FREE: Syria Weekly: April 29-May 6, 2025
Syria's Druze question comes to the fore, as Israel pounces & violence spikes; French engagement steps up; ISIS escalates further; & SDF-Damascus talks resume; & more.
Dear readers — as usual, with it being the first of the month, this newsletter comes free to all readers. I hope you find it insightful, amidst extremely busy times in and around Syria.
Please consider subscribing in order to receive all the rest of Syria Weekly’s products through the rest of the month. As normal, a data update will be coming on Thursday.
SYRIA’S TRANSITION:
Transition Meetings:
April 29:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II and a wider delegation from the Syriac Orthodox Church in the People’s Palace on April 29.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani held meetings in New York on April 29 with the permanent representatives of European states and the EU to the UN; with Russia’s Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzia; Turkey’s Ambassador to the UN, Ahmet Yildiz; and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
In speeches to the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly on April 29, Foreign Minister Shaybani called on the international community to lift all sanctions on Syria “immediately” and claimed that “competition among countries” had “undermined” several UN initiatives in Syria. Shaybani also condemned Israeli military actions in Syria, describing them as “a threat to regional security” that risks “fueling new grievances that could escalate into a wider conflict.” He also added that Syria’s government was “working to document crimes, seek justice, and prevent the recurrence of violations” across Syria.
On April 29, Foreign Minister Shaybani also met with a delegation from the U.S. State Department to discuss the status of engagement, the issue of U.S. conditions for sanctions easing, and other issues of shared concern. Shaybani also held meetings with Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nuno Sampaio and with U.S.-based Bishop Jean Kawak from the Syriac Orthodox Church. Notably, Bishop Kawak has been a vocal critic of the transitional government, calling on the Trump administration to maintain all sanctions on Syria.
Minister of Culture Mohammed Saleh hosted a meeting with his visiting Qatari counterpart Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani in Damascus on April 29.
Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr hosted a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Syria, Omar Hayat Khan in Damascus on April 29 to discuss boosting transport ties between Pakistan and Syria in order to boost investment, trade and economic exchange.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir met with UNICEF’s representative to Syria Yasumasa Kimura in Damascus on April 29.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab hosted a meeting with all 14 governors from across Syria in order to discuss ways to strengthen civil peace.
Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Abdelqader Hasriyah attended a dinner hosted by the Syrian American Council in Washington DC on April 29, during which opportunities for Syria’s diaspora to support Syria’s economic recovery were discussed.
April 30:
Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Abdelqader Hasriyah met with the IMF’s Director of Statistics, Bert Kroese in Washington DC on April 30 and discussed the need to provide Syria with technical support and capacity building in the areas of national accounts and price statistics, monetary statistics, public finance statistics, and balance of payments statistics, as well as the requisite training for employees in Syria’s national Statistics Authority, and in the Central Bank of Syria and the Ministry of Finance.
On April 30, Minister of Finance Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Hasriyah also met with the World Bank’s Global Director of Finance, Jean Pesme and Regional Director for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions, Nadir Mohammed and discussed a number of areas for potential collaboration, including reforming Syria’s pension system; rebuilding financial infrastructure and modernizing regulatory frameworks; utilizing digital technologies to expand access and enhance efficiency; and establishing a credit bureau to enable the safe and effective resumption of lending by the banking sector.
Syrian Minister of Endowments, Mohammed Abu al-Khayr Shukri hosted a meeting with a delegation from the World Council of Churches in Damascus on April 30, to discuss civil peace and inter-faith dialogue.
Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Response Raed al-Saleh took part in a ceremony in Doha, Qatar late on April 30 in which the Qatari government donated heavy and specialized disaster response equipment to Syria.
May 1:
In a ceremony presided over by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the French shipping giant CMA CGM signed a 30-year €230 million contract with Syria’s government to manage Latakia Port and to invest in a five-year rehabilitation and capacity expansion project. According to Syrian media reporting, €30 million will be invested in the first year, and the remaining €200 million would be spent over the following four years. One major project would involve the construction of a new 1.5km long quay reaching 17 meters into the ocean, allowing larger container ships to dock.
President al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with a delegation of Chinese businessmen and investors in Damascus on May 1.
A delegation from the World Bank met with the Director of Syria’s Agency for Financial Supervision in Damascus on May 1, and discussed potential collaboration in Syria’s audit systems and efforts to boost financial governance standards.
Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr met with a delegation of Chinese businessmen and investors in Damascus on May 1 in order to discuss potential Chinese investment in Syria’s transport sector – specifically cargo transport, railways, electric vehicles and broader training of transport workforce.
Following his meeting with Chinese investors, Transport Minister Badr met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss updates on the ministry’s plans for infrastructure upgrades, rural-urban connectivity, and safety standards.
Syria’s Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Amjad Badr hosted a meeting with UK Special Envoy to Syria Ann Snow in Damascus on May 1, during which they discussed potential UK support to Syria’s agricultural sector through water harvesting and pest control programming.
EU Special Envoy to Syria Michael Ohnmacht met with Syria’s Justice Minister Mazhar al-Ways on May 1 and discussed the urgent need to rebuild Syria’s judiciary in order to better ensure integrity and stabilizing justice.
May 2:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani welcomed Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt to the People’s Palace on May 2 – amidst ongoing tensions in Suwayda and associated threats from Israel.
In a subsequent readout, Jumblatt “expressed his satisfaction with the Arab and international openness toward the new Syrian state, and considered that this openness contributes to strengthening Syria's unity and stability… Both sides stressed the need for the Syrian state to fulfill its responsibilities in preserving the security of the homeland and its citizens… praised the Syrian state's efforts in communicating and engaging in dialogue with various components of the Syrian people, emphasizing the important role of the Druze community in state institutions and agencies.”
President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a meeting with Dr. Kamel Ghribi, Chairman of GKSD Holding and the San Donato Hospital Group, as well as his advisor Dr. Tamam Youssef, at the People’s Palace.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting on May 2 with American businessman Jonathan Bass, the CEO of Argent LNG and discussed the future of minority communities in Syria.
Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Hasriyeh traveled to the UAE on May 2 and met with Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the Deputy Minister of State, Deputy Prime Minister of the Cabinet and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Central Bank.
The Governor of Rif Dimashq, Amr Sheikh; Governor of Quneitra, Ahmed al-Dalati; and the Director of the Security Directorate in Rif Dimashq, Lieutenant Colonel Hussam al-Tahhan, met with senior leaders representing Jaramana on May 2 to discuss the distribution of Public Security forces in the areas and agreeing on a timeline for the full implementation of the agreement made for security.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat on May 2 and discussed opportunities to “enhance social development and to support the labor market.”
May 3:
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani hosted a meeting on May 3 in Damascus with a visiting delegation from the UAE government, led by Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Knowledge Exchange and Competitiveness Abdullah Lootah.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Syrian Turkmen Council, headed up by Faisal Jumaa bin Jassem at the People’s Palace in Damascus on May 3.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Heikal on May 3 to discuss plans to enhance Syria’s digital infrastructure and to enhance the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Minister of Endowments Mohammed Abu al-Khayr Shukri on May 3 and discussed “promoting moderate religious discourse and consolidating the values of tolerance and national belonging” and the central role of “religious institutions in strengthening societal unity.”
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir met with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah and discussed multilateral energy collaboration and plans on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit.
Bashir later also met with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov, after which he made a number of significant announcements, declaring that Syria would soon sign an agreement with Turkey to begin importing electricity via a 400 kV line; begin a major gas pipeline project linking Turkey’s Kilis and Aleppo, suppling 6 million cubic feet of gas per day to Syrian power plants; and that studies were underway for another gas pipeline between Turkey’s Hatay and Idlib. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed the same news himself, stating that the pipeline from Kilis would begin operation within “a few weeks.”
Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa hosted a meeting with Interior Minister Anas Khattab on May 3 in order to discuss “coordinating efforts to facilitate the work of media organizations and the issuance of media licenses.”
Eastern Ghouta district official Mohammed Ali Amer met with senior leaders of the Jaramana City Council on May 3 in order to discuss their service needs and to begin approving several regulatory plans for the area.
May 4:
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting in the People’s Palace with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov on May 4, and later that day, the Azeri Deputy Prime Minister also held meetings with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani, Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, Minister of Economy Nidal al-Shaar and several other ministers.
Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr hosted a meeting with Italian Charge d’Affairs to Syria Stefano Ravagnan in Damascus on May 4, during which they discussed potential Italian support to Syria’s olive oil industry.
The Governor of Daraa Anwar al-Zoubi hosted a meeting with a senior UN delegation, led by country director Adam Abdelmoula in Daraa on May 4, during which they discussed the governorate’s humanitarian needs.
Minister for Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi hosted a meeting with Pakistan’s Charge d’Affairs in Damascus, Omar Hayat Khan on May 4 in order to discuss the planned establishment of the Syrian-Pakistani Information Technology Center and other bilateral mechanisms for enhancing scientific cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Syria Faisal al-Mufjel hosted a meeting with Syria’s Minister of Culture Mohammed Yasin Saleh in Damascus on May.
Minister for Administrative Development Mohammed Skaf hosted a meeting with a visiting delegation from the UAE on May 5 in order to discuss potential opportunities to “exchange expertise in the field of public administration.”
Governor of Latakia Mohammed Othman hosted a meeting with a large delegation of Christian leaders and congregants on May 4, “to continue to build upon social cohesion and communication.”
May 5:
Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr hosted a meeting with Turkey’s Ambassador to Syria Burhan Koroglu in Damascus on May 5.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Heikal met with the Saudi Ambassador to Syria Faisal Mufjel in Damascus on May 5.
The President of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, Issam al-Ghariwati, hosted a meeting with a visiting delegation from the UAE, led by Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Knowledge Exchange and Competitiveness, Abdullah Lootah, during which they discussed Syria’s economic crisis and opportunities for recovery, reconstruction and regional re-integraton.
Minister of Interior Anas Khattab held a meeting on May 5 with Minister of Transport Yaroub Badr in order to discuss opportunities to better coordinate work between their respective ministries, including through a better regulation of vehicle and driving licenses; new mechanisms to respond to vehicle theft; and the need to improve driving discipline and traffic management.
May 6:
Minister of Interior Anas Khattab held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Ali Yerlikaya on May 6 and discussed the security challenges faced within Syria and opportunities for Syrian-Turkish coordination.
A delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) arrived in Damascus on May 6 for a visit following up on the recent visit to Washington DC by Syria’s Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Hasriyeh.
Governor of Quneitra Ahmed al-Dalati hosted a meeting with UNOCHA coordinator Adam Abdelmoula on May 6 in order to discuss aid needs and mechanisms in the area and to enhance coordination between his provincial office and the UN in Damascus.
The government’s director for Eastern Ghouta, Mohammed Ali Air convened a civil society meeting involving religious, political and civil society notables from Jaramana in order to sustain a conversation around the promotion of civil peace.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Heikal inaugurated the first “AI-Syria 2025” conference on artificial intelligence in Damascus.
Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr hosted a meeting with the Director of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) for Syria and Jordan, Mohieldinne Hilali and discussed the establishment of a new gene bank for fruit trees and other crops, as well as potential steps to enhance Syria’s irrigation system.
Appointments:
Hussein al-Salamah (Abu Musab al-Shuheil) was appointed as the head of Syria’s General Intelligence Service on May 3. Originally from al-Shuheil in Deir ez Zour, Salamah was a long-time veteran of Jabhat al-Nusra, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and HTS, who played leadership roles in, and representative of eastern Syria. Until his appointment, Salamah was the head of the government’s team negotiating with the SDF.
The Syrian Presidency announced on May 4 the appointment of Amr al-Ali as the Chairman of Syria’s Central Authority for Control and Inspection.
Brigadier General Ahmed al-Hays (Abu Hatem Shaqra) was appointed as the commander of the Syrian Army’s 86th Division – responsible for operations across Deir ez Zour, Hasakeh and Raqqa – on May 5. Abu Hatem al-Shaqra had previously led Ahrar al-Sharqiyah within the SNA.
Minister of Interior Anas Khattab appointed Noureddine al-Babah as the ministry’s official spokesman on May 5.
Political Developments:
In a written statement issued on April 29, Druze representatives from civil society and religious leaderships in Jaramana and officials from the Rif Dimashq’s governor’s office agreed to hold accountable any and all perpetrators of recent violence; to clarify “the truth” of what occurred in Jaramana to media; to guarantee the full restoration of rights for local citizens; to ensure compensation for families of those killed; to end all forms of mobilization; and to ensure safe travel between Damascus and Suwayda.
On April 29, prominent Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned what he called “takfiri gangs” for committing “terrorist attacks” against Druze communities in Jaramana over the preceding 24hrs.
On April 30, with hostilities ongoing in Sahnaya, Syria’s Grand Mufti Osama al-Rifai declared that the taking of any Syrian blood was “haram” (forbidden) and ordered an immediate end to all calls for revenge or retaliation. “Only by extinguishing strife will Syrian blood be spared,” he added.
In an interview with Al Arabiya on April 30, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani reflected on the state of talks with the U.S., noting that engagement is “direct and at the highest levels,” with both sides sharing “many common interests.” Shaybani claimed that the U.S. had not asked Syria to join the Abraham Accords, adding that Israel’s recent military actions in the post-Assad Syria were “unacceptable.” Shaybani also added that Syria needed to cooperate with China “for reconstruction;” that “we desire a balanced relationship with Russia, based on mutual respect;” and that the transition seeks to have a “national parliament that represents the people… and includes all spectrums in order to be diverse.”
In a public statement issued on May 1, Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned the deadly hostilities that gripped Sahnaya in Rif Dimashq the previous day and called for the international community to intervene to protect Syria’s Druze from “an unjustified genocidal attack,” claiming “we no longer trust the organization that claims to be a government.”
In a public statement issued on May 1, the Druze religious council in Jaramana declared conditions in the area back to normal, expressing “appreciation” for Public Security forces which it said had displayed “wisdom and self-restraint” and a “spirit of responsibility” since re-deploying into Jaramana following violence three days earlier.
Late on May 1, a comprehensive security agreement was announced in Jaramana, agreed to by the town’s Druze religious and political leaders and the Interior Ministry. The agreement stipulated that Public Security forces would re-establish security throughout the area; all weaponry would be surrendered to the state; and all religious sites would be protected by government forces.
In an hours-long meeting on May 1, Suwayda’s Druze religious and civil leaders met together with government-appointed Governor Mustafa Bakkour and representatives from Public Security in order to determine an agreement to stabilize the governorate and tie it together with Damascus. Late that day, senior Druze figures announced that Suwayda stood united with a cohesive Syria; that the governorate opposed any divisive or separatist agendas; and that the Interior Ministry would establish security through the local population. Notably, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri attended the meeting but departed before the final agreement was made and announced.
Following the announcement, Sheikh Laith al-Balous gave an interview to Syria Television in which he warned that “there are those who seek to sabotage and we are trying to put an end to them in coordination with the government” – a presumed reference both to gunmen loyal to Hijri and to Bedouin gunmen in Suwayda responsible for recent clashes.
In a public statement early on May 2, the Syrian Presidency condemned the Israeli airstrike in the vicinity of the People’s Palace the night before, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that “reflects a continuation of reckless actions that seek to destabilize the country and exacerbate security crises, while targeting our national security and the unity of Syria’s people.”
In a public statement on May 2, the Suwayda Military Council – widely considered to maintain links to Israel – declared its opposition to the security accord agreed in Suwayda the previous night, calling it “provocative” and promising “a forceful response” to any effort by government forces to enter Suwayda.
Later on May 2, government-appointed Governor in Suwayda, Mustafa Bakkour, accused the Suwayda Military Council specifically of “obstructing” the security accord in Suwayda, claiming SMC gunmen had been accused of multiple brief attacks on newly established checkpoints administered jointly by Public Security forces and Druze militiamen.
The collective Druze religious leadership in Suwayda issued a statement on May 3 confirming that the agreement signed on May 1 with the government: “stipulates activating the role of the Ministry of Interior and the judicial police in Suwayda from the sons of the province; securing the Suwayda-Damascus road as the responsibility of the state; and that spreading security and safety must be accomplished throughout Syrian lands. The meeting did not issue anything regarding the surrender of weapons because our weapons are our dignity.”
Intensive negotiations lasted throughout much of May 3 between Suwayda’s religious, civil and military leadership and the central government, in order to finalize and confirm a final agreement on security and Suwayda’s integration into the state. The talks were attended by Sheikhs Hikmat al-Hijri, Yousef al-Jarbou, Hamoud al-Hinawi, Hassan al-Atrash, Yahya Amer, Atef Hunaidi, Wassim Ezzeldeen, Adham Jarbou, Mahran Jazan, Yahya Hajjar and the leaders of all core Druze armed militias. By the end of the day, a deal had been reached, stipulating that local police and provincial (or judicial) police would be comprised solely of Suwayda locals, but that the latter force would fall under Interior Ministry control. The talks did not come to any agreement on the issue of weapons surrenders, and it agreed that the security of the Suwayda-Damascus highway would be the responsibility of the government.
On May 3, to mark World Press Freedom Day, the Ministry of Information released a public commitment to media openness and freedom – what it called “a fundamental pillar of our national project.” The statement declared that “The press is an effective partner in consolidating stability and strengthening the process of building a state of citizenship and the rule of law” and that “We continue to implement legislative and institutional reforms aimed at establishing a free and safe media environment.”
On May 4, Suwayda Governor Mustafa Bakkour announced and confirmed that the agreement sealed in previous days with the governorate’s religious and military leadership had begun to be implemented, with local and judicial police staffed by locals beginning to deploy onto the Suwayda-Damascus highway and into the village of al-Sura al-Kubra, where recent fighting had been most intense. Bakkour also confirmed that the governorate’s police forces were now being supervised under the command of the Interior Ministry in Damascus. Meanwhile, government security forces began to disengage.
The AANES announced on May 5 that military operations and protests were to end in the Tishreen Dam area, after what it called 100 days of “steadfastness and dedication.” In practice, the decision came as part of a pre-agreed deal with Damascus to conduct a phased handover of the facility and its surrounding area to government authorities.
The announcement came on the same day that delegations from the government (led by Hussein al-Salamah) and the SDF (led by Mazloum Abdi) met in the former U.S. al-Omar military base in Deir ez Zour to discuss the next steps in their prolonged process of negotiations and gradual integration. Some local media claimed that SDF-linked local councils in the governorate had been told they were no longer in employment within the AANES – suggesting that the integration of all of Deir ez Zour under government control may be approaching.
Economic Developments:
A 3rd convoy of Iraqi grain crossed into eastern Syria on May 4, destined for Idlib. This followed the first two grain shipments from Iraq on April 26 and April 28, which were sent to Homs and Deir ez Zour, respectively.
Approximately 30,000 tonnes of Syrian-produced phosphate was loaded onto the “Ibrahim” cargo ship on May 4 for planned export to Romania.
Syria’s General Organization for Social Insurance and Pensions confirmed on May 4 that the country’s 700,000 retirees continued to receive their pensions, following payments in January, February, March and April 2025.
Infrastructure Developments:
Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Heikal announced on May 3 the “Ugarit-2” project, in which the U.S.-based company UNIFI and Cyprus’ Telecommunications Authority would partner in a project to upgrade Syria’s 30-year-old submarine communications cabling from Cyprus in order to “double” the country’s internet capacity within two months. The project was “licensed” by the U.S., according to Heikal.
The Baniyas Refinery resumed operations on May 4 after a several day paise due to a technical fault in the facility’s central power grid.
In a joint statement on May 4, Syrian Telecom, MTN, SyriaTel and the Syrian Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority announced a set of new “packages” for citizens that would lower prices and enhance services. Special packages were also to be made available to “members of the security services, the army and university students” and all browsing of Syrian websites would become free of charge for all.
Hama governorate’s Directorate for Water Resources confirmed on May 4 that it had entered into an agreement with the Switzerland-based Christian charity HEKS-EPER to conduct maintenance and rehabilitation of the Rastan Dam to better control irrigation and provide water.
Minster of Infrastructure Yaroub Badr hosted a meeting with all 14 of Syria’s provincial directors of transport in order to begin planning how to improve services nationwide and to more efficiently facilitate service transactions through the use of digital and automated systems.
Syria’s state television channel al-Ikhbariyah officially relaunched on satellite on May 5, with Moaz al-Mohareb introducing viewers to the new branding, imagery and content.
Aleppo International Airport received its first commercial flight from Jordan on May 6, for the first time in 14 years.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir presided over the inauguration of a new 30MV power substation in Arbin in Rif Dimashq on May 6, designed to improve grid stability in the region.
Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Heikal conducted a test launch of a 5G network on Damascus on May 6.
Education Developments:
Minister of Education Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko announced on May 5 an emerging approach and thinking around Syria’s new education sector, stating:
“Within the framework of our vision aimed at developing the educational system in the new Syria and enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency, we fully recognize the importance of implementing the principle of administrative decentralization… We have strengthened the institution of delegation and participation in decision-making… These decisions relate to the progress of the educational process in the governorates through the distribution of powers between governors and directors of education in the governorates… administrative decentralization will enable the Ministry to achieve a more flexible and effective response to local needs, which vary according to the actual situation and requirements available in each governorate.”
Health Developments:
The Ministry of Health delivered a truckload of medical supplies, medicines and other health-related assistance to Suwayda city on May 5, as a response to the recent fighting in the governorate.
Security Developments:
Media reporting emerged on April 29 claiming that a document had been leaked from within Syria’s transitional government that showed a “committee” had allegedly been established to “monitor Palestinian factions” in the country – amid a U.S. demand that Palestinian armed groups hostile to Israel be prevented from operating in Syria.
The Interior Ministry fast-track approved approximately 700 Druze militiamen entry into the Public Security forces in Suwayda on May 2, as part of the implementation of a security accord agreed with Druze leaders late on May 1. A further 1,300 men’s names remained in processing.
The SDF announced on May 3 that five female YPJ fighters had been killed as suicide bombers during hostilities with the Turkish military near the Tishreen Dam in December 2024.
Humanitarian Developments:
Jordan’s Ministry of Interior announced on April 29 that Syrian university professors, university students, Syrians with commercial registrations and Syrians with real estate in Jordan could all begin entering Jordan without any prior approval.
A delegation from the German government received and repatriated one woman and her four children from al-Roj camp on May 2 – in coordination with the SDF and AANES.
Justice Developments:
The Ministry of Justice issued an arrest warrant on April 20 for a man – Marwan Kiwan – who had been found responsible for an audio recording insulting the Prophet Mohammed that triggered days of instability, protest and violence in Syria.
On May 2, the Governor of Rif Dimashq Amr Sheikh ordered the release of 32 men detained in Sahnaya in previous days.
On May 4, Public Security released a further 22 men detained in Sahnaya in previous days.
The Ministry of Justice announced on May 4 that a group of government soldiers who had been caught on CCTV intimidating and assaulting members of the public had been identified and detained and referred for prosecution.
On May 5, a third batch of 22 men detained in Sahnaya in previous days were released.
International Statements & Developments:
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially affirmed on April 29 a policy to support Syria’s economic recovery and called on the international community and multilateral financial institutions to increased their programming and support for Syria.
In public remarks on April 30 – amid hostilities in the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Sahnaya and following similar fighting in the Druze suburb of Jaramana – Lebanese Druze political leader Walid Jumblatt accused Israel of “exploiting the Druze to create strife in Syria.” Jumblatt called for “a transparent investigation into events”, condemned “any insults to the Prophet Mohammed,” and urged for “calm and dialogue.” He added that “a final formula” was being negotiated to ensure a permanent ceasefire would be agreed.
In public comments issued on May 1, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani issued “thanks to the U.S. administration for facilitating our delegation’s visit to Washington and New York,” adding that “we appreciate the constructive dialogue held with the U.S. delegation regarding Syria’s future… We stressed the need to lift sanctions in order to ensure a dignified life for the Syrian people…. This visit marks an important milestone in Syria’s path to regaining its regional and international standing.”
In a public statement issued on May 1, the French Foreign Ministry called on Israel “to refrain from taking any actions that could inflame sectarian tensions in Syria,” whilst also calling “on all Syrian parties to stop sectarian clashes” and “urging the Syrian authorities to do everything in their power to restore calm and promote civil peace.”
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani announced on May 2 that “President al-Sharaa represents the Syrian state and his attendance at the Arab League Summit is important… Arab countries are keen to see Syria overcome its decades-long ordeal and we will spare no effort in supporting Syria and respecting its choices.”
Late on May 2, local media began confirming that all U.S. military forces had departed Deir ez Zour, withdrawing to Iraq or repositioning in Hasakeh to the northeast, as part of a partial withdrawal previously announced by the U.S. Department of Defense. The al-Omar, Green Village and Conoco bases had been vacated entirely.
U.S. President Trump spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 5, with part of the discussion reportedly focusing on Syria – on issues relating to territorial integrity (i.e. Israeli military action in Syria), on opportunities for stabilizing Syria, and on potential sanctions easing. Trump subsequently described the call as “very good and productive.”
The Syrian Presidency confirmed on May 6 that President Ahmed al-Sharaa was due to travel soon to France to meet with Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
UNOCHA chief Adam Abdelmoula visited Quneitra on May 6 and convened a large meeting with UN and UNDOF peacekeeping staff to discuss the need for better cross-UN coordination in the sensitive governorate.
CONFLICT & SECURITY:
Israel:
An UNDOF patrol conducted an armored patrol of Quneitra and northwestern Daraa on April 29.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of Jabata al-Khashab in Quneitra on April 29 – establishing a pop-up checkpoint, inspecting passing vehicles and questioning civilians.
Israeli drones launched at least four strikes on Syrian government military targets in and around the southwestern Damascus suburb of Sahnaya on April 30, killing at least one soldier.
That day, amid hostilities in Sahnaya, an Israeli military helicopter also flew into Syria and evacuated four Druze casualties, taking them back to Israel for medical treatment.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion towards the villages of Bayt Tayma, Qalaat Jandal, and Baqasim in Quneitra on May 1.
That day, another ground incursion was also launched into the al-Tulul al-Hamra area, located between the villages of Bayt Jann and Hader.
Israel launched an airstrike that hit an empty area just outside the Presidential Palace in Damascus late on May 1 – in what Prime Minister Netanyahu subsequently described as “a clear message to the Syrian regime.” In later reporting, Israeli media claimed Turkish military aircraft had deployed into the skies of Syria at the same time and issued “warning signals” to Israeli aircraft.
Israeli military forces launched at least four ground incursions into Quneitra on May 2 -- into (1) al-Tulul al-Humr; (2) Hader, during which all roads to the area were blockaded; (3) al-Kawnsarah; and (4) an agricultural area between Bayt Tayma and Qalaat Jandal.
Later that day, a fifth ground incursion was launched towards the village of al-Hurriya, during which Israeli military forces opened fire towards a group of farmers – but no casualties were confirmed.
Four Druze men were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the entrance to a farm in western Suwayda on May 2.
Israeli aircraft launched a string of near-simultaneous airstrikes in seven separate locations across Syria late on May 2 – in Harasta and al-Tal in Rif Dimashq; in Muthbin and Izraa in Daraa; in Shathah in Hama; in Jabal al-Sharaa in Latakia; and in rural central Quneitra. One civilian was killed in more than six airstrikes in Harasta.
Shortly after conducting airstrikes across the country, an Israeli military helicopter reportedly – as also reported in Israeli media on May 3 – crossed into Suwayda and landed in the village of al-Kafr, where an abandoned airstrip was home to a Suwayda Military Council base. Israeli media reports said the aircraft had delivered “equipment” and aid.
Israeli military forces launched at least three coordinated ground incursions on May 3 in order to close off all roadways leading from Syrian-controlled areas of Quneitra towards Mount Hermon and northern rural Quneitra.
Four civilians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Kanaker in Rif Dimashq on May 3.
For a second day in a row, Israeli military forces launched at least three coordinated ground incursions on May 4 in order to close off all roadways leading from Syrian-controlled areas of Quneitra towards Mount Hermon and northern rural Quneitra.
Later that day, Israeli military forces launched another ground incursion into the village of Rasm al-Halabi in central Quneitra on May 4.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the agricultural area outside al-Rafid in Quneitra on May 5, triggering protests from local residents.
Israeli fighter jets launched at three four strikes on targets in and around Serghaya and the mountains surrounding Zabadani late on May 5.
ISIS:
SDF forces detained a suspected ISIS explosives expert in a targeted raid in rural Deir ez Zour on April 29. The SDF identified the suspect as Hanan Jaber al-Ali (Abu Mohammed).
One man – identified as Tha’er al-Matar – was shot dead by suspected ISIS militants equipped with silencers in al-Dahla in eastern Deir ez Zour on April 29.
ISIS militants launched two near-simultaneous attacks on SDF military posts in Gharanij in eastern Deir ez Zour on April 30, triggering heavy clashes but no confirmed casualties.
One man – identified as Mohammed al-Munajid – was detained in a joint US-SDF helicopter-borne raid on his home in the Hamrat area east of Raqqa city late on April 30. Some local reporting claimed he had ties to ISIS.
SDF forces detained three men accused of maintaining links to ISIS operatives in a targeted raid in al-Izbah in northern Deir ez Zour on April 30.
Three government soldiers were killed and another was kidnapped during an ISIS assault on their checkpoint – using a sand storm as cover – in the village of al-Quriya in southern Deir ez Zour on May 1.
One former SDF fighter was shot dead by ISIS militants in a targeted assassination in government-controlled al-Zubari in eastern Deir ez Zour.
A group of ISIS militants opened fire with RPGs and machine guns at an SDF checkpoint in al-Tayyanah in eastern Deir ez Zour on May 3, but no casualties were confirmed.
Local media reported that a joint US-SDF helicopter-borne raid in rural eastern Deir ez Zour had captured a suspected ISIS commander on May 3.
ISIS militants opened fire with RPGs and heavy machine guns on the SDF’s al-Masoud checkpoint in Dhiban late on May 4, triggering heavy clashes but no confirmed casualties.
On May 5, ISIS militants launched two separate attacks – also utilizing RPGs and machine guns – targeting two residential buildings in Dhiban, but no casualties were confirmed.
Local media reporting on May 5 claimed that approximately 40 ISIS male prisoners had been transferred by the SDF into Iraqi custody and moved across the border into Iraq from Hasakeh.
ISIS militants launched a brief RPG and machine gun attack on an SDF post in al-Shuheil in eastern Deir ez Zour on May 5, triggering clashes but no confirmed casualties.
At least two SDF fighters were reportedly killed in a suspected ISIS ambush in the village of al-Bahra in eastern Deir ez Zour on May 6.
Idlib:
Four children were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in Maarat al-Numan on May 5.
Two children were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Ghadfah in rural eastern Idlib on May 5.
One civilian was killed and another injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of Abu Dafnah in eastern rural Idlib on May 6.
Aleppo:
One DMO soldier formerly linked to Ahrar al-Sham was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Masaken Hanano on April 29.
A former Assad regime soldier was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Sukkari district of Aleppo city on April 29.
One combatant was killed in clashes between rival clans in Marea on April 29.
Two gunmen who had been impersonating Public Security forces in order to run a string of kidnaps were captured in a targeted raid in Azaz on May 1.
One man was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine outside Manbij on May 1.
Two men accused of collaborating with the former Assad regime were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the al-Khalidiyah district of Homs city on May 1.
One child was killed and two other people were injured after they accidentally triggered an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Sayid in eastern rural Aleppo on May 1.
One man was executed by gunshot by unidentified gunmen who stopped his vehicle, forced him out and killed him on the 1070 Highway in Aleppo city on May 2.
One man was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Qabah in northern Aleppo on May 3.
One man was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of Khirbet Basilhaya in rural Afrin on May 5.
An IED detonated on a main road near Jarablus on May 6.
Latakia:
One man was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from the village of Qarfis early on April 29 and his executed body was discovered later that day.
Two pro-Assad gunmen were captured and a cache of weapons was seized during a Public Security targeted raid in Qardaha on May 3.
Public Security forces launched a large-scale search operation in and around the village of Janih on May 4, capturing several organized criminals involved in a recent string of attacks, thefts and weapons smuggling.
A teenage boy was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Latakia city on May 4.
One man was killed and two others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them outside a school in Jableh on May 5.
Tartus:
Two former Assad regime military officers – identified as Salman Dayub and Uday Darwish – were detained by Public Security forces in a targeted raid on May 1.
Public Security forces detained Colonel Salem Tarraf – the former head of State Security in Daraa – in a targeted raid in Baniyas on May 4.
One man was shot dead by government security forces after he drove his motorbike into an area that was subject to a targeted raid near the village of Darikish on May 4. Six suspected pro-Assad gunmen were detained during the raid.
Hama:
One former Assad regime military intelligence officer was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the village of Saraheen on April 29.
Two men were injured when a group of unidentified gunmen threw a grenade into the street in the Arbaeen district of Hama city on April 29.
One man was kidnapped and swiftly executed by unidentified gunmen on the outskirts of Qomhana in northern Hama on May 1.
Four civilians were injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Hamamiyat in northern rural Hama on May 1.
One man was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the countryside outside Uqayribat in eastern Hama on May 3.
A teenage boy was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of Rasm al-Awayid in eastern Hama on May 3.
One local businessman was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Hama city on May 3.
Three civilians – all from the Al-Murshidiyah sect – were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the village of Ayn Badriyah in northwestern Hama on May 3.
One pro-Assad businessman thought to be close to the Qaterji family was shot dead by unidentified gunmen who ambushed him in his vehicle in Hama city on May 4.
Homs:
Two men were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen near Deir Balbaa on April 29 and their executed bodies were discovered later that day.
One man, identified as Osama Kalthoum, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Homs city late on April 29, and his executed body was discovered dumped in a canal in the city the following day.
One man was shot dead in a targeted killing by unidentified gunmen in the village of Aysoun in rural Homs on April 30.
Public Security forces seized a smuggling shipment of weapons, ammunition and TNT explosives intended to be smuggled into neighboring Lebanon during a targeted raid in rural Homs on May 3.
A female teacher and her husband – both Alawites – were shot dead by unidentified gunmen while standing outside their home in Homs city on May 3.
Three civilians – all from the Al-Murshidiyah sect – were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the village of Kafnan in northern Homs on May 3.
Public Security forces launched a targeted raid on a kidnapping cell operating in the Abbasiyah district of Homs city on May 4, freeing a child who had been held hostage.
One woman was killed and her two daughters were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in the Wadi Dahab district of Homs city late on May 4.
One Alawite man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the village of al-Zafaranah al-Gharbiya in western rural Homs on May 4.
The Interior Ministry’s Anti-Narcotics force launched a targeted raid on a warehouse in an undisclosed location in Homs near the Lebanese border on May 5 and seized control of a captagon manufacturing facility, including large quantities of precursor chemicals.
Acting on a tip-off, Public Security forces seized control of a shipment of anti-tank guided missiles prepared for smuggling to neighboring Lebanon in a raid in western Homs, near the Lebanese border on May 5.
Public Security forces discovered and seized control of a weapons cache in rural Qusayr on May 5, containing heavy machine guns, artillery rockets, and other ammunition.
Raqqa:
Three men who had recently returned to Syria from Turkey were detained by SDF forces in a raid in al-Jarniyah outside Raqqa on April 29.
Two men were detained by SDF forces – for unknown reasons – in a raid in al-Ratlah in western rural Raqqa on April 29.
Five civilians, including a child and a woman, were injured when members of the SDF-linked Revolutionary Youth opened fire for an unknown reason into the street in Raqqa’s Rumaylan district on April 30.
Eight civilians were killed and two others were injured after their vehicle triggered an unexploded landmine on the M4 highway north of Raqqa on May 1.
Two civilians were injured after triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of al-Amir in northern rural Raqqa on May 4.
Hasakeh:
One man was killed and another was injured after they accidentally triggered an unexploded landmine in the area around Jabal Abdulaziz on May 2.
A teenage boy was abducted by suspected SDF-linked gunmen in the village of al-Darbasiyah for forcible recruitment on May 2.
Deir ez Zour:
One combatant was killed in a brief inter-tribal clash in the village of Abu al-Bital in northern Deir ez Zour on April 29.
One man – identified locally as Saud Dahham al-Omar – was detained by SDF forces on unknown charges in a raid in al-Huwayj on April 29.
One man was shot dead by rival tribesmen in a targeted assassination in al-Bulayl in eastern Deir ez Zour on April 30.
One man, identified as Mohsen al-Darwish, was detained by SDF forces in a raid in al-Izbah in northeastern Deir ez Zour on April 30.
A total of 12 men were detained by SDF forces in a series of raids in the village of al-Jarthi in eastern Deir ez Zour on April 30.
A former Assad regime Military Intelligence officer (from Branch 243) was captured by government security forces in a targeted raid in Deir ez Zour on May 1.
SDF forces detained a total of seven men in a series of raids – on unknown charges – in the village of Marat east of Deir ez Zour city on May 1.
One man was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in a targeted attack in al-Zubari on May 1.
One man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the village of al-Harijiyah in northern rural Deir ez Zour on May 1.
Two men were injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the desert outside al-Bukamal on May 1.
One former Assad regime military intelligence officer accused of close ties both to organized crime and Iranian proxy militias was detained in a targeted raid in the village of Gharibah in eastern Deir ez Zour on May 2.
A large 100+ vehicle convoy of trucks departed the U.S. military bases in Conoco and al-Omar late on May 2, headed north towards Hasakeh and the Iraqi border. According to local media, that marked the final convoy removing U.S. forces and equipment from Deir ez Zour.
U.S. military aircraft launched a series of airstrikes targeting infrastructure left behind inside the al-Omar military base in Deir ez Zour late on May 3 – 24 hours after the departure of the final U.S. troops in the governorate.
At least 20 former Assad regime soldiers and militiamen were captured by Public Security forces during a large-scale search operation throughout the villages of al-Quriyah and Subaikhan in eastern Deir ez Zour on May 3.
A former NDF commander, identified as Mohammed al-Bakr, was detained by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in the village of al-Shuweit on May 3.
A former Liwa al-Zeinebiyoun militia commander, identified as Ahmed Abd al-Salal al-Zaki, was captured by Public Security forces in an undisclosed location in Deir ez Zour on May 3.
A government soldier was killed while an unexploded landmine he was attempting to defuse detonated near the al-Taym oil field on May 3.
Government security forces intercepted and seized a shipment of Iranian-made artillery rockets and other weapons being smuggled through the Deir ez Zour desert on May 5.
Damascus:
The Secretary General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC), Talal Naji, was detained by government security forces in Damascus on May 3 and subjected to an hours-long “interrogation,” after which he was released. Palestinian media later reported that the PFLP’s leadership had pressured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and senior Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal to mediate with Damascus to secure Naji’s release.
A taxi driver was kidnapped in Damascus on May 4 and his executed body was discovered the following day.
Rif Dimashq:
At least 21 government security forces, 8 local Druze militiamen, four pro-government gunmen and four civilians were killed amidst a day of heavy clashes involving local Druze gunmen, pro-government gunmen, government security forces, and Druze militiamen from Suwayda in the Damascus suburb of Sahnaya late on April 29 and on April 30. Fighting appeared to begin when pro-government gunmen launched an attack on the area late on April 29, in response to intensifying sectarian tensions resulting from an audio recording by a Druze man that insulated the Prophet Mohammed.
In addition to the initial attack and clashes inside Sahnaya, local Sunni Bedouin gunmen also set up position around al-Matlah on the Damascus-Suwayda highway, ambushing Druze gunmen seeking to get to Sahnaya themselves. At least 35 Druze militiamen were killed in one such ambush.
Amidst the fighting, Israeli drones conducted multiple airstrikes, some as warnings and others directly targeting – and killing – Syrian government forces. Israeli military helicopter reportedly flew into the town’s western outskirts and collected several Druze casualties – taking them back to Israel for treatment.
In a statement issued amid continued fighting in the morning of April 30, the Interior Ministry blamed “outlaw groups” for “infiltrating the agricultural lands” outside Sahnaya late on April 29, declaring:
in line with the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to reinforcing security and stability, units of the General Security Forces have deployed around the cities of Sahnaya and Ashrafiyya Sahnaya to secure the area and prevent hostile acts.
However, outlaw groups infiltrated the agricultural lands in Ashrafiyya Sahnaya last night, targeting all civilian and security movements. This resulted in casualties, including martyrs and wounded individuals among civilians and members of the General Security Forces.
This morning, these groups escalated their attacks by assaulting security checkpoints on the outskirts of the city, leading to the martyrdom of 11 members of the General Security Forces tasked with maintaining security.
In an effort to contain the situation and prevent further bloodshed, multiple parties intervened to halt the exchange of fire. However, the groups reneged on their pledge once again, attacking a new security checkpoint, which resulted in the martyrdom of 5 additional security personnel. The total number of martyrs now stands at 16.”
By the mid-afternoon of April 30, government security forces claimed to have re-established control in Sahnaya, clearing the way for a large meeting of government officials (including Governor of Rif Dimashq Amr al-Sheikh; Governor of Quneitra, Ahmed al-Dalati; and Governor of Suwayda, Mustafa al-Bakkour, as well as senior Druze leaders Sheikh Hammoud al-Hinawi, Sheikh Yusuf Jabour, Sheikh Yahya al-Hajjar and Laith al-Balous) to discuss reconciliation and a re-assertion of calm.
Convoys from the UN and World Health Organization also visited the area, entering alongside Syrian government forces.
Hours later, government military forces withdrew from Sahnaya, leaving behind security forces linked to the Interior Ministry. By the end of April 30, the extensive meeting concluded with a “preliminary ceasefire” covering both Sahnaya and Jaramana.
The mayor of Sahnaya (Hossam Warwar) and his son were shot dead by unidentified gunmen late on April 30 – just hours after he had been filmed welcoming government security forces to the area.
One man was shot dead after he refused to stop at a Public Security checkpoint in Yalda on April 30.
A former Assad regime Baath Party official was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Sahnaya on May 1 and his body was later dumped outside the main hospital.
Public Security forces began deploying back into Jaramana late on May 1, as part of the agreement sealed with the area’s Druze leaders.
The executed body of one man originally from Kobani in Aleppo was discovered in Jaramana on May 2.
A local lawyer who played a role in Jaramana’s local committee – identified as Khaldoun Maythawi – was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on May 2.
Public Security forces seized several small weapons caches in Sahnaya and Ashrafiyeh Sahnaya during search operations on May 2.
The Ministry of Interior opened up a “weapons surrender center” in Sahnaya on May 3, for local citizens to voluntarily surrender their weaponry to the government. By the end of the day, rifles, grenades and ammunition had been surrendered. Weapons continued to be surrendered through May 4.
A former Assad regime 4th Division officer was detained by Public Security shortly after he had applied to join the government security forces in al-Tal on May 3.
Locals in Deir Ali collectively surrendered their weapons to the government on May 3.
Daraa:
One man was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in Tafas on April 29.
Public Security forces took possession of a quantity of weapons that had been concealed in Dael on April 29.
Seven combatants were killed and one other was injured when heavy clashes erupted following an ambush by local gunmen targeting a convoy of Druze gunmen traveling through the village of al-Buraq in the Lajat on their way towards Sahnaya in Rif Dimashq on April 30.
Jordanian military forces launched a cross-border incursion into southwestern Daraa on April 30 and detained two local men – identified as Mohammed al-Hussein and Murad al-Hunays – while they were watching their livestock outside the village of Koya in the Yarmouk Basin.
An UNDOF convoy visited the village of Koya in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin on May 1, a day after a Jordanian cross-border raid into the area saw two local men detained and taken back to Jordan.
One man was injured when an unexploded munition he was attempting to defuse detonated outside the 52ndBrigade base in al-Hirak on May 1.
The body of former Assad regime Colonel Khaled al-Ghazali – having been executed by gunshot – was discovered at the al-Najih junction in northern rural Daraa on May 3. Local media claimed he had been the “right-hand man” to infamous regime security leader Rustom al-Ghazali.
One government Public Security force officer, identified as Ahmed Abdulqader Ayyash, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while returning from his work in Daraa city on May 4.
The executed body of one man, identified as Mouaz al-Hamawi, was discovered in the village of al-Najih on May 4. Local media claimed he had maintained prior links to Iran’s IRGC.
One government soldier was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Daraa city late on May 4.
A coordinated riot broke out in the central prison in Izraa on May 6, during which prisoners seized weapons off guards and briefly took control of part of the facility. Public Security forces were deployed to surround the prison and exchanged in clashes with armed prisoners.
Suwayda:
Bedouin gunmen opened fire with heavy machine guns and several mortar rounds targeting the al-Sura al-Kubra area of northern rural Suwayda on April 30, triggering clashes with local Druze gunmen. The violence also spread to several other nearby villages, including Kanaker, Arah and Rasas, just hours after calm had been restored in the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Sahnaya to the north.
That night, unidentified gunmen destroyed the tomb of notorious Assad regime military commander Issam Zahreddine with explosives in al-Sura al-Kubra.
Early on May 1, government Public Security forces were deployed to al-Sura al-Kubra, along the Rif Dimashq/Suwayda border line and they jointly re-established security alongside Druze militiamen from Rijal al-Karama and Liwa Ahrar al-Jabal.
Late on May 1, within an hour of Druze leaders announcing the conclusion of their hours-long meeting and declaring their unity with Syria and opposition to “divisive or separatist agendas,” Druze gunmen loyal to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri engaged in hostilities with Bedouin gunmen around the village of Harran, triggering a spiral of clashes in the nearby village of Labin.
On May 2, government Public Security forces began deploying into parts of Suwayda in coordination with the Druze militias, Rijal al-Karama and Liwa Ahrar al-Jabal.
As Public Security forces entered Suwayda, they were briefly fired upon by gunmen suspected to be linked to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and the Suwayda Military Council – after the latter issued a public statement declaring its intent to confront the government’s entry to Suwayda, describing it as “terroristic.”
One civilian was killed and four others were injured after the ambulance they were driving in accidentally triggered an unexploded landmine in rural western Suwayda on May 2.
A group of local journalists were surrounded and intimidated by gunmen suspected to be loyal to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri in Suwayda city on May 4, but the intervention of local citizens secured their freedom.
On May 4, Suwayda’s local and judicial police began redeploying onto the Suwayda-Damascus highway and into the village of al-Sura al-Kubra – in line with the governorate-wide agreement made with religious and military leaders. The police forces were newly operating under the Interior Ministry’s command.
The Jordanian military intercepted a drug smuggling attempt emanating from southern Suwayda late on May 4 – opening fire on them and forcing them to retreat back into Syria.
Late on May 4, heavy clashes erupted in rural western Suwayda close to the border with Daraa, as Bedouin gunmen reportedly opened fire with mortars and heavy machine guns on Druze villagers along a stretch of territory near al-Tha’ala and al-Daraa. No casualties were confirmed, in clashes that lasted deep into the night.
Unidentified gunmen launched several mortar shells into the Druze village of Harran in western Suwayda late on May 5, causing localized damage but no confirmed casualties.
The executed body of a local security guard, identified as Amer Abu Ghazi, was discovered outside the village of al-Raha early on May 6.
Quneitra:
Public Security forces launched a search operation in the village of Suwaysah in southern Quneitra on April 29, seizing at least two caches of weapons.
One civilian was killed after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the fields outside Khan Arnabeh on May 5.
Thanks for these detailed accounts of events and personalities in Syria.