22.09.25 – 28.09.25

Al-Sharaa participated in the United Nations General Assembly
On September 24, Al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he asserted that Syria has shifted from being an “exporter of crises” to a potential source of peace and stability in the region. Al-Sharaa warned of external attempts to “incite sectarian conflict” aimed at destabilizing Syria and emphasized the government’s commitment to justice by establishing independent commissions to investigate past abuses.
Al-Sharaa also affirmed Syria’s dedication to dialogue and diplomacy with Israel, referencing the ongoing negotiations regarding security agreements. He condemned Israeli military operations against Syria, urging the international community to support Syria in addressing these threats. The UN General Assembly also provided the occasion for Al-Sharaa to meet with Trump, Erdogan, and Zelensky.

Meeting Al-Sharaa – Trump
Following the meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa, various declarations and decisions were made by the Trump administration regarding Syria. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the ending of the state of emergency associated with Bashar al-Assad’s rule and the lifting of broad-based sanctions. The sanctions framework was redefined as “Sanctions Regulations to Enhance Accountability for Assad and Regional Stability.” This change represents a shift from blanket sanctions to more targeted measures aimed at individuals and networks involved in war crimes, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking, particularly concerning the production and smuggling of captagon.
At the same time, Barrack announced that the formation of an “inclusive central government in Syria” is to be expected before the end of 2025, stressing that the U.S. does not consider federalism a suitable solution to the Syrian crisis. In his declaration, Barrack described the Suweida massacres as “regrettable.” Trump also revealed plans to issue an “important statement” regarding Syria and stated that lifting sanctions on Damascus was aimed at “giving Syrians breathing space” after previously “very strict” restrictions.

Meeting Al-Sharaa – Erdogan
The two presidents met on Wednesday during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Erdogan restated the “necessity of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) adherence to the March 10 agreement with the Syrian government,” encouraging the Syrian government to increase military and political pressure on the SDF to integrate into Syria. Erdogan added that Turkish support for Syria would “continue to increase.”

Meeting Al-Sharaa – Zelensky
On Wednesday, following a meeting between Al-Sharaa and Zelensky, Ukraine and Syria officially restored diplomatic relations. The two leaders discussed common security threats and areas where Syria and Ukraine can enhance cooperation, which likely includes trade. Although this restoration marks a new phase in the rapprochement between the two countries, it is not the first initiative of its kind. On September 23, Syrian and Ukrainian port and trade officials convened in Damascus to explore ways to enhance their bilateral economic and trade relations. Additionally, during the decline of the Assad regime, the Ukrainian army sought to diminish Russia’s influence in Syria by providing training in drone tactics to the armed forces of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The restoration of diplomatic relations between Syria and Ukraine also follows an increase in diplomatic contact between Russia and Syria in recent months.

SDF – MoD clashes
On September 23, the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) conducted several drone strikes to disable SDF artillery positions located south of Deir Hafer, Aleppo Province. The drone strike killed one SDF member and injured two others. The attack was followed by hours of MoD artillery shelling that hit civilian-populated areas, injuring four children. The SDF responded by targeting several MoD positions in the area with rocket artillery. In a statement, the SDF described the attacks of the Syrian MoD as “a military escalation aimed at destabilizing the region.”

Security talks between Syria and Israel break down
Negotiations between Syria and Israel regarding security have stalled due to Israel’s demand for a humanitarian corridor connecting Israel to Suweida. Since mid-August 2025, the two countries have been discussing the demilitarization of southwestern Syria, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories captured after the fall of the Assad regime, and the situation of the Druze community in Suweida. They were, according to U.S. representatives, close to finalizing a “de-escalation” agreement until Israel reintroduced its demand for the humanitarian corridor.

15.09.25 – 21.09.25

Israel proposal for security agreements with the Syrian Transitional Government
Israel has proposed a security agreement to Syria that would create three demilitarized zones in southern Syria, each with stricter regulations based on their proximity to the Syria-Israel border. This proposal, submitted to Syrian officials a few weeks ago, outlines the establishment of a no-fly zone for Syrian aircraft that extends into the territory south of Damascus. The primary objective is to secure an air corridor to Iran, facilitating potential future Israeli airstrikes.
Al-Sharaa stated on September 17 that a security agreement with Israel is essential, but it must respect Syria’s airspace and territorial integrity, and include UN supervision. The differences between Israel’s proposal for three demilitarized zones and Syria’s counterproposal, which demands Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territory and the redeployment of a UN observer force, suggest that an agreement is not imminent.
Since Netanyahu’s February 2025 call for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, the Israeli government has continued to push for this demilitarization by carring out airstrikes against Syrian government forces that have breached the desired zone.
Last week, the Syrian government forces withdrew all “heavy weapons” from southern Syria, relocating them in the north of Damascus.

US diplomats charged of affairs in Syria let go from their position
Recently, several top U.S. diplomats involved in Syrian affairs have been dismissed from their positions. While one U.S. diplomat claimed that these departures would not impact U.S. policy in Syria and were not due to disagreements with Barrack or the White House, another Western diplomat suggested that the ousting was partly driven by differing views between staffers and Barrack regarding the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Al-Sharaa.
Barrack, who was appointed last May, has spearheaded a shift in U.S. policy towards supporting a unified Syrian state under Al-Sharaa, who took power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad late last year. This dismissal coincides with a request from negotiators representing the Autonomous Administration, made two weeks prior, for “international guarantees” from Washington, Paris, and Riyadh to finalize any agreement with the Syrian government.

US, Jordan and STG created a roadmap for Suweida
The Suweida Autonomous Government has rejected a US-Syrian-Jordanian roadmap aimed at resolving intercommunal violence in Suweida Province. The roadmap was announced on September 16. Its stated goals are the guarantee of rights and promotion of societal reconciliation, but it did not include input from anti-government factions in Suweida.
The roadmap proposes security and administrative arrangements and commits the Syrian government to forming an independent commission to investigate crimes in Suweida.
The autonomous government’s judicial committee of Suweida criticized the plan for relying on a “corrupt” Syrian judicial system and viewing the Syrian government as a “neutral party.” The committee, along with its military wing comprising about 40 Druze militias, provides administrative services and security in central, southern, and eastern Suweida, while pro-government forces control the northern and western areas.
In their denunciation, the committee asserted that the violence in July 2025 justified the people of Suweida’s right to self-determination, which could include self-administration or secession from Syria.
The autonomous committee of Suweida’s statements is not the only element opposing the realization of the roadmap: The Druze leaders collaborating with the Syrian transitional government have lost local support since the July massacres, with many viewing them as a traitor.
Additionally, Israeli support for anti-government Druze factions impacts those reconciliation efforts: Israel, answering to calls from Druze leaders for international assistance, has provided arms and salaries to approximately 3,000 anti-government Druze militia members.

Negociations SDF-STG
On September 20, artillery shelling by the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) forces struck the village of Umm Tina located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, resulting in the deaths of seven civilians and injuries to four others. In an official statement, the SDF described the incident as a “massacre” against civilians, noting that the attacks began with drones followed by heavy artillery shelling, which directly targeted residents’ homes.
On September 18, an exchange of small arms fire between the MoD forces and the SDF near Aleppo took place. No military casualties have been reported from this engagement. Prior to the exchange, a Turkish drone was observed flying over the area, likely conducting reconnaissance.
The recent involvment of a Turkish drone reconnaissance, is part of the broader increase in military cooperation between Syria and Turkey. On the same day, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson stated that the Turkish military will remain in Syria to “fight terrorism,” likely refering to the SDF.
While Turkey supports military action against the SDF, Damascus has urged Turkey to delay such operations to provide additional time for negotiations. Al-Sharaa is unlikely to endorse any military action that would destabilize more Syria.

Eviction of 22000 Alawites from Damascus by GSS
Inhabitants of Damascus reported that between August 27 and 29, personnel from the General Security Services (GSS) forcibly evicted approximately 22,000 Alawite residents from the al Somaria neighborhood.
Residents of al Somaria said that GSS members demanded proof of home ownership and marked properties for eviction if such proof was not provided. The GSS justified these evictions by stating that the homes were built on land illegally seized by the Assad regime in the 1970s. This land was originally occupied after the regime forcibly displaced Sunni residents from the Muadamiyat al Sham neighborhood.
Over 200,000 former landowners from Muadamiyat al Sham and their heirs still claim the right to return to their land in al Somaria. Human rights experts stated that the GSS’s actions constitute selective forced evictions, lacking proper notice or alternative housing for those displaced. They argue that successful transitional justice for the evictions perpetuated by the Assad regime must respect the rights of original landowners and cannot be solely determined by the Syrian government.
The policies of the Syrian transitional government concerning Housing, Land, and Property violations in Damascus demonstrate its failure to engage with Syria’s necessary restorative process following Assad’s rule, the civil war, and the extensive displacement resulting from Turkish occupation.

08.09.25 – 14.09.25

Israeli airstrike on depot of Turkish weapons
On the 8th of September, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck military facilities and weapons depots in Latakia and Homs provinces, some of which contained recently imported Turkish air defense systems. The IDF also targeted a Syrian Army barracks in Latakia Province, causing casualties.
An Israeli security official declared on the 9th of September that the IDF targeted Turkish missiles and air defense systems in Homs that Turkey had recently transferred to Syria. The following day, the Israeli Chief of Staff confirmed this information in a statement affirming that those weapons represented a threat to its freedom of action in Syria. The presence of these Turkish weapons on Syrian soil is the result of military agreements: the Syrian Transitional Government formally requested Turkish military assistance after Israeli strikes targeted Damascus and Suwayda Province during massacre targetting the Druze community in July.

Syrian soldiers and police officers in Turkey
Turkey has begun the training of aproximately 300 soldiers and police officers at two military bases located in central and eastern Turkey.
This training falls under the security agreements established on the 13th of August, which allow Syria to consult Turkey on military matters and includes provisions for Turkey to assist in procuring military equipment for Syria and training Syrian forces. Turkey plans to train 5,000 members of the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and police forces in the “short term,” with a goal of training “at least 20,000 in the medium to long term.”

Attempts from Turkey to acquire the houses of the displaced people from Serekaniye
Hundreds of displaced individuals from Serekaniye protested at the Waşokani Camp, condemning the display of Turkish and Pakistani flags in their hometown. The protest was sparked by reports of a Turkish-backed initiative to purchase the homes and lands of displaced people from Serekaniye, raising fears of ongoing demographic changes. The protesters rejected Turkey’s offers to buy their properties, describing it as a violation of their rights.
Additionally, a meeting in Serekaniye involved Turkish officials and local leaders discussing the acquisition of properties from displaced Kurds and Christians.
Turkey’s various efforts to acquire the properties of displaced individuals from Serekaniye is a way to undermine the implementation of the March 10 agreements, which stipulate that the return of displaced people from Afrin and Serêkaniyê to their homes must be facilitated.

SDF – MoD clashes
On the 10th of September, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the MoD engaged in artillery exchanges in Aleppo Province. The SDF launched multiple rocket artillery strikes that hit civilian residences in villages located in contested areas. This shelling resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to seven others. In retaliation, MoD forces conducted counter-battery fire targeting SDF artillery positions. There have been no reported military casualties.
The SDF released a statement on the 11th of September, which claimed that the SDF “repelled” MoD forces who attempted to “infiltrate and launch artillery attacks in the Deir Hafer area,”.

SDF in Deir Ez Zor
On the 11th of September, the Arab al Shaytat clan mobilized against SDF following the killing of an unarmed civilian who did not stop at a checkpoint in Gharanij, Deir ez Zor Province. In response, the Gharanij mosque broadcast calls on social media for “jihad and general mobilization,”. The al Shaytat clan called on all clans in eastern Deir ez Zor Province to join their mobilization against the SDF. Residents of Gharanij attacked SDF checkpoints as a result of the killing and the mobilization order.
This mobilization follows heightened tensions between Arab tribes and the SDF, with seven Arab tribes announcing their own mobilization against the SDF on the 11th of August.
The mobilized tribes have indicated they are “waiting for the right moment to begin action,” which may refer to a potential breakdown in the ceasefire between the SDF and the Syrian transitional government.
A few days later on the 14th, during a raid campaign and siege of the Deir Ez Zor town of Darnaj, SDF faced a direct attack from armed groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government.

01.09.25 – 07.09.25

On September 2, 2025, renewed talks aiming at integrating eastern Syria into the new government took place: Ilham Ahmad, a key Kurdish negotiator, met with the Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani. This meeting was described as having a positive atmosphere, marking a shift from previous tensions. This discussion highlights that negotiations are still in progress, although they continue to be impacted by various recent developments and international actors seeking to assert and protect their interests:

Erdogan and Bahceli declarations
In a press conference, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support the Syrian transitional government, stating, “Turkey will not abandon Syria.” He warned that anyone attempting to undermine this process would “pay the price.”
Making echo to those statements, Devlet Bahceli, a nationalist politician leader close to Erdogan, threatened the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of military operation on North Eastern Syria. He insisted that the SDF must comply with the March 10 agreement for integration into the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) or face a joint Turkish-Syrian military intervention. He described SDF proposals for federalism as a significant security threat and accused them of aligning with the United States and Israel.

Efforts US to facilitate negocations
US is attempting to bridge the gap between the SDF and the Syrian government: its focus is put on supporting the integration of parts of the SDF into the Syrian army while allowing some Kurdish forces to remain under their leadership. The Kurdish negotiator Ilham Ahmad has met with US lawmakers and will travel to Damascus for further talks. While the US is softening its stance on SDF demands for decentralization, it still insists on concessions from them.

Clashes SDF – MoD
Clashes between SDF and MoD forces took place on the 31st and on th 2nd of September in the region of Raqqa and Aleppo. In both cases, the clashes resulted of reconnaissance mission carried out by SDF. An small attack from the factions supported by Turkey was also repelled in Cizire front.

Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo under siege – negociations
Last week, armed factions have been mobilizing their forces around Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. The two kurdish majority neighborhoods of Aleppo experienced a state of siege as factions coming from Aleppo and Afrin that do not operate under the Syrian MoD established dozens of positions around the neighborhoods.
This is a violation of the ceasefire agreements signed the first of April that aimed, among other things, at restoring the right to free movement between the Kurdish neighborhoods and the rest of Aleppo.
To address the situation, officials from the Autonomous Administration, a military officer from the SDF, and a government delegation composed of officers and official representatives held a meeting. During the meeting, it was agreed to halt escalation, stop the buildup of forces around the neighborhoods, and hold regular meetings to follow developments and stabilize the area.

Curriculum changes in NES
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has banned the use of Damascus-issued curricula in all public and private schools in the region. This decision has been conveyed to school administrations and will soon be the subject of an official statement from the AANES.
A senior AANES educational official confirmed the ban, which reflects ongoing tensions with the Syrian government over educational policies. The move aims to establish a distinct educational framework that aligns with AANES governance and identity.

STG delegation Serekaniye
A delegation from the Syrian transitional government, led by the Deputy Minister of Interior, visited the Turkish-occupied city of Serekaniye to activate the local internal security apparatus. During this visit, officials agreed to recruit 300 new security personnel, with only 70 coming from Serekaniye and the remainder from other Syrian cities, including the Deir ez-Zor region. The delegation entered through Turkey and collected documentation for the new recruits to be reviewed in Damascus. A similar visit was also conducted in Tel Abyad to enhance security in both areas.
The Syrian government’s efforts to strengthen its security presence in Turkish-occupied regions aim to reassert control and influence over areas previously administered by the SDF. This recruitment of security personnel signals the government’s intent to integrate these regions into its security framework. Additionally, it poses further obstacles to the return of the Kurdish population displaced during the Turkish operations that led to the occupation of Serekaniye. These actions directly contradict the March 10 agreement, which stipulates that joint security arrangements between the SDF and Syrian government forces must be established to facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their homes.

25.08.25 – 31.08.25

IDF operations on Syrian soil
In the past week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out multiple airstrikes targeting Ministry of Defense personnel in various locations within the Damascus countryside. These strikes were aimed at preventing MoD forces from seizing Israeli surveillance and listening devices. The IDF executed at least 13 additional airstrikes on the Jabal Manea Syrian military base, likely intending to eliminate any remaining equipment. Subsequently, four IDF helicopters deployed a ground team to the base to recover or destroy any leftover equipment.
Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have condemned Israel’s recent military incursions into Syrian territory, urging respect for Syria’s sovereignty and regional stability.
On Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government is working to establish a “demilitarized zone” in southern Syria, including the Suweida Governorate, and indicated that negotiations are currently underway to achieve this objective.
Israel’s recent military actions in Syria are part of a specific policy aimed at maintaining instability in Syria by imposing certain military realities: a doctrine of “negotiations under fire.” Israel’s actions are designed to prevent Syria’s political and economic recovery, focusing on measures that exacerbate the crisis. For example, Israel aims to exploit Syria’s instability to impose its will by creating a buffer zone and instrumentalizing tensions between ethnic groups like the Druze, Kurds, Alawites and the Syrian Transitional Government.
This apporach is motivated by fears regarding a potential Turkish-Arab role that could strengthen the Syrian state and alter the regional power balance.

The Syrian transitional government will hold its first parliamentary elections
The Supreme Committee for People’s Assembly Elections of the Syrian transitional government has announced significant developments: the government will conduct its first parliamentary elections through provincial subcommittees from September 15 to 20. The Committee also stated that elections in the provinces of Suwayda, Raqqa, and Hasakah will be postponed due to the government’s lack of control in these areas.
In a statement, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) underscored the necessity for a comprehensive national project that includes all citizens. They asserted that “these elections are neither democratic nor reflective of the will of the Syrian people in any form, but rather a continuation of the marginalization and exclusion that Syrians have suffered for the past 62 years under Ba’ath rule.”
The scheduling of these elections, along with the postponement in regions governed by the AANES, occurs amid ongoing negotiations regarding the integration of the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) within the framework of the Syrian state. Advocating for the integration of the North and East Syrian society into the Syrian state while simultaneously denying its residents the right to choose their representatives exemplifies the authoritarian practices that these so-called “democratic” elections are enforcing in Syria.

Relations AANES/SDF – Syrian Transitional Government
Despite various challenges affecting the negotiations between the revolutionary movement of NES and the Syrian government —such as Turkish interventionist politics, provocations and uncooperative stances from the Syrian authorities— discussions continue. On the 25th, a U.S. Senator, along with al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, met in Damascus. The results of this meeting remain unclear.
The Syrian Transitional Government persists in its provocative tactics. Residents of Sheikh Maqsud and Asrafieh have been without fuel for over two weeks due to an embargo imposed by the Syrian government forces. Additionally, last week, SDF had to repel an attack by armed groups affiliated with the Damascus government in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor.

Anti-ISIS operation in Heseke – coalition SDF training
On Saturday, SDF launched a large-scale security operation in Hasakah city and surrounding areas to dismantle ISIS cells and networks. This operation was coordinated with the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), with intelligence support from specialized Military Operations Teams (MOT).
The campaign aims to track down ISIS remnants, disrupt logistical networks, and prevent attacks on prisons.
As part of the operation, all entrances and exits to Hasakah were closed, and military vehicles were deployed throughout the city.

Attempts to revive the commune system in NES
For several years, the commune system in most regions of NES has been moderately active, primarily focusing on essential services like the distribution of bread and gas. However, in recent weeks, significant steps have been taken to revitalize this system: weekly meetings are now being held, committees have been reactivated, and various issues that would typically be addressed within the municipality are being discussed within the commune framework.
While it remains uncertain whether this initiative will be sustained, it gives a powerful demonstration of resilience: while surviving the Baath authoritarian regime and enduring attacks from Turkish forces, the revolutionary movement and the people of NES continue to uphold their commitment to developing a horizontal, multi-ethnic, and decentralized system of governance. Long live the Rojava Revolution!

18.08.25 – 24.08.25

Syrian Ministry of Defense declares preparing an offensive
Syrian security forces reported on August 16 that the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) is planning an offensive to capture Raqqa and Deir ez Zor provinces. According to the declaration, the MoD has mobilized 50,000 troops near Palmyra, Homs Province, and is seeking assistance from local Arab tribes if the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) does not comply by October 2025. Similar recent reports from Turkish media indicate that Turkey and the Syrian transitional government are gearing up for an offensive in North-Eastern Syria. On August 14, Turkish sources claimed that a joint military operation is imminent.
It is unlikely that the Syrian transitional government is preparing for such offensive. Smaller movements of troops are most of the time reported by medias and social networks, and non of them confirms the allegation of the Syrian Security Forces. These reports aim at pressuring the SDF to integrate into the Syrian state and surrender its territory.

ISIS
In recent weeks, ISIS has significantly increased its attacks in regions controlled by the Syrian Transitional Government and the SDF, primarily targeting checkpoints. New tactics have also been observed: on the 22nd, two ISIS suicide bombers on a motorcycle launched an attack on a Government Security Service (GSS) checkpoint. The attackers intended for the first bomber to breach the checkpoint, allowing the second bomber to enter and detonate his vest among the remaining forces. One of the attackers was killed before he could detonate his explosive vest, preventing the planned attack from succeeding. Additionaly, on friday, Asayish also thwarted an escape attempt from a prison in Hasakah. The resurgence of terrorist islamist groups comes as a direct consequence of the instability resulting of the accession of the Transitional Government to power and of its politics targetting ethnic minorities.
Facing this resurgence, the transitional government, the SDF and the US army are multiplying the operations against ISIS. The last one took place in Idlib, on August 20th: the US army conducted an operation targeting Salah Noman, an ISIS leader allegidly responsible for activating ISIS cells in Syria.

Growing autonomous Druze militia in Suweida
The region of Suweida continues to experience tensions stemming from the massacres targeting the Druze community that occurred a month ago. In recent weeks, transitional government forces have repeatedly violated the ceasefire by attacking and bombing several Suweida villages.
In response to the government’s actions, around 30 Druze factions have merged to form the “National Guard Forces,” operating under the leadership of the Sheikh Hikhmat al Hijri. While more militias are joining his unified army, Hijri faces criticism from other groups within the Druze community, such as the “Dignity Men Movement,” which has stated that “Al-Hijri’s message carries destruction and devastation.” Hijri is a strong opponent of Al-Sharaa. At the beginning of the month, his political movement declared an autonomous Suweidawi government.
The formal establishment of this alliance among anti-government Druze militias, referred to as a “unified army,” poses a significant challenge to the Syrian government’s intentions to gradually incorporate Suweida into state institutions.

Syria – Israel
In the last week, Damascus and Til Aviv have been multiplying meetings:
On August 19, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and US Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack met in Paris to discuss security arrangements for the Israel-Syria border. One of the topic discussed was an Israeli proposal to establish a humanitarian aid corridor from the Israeli border to Suweida City.
Additionally, on September 25, the Syrian and Israeli governments are set to sign a security agreement intended to ease longstanding tensions between the two nations. While this agreement will not be a peace treaty, it will focus on specific security arrangements, particularly in southern Syria.
Despite US efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation, relations between Israel and Syria remain tense. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are stationed in the Syrian part of the Golan Heights and conducted several operations last week targeting various villages in the western countryside of Quneitra.