria’s poultry sector, reducing costs and supporting breeders.
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib hosted a visit by UN Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone on August 29, to discuss all of the UN’s ongoing work throughout the governorate and its plans for the future.
August 30:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa traveled to visit Daraa on August 30, reportedly visiting the former home of his grandfather.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani traveled to Tripoli, Libya on August 30 and met with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah; Libyan Director of International Cooperation, Taha al-Ba’our; Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdul Sadiq; Chairman and Executive Director of the Libyan Investment Authority, Ali Mahmoud Hassan.
Later that evening, Foreign Minister Shaybani presided over the re-opening of Syria’s Embassy in Tripoli.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of European Affairs, Sally Shobut, hosted a high-level delegation from Poland, led by Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wojciech Zajączkowski and Ambassador Justyna Borawska, Director of the Near East and Arab Countries on August 30.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of International Cooperation, Qutaiba Qadesh, hosted a meeting with UK Special Envoy Barrie Peach and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Syria Director David Hunt on August 30.
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib hosted a visit by the Governors of Hasakeh (Nour al-Din Ahmed) and Deir ez Zour (Ziyad al-Ayyash) as well as Assistant Minister of Defense for the Eastern Region, Sipan Hamo, Deputy Commander of the MOD’s 60th Division Ciya Kobani and Asayish, now MOI Commander Siyamend Afrin for meetings to discuss enhancing cross-governorate security cooperation and to accelerate the process of returning displaced peoples.
Information Minister Khaled al-Zaarour traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 30 and met with his Saudi counterpart, Salman Al-Dosari. During the visit, the Director of Syria’s General Organization for Radio and Television, law Barsilo, signed a cooperation agreement with his Saudi counterpart to establish a “joint media exchange task force” to share insights and expertise.
An MOI delegation traveled to Turkey on August 30 to visit the General Command of the Jandarma, including the Special Commando Command for Security and Public Order (JÖAK) and the Gendarmerie Horse and Dog Training Center (JAKEM). The delegation included Hussein Salman, Director of the Qualification and Training Department; Brigadier General Al-Baraa Al-Ali, Director of the Special Tasks Department; Colonel Abdul Razzaq Samaq, Director of the Protection and Diplomatic Security Department; and Colonel Abdul Rahim al-Jabbara, Director of the International Cooperation Department.
Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hosari, hosted a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Yasser Mohammed Abdulhalim Mohammed on August 30 to discuss enhancing civil aviation cooperation, re-establishing flights between Damascus and Cairo.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar traveled to Aleppo on August 30 and held an extended meeting with its Chamber of Commerce to discuss the state of the region’s industries and most prominent challenges it faces.
Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Youssef Sharaf, hosted a meeting with the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Amjad al-Mahdi, in Damascus on August 30 to discuss Syria’s key priorities in the climate sector.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat hosted a meeting with the Vatican’s Ambassador to Syria, Luigi Roberto Ruga on August 30 during which they discussed collaborating in humanitarian and development work.
August 31:
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen arrived in Damascus on August 31 for an official visit, where he was met at the airport by Foreign Ministry Advisor on European Affairs, Hamza al-Mustafa and Director of European Affairs, Sally Shobut.
Later that day, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani met with his Danish counterpart and jointly re-opened the Danish Embassy in Damascus.
Later that day, President Ahmed Al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen,
Syria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund signed an agreement with the UAE-based “Arada Group” on August 31 to launch a $7 billion real estate project in New Damascus that will included residential complexes and sites dedicated for hospitality, entertainment, education and healthcare over an area of 4 million square meters. Arada CEO Ahmed al-Khashibi said the project was part of the group’s “House for a House” project worldwide, where construction seeks to support returning refugees and displaced people.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 31 to launch Syria’s participation at the annual LEAP technology conference and expo.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of International Cooperation, Qutaiba Qadesh, traveled to Kuwait on August 31 and met with the Director-General of the Kuwaiti Fund for Economic Development of the Arab Region, Rashid Ali al-Bader to discuss proposals for financing several infrastructure projects in Syria.
Ministers of Finance (Mohammed Barnieh) and Social Affairs and Labor (Hind Kabawat) held a joint press conference in Damascus on August 31 announcing a new initiative to provide health coverage to the families of the missing and detainees, particularly the elderly. The initiative would be funded from the government’s Social Welfare Fund.
Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed hosted a meeting with the Director of al-Malikiyah, Shiro Mohammed Shiro, on August 31 to discuss the state of services and the community’s needs.
Later that day, Governor Nour al-Din Ahmed hosted a visit by a delegation from the MOD’s Military Police to discus the ongoing integration process and coordinating security in the region.
The Ministry of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with the French company LODI Consulting on August 31 to assist with moving forward on the operation and investment into a phosphate washing plant with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes.
The Ministry of Economy and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish company PalmeraMar in Damascus on August 31 to begin work towards establishing an industrial city in Hasiya, Homs dedicated to the production of marble. The agreement stipulated that the initial industrial zone would be 200 hectares large, expandable up to 1,400 hectares — at an initial cost of $30 million, eventually reaching $200 million. The Director General of the Industrial City of Hasiya, Talal Za’ib, said the project would generate 10,000 jobs during the constructive phase, with an additional 15,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs once the facility was operational.
Minister of Information Khaled Zaarour met with the CEO of MBC Studios, Mark Snesby, during his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 31. They discussed the potential for partnering in developing young talent in the media space, through the Saudi Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and the National Drama Committee.
Governor of Raqqa Abdulrahman Salama hosted a meeting with the Chairman of Syria’s National Commission for Transitional Justice, Abdulbasit Abdullatif, on August 31 during which they discussed ensuring justice for victims alongside the importance of maintaining and enforcing the rule of law in the transitional period.
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib hosted a visit by Jordanian Ambassador Sufyan al-Qudah on August 31.
The Foreign Ministry’s Director of European Affairs Sally Shobut hosted a meeting with Italian Ambassador Stefano Ravagnan in Damascus on August 31. Among topics they discussed was preparations being made to re-open the Syrian Embassy in Rome.
Minister of Public Works and Housing Mustafa Abdulrazzaq traveled to Tartus on August 31 and met with Governor Ahmed al-Shami to discuss the state of housing and service infrastructure, along with the roles being played by local housing associations, cooperative housing and other entities.
September 1:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a working meeting with his Danish counterpart Lars Løkke Rasmussen on September 1, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation.
In a subsequent press conference, Foreign Minister Shaybani added that flights between Damascus and Copenhagen would begin on September 21.
Later in the day, SARC President Hazem Bakleh accompanied Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen on a tour of Harasta
Governor of Hasakeh Nour al-Din Ahmed chaired the inaugural meeting of the governorate’s Executive Committee on September 1.
Governor of Homs Murhaf al-Naasan hosted consecutive meetings with Minister of Administrative Development Mohammed al-Skaf and CEO of the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) Yousef Qablawi on September 1.
Appointments:
President Ahmed Al-Sharaa issued a decree on August 27 appointing former SDF leader Mazloum Abdi as a Presidential Advisor — identifying him using his real name, Mustafa Khalil Abdi.
Speaker of Parliament Abdulhamid al-Awak announced on August 28 his decisions to appoint members and chairs of the parliament’s 26 committees.
Budget & Accounts: Amin Bashir al-Bashir
Constitutional & Legislative Affairs: Abdul Nasser Houshan
Health: Aref Abdulhamid Razouq
Defense, National Security & Emergencies: Khaldoun Jamal al-Ahmed
Agriculture & Food Security: Israa al-Mashhour
Public Freedoms & Human Rights: Hassan Soufan
Social Affairs & Labor: Mahmoud Mustafa
Financial Laws: Mustafa Akoush
Education: Waddah Najib Rajab
Economy: Lina Ayzouki
Local Administration & Development: Imad al-Ashraqani
Investment, Reconstruction & Sustainable Development: Hossam al-Din Tartari
Higher Education & Scientific Research: Ahmed Qaddour al-Aqdal
Family & Women: Asma al-Sabai
Diplomatic & Consular: Samira Wattar
Endowments, Religious Affairs & Fatwas: Adnan Mohammed Jamal al-Din al-Khatib
Tourism: Mahmoud al-Ali
Culture, Heritage & Cultural Diversity: Tareq Salou
Energy: Iqbal Mohammed Mansour
Transport: Kim Hasan Ibrahim
Ports & Customs: Mohamed al-Mudhaib
Youth & Sports: Wajdi Zaydo
Media: Mouayyad Qablawi
Communications, Digital Transformation & Information Technology: Lara Qadid
Transitional Justice & Civil Peace: Osama Mohammed al-Assaf
Victims & Martyrs of the Revolution Affairs: Ayman Shamo
Imad Fawaz al-Ayyash was revealed as the new commander of military police in Hasakeh on August 31. He originates from the Tel Hamis area.
Thaer Obayd al-Bilal was revealed as the new head of military security in Hasakeh on August 31. He is originally from the city’s Ghweiran district.
Rabie Nasser al-Afash was appointed as the Director of the Water Resources Directorate in Quneitra on September 1.
Political Developments:
According to Druze sources inside Suwayda, Israeli Druze leader Muwaffaq Tarif spoke by phone with Hikmat al-Hijri’s son Salman (who remains the de facto, day-to-day leader in Suwayda) on August 26 and told him he needed to acknowledge his Syrian identity and find a way to negotiate with President al-Sharaa. The call was reportedly ended abruptly.
Local notables from Jdeidat Artouz gathered in the central mosque on August 29 for a reconciliation session to ensure recent violence and tensions ceases.
In a statement issued on September 1, the government’s Internal Security command for Suwayda decried what it called “a pattern of violations and escalation” from the Druze National Guard, which it claims were “timed and purposeful — timed in coordination with the blocking of students from taking their exams in government areas, and by recent comments in regional media that had been perceived negatively in Suwayda. The statement added that “these groups have not advanced a single meter” and “Syrian blood is not a bargaining chip.”
The Ministry of Transport confirmed on September 1 that the Hasakeh and Qamishli transport directorates had been fully integrated into the government structures.
Economic Developments:
The Director of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, confirmed on August 26 that more than 5 million people had crossed officially into and out of Syria since December 2024, with 780,000 voluntary returns registered; 600,000 commercial trucks passing through ports.
The Syrian Petroleum Company explained in public comments on August 26 that three “strategic products” would be extracted from the Conoco Gas facility (also known as the Tabiyeh Gas Station) in Deir ez Zour: (1) light gas for power generation; (2) liquefied natural gas for household use; and (3) naphtha, for injection into crude oil.
Qatar’s National Bank (QNB) announced on August 27 that the “first fully integrated international payment transaction” via Mastercard had been completed through the QNB network earlier that day — allowing merchants, government entities, and companies to accept international payments using Mastercard credit cards through QNB Group's point-of-sale devices.
The Ministry of Economy and Industry declared the establishment of the Syrian Exporters Council led by Abdulqader Mohammed Tahhan on August 27 — responsible for coordinating Syria’s export industries.
The Director of Investment at Syria’s Public Establishment for Free Zones, Abdulrazzaq Kuntar, confirmed on August 30 that the rate of occupancy within free zones across Syria had now reached between 80-100% and that investment interest into them had reached 90% capacity. He added that plans were in place to begin rehabilitating roadways, railways and other core infrastructure to assist in activating new dry ports.
The Ministry of Finance announced on August 31 that total public revenues for the first half of 2026 had amounted to $2.7 billion, while public spending had risen to $3.7 billion, resulting in a fiscal deficit of nearly $1 billion. It added that public revenues had risen by 111% compared to the first half of 2026 and public spending had risen by 331% — due to rising salaries, expanded government spending, and higher costs of staple goods, services and imports. Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh clarified that the beginning of oil revenues in May 2026 would increase state revenues, along with improved tax and customs collection mechanisms, which were all expected to “strengthen the general treasury” going forward.
Agriculture Minister Bassel al-Sweidan announced on August 31 that due to a ruse in chicken prices, the importation of live chickens into Syria was now being permitted to “meet the needs of the local market and to help stabilize prices.”
Media reporting on August 31 confirmed that Syria’s government had approved the first foreign acquisition of a stake in a Syrian bank since the lifting of sanctions, with Qatar’s Estithmar Holding acquiring a 49% stake in al-Shahba Bank in Damascus. International law firm White and Case was involved in facilitating the deal.
Infrastructure Developments:
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib participated in a ceremony marking the resumption of electricity supplies to the Al-Sukkari district of Aleppo city and its 140,000 residents for the first time in 14 years. To achieve the resumption of service, 30 electricity substations were rehabilitated, 22km of new cabling was laid, and electricity pylons throughout the surrounding area repaired or replaced.
Kuwait’s Al-Moushtaraka Contracting Company confirmed on August 26 that it had won a $50 million bid to implement the maintenance, rehabilitation and expansion works of the M5 highway connecting Damascus with the Nassib border crossing with Jordan. The project is estimated to last 400 days.
Local authorities inaugurated a new post office in the village of Raju in Afrin on August 27 — the first such facility in the area for more than 15 years.
Local authorities inaugurated two new water wells and their solar arrays in the al-Lajat area of Daraa on August 27.
The Director General of Syria’s Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority, Khaled Al-Homsi, confirmed on August 27 that talks with SpaceX had reached “advanced stages” to officially license and regulate the use of Starling internet services in Syria.
Deputy Governor of Hasakeh Ahmed al-Hilali announced on August 29 that plans for infrastructure improvements for the region included new pumping of water from the Tigris River to assist with structural water needs; rehabilitating train stations in Qamishli and Hasakeh cities; opening up the Qamishli border crossing with Turkey; and rehabilitating the M4 highway.
The General Authority for Civil Aviation confirmed on August 29 that the first 2 of 8 Airbus A320 aircraft had been delivered for use by Syrian Airlines — each containing 156 seats (12 Business Class and 144 Economy Class) — as part of the airline’s fleet modernization program.
Syria’s National Commission for the Missing announced on August 30 that the “Athar” program had been launched — an online tool that allows families of the missing to register information on their loved ones and provide updates and additional information over time.
State electricity connectivity into the al-Maysar district of Aleppo city was reconnected late on August 31 for the first time in 12 years, following the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 18 substations in the surrounding area. The work was supported by the UNDP.
German airline LEAV Aviation conducted its first flight between Cologne and Deir ez Zour International Airport on September 1.
In a subsequent statement, the President of Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hosari, added that he was working on securing three additional regional destinations connected to Deir ez Zour.
Education Developments:
After a week of preparatory works undertaken by multiple government ministries, Governor to Suwayda Mustafa Bakkour confirmed late on August 26 that “all logistical and technical preparations in the accredited examination centers in the northern countryside of the Suwayda have been completed and fully renovated to receive students for the exceptional examination session” scheduled to begin on August 29. “All necessary supplies have been provided, and the supervisory and organizational teams have been fully formed in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure a suitable and safe examination environment,” Bakkour added.
Local education authorities inaugurated the newly constructed al-Nour Mubeen school in al-Dumayr on August 27.
The Ministry of Education issued a decree on August 27 announcing that the Kurdish language will be offered as a national language in public and private schools in Kurdish-majority areas of Syria; it will be offered at all educational levels as part of the national curriculum; it will be taught in 3 periods per week, in addition to Arabic and English, along with 1 period per week as an activity course; and that students can study social studies, history, geography and other theoretical subjects in Kurdish.
Governor of Idlib Mohammed Abdulrahman announced on August 27 that the governorate had successfully rehabilitated more than 600 schools and furnished them with essential supplies (desks, blackboards, furniture and schooling equipment) and that 200 further schools were in rehabilitation work.
A total of 130 Druze students from Suwayda managed to reach government examination centers in northern Suwayda on August 29 to sit their examinations that day — due to Druze National Guard militiamen preventing their passage. That represented approximately 1% of the estimated 13,000 students needing to sit exams.
In a statement, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Marianne Ward, said the the UN was “concerned by developments… including reports that students are being prevented from reaching examination centers and face other restrictions of movement.”
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi announced on August 29 that the al-Rashid Private University in Damascus was to be renamed the British University of Damascus and it will begin a number of programs and curricula based on British higher education standards and expertise.
Rojava University in Hasakeh issued a public statement on August 30 confirming their rejection of the government’s recently announced decision to introduce Kurdish language instruction at a level of 3 lessons per week, describing the step as “regressive” and demanding a fully bilingual university experience instead.
Governor of Aleppo Azzam al-Gharib and other local authorities inaugurated a total of 134 newly rehabilitated schools across the governorate, all capable of accommodating a total of 65,000 students.
Local authorities in the Yarmouk Camp in Damascus inaugurated a new secondary school with a capacity for 600 students on September 1.
Security Developments:
The Lebanese Armed Forces announced on August 26 that a Syrian man had been captured while attempting to smuggle a small cache of anti-tank rockets into Lebanon from Syria.
The Kurdish female YPJ announced on August 27 that it had met with officials from the MOI the previous day and discussed the possibility of their fighters being integrated into the MOI as “a distinct and organized force.” The meeting was “positive and constructive,” according to the YPJ statement.
The MOI delivered new government-branded vehicles for MOI Internal Security and Police in Kobani, Aleppo on August 30.
MOI Special Tasks personnel entered Hasakeh governorate on September 1 and deployed into the al-Tala’e Camp in a large convoy intended to represent the integration and assumption of security control by government authorities. Local media reporting explained that security control of the governorate would be “joint” involving former SDF personnel during an interim period.
Humanitarian Developments:
Staff from the SARC distributed 66 aid packages to families recently returned from displacement in Tartus on August 26.
A convoy of 61 displaced families departed from their IDP camps in the Azaz area of Aleppo on August 27 en route to their areas of origin elsewhere in northern Syria.
A convoy of 156 displaced families departed from their IDP camps in northern Idlib on August 27 en route to their areas of origin in Rif Dimashq, Damascus, Latakia and Hama.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor launched the “Cash Plus” program in al-Kiswah outside Damascus on August 27, whereby UNICEF support will provide cash assistance to vulnerable families with children aged 0-17 to combat food insecurity, poor health conditions, or risks to child protection.
A convoy of 46 displaced families departed camps in al-Atareb, Aleppo on August 30 en route to their areas of origin in Idlib (Maarat al-Numan, Kafranbel, Khan Sheikhoun, Abu al-Duhur, Saraqeb, Darat Izza), southern Aleppo (al-Safira), Damascus and Rif Dimashq (Harasta, al-Qaryatayn).
The WHO announced on August 31 that it had received approximately $14 million from the EU to support basic health services in Syria — including the provision of medicine for non-communicable diseases, emergency care, mental health, and equipment for kidney dialysis, emergency rooms, surgeries and intensive care units.
A number of displaced Arab families returned to the al-Aziziyah district of Hasakeh city on August 31 after more than 10 years away — in an operation facilitated by Internal Security commander Marwan al-Ali and Deputy Governor Ahmed al-Hilali.
Health Developments:
Provincial authorities in Hama announced the launch of a major rehabilitation project for the emergency department at Hama National Hospital on August 26 — supported by the “For the Sake of Hama” fundraising campaign.
The Directorate of Health in Raqqa delivered a set of new medical equipment - including 5 incubators, 5 mechanical ventilators, 7 vital sign monitoring devices, and a full set of equipment for the operating room, including a surgical operating table, ceiling operating lights, an anesthesia machine, a coagulation device, and a humidification sterilizer - to the Children’s Hospital in Raqqa on August 28. The equipment was donated by the UAE.
The Ministry of Health launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on August 30, seeking to provide all children aged 1-5 with vaccines for measles, rubella and polio in Aleppo, Hasakeh, Raqqa, Deir ez Zour and Daraa.
Homs’ Directorate of Health launched two mobile blood clinics in for the first time in the governorate’s history on August 31, thanks to the support from The WHO and Medicins Sans Frontiers.
Justice Developments:
Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court sentenced Abdulnasser Buraqi to death on August 27, after finding him guilty of forcible detention, enforced disappearances, and extortion while operating as an Assad regime informant.
International Developments:
The Spanish government confirmed Antonio González-Zavala Peña as its new Ambassador to Syria on August 25 - the first such appointment since 2012.
UNHCR in Jordan announced on August 27 that approximately 220,000 Syrian refugees had returned to Syria since December 2024 — 45,000 of which returned so far in 2026.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a decree on August 27 exempting Syrian citizens holding diplomatic passports from any visa requirements to enter Turkey.
The Director General of Turkey’s Ziraat Bank, Alpaslan Çakar, confirmed on August 30 that all necessary legal procedures for resuming banking activities inside Syria had been completed and an official request had been submitted to the Syrian Central Bank to begin establishing branches in Syria.
The UN unanimously adopted a Syrian-submitted resolution on August 31 declaring December 19 to be the International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of the Missing.
CONFLICT & SECURITY:
Israel:
Israeli military forces launched an incursion into the village of Umm Batna in Quneitra on August 25, where a pop-up checkpoint was established to stop, search and question all passing locals.
Israeli authorities released 4 Syrian men from detention on August 26, following periods in arbitrary detention lasting between 4 months and more than a year.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into an area located between the villages of al-Ajraf and Umm Batna in central Quneitra early on August 26.
Later that day, another incursion was launched into the village of Jamla in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin, where several homes were raided.
That night, another incursion was launched into the village of Taranja in northern Quneitra, where one home was raided.
Israeli military forces launched 3 artillery shells towards the Bayt al-Wardah area near Beit Jinn in Rif Dimashq late on August 26.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into an area located between Ofaniya and Khan Arnabeh in Quneitra on August 27.
Later that evening, Israeli forces launched additional ground incursions — one into an area between Khan Arnabeh and al-Samdaniya al-Sharqiya in Quneitra; one into the village of Briqa in Quneitra; one into the village of Sayda al-Hanout in southern Quneitra; one into the village of al-Kudna in central Quneitra; one into the village of al-Aardah in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin; and another into the village of Ras al-Ajraf in southern Quneitra, where multiple homes were raided.
Israeli military forces fired 2 artillery shells into the Beit al-Wardeh area near Beit Jinn in Rif Dimashq late on August 27.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Abidin in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin in the early hours of August 28.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Taranja in northern Quneitra on August 28.
Later that day, another incursion was launched into the village of Umm Batna in central Quneitra.
Israeli military forces launched at least 4 artillery shells into the Beit al-Wardeh area near Beit Jinn in Rif Dimashq on August 29.
Later that evening, two more artillery shells were fired into the Tel Ahmar al-Sharqi area of Quneitra.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the al-Kasarat and Tel al-Hawa areas on the outskirts of the village of Jubata al-Khashab in northern Quneitra on August 30.
Later that evening, additional incursions were launched — one into the village of Taranja in northern Quneitra, where one local home was raided; one into the village of al-Ajraf in central Quneitra.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Muallaqa in southern Quneitra early on August 31.
Israeli military forces opened fire with heavy machine guns towards residential Homs in the village of Maariya in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin late on August 31.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Jamla in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin in the early hours of September 1.
Later that morning, one local man was detained by Israeli military forces during an incursion into the village of al-Rufayd in southern Quneitra.
ISIS:
N/A
Idlib:
One child was injured after triggering an unexploded landmine near the village of al-Bara in Jabal al-Zawiyeh on August 25.
Aleppo:
Sunni imam Sheikh Abdulrahman al-Ja’ad was kidnapped and executed by unidentified gunmen near the town of Souran in northern Aleppo on August 25.
The MOI announced the following day that a group of people had been detained and charged with carrying out the killing, which was “criminal” in nature.
One civilian was killed in crossfire during clashes between rival families in the al-Hazawnah area near Manbij east of Aleppo on August 26.
One man was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen after his vehicle was ambushed in the al-Mahmoudiya area outside Afrin on August 31.
Latakia:
Two former Assad regime Colonel Hisham Barakat (the former commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade) and Brigadier General Marwan Barakat (formerly of the 15th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division), were detained in a targeted MOI raid in Qardaha on August 26.
Tartus:
Former Assad regime commander of the Special Forces 25th Brigade, Firas Abdulkarim Hamoud (“al-Khal”) was killed in an MOI targeted raid on his hideout in Safita on August 30. He stood accused of involvement in anti-government insurgent activity, as well as crimes committed during the time of the previous regime.
Hama:
N/A
Homs:
N/A
Raqqa:
One child was killed and another injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Tarawziya on August 27.
MOI Internal Security forces intercepted a 2-person kidnapping cell as they were preparing to kidnap a local in Raqqa city on August 30.
Hasakeh:
Two civilians were killed when an unidentified explosive device — reported variously as an unexploded munition or a hand grenade - detonated in Hasakeh city on August 28.
Deir ez Zour:
Rival clans engaged in clashes in the town of Dhiban in eastern Deir ez Zour late on August 28, but no casualties were confirmed. MOI Internal Security deployed to enforce a temporary curfew.
One drug trafficker was detained and 37kg of hashish was seized from his possession in a targeted raid by MOI Internal Security forces in Deir ez Zour on August 29.
Eight civilians from one family - including 3 children and 1 woman - were killed when their vehicle triggered an unexploded landmine in the al-Muayni area of the desert outside al-Mayadin on August 31.
Rif Dimashq:
Two civilians were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine near al-Dumayr on August 25.
MOI Internal Security forces deployed into the town of Jdeidat Artouz late on August 27 to put a stop to clashes between rival families - one from Deir ez Zour and one from the area. A curfew was imposed and no casualties caused.
The following night, violence re-erupted, triggering a further deployment of MOI Internal Security.
Damascus:
N/A
Daraa:
One civilian was killed and another injured in clashes between rival families that erupted during a wedding ceremony in al-Sahwah in rural Daraa late on August 28.
One man, identified as Tariq al-Qarazeh, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Nawa late on August 29. MOI Internal Security forces deployed to the town that night and enforced a curfew, to prevent any further violence.
A local lawyer, identified as Mohammed Arafat, survived unharmed an assassination attempt by two unidentified gunmen on a motorbike in Nawa on August 29.
Suwayda:
Clashes erupted between rival Druze militiamen outside the governorate building in Suwayda city on August 26, as gunmen linked to a man killed in disputed circumstances several days earlier stormed the building to demand justice and revenge.
One man was injured when an exploded munition he was carrying unexpectedly detonated in Suwayda city on August 26.
Jordanian armed forces intercepted and captured two Syrian men attempting to illegally infiltrate Jordan from Suwayda’s southern desert in the early hours of August 27.
Druze National Guard forces mobilized on August 27 to cut off general civilian access to the Damascus highway via the Umm al-Zaytoun checkpoint — focusing particularly on preventing children aged 15-18 from passing to take their examinations in government-controlled areas.
MOI Internal Security forces secured the release of a Christian man who had been kidnapped by Druze National Guard militiamen approximately one month earlier and tortured while in their custody. He was extracted back to government areas on August 27.
Druze National Guard militiamen opened fire with heavy machine guns and several mortar rounds towards government MOI Internal Security positions along the al-Walgha frontline late on August 27, triggering clashes. No casualties were confirmed.
One combatant was killed in a brief clash between rival Druze gunmen in the village of al-Rashida in eastern Suwayda on August 27.
The following day, another combatant was killed in another clash in the village.
At least 2 combatants were killed and others injured in heavy clashes between rival Druze National Guard militias in Suwayda city late on August 28. Local reporting added that National Guard commanders Rami Ishtar and Ghayth al-Quntar were both injured and that fighting erupted when Nawras Azzam - a senior commander close to Salman al-Hijri - was besieged by rival fighters who accused him of complicity in secretly moving prisoners to undeclared detention sites.
Subsequent local media reporting claimed the clashes began when Ghayth al-Quntar and gunmen loyal to him raided a marriage celebration and opened fire into the air with machine guns and one RPG — injuring one person. Rival gunmen then intervened, triggering clashes that spread in the city, forcing Quntar and Nawras Azzam into hiding.
Druze National Guard militiamen mobilized reinforcements at the al-Anqoud checkpoint at the entry to Suwayda city on the Damascus highway early on August 29 to prevent students from passing into government areas to sit their examinations. The moves were reportedly coordinated by commanders Sakhar Malak and Yaroub Zahreddine. One student was beaten by militiamen for filming buses being stopped and turned around. He was taken to Suwayda National Hospital.
Additional National Guard mobilizations also took place in Salkhad as well as in Shahba, where a delegation from Suwayda’s Education Directorate was intercepted by militiamen and prevented from traveling to government-managed examination centers.
MOI counternarcotics forces intercepted drug traffickers in eastern rural Suwayda on August 29 and seized 382,000 captagon pills and 138kg of hashish from their possession.
Druze National Guard militiamen engaged in heavy stand-off clashes with MOI Internal Security along the Tel al-Hadid frontline in western rural Suwayda late on August 29. No casualties were confirmed.
One person was killed and another injured when their tractor triggered an unexploded landmine in farmland west of Suwayda city on August 30.
Druze National Guard militiamen deployed additional reinforcements to Shahba early on August 30 and established three new checkpoints on the main road between Shahba and Suwayda city in order to further prevent students from traveling into government-held areas to sit their examinations.
At the al-Anqoud checkpoint on the outskirts of Suwayda city, 6 students were caught and beaten by militiamen after attempting to evade being stopped.
Later that day, one student and his driver were shot and injured by militiamen — also in being blocked from driving towards government areas.
Druze National Guard militiamen loyal to commander Bassel Khodr raided the home of the Hatoum family in Suwayda city on August 30 and reportedly beat a girl inside for unknown reasons. She was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Jordanian armed forces intercepted approximately 200,000 captagon pills smuggled on-board helium-filled heavy-lift balloons launched from Suwayda’s southern desert early on August 31.
At least 10 MOI Internal Security force personnel were injured when Druze National Guard militiamen reportedly launched several suicide drones targeting their positions on the al-Mansoura frontline in western Suwayda late on August 31 — triggering heavy stand-off clashes that spread along the Walgha and Tel Hadid frontlines. One civilian was injured in retaliatory MOI shelling.