On a path to normalization
After a very intense month, there is a general intention of normalize the situation and create an appearance of stability in Syria. Tensions and contradictions are being brushed away, painting an image of a new normality. It is not clear yet how much the inner tensions and conflicts will allow this new normality to remain stable, but exhaustion and wishes for calmer times seem to be a priority for many people in Syria.
Occupations of Turkey and Israel
Turkey continue their attacks on the north, increasing their military presence and air support to SNA. SDF is holding ground against their attacks, defending the outskirts of Tishreen dam and Qereqozah bridge that connect Manbij and Kobane regions. Turkish proxy forces suffered heavy loses, including many Turkish armored vehicles and UAVs. On the south, Israel continue their occupation, arresting and harassing local population of occupied areas.
France steps up in the coalition
The international coalition to defeat ISIS sustained some presence in north-east Syria during several years, specially US troops. France is now stepping in once again, deploying alongside the border with Turkey and in some other positions. France air force also launched some precision air strikes against ISIS positions. French president made declarations in support for the Kurdish people who fought ISIS.
Civilian resistance in Tishreen dam
A civilian convoy with hundreds of people made their way to Tishreen dam to protect it from Turkish attacks. The infrastructure of the dam is heavily damaged, but the ongoing clashes and constant bombings of Turkey make impossible to start works to fix it. The convoy was targeted by a Turkish drone, killing 5 and injuring more than 15, but still activists from many regions continued with their action and reached the dam, starting a vigil there to prevent more damage to the dam and support the resistance of SDF.
Riyadh Summit about Syria
Saudi Arabia is hosting the new summit to discuss the situation of Syria, including foreign ministers of several Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Foreign ministers of some western countries like Germany, France and UK will also join the meeting, as well as US diplomats.
Economic sanctions remain but lessened
US and EU declared that the sanctions on Syria will remain, but at the same time are deploying other measures to partially circumvent them. US approved a temporary exemption for humanitarian reasons on food, electricity and water related companies, EU already promised millionaire budgets for humanitarian aid relief. Turkey and Qatar are already supplying electricity and goods to Syria, with taxes on Turkey-Syrian borders heavily increasing as HTS starts to take control of some border-crossing points also in Afrin region.
Security operations of HTS
After protests and unrest in many Alawite majority areas, HTS conducted security operations in many areas. Hundreds of people was arrested and weapons and ammunition confiscated. Clashes broke out in some areas, with several people killed. HTS claim they are mainly targeting high ranks of the ousted regime. Some of the arrested are starting to be released after HTS security investigations.
Questions on the new Syrian army
Negotiations between HTS and SDF didn’t bring any concrete results. Southern operations room, as well as the Druze armed groups, refused to give up weapons to the transitional government of HTS. The situation of negotiations with SNA is also not clear, as some groups called to be integrated under HTS but there is no joint statement and Turkey still in control of SNA factions.