July 26-28, 2025| 13:00 EST|20:00 LEVANT
★ SYRIA
ISIS Resurfaces in Eastern Syria With Two Armed Attacks
ISIS cells launched two attacks on SDF security points in eastern Deir ez-Zor, targeting a military post in Dhiban and an Asayish checkpoint between Al-Shuhail and Al-Busayrah. Clashes followed, with reported ISIS casualties. The assault came two days after U.S. forces killed senior ISIS leader Dhiaa Zubaa Muslih al-Hardani and his two sons in Aleppo. On July 20, SDF and coalition units arrested senior ISIS emir Ahmed al-Talib in Deir ez-Zor as he prepared a car bomb targeting SDF forces and civilians. Al-Talib was responsible for coordinating ISIS operations and explosives. ISIS has conducted 136 operations in SDF areas since January, killing 35 SDF personnel, one collaborator, eight ISIS members, and nine civilians. Of these, 116 attacks occurred in Deir ez-Zor alone, where violence is now rapidly escalating.
SDF Warns No Disbanding As Paris Talks Collapse
Mazloum Abdi announced the SDF would begin transferring institutions to Damascus starting with Deir ez-Zor but without disbanding. The SDF seeks integration under Syria’s ministries while retaining its own command and control. Damascus and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan rejected this, demanding full disarmament and individual absorption—terms the SDF refused, stalling the March 10 agreement. Fidan offered to monitor Kurdish rights but insisted on total unification. A Turkish Minute op-ed warned of a looming crisis, citing the failed July 9 talks, Abdi’s backing of a Suwayda–SDF corridor, and Israeli interference via the alleged “David Corridor.” Abdi reiterated from a U.S. base that no disbanding would occur without a binding deal. SDF spokesman Yasser al-Sulaiman confirmed there would be no handover, only integration under Syrian unity. Sheikh Hamoud al-Faraj warned that continued deadlock could spark open conflict, affirming tribal loyalty to the state. Government forces have mobilized across the island region.
Assadist–Hezbollah Network Dismantled In Latakia By Security Forces
Syrian Internal Security Forces in Latakia dismantled a cell linked to Maher al-Assad’s Fourth Division, arresting its leader Maher Hussein Ali and former Republican Guard Colonel Malek Ali Abu Saleh. The group coordinated with Wadah Suhail Ismail’s Makzun Regiment and received logistical support from Hezbollah. Authorities said the cell had conducted prior attacks and was preparing new operations inside regime-held areas, with ties to former Assad-era security figures.
Transitional Government Skips Elections, Bypasses Civil Representation Mechanisms
The Syrian Supreme Elections Committee announced that People’s Assembly elections will take place between September 15–20, with the number of seats increasing from 150 to 210. Seventy members will be appointed by presidential decree, and women will comprise at least 20% of the electoral bodies. Voting is expected across all governorates “to the extent possible,” and subcommittees will be formed in eastern regions if access is restricted. However, the transitional government faces growing criticism for bypassing electoral participation and relying on loyalty-based appointments managed by a political secretariat linked to the Foreign Ministry. The temporary electoral system remains incomplete, and no political parties are involved. The constitutional declaration grants the presidency unchecked authority over all branches of power. Legal experts described the process as exclusionary, with no mechanisms for oversight or civic engagement. Public trust continues to erode.
Sweida Survivors Report Executions, Starvation, and Raids by Security Forces
Survivors from Sweida reported mass displacement, home raids, executions, and starvation during a 12-day siege by Syrian General Security forces and allied armed units. One woman said she lost 13 family members to a uniformed group. Others described looting, forced expulsions, and blocked humanitarian aid. Separately, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt told Al Arabiya that Sweida’s unrest began when some called for local rule, accusing Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri of trying to monopolize decision-making. He warned that Israel seeks to fragment the region and called for a judicial probe into all parties responsible for the violence, which threatens Syria’s unity.
Suweida Unions Cut Ties With Damascus Over Government Inaction
Several Suweida unions declared a break with Damascus-based central unions to protest government silence over recent deadly unrest. The Engineers, Teachers, Pharmacists, and Labor unions accused the regime of neglecting civilians and violating rights, while the Lawyers’ Union leadership resigned. Over 800 people were killed in clashes, fueling an unprecedented wave of local defiance.
UN Demands Sweida Accountability as Aid Convoy Faces Monopolization
The UN Security Council convened on July 28, 2025, to address Syria’s deepening political and humanitarian crisis, focusing on the Sweida clashes. UN officials called for civilian protection, investigations into rights violations, renewed dialogue between Damascus and local actors, and increased funding for Syria’s 2025 aid plan. Member states also reviewed the Syrian government’s fact-finding report on Sahel atrocities and reaffirmed support for Resolution 2254 and transitional justice. Meanwhile, a government-backed aid convoy carrying food, medical, and shelter supplies entered Sweida via the Busra al-Sham crossing, coordinated with international organizations and community representatives. Authorities reported daily deliveries of flour, diesel, and surgical kits. However, local sources confirmed that factions loyal to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri had monopolized incoming aid. Seven government personnel remain captive, and hundreds have been buried without identification.
No Clarification on Hazem al-Shara’a, Australian Extremist Role
The Syrian Information Ministry accused Reuters of pushing a politically motivated narrative by publishing its investigation before official Syrian responses could be included. Reuters had reported that Hazem al-Shara’a—brother of interim President Ahmad al-Shara’a—and Australian-designated terrorist Ibrahim Bin Mas’ud jointly led a covert operation seizing $1.6 billion in Assad-era assets, bypassing legal oversight and granting immunity to war profiteers. The ministry did not deny the existence of the economic committee, nor did it respond to the roles of Hazem or the foreign jihadist. It also remained silent on the alleged illegal confiscation of telecoms and palace-run firms. Instead, the ministry criticized Reuters for ignoring methodological feedback, cited logistical delays in its response process, and highlighted its ongoing efforts to improve foreign media access. No substantive rebuttal was issued addressing the allegations or clarifying the legality of the asset seizures.
Detainees’ Children Vanished Under Assad, Transfers Unrecorded and Ongoing
A Syrian investigation committee confirmed that hundreds of children, whose parents were detained under the Assad regime, vanished without any documentation or follow-up. The committee stated that based on internal files and classified orders from security agencies, a systematic relocation of hundreds of these children was taking place. At least 314 cases have been documented so far, but investigators believe the actual number is significantly higher due to the destruction or concealment of official records. Newly recovered directives show that these transfers bypassed family consent and legal procedures. Several orphanage files linked to security referrals and has urged families to come forward with information were found.
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★ Disclaimer: The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
