SITREP: 10-16 May 2025 | SALT Strategic Advisory

SYRIA SITREP: 2025-05-10 - 2025-05-16 (Published: 2025-05-17)

Executive Summary

The past week in Syria was dominated by significant international developments, primarily the U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of lifting all sanctions on Syria, followed by a direct meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This decision has spurred optimism for Syria's economic recovery, with the Syrian Pound showing immediate appreciation and plans for a new currency and re-entry into the SWIFT program. Diplomatically, the move triggered a surge in international engagement, including meetings with U.S., Turkish, European, and Gulf officials, and discussions on reconstruction and investment. Internally, the Syrian government moved to establish a Transitional Justice Commission and a National Authority for Missing Persons, alongside efforts to integrate former opposition factions into the Ministry of Defense. However, security challenges persist, marked by continued ISIS activity, a re-emerging pro-Assad insurgency, and numerous incidents involving unexploded ordnance. The week saw a notable increase in ground incursions by Israeli military forces in Quneitra. Key watchpoints include the practical implementation of sanctions relief and the government's ability to consolidate internal security and governance amidst ongoing threats.

Detailed Analysis

1. Politics

International Affairs

On May 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that he would remove all sanctions on Syria to facilitate its recovery, citing requests from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani declared the U.S. announcement a "pivotal turning point" and expressed readiness to build a relationship with the United States based on mutual respect.
On May 14, President Ahmed al-Sharaa met U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, a meeting also involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and, by phone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump reiterated that "all sanctions" would be lifted.
Late on May 14, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that "steps" were being taken to "ease sanctions, achieve stability and move Syria towards peace."
On May 15, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Antalya, Turkey, joined by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Rubio stated Washington would help Syria achieve peace and stability.
The U.S. Treasury Department confirmed on May 15 it was working with the State Department and National Security Council to execute the President’s direction on Syria sanctions, aiming to bring new investment.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani announced on May 15 that Syria had taken steps to open an embassy in Libya.
Jean-Baptiste Faivre assumed the role of French Charges d’Affairs to Syria on May 15.
European media reported on May 15 that the EU and its foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas planned to push for a significant lifting of EU sanctions on Syria in response to the U.S. announcement.
U.S. President Trump was quoted on May 16 confirming he had not asked Israel to recognize Syria’s new government but thought it was "the right thing to do."
Israeli media reported on May 16 that Israel had engaged in "secret talks" with senior figures from Syria’s government on potential normalization.
An unnamed U.S. official told al-Jazeera on May 16 that U.S. forces would decrease from approximately 2,000 to 900 soldiers in the coming months, with a final decision on future presence pending.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali hosted a meeting with a delegation from Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) in Damascus on May 13 to discuss future collaboration.
Minister of Interior Anas Khattab held a meeting with UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi in Damascus on May 14.
Syria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Muhammad Sameh Hamed, met with a delegation from the UN Population Fund in Damascus on May 14.
Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra met with a British diplomatic delegation on May 15 to discuss potential support for rebuilding Syria’s armed forces.
Ministers of Finance, Justice and Health hosted separate meetings with the World Bank’s director of Middle East on May 15.
Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh met with Norwegian Ambassador to Syria Hilde Haraldstad on May 15 to discuss recovery efforts.
Qatar’s Charge d’Affairs to Syria Khalifa bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud convened meetings with Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh, and Minister of Health Musab al-Ali on May 15.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat met with a delegation from the European Union on May 15.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali met with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Syria Omar Khan on May 15 to discuss proposed support for the health sector.
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi welcomed a Turkish delegation on May 15 to discuss bilateral cooperation, signing a strategic agreement.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with a delegation of businessmen from Kuwait on May 16 to discuss investment in critical infrastructure and telecommunications.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani arrived in Baghdad, Iraq, late on May 16 in preparation for the Arab League Summit.

Domestic Affairs

On May 14, President Sharaa gave a live televised address, thanking Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and President Trump for their support, proclaiming "Syria is for all Syrians."
Minister of Economy Nidal al-Shaar hosted a meeting with Governor to Suwayda Mustafa al-Bakkour on May 14 to discuss establishing industrial vocational training centers and expanding Suwayda’s Umm al-Zaytoun industrial zone.
On May 15, Zahra al-Barazi was appointed as an advisor on transitional justice to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani.
Hakim al-Mahamid (Abu Mohammed) was appointed as chief of military security in southern Syria on May 15.
Diaa Ahmed (Abu Aoun) was appointed as commander of the military police in southern Syria on May 15.
The Ministry of Interior issued a public statement on May 16 denying rumors of a security campaign against foreign fighters in Idlib and Hama.

2. Business

Economic Liberalization & Investment

Syrian news reported on May 15 that the Finance Ministry planned to introduce a new Syrian currency within three months. Reuters reported on May 16 that the new currency would be printed in the UAE and Germany.
Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Hasriyeh announced on May 15 that work had begun to get Syria back into the global SWIFT program, predicting it would take 6-12 months.
The director of the Companies Department, Mustafa Ismail, announced on May 16 that 456 new companies had registered between January 1 and April 1, 2025.
Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced late on May 15 an $800 million memorandum of understanding with UAE-based DP World for the redevelopment and expansion of Tartus Port and its associated logistics zones.
The Syrian Pound has recovered in value from 12,050 to $1 to 8,900 in 72 hours, and the price of gasoline has dropped in 36 hours.

Trade & Infrastructure Development

A ship carrying 10,000 heads of livestock departed the Tartus Port on May 14, destined for export to Libya.
On May 14, a ship carrying 22,500 tonnes of Syrian phosphate also departed Tartus Port for export to Romania.
The Syrian Company for Petroleum Storage and Distribution confirmed on May 13 that it had resumed pumping fuel between Latakia and Baniyas for the first time since 2013.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir announced on May 14 efforts to raise water and electricity supply, including a Turkish plan to provide Syria with 6 million cubic meters of gas for electricity production in Aleppo, and two new renewable electricity projects.
Minister of Tourism and Transport, Mazen al-Salhani and Yaroub Badr met on May 15 to discuss joint projects, including "77 Auto Ltd." (electric car dealership) and the "Electro Taxi" initiative.

3. Security

ISIS Activity & Counter-Terrorism Operations

On May 14, ten suspected ISIS operatives were detained by SDF forces in a targeted operation in al-Shuheil in eastern Deir ez Zour.
One SDF fighter was killed and three others injured in an ISIS attack involving two IEDs and machine gun fire in Abu Hamam in eastern Deir ez Zour late on May 15. ISIS later claimed responsibility.
Three suspected ISIS militants were captured in a joint SDF-US raid on a village outside al-Shadadi on May 16.
In its latest issue of al-Naba magazine, ISIS called on all foreign fighters in Syria to defect and join ISIS to conduct jihad against Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, describing the struggle as one of "monotheism against polytheism."

Pro-Assad Insurgency & Organized Crime

On May 13, one General Security fighter was killed and two others injured in an attack by suspected pro-Assad gunmen in Aleppo city.
Two men were detained by General Security forces in a raid in Qardaha, Latakia, on May 13 for suspected association with pro-Assad insurgent activity.
On May 14, Public Security forces raided and took control of a large-scale captagon production facility in Qardaha, Latakia.
Public Security forces detained a former Assad regime military officer, Yahya Ali al-Dharir Othman, outside Haffeh, Latakia, on May 14.
At least 10 suspected pro-Assad loyalists were detained by General Security forces in coordinated search operations in the Hadidah district in western rural Homs on May 14.
Three former Assad regime militiamen were detained by General Security forces in coordinated raids in al-Bukamal, Deir ez Zour, on May 14.
A former Iranian-backed militiaman, identified as “Zaiter,” was captured by General Security forces in a raid in Deir ez Zour city on May 15, reportedly involved in organized crime.
Public Security forces launched a targeted raid on a warehouse in Bahamra, Latakia, on May 15 and discovered more than 1,000 sophisticated IEDs prepared for use by pro-Assad insurgents.
A notorious female former Assad regime soldier Nariman Hijazi was captured by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in Tartus on May 15.
A former Assad regime soldier was detained by Public Security forces in a raid in western rural Homs on May 15.
A former Assad regime organized crime leader, Khaled Khaddouj (Abu Firas), was captured by Public Security forces in eastern Qalamoun, Rif Dimashq, on May 15.
A former Assad regime NDF commander, Saleh Ibrahim al-Ras (Abu Muntajab), was detained by General Security forces in al-Tadamon, Rif Dimashq, on May 15.
Syrian and Turkish media announced on May 15 that 14 million captagon pills had been seized in joint operations in northern Aleppo and Gaziantep, with several drug traffickers captured.
Public Security forces detained four local policemen in Jableh, Latakia, on May 16 accused of corruption, bribery, and extortion.
Public Security forces seized a warehouse containing an arms cache linked to pro-Assad insurgents outside Qardaha, Latakia, on May 16, including anti-tank guided missiles, grenades, and ammunition.
A former senior Assad regime state security officer, Abdulwahid Khaled, was detained by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in Hama on May 16.
Public Security forces launched several coordinated raids in the Mezzeh 86 district of Damascus on May 16, seizing control of several weapons caches belonging to pro-Assad gunmen.
Government military forces launched several raids in the Lajat district of Daraa on May 16 and seized a number of arms caches, including heavy machine guns, anti-tank weapons, and an artillery rocket launcher.

Explosive Hazards & Casualties

Three civilians, including two children, were injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in Saraqeb, Idlib, on May 14.
One child was killed and five others injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of Bahamra outside Qardaha, Latakia, early on May 14.
Two children were killed and another injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded munition outside their home near al-Rai in western rural Suwayda on May 13.
Three civilians were killed and three others injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine outside the al-Thaala Airport in western Suwayda on May 14.

Israeli Actions

Israeli military forces reportedly opened fire with heavy machine guns and destroyed a local water well near the IDF’s Tel Ahmar base in Quneitra on May 13.
Israeli military forces set fire to a stretch of trees near an IDF military base near al-Kudnah in Quneitra on May 15.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Kudnah in Quneitra on May 16.

Internal Clashes & Tensions

One government soldier was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on the main highway between Idlib and Hama late on May 14.
One man was kidnapped in rural Latakia on May 13 and released unharmed the following day.
One man was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Jableh, Latakia, on May 14.
A former Assad regime informant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Aleppo city on May 14.
A former Assad regime militiaman was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Talkalakh in western Homs late on May 15.
One man, a former Assad regime soldier, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Tafas, Daraa, on May 15.
Unidentified gunmen threw one grenade into a residential building in Khirbet al-Ghazaleh, Daraa, late on May 15, causing localized damage but no casualties.
Unidentified gunmen in neighboring Suwayda launched six artillery shells and two mortar shells into the village of Karak in eastern Daraa late on May 15, with no confirmed casualties. Several artillery rockets and mortars were launched in retaliation from al-Thaala into eastern rural Daraa hours later.
A suspected Jordanian airstrike targeted a residential compound in the village of al-Shaab in eastern rural Suwayda late on May 15, an area previously targeted for drug trade.

Relevant Context

The U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to lift all sanctions on Syria marks a profound shift in international policy towards the country. Historically, U.S. sanctions on Syria have been extensive, dating back to 1979 when Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. Additional layers of sanctions, such as the Caesar Act introduced in 2019, aimed to deter foreign entities from financially engaging with the Assad regime due to human rights abuses and war crimes. These sanctions created a "chilling effect" that severely hampered Syria's economy and reconstruction efforts. Trump's announcement, reportedly surprising even his own departments, signals a move from conditional engagement to an expectation-based approach, prioritizing Syria's stability and counter-terrorism efforts. This policy change is expected to pave the way for significant international investment and aid, primarily from Gulf states and Turkey, and could accelerate the return of Syrian refugees.

The establishment of the Transitional Justice Commission and the National Authority for Missing Persons by President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a critical step in Syria's post-conflict transition. In many post-conflict societies, such mechanisms are crucial for addressing past human rights violations, providing accountability for perpetrators, and offering redress to victims. The creation of these bodies, with mandates to investigate the "violations of the former regime" and uncover the fate of the "missing and forcibly disappeared," signifies a formal commitment by the new government to reconciliation and rule of law, a stark contrast to the previous regime's practices. Their administrative independence and nationwide mandate are key to building trust and legitimacy, both domestically and internationally, as Syria seeks to rebuild.

Appendix (Optional)

Syrian Pound Recovery: The rapid appreciation of the Syrian Pound from 12,050 to $1 to 8,900 in 72 hours following the U.S. sanctions announcement highlights the immediate positive market reaction and the potential for economic stabilization.
DP World Investment: The $800 million MoU with UAE-based DP World for Tartus Port redevelopment signifies a major foreign investment commitment, crucial for revitalizing Syria's trade and logistics infrastructure.
ISIS Strategic Shift: ISIS's call for foreign fighters to join its ranks and wage jihad against the transitional government, framing it as a struggle of "monotheism against polytheism," indicates a clear strategic shift towards directly targeting the new Syrian authorities, potentially signaling increased internal security challenges.
Pro-Assad Insurgency: The numerous detentions of former Assad regime elements and the discovery of sophisticated weapons caches, including IEDs and anti-tank missiles, underscore the ongoing threat posed by pro-Assad loyalists attempting to destabilize the new government.
US Troop Levels: The U.S. official's statement about reducing forces from 2,000 to 900 soldiers in Syria in the coming months, while a final decision on future presence is pending, suggests a potential recalibration of U.S. military engagement in the region.

SYRIA SITREP: 2025-05-10 - 2025-05-16 (Published: 2025-05-17)

Executive Summary

The reporting period was marked by a pivotal shift in Syria’s international standing, primarily driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of lifting all sanctions on Syria. This decision, followed by a direct meeting between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and President Trump, has generated significant optimism for Syria’s economic recovery, evidenced by the Syrian Pound's appreciation and plans for a new currency and re-entry into the SWIFT program. Diplomatic engagement surged, with Syrian ministers meeting with U.S., Turkish, European, and Gulf officials to discuss reconstruction and investment. Domestically, the Syrian government initiated key transitional justice mechanisms, establishing a Transitional Justice Commission and a National Authority for Missing Persons, and moved to integrate former opposition factions into the Ministry of Defense. However, internal security remains a concern, with continued ISIS activity, a re-emerging pro-Assad insurgency, and numerous incidents involving unexploded ordnance. Israeli military forces conducted multiple ground incursions in Quneitra. Key watchpoints for the coming period include the practical implementation of sanctions relief and the government's ability to consolidate internal security and governance amidst persistent threats.

Detailed Analysis

1. Politics

International Affairs

On May 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, his decision to remove all sanctions on Syria to facilitate its recovery, citing requests from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani declared the U.S. announcement a "pivotal turning point" and expressed Syria's readiness to build a relationship with the United States based on mutual respect.
On May 14, President Ahmed al-Sharaa met U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a meeting also involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and, by phone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump reiterated that "all sanctions" would be lifted from Syria.
Late on May 14, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that "steps" were already being taken to "ease sanctions, achieve stability and move Syria towards peace."
On May 15, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Antalya, Turkey, with U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also present. Rubio stated that Washington would do everything to help Syria achieve peace and stability.
The U.S. Treasury Department publicly confirmed on May 15 it was working with the State Department and National Security Council to execute the President’s direction on Syria sanctions, aiming to bring new investment into Syria.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani announced on May 15 that, upon President Sharaa’s instructions, steps had been taken towards opening an embassy in Libya.
Jean-Baptiste Faivre assumed the role of French Charges d’Affairs to Syria on May 15.
European media reported on May 15 that the EU and its foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas planned to push for a significant lifting of EU sanctions from Syria in response to the U.S. announcement.
U.S. President Trump was quoted in media on May 16 confirming he had not asked Israel to "recognize" Syria’s new government but thought "it is the right thing to do."
Israeli media – including Channel 12 – reported on May 16 that Israel had recently been engaged in "secret talks" with senior figures from Syria’s government on potential normalization.
An unnamed U.S. official told al-Jazeera on May 16 that U.S. forces would decrease from approximately 2,000 to 900 soldiers in the coming months, with a final decision on future presence pending.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali hosted a meeting with a delegation from Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) in Damascus on May 13 to discuss future collaboration.
Governor of Latakia Mohammed Abdulrahman held a meeting at the Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary in Latakia city on May 13 to discuss the needs of the governorate’s Christian citizens.
Minister of Interior Anas Khattab held a meeting with UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi in Damascus on May 14.
Syria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Muhammad Sameh Hamed, met with a delegation from the UN Population Fund in Damascus on May 14.
Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra met with a British diplomatic delegation headed by the UK’s Defense Attache in Lebanon Charles Smith on May 15 to discuss potential support for rebuilding Syria’s armed forces.
Ministers of Finance, Justice and Health hosted separate meetings with the World Bank’s director of Middle East, Jean-Christophe Carey, and his deputy, Sheila Barak-Missimi, in Damascus on May 15.
Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh met with Norwegian Ambassador to Syria Hilde Haraldstad in Damascus on May 15 to discuss "recovery efforts."
Qatar’s Charge d’Affairs to Syria Khalifa bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud convened meetings with Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, Minister of Finance Mohammed Barnieh, and Minister of Health Musab al-Ali in Damascus on May 15.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat met with a delegation from the European Union on May 15.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali met with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Syria Omar Khan on May 15 to discuss proposed support to Syria’s health sector.
Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi welcomed a Turkish delegation to Damascus on May 15 to discuss bilateral cooperation, signing a strategic agreement.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted a meeting with a delegation of businessmen from Kuwait, led by Badr Nasser al-Kharafi, on May 16 to discuss potential investment opportunities.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani arrived in Baghdad, Iraq, late on May 16 in preparation for the Arab League Summit.
Minister of Education Mohammed Turko spoke by phone with his Lebanese counterpart, Rima Karami, on May 16 to discuss Syrian students in Lebanon.

Domestic Affairs

Late on May 14, President Sharaa gave a live televised address to the Syrian people, expressing thanks to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, and welcoming potential investors.
Minister of Economy Nidal al-Shaar hosted a meeting with Governor to Suwayda Mustafa al-Bakkour in Damascus on May 14 to discuss establishing industrial vocational training centers and expanding Suwayda’s Umm al-Zaytoun industrial zone.
On May 15, news emerged that Zahra al-Barazi had been appointed as an advisor on transitional justice to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani.
Hakim al-Mahamid (Abu Mohammed) was appointed as chief of military security in southern Syria on May 15.
Diaa Ahmed (Abu Aoun) was appointed as commander of the military police in southern Syria on May 15.
The Ministry of Interior issued a public statement on May 16 denying circulating rumors that it had launched a security campaign to crack down on foreign fighters in Idlib and Hama, calling it "misleading news."

2. Business

Economic Recovery & Investment

Syrian news began reporting on May 15 that the Finance Ministry planned to introduce a new Syrian currency within three months. Reuters reported the following day that the new currency would be printed in the UAE and Germany.
Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Hasriyeh announced to Syrian media on May 15 that work had begun to get Syria back into the global SWIFT program, predicting it would take 6-12 months.
The director of the Companies Department, Mustafa Ismail, announced on May 16 that a total of 456 new companies had registered as being established between January 1 and April 1, 2025.
Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced late on May 15 an $800 million memorandum of understanding with the UAE-based DP World for the redevelopment and expansion of Tartus Port and its associated logistics zones.
The Syrian Pound has recovered in value from 12,050 to $1 to 8,900 in 72 hours, while the price of gasoline has dropped in 36 hours.

Trade & Infrastructure Development

A ship carrying 10,000 heads of livestock departed the Tartus Port on May 14, destined for export to Libya.
That same day, a ship carrying 22,500 tonnes of Syrian phosphate also departed Tartus Port for export to Romania.
The Syrian Company for Petroleum Storage and Distribution confirmed on May 13 that for the first time since 2013, it had resumed pumping fuel between Latakia and Baniyas.
Minister of Energy Mohammed al-Bashir announced on May 14 that efforts were underway to raise the levels of water and electricity supply in Syria "within a short time," including thanks to a Turkish plan to provide Syria with 6 million cubic meters of gas for electricity production in Aleppo, and two new renewable electricity projects.
Minister of Tourism and Transport, Mazen al-Salhani and Yaroub Badr met on May 15 and discussed several joint projects, including "77 Auto Ltd." (to establish Syria’s first electric car dealership) and the "Electro Taxi" initiative.

3. Security

ISIS Activity & Counter-Terrorism Operations

Ten suspected ISIS operatives were detained by SDF forces in a targeted operation in and around al-Shuheil in eastern Deir ez Zour on May 14.
One SDF fighter was killed and three others injured in an ISIS attack involving two IEDs and machine gun fire in Abu Hamam in eastern Deir ez Zour late on May 15. ISIS later claimed responsibility for it, releasing a video of the attack.
Three suspected ISIS militants were captured in a joint SDF-US raid on a village outside al-Shadadi on May 16.
In its latest issue of al-Naba magazine, ISIS called on all foreign fighters present in Syria to defect from their groups and join ISIS, in order to conduct jihad against Ahmed al-Sharaa and his government in Damascus.

Pro-Assad Insurgency & Organized Crime

One General Security fighter was killed and two others were injured in a brief attack by suspected pro-Assad gunmen in Aleppo city late on May 13.
Two men were detained by General Security forces in a raid after being accused of association with pro-Assad insurgent activity in Qardaha, Latakia, on May 13.
Public Security forces raided and took control of a large-scale captagon production facility in Qardaha, Latakia, on May 14.
Public Security forces detained a former Assad regime military officer, Yahya Ali al-Dharir Othman, in a targeted raid outside Haffeh, Latakia, on May 14.
At least 10 suspected pro-Assad loyalists were detained by General Security forces in a series of coordinated search operations in the Hadidah district in western rural Homs on May 14.
Three former Assad regime militiamen were detained by General Security forces in a series of coordinated raids in al-Bukamal, Deir ez Zour, on May 14.
A former Iranian-backed militiaman, identified only as “Zaiter,” was captured by General Security forces in a raid in Deir ez Zour city on May 15. Local media claimed he had been involved in organized crime activities.
Public Security forces launched a targeted raid on a warehouse in the village of Bahamra outside Qardaha, Latakia, on May 15 and discovered more than 1,000 sophisticated IEDs that had been prepared for use by pro-Assad insurgents.
A notorious female former Assad regime soldier Nariman Hijazi was captured by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in Tartus on May 15.
A former Assad regime soldier was detained by Public Security forces in a raid in western rural Homs on May 15.
A former Assad regime organized crime leader, Khaled Khaddouj (Abu Firas), was captured by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in the eastern Qalamoun, Rif Dimashq, on May 15.
A former Assad regime NDF commander, Saleh Ibrahim al-Ras (Abu Muntajab), was detained by General Security forces in a targeted raid in al-Tadamon, Rif Dimashq, on May 15.
Syrian and Turkish media announced on May 15 that in a series of major, joint operations, a total of 14 million captagon pills had been seized in raids in northern Aleppo and Gaziantep, while a number of drug traffickers had also been captured.
Public Security forces detained four local policemen active in Jableh, Latakia, on May 16 after they had been accused of corruption, bribery and extortion.
Public Security forces seized a warehouse containing an arms cache linked to pro-Assad insurgents outside Qardaha, Latakia, on May 16. Among the weapons seized were anti-tank guided missiles, grenades and ammunition.
A former senior Assad regime state security officer, Abdulwahid Khaled, was detained by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in Hama on May 16.
Public Security forces launched several coordinated raids in the Mezzeh 86 district of Damascus on May 16, seizing control of several caches of weapons belonging to pro-Assad gunmen.
A former Assad regime military officer, Munzher Karam, was captured by Public Security forces in a targeted raid in Qudsaya, Rif Dimashq, on May 16.
Government military forces launched several raids in the Lajat district of Daraa on May 16 and seized a number of arms caches, containing heavy machine guns, anti-tank weapons, and an artillery rocket launcher.

Explosive Hazards & Civilian Casualties

Two children were killed and another was injured after they accidentally triggered an unexploded munition outside their home near the village of al-Rai in western rural Suwayda on May 13.
Three civilians, including two children, were injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in Saraqeb, Idlib, on May 14.
One child was killed and five others were injured after accidentally triggering an unexploded landmine in the village of Bahamra outside Qardaha, Latakia, early on May 14.
Three civilians were killed and three others injured after they accidentally triggered an unexploded landmine outside the al-Thaala Airport in western Suwayda on May 14.

Israeli Actions

Israeli military forces reportedly opened fire with heavy machine guns and destroyed a local water well located near the IDF’s Tel Ahmar base in Quneitra on May 13.
Israeli military forces set fire to a stretch of trees situated on the edge of an agricultural area at the foot of an IDF military base near al-Kudnah in Quneitra on May 15.
Israeli military forces launched a ground incursion into the village of al-Kudnah in Quneitra on May 16.

Internal Stability & Unidentified Attacks

One man was kidnapped in rural Latakia on May 13 and he was released unharmed the following day.
One government soldier was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on the main highway between Idlib and Hama late on May 14.
One man was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Jableh, Latakia, on May 14.
One former Assad regime informant was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Aleppo city on May 14.
One man – a former Assad regime soldier – was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Tafas, Daraa, on May 15.
Unidentified gunmen threw one grenade into a residential building in Khirbet al-Ghazaleh, Daraa, late on May 15, causing localized damage but no casualties.
Unidentified gunmen in neighboring Suwayda (near the al-Thaala Airport) launched six artillery shells and two mortar shells into the village of Karak in eastern Daraa late on May 15, but no casualties were confirmed. Several artillery rockets and mortars were launched in retaliation from al-Thaala into eastern rural Daraa hours later.
A suspected Jordanian airstrike targeted a residential compound in the village of al-Shaab in eastern rural Suwayda late on May 15. The area had been hit by Jordanian airstrikes in previous years, in actions undertaken to target the drugs trade.

Relevant Context

The U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to lift all sanctions on Syria represents a profound shift in international policy towards the country. Historically, U.S. sanctions on Syria have been extensive, dating back to 1979 when Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. Additional layers of sanctions, such as the Caesar Act introduced in 2019, aimed to deter foreign entities from financially engaging with the Assad regime due to human rights abuses and war crimes. These sanctions created a "chilling effect" that severely hampered Syria's economy and reconstruction efforts. Trump's announcement, reportedly surprising even his own departments, signals a move from conditional engagement to an expectation-based approach, prioritizing Syria's stability and counter-terrorism efforts. This policy change is expected to pave the way for significant international investment and aid, primarily from Gulf states and Turkey, and could accelerate the return of Syrian refugees.