AGP Executive Report

Southern Syria: Israeli forces fired on journalists covering incursions in Quneitra, with no reporters hurt; a separate shooting wounded one person. Damascus says the repeated operations breach the 1974 disengagement agreement. Jordan Ties: Syria and Jordan signed 11 cooperation deals, including plans for a regional rail link, as they launched a joint probe into Jordanian airstrikes that Syria says killed seven civilians last month. Saudi Military Links: Damascus denies plans to send troops to Yemen, despite reports of a possible deployment to Saudi Arabia. Officials describe cooperation as training and military advice; Syria is also reportedly considering joining a Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani defense pact. Trade and Power: Lebanon and Syria reopened the Dabousieh-Aboudiyeh crossing to passengers and freight. Separately, Syria agreed to buy 6.5 million prepaid electricity meters from a Chinese firm, prompting questions about costs for consumers.

Jordan–Syria Ties: Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi arrived in Damascus for coordination talks on trade, energy, transport and other agreements, with new cooperation deals expected. Saudi Partnership: Reports say about 600 Syrian special forces could be sent to Saudi Arabia, but Damascus denies plans to deploy fighters to Yemen and says military cooperation is focused on training and expertise. The reports follow a defense agreement and $403 million in Saudi development loans. Industry: Qatar’s Baladna and Türkiye’s Gürmen Group signed a memorandum to assess a possible Syrian textile factory, with potential for local jobs and manufacturing. Security: Israeli forces raided homes and a school in southern Syria and established checkpoints; separate reports say explosions in Raqqa killed 10. Cost of Living: Prices remain high despite the pound’s recovery, with wages still falling short of household needs.

Saudi-Syria Ties: Reports that Damascus may send fighters to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensify remain disputed. The AP says Syrian military advisers are already there, but no fighters have gone to Yemen; Damascus denies plans to deploy troops and describes cooperation as training and expertise-sharing. The two countries signed a defense pact this week. Israeli Incursions: Israeli forces raided homes and a school in Quneitra, set up checkpoints in the south and continued fortifications. A monitoring group recorded 395 Israeli violations in Syria in October, its highest monthly count this year. Power and Recovery: Syria signed a deal with China’s Wasion for 6.5 million smart electricity meters, while a Saudi development fund pledged more than $403 million in loans for Syrian projects. Security and Daily Life: Explosions in Raqqa killed 10, according to reports; a flash flood in eastern Syria brought down a bridge, killing one person. Women’s groups in Rojava also launched a campaign against violence and urged legal guarantees for women’s rights and political participation.

Raqqa Attack: Twin explosions in central Raqqa killed at least 10 people, including five civilians and five Syrian Democratic Forces members, and injured more than 20. The Islamic State claimed responsibility. Israeli Incursions: Israeli troops entered a school and raided homes in Quneitra, as Israel continues to build fortifications and expand its presence in southern Syria. Saudi Ties: Damascus denied reports it is sending troops to Yemen, saying military cooperation with Riyadh focuses on training and expertise-sharing, though officials say ties could deepen. Reconstruction: Syria and France agreed to oversee development projects funded by about €54 million in assets confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad. Daily Strains: Power shortages leave Hasakah with only a fraction of its electricity needs, while floods in Deir ez-Zor collapsed a bridge, killing at least one person and cutting a key route.

Yemen Deployment Dispute: Damascus denied reports that Syrian troops would fight the Houthis, saying military cooperation with Saudi Arabia is limited to training, advice and sharing expertise. Yemeni officials alleged that deployments were already underway and could grow to thousands; Syria said the partnership could eventually expand into a mutual-defense pact. Israeli Incursions: Israeli forces entered a school in Quneitra during a southern Syria incursion, amid continued shelling and rising reported violations. Reconstruction: Saudi Arabia signed six loan agreements worth more than $403 million for Syrian projects as Damascus seeks regional support for rebuilding. Return and Safety: A child was killed by a landmine in Hasakah as displaced families return to damaged communities, where unexploded munitions remain a deadly threat. Border Security: Syrian forces seized 280 kilograms of hashish and 28,000 Captagon pills near Lebanon after an exchange of fire with smugglers.

Saudi-Syrian Ties: President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Riyadh visit brought a defense cooperation agreement and six Saudi development loans worth more than $403 million, deepening ties as Syria seeks investment and a larger regional role. Damascus is also sending military advisers and trainers to help Saudi Arabia strengthen its defenses amid Houthi attacks. Security: Israeli forces have shelled agricultural land in Quneitra and carried out incursions in southern Syria. Syrian authorities say they have dismantled ISIS cells in Aleppo and Manbij and foiled a Hezbollah-linked plot against the Homs oil refinery. Aleppo Heritage: Women and other trainees are learning nail-free woodcraft in the Old City, keeping a traditional skill alive as Syria rebuilds.

Southern Syria: Israeli forces shelled villages and farmland in Quneitra on Friday. A monitoring group recorded 66 Israeli violations across Syria in the first five days of November, including incursions, raids and detentions. Saudi ties: Reports say dozens of Syrian military personnel are advising and training Saudi and Yemeni forces as Houthi attacks intensify. Damascus has not confirmed a deployment, but a new defense agreement provides for training and military advice. Reconstruction: Saudi Arabia signed $403 million in concessional loans for Syria, including funding for hospitals, power generation, housing, water systems and civil-defence centres. U.S. presence: Reuters reported plans for U.S. personnel at an airbase near Damascus to monitor a possible Syria-Israel security deal; Syrian officials disputed the report. Damascus: Worshippers returned to the restored Sulaymaniyah Mosque for Friday prayers for the first time in 15 years.

Reconstruction: Saudi Arabia signed six concessional loans worth more than $403 million to help rebuild Syria’s infrastructure and restore public services. Funding includes projects for power, hospitals, civil defence, housing and water. Regional ties: Damascus and Riyadh also signed a defence cooperation agreement during President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit. Its terms were not disclosed, as Syria weighs joining a wider Saudi-led defence framework. Security: Syrian forces say they dismantled an ISIS cell linked to attacks and assassinations in Aleppo. Israeli forces have also continued incursions and shelling in southern Syria. Climate and displacement: UNHCR warns that climate shocks threaten recovery for millions of displaced Syrians who have returned home, with declining groundwater and floods adding to pressures on communities. Cross-border links: The Semalka crossing is set to operate every day, including Fridays, easing travel and trade between Syria and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.

Saudi-Syrian Ties: Riyadh and Damascus signed a defense cooperation agreement alongside more than $403 million in concessional loans for Syria. Funding will support Aleppo’s power plant, water systems, civil defense, housing, health facilities and government services. Damascus is also weighing whether to join the broader Mecca defense alliance with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. Israeli Incursions: Israeli artillery struck agricultural land near Beit Jinn, southwest of Damascus, following shelling in Quneitra and repeated incursions into southern Syria. Damascus says the operations violate Syrian sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement agreement. Security Operations: Syrian authorities say they dismantled an ISIS cell linked to attacks and assassinations in Manbij. They also accused Hezbollah-linked suspects of plotting to bomb the Homs refinery; Hezbollah denies involvement. Explosive Remnants: UNICEF says explosive ordnance killed 22 children in Syria over three months, underscoring the continuing danger to civilians, including children returning to damaged areas.

Saudi-Syria Ties: President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman oversaw a new defence cooperation agreement in Riyadh, with terms undisclosed. Saudi Arabia also signed six concessional loans worth more than $403 million for Syrian power, water, healthcare, housing, civil defence and government services. Security: Syrian authorities say they foiled a plot targeting the Homs refinery and arrested an alleged Hezbollah-linked cell; Hezbollah denies involvement. Israeli fire and incursions have also been reported in southern Syria. A landmine blast at a school in Hasakah killed a child and injured others. Damascus Heritage: The 16th-century Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Mosque has reopened after about 15 years, offering daily prayers and religious classes, with plans for a museum. Regional Outreach: Egyptian and Syrian officials have discussed closer media cooperation as Damascus seeks stronger ties with Arab neighbours.

Israeli Incursions: Israeli forces searched homes in Quneitra and fired on farmland in Daraa, adding to repeated incursions in southern Syria. Explosive Remnants: A landmine inside a school in Hasakah killed a child and wounded at least 10 people, most of them children; two Syrian soldiers were also killed by a mine in Daraa. Saudi Ties: President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh produced $403.6 million in agreements for health, housing, power, water and other projects, alongside a new defence cooperation pact. Kurdish Education: Students demanding Kurdish-language education in Hasakah were attacked; reports say several were injured, while security forces intervened as the protest unfolded. Displacement and Aid: A new convoy began returning 847 families to the Ras al-Ain countryside after more than seven years away, but many face damaged homes and scarce services. Separately, the WFP warns that 7.2 million people in Syria face food insecurity as aid cuts deepen.

Saudi-Syria Ties: President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Riyadh with senior ministers for talks on security, trade and investment. Damascus is also weighing a Saudi-led regional defense pact. Israeli Incursions: Israeli tanks and military vehicles advanced in Daraa and Quneitra, while engineering work continued near the occupied Golan. A monitoring group recorded 395 Israeli incidents in Syria in October. Public Opinion: A new nationwide survey found 61% of Syrians see Israel as the greatest threat to their country, compared with 20% who named Iran; nearly 80% oppose recognizing Israel. Homs Security: Syrian authorities say they foiled a Hezbollah-linked plot targeting an oil refinery. Hezbollah denies involvement. Humanitarian and Recovery: The UN says 7.2 million people in Syria face food insecurity as aid cuts deepen hardship. A U.S.-funded project aims to digitize millions of commercial records and connect government offices across all 14 governorates.

Refugee Returns: About 203 families left displacement camps in northern Idlib for their home areas, while Syrian and Lebanese officials met in Damascus to discuss practical steps for refugee returns. Security: Syrian authorities say they foiled a Hezbollah-linked plot against the Homs refinery, arrested two suspects and seized explosives; Hezbollah denies any presence or ties in Syria. Humanitarian Crisis: The World Food Programme says 7.2 million people in Syria face food insecurity as assistance is cut. Tourism: Syria is promoting itself at London’s World Travel Market, with its tourism minister saying restoration work is planned for many of the country’s historic sites. Regional Ties: Damascus says it is considering joining a Saudi-led Mecca defence pact.

Mine Clearance: Teams have cleared 500,000 square meters in Hasakah, finding more than 300 mines and explosive remnants; nearby farmland and villages may still be dangerous. Southern Syria: Israeli forces reportedly advanced into a village in Quneitra, amid repeated incursions and checkpoints. Food Crisis: WFP says funding cuts have halved the number of people receiving food aid to 650,000, while 7.2 million Syrians face acute food insecurity. Damascus-Beirut Talks: A Lebanese ministerial delegation met Syrian officials to discuss refugee returns and cooperation. Hezbollah-nominated Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar joined in his official capacity, but the visit does not signal a political thaw, a Lebanese lawmaker said. Regional Security: Syria is assessing whether to join the Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani Mecca defense pact, the foreign minister said, as Damascus weighs a larger regional role. Flood and Explosive Risks: Recent flash floods killed children and left people missing; separately, a landmine blast in Deir ez-Zor killed two girls and injured two others.

Damascus–Beirut: A Lebanese ministerial delegation met Syrian officials in Damascus on Monday to discuss refugees and other shared issues. Political Outreach: Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani appointed Druze activist and media personality Mozna Alatrash as a peace adviser, a move that may signal efforts to include the minority amid tensions with the central government. Regional Security: Syria is weighing entry into the Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani Mecca defence pact; Qatar and Syria also discussed defence cooperation. Security Operations: Syrian intelligence says it foiled a plot targeting the Homs refinery, while security forces have arrested suspected Islamic State members. Floods and Relief: Recent flash floods killed at least five people, including children, and left others missing. The UN says 2.4 million people in Syria need winter aid. Recovery: Damascus and Baghdad are discussing a return of organised Shiite pilgrimages to the Sayyida Zaynab shrine, offering local businesses hope while reviving concerns about Iran-backed armed groups’ wartime role.

Security: Syrian intelligence says it foiled a plot against Homs refinery, detaining suspects and seizing explosives, suicide vests and facility maps. The refinery is a key source of fuel for the domestic market. Regional Ties: Qatar and Syria discussed expanding defence cooperation during Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra’s visit to Doha. Damascus is also consulting on joining the Mecca defence pact, while its foreign minister says efforts continue to resolve tensions with Jordan after Jordanian airstrikes in southern Syria. Damascus: Syria and Iraq are considering restarting organized pilgrimages to the Sayyida Zaynab shrine, a possible boost for local businesses, though residents fear a return of wartime sectarian tensions. Humanitarian Needs: A volunteer medical team provided surgical, dental and other care in eastern Syria. Flooding has killed at least seven people, including children, and left others missing; the UAE offered condolences and support. In Deir ez-Zor, more than 240 people were treated for suspected food poisoning, and two restaurants were closed pending test results.