Administrative efforts in the second half of February sought to improve governance and administration in Syria, building on the new government’s previous policies. To address the Daraa governorate issue, the government appointed Anwar al-Zu’bi, a prominent local figure, as governor. The Ministry of Finance sought to regulate the dollar exchange market by restricting transactions to authorized exchange centres, though enforcement remains weak, and requires meaningful deterrence. Additionally, the government ordered all defectors to return to work in state institutions as part of its strategy to reinforce their capacity.
Despite improvements in governance indicators across Syria’s state institutions, demonstrations persist, particularly within the trade union movement. Workers’ Union branches have condemned the government’s decision to lay off employees and impose paid leave as part of public sector restructuring, demanding an end to arbitrary dismissals. Meanwhile, the government continues to pay monthly pensions to retirees, though salary payments have been delayed due to an ongoing security review.
Monitoring Security and Military Developments
- Homs Governorate
In mid-to-late February 2025, Homs experienced a series of security challenges, exposing ongoing internal tensions and conflicts among local actors. One of the most notable operations in the governorate was a wave of arrests targeting individuals from a variet of backgrounds. In Wadi al-Nasara, General Security forces conducted a crackdown that targeted several ‘shabeeha’—paramilitary enforcers closely linked to the former regime.
On February 19, General Security forces also arrested Issam al-Masri, the former Director of Religious Endowments in Homs, known for his ties to the Assad regime and his role in reconciliation efforts. He was charged for his prior support to the regime. Security forces also detained journalist Mu’een Dergham, known for his controversial video recordings – including footage showing him stepping on the bodies of martyrs from the Matahin massacre.
Turning to military developments, violent clashes broke out on February 24 in the Hawik area along the Syrian-Lebanese border between the Syrian army and members of Hezbollah. Syrian forces successfully repelled the militia’s advance, inflicting casualties among their ranks. The province as a whole, however, saw no significant shifts in lines of control or the emergence of new factions.
In a separate development, remnants of the former regime targeted a General Security patrol in the Muhajireen neighborhood on February 25, triggering a security escalation followed by sweeps and arrests. A similar security campaign occurred in the Sheen area, resulting in the arrest of former regime officer Ghadeer Jalal Dardar, though details about the charges against him were not disclosed.
The governorate saw little significant military redeployments, aside from some routine troop movements. Meanwhile, General Security forces released several batches of detainees, with groups released on February 15, 20, and 26. This release was part of a strategy to ease local tensions by freeing individuals not proven to have committed serious crimes.
- Aleppo Governorate
Aleppo Governorate saw a surge in security events during the second half of February 2025, particularly in areas controlled by different factions. The city experienced an increase in arrests, including the detention of Badr al-Din Basha, office manager to Suhail al-Hassan, on February 19. He was arrested by military police in Azaz as he attempted to flee to Türkiye. This operation was part of a broader focus on security measures targeting prominent figures from the former regime.
In another development, an Internal Security Service member was killed on February 16 while attempting to intervene in an armed altercation in the Jalloum neighborhood of Old Aleppo. This incident highlights the ongoing security chaos in some areas, despite the presence of increased security patrols. On a positive note, Security Forces at the Midan branch in Aleppo successfully dismantled a gang involved in car thefts, representing a step toward restoring order in the area.
The Sheikh Saeed neighborhood also saw a large-scale security campaign targeting remnants of the ‘shabeeha’. The operation led to the arrest of over 100 individuals from the Mido clan and 10 from the Aswad clan, flanked by an intense security presence. Additionally, security reinforcements were deployed in the city of Manbij to stabilize the security situation and prevent any subversive activity.
- Daraa Governorate
Daraa Governorate remained a key focal point in the Syrian security landscape, experiencing arrests and intense security operations. On February 27, General Security arrested Farouk al-Hammadi, a former member of parliament accused of leading an assassination cell on behalf of the former regime. His arrest followed extensive surveillance of his movements, underscoring the growing intensity of security operations in the governorate.
On another front, Daraa saw significant activity in military administration. On March 11, a committee linked to the Ministry of Defence began documenting and registering the names of former militants officially integrated into the new Ministry. This step is part of concerted efforts to maintain security and reorganize the military landscape in the region.
Between March 4 and 6, violent clashes erupted in the Sanamayn area between two opposing local armed groups. The General Security forces intervened, imposing a ban on carrying weapons and restoring stability to the city. The clashes resulted in eight deaths, and field commander Mohsen al-Haymad, fled the area.
In the western countryside, security forces launched a campaign on February 20 targeting drug and arms dealers, coordinating with local community leaders to ensure its success. On February 18, the home of a General Security commander in the town of Nuaima was attacked by armed individuals. General Security forces conducted a security operation in response, arresting five individuals – one of whom was linked to ISIS.
- Hama Governorate
In the second half of February 2025, Hama Governorate experienced spiralling tensions, underscoring the ongoing instability in the region. On February 15, a newly emerged group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed responsibility for an attack on the town of Arza, which resulted in the deaths of 12 Alawites. Five others, allegedly linked to the former regime, were also killed in Tal Dahab.
These attacks mark a dangerous escalation in sectarian tensions, as the group has vowed to continue its assaults until the Alawites and Shiites are “eliminated” or displaced from the region. The group has also expressed strong opposition to the transitional government’s efforts to pardon members of the former regime.
- Damascus Governorate
The Damascus suburb of Jaramana, which has a large Druze and Christian population, was subject to significant security tensions in late February. On February 28, unknown gunmen attacked a car carrying Druze civilians on the road to Damascus International Airport, injuring two elderly individuals who were subsequently hospitalized.
Tensions escalated following a deadly confrontation at a checkpoint near Jaramana, where security forces stopped Ministry of Defence personnel who were visiting relatives. A verbal dispute quickly erupted between the two sides and escalated into a gunfight, resulting in one security officer’s death and another’s injury. In response to these developments, General Security forces launched a large-scale operation in Jaramana on February 28. They reinforced their positions at the city’s entrances and deployed a significant number of personnel to track down those responsible for the violence.
- The Eastern Region
In eastern Syria, particularly in Deir ez-Zor, tensions persisted throughout the second half of February 2025. On February 17, Osama al-Awwad was appointed commander of the Special Tasks Brigade in Deir ez-Zor, a move intended to bolster security control in the region.
- Quneitra Governorate
In Quneitra Governorate, security challenges persisted throughout the second half of February 2025. After the fall of the Assad regime, Israel announced the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria and deployed its army in the demilitarized buffer zone of the Syrian Golan Heights, extending its occupation to within 25 kilometers of Damascus.
The Syrian government urged the international community to take action to stop the continued Israeli expansion. Meanwhile, Quneitra saw activity from remnants of the former regime, with some armed groups attempting to exploit the situation by launching attacks on government forces. However, Syrian forces, working in cooperation with local committees, successfully thwarted these attempts and maintained relative stability in the area.
- Changes in the Military Establishment
Recent months have seen several changes in military personnel. On February 26, Colonel Muhammad al-Ahmad was appointed commander of the Artillery and Missile Regiment. On February 17, Osama al-Awwad was appointed commander of the Special Tasks Brigade in Deir ez-Zor. On February 26, Qasim Muhammad al-Saleh was assigned to command the Operations Room of the 118th Division, stationed in the Palmyra region and the Syrian Desert. On February 24, the Ministry of Defense announced the opening of military courses for young men aged 18 to 22 to register, aimed at strengthening the ranks of the armed forces.
All these developments highlight the complex security and military tension still present across Syria’s provinces. marked by intensified security campaigns targeting former regime cells and drug dealers. At the same time, military changes are being made to reshape power centers within the military establishment.
Monitoring Social and Political Developments
The most prominent political development during the reporting period was the National Conference held on February 25 in Damascus. Its final statement covered several key topics, including Syria’s national security, which is threatened by repeated Israeli attacks on its territorial sovereignty. It also addressed transitional justice, civil society, education, political participation, institutional reform, and the international sanctions imposed on Syria.
The conference received widespread support from both Arab and Western countries, with Michael Ohnmacht, head of the European Union mission to Syria, describing it as a first step towards a successful transitional process in Syria. The Saudi Foreign Ministry statement noted that the conference could “contribute to achieving the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people and strengthening their national unity.”
Looking to develop Syria’s diplomatic presence abroad, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani attended the Web Summit Qatar and participated in the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia. Diplomatic visits to Damascus were fewer compared to January and the first half of February, with President Ahmed al-Shara receiving delegations from Cyprus and the People’s Republic of China.
The most significant external development was the easing of European sanctions on the energy and banking sectors, the removal of Syrian Airlines from the European sanctions list, and the indefinite extension of current humanitarian exemptions. The Syrian Foreign Ministry was quick to respond, issuing a statement welcoming the European decision and providing further details about the changes.
Monitoring Economic and Service Developments
Syria is still facing significant economic challenges across various sectors. In the Deir ez-Zor countryside, drought and rising feed prices have caused livestock prices to drop by more than 60%, severely affecting the livestock sector. In Daraa Governorate, farmers have scaled back potato cultivation due to falling prices and rising production costs, opting instead to grow less expensive crops.
Regional and International Cooperation
The Jordanian Minister of Industry emphasized his country’s role in facilitating transit traffic and developing border crossings with their northern neighbours, as well as Jordanian efforts to export gas to Syria. Following the opening of the Jaber-Nasseeb crossing, export vehicles from Jordan to Syria have significantly increased, boosting trade between the two countries.
The Saudi Ports Authority announced the launch of a new shipping service between the KSA and Syria, aimed at enhancing trade. The head of the Turkish International Carriers Association also highlighted the rise in commercial transport traffic between Türkiye and Syria, which supports cross-border trade. Meanwhile, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that Türkiye is considering connecting Syria to the Development Road corridor, a Turkish project designed to boost trade between Syria, Europe, and the GCC countries.
Türkiye expressed its willingness to help Syria to build a digital financial system in Syria based on open banking services, a move that could significantly boost the Syrian economy within a few years. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund has started engaging with the Syrian government to support its financial institutions.
Energy Investment
As part of efforts to improve Syria’s energy infrastructure, the Ministry of Electricity has proposed building a 100-megawatt solar power plant in the Damascus countryside as part of a broader push for renewable energy development. In the oil sector, the Damascus government reached a three-month agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to import oil, helping to meet the country’s energy needs. Additionally, a tanker carrying 29,794 tons of diesel arrived at the Baniyas terminal, marking the third such delivery since the fall of the Assad regime. Other tankers carrying domestic gas also arrived, while the capacity of the Latakia gas plant was expanded.
Food Prices Across Syria (USD)
| Daraa | Latakia | Hama | Aleppo | Damascus | Staple |
| 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.72 | 0.45 | 0.46 | Tomato |
| 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.45 | 0.4 | 0.38 | Onion |
| 0.2 | 0.35 | 0.36 | 0.3 | 0.32 | Potato |
| 3 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 3 | Eggs |
| 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.26 | Bread (1 kg) |
| 0.8 | 0.75 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9 | Sugar |
| 12 | 10 | 11.1 | 9 | 11 | Tea |
| 2 | 0.95 | 1.01 | 1 | 1 | Rice |
| 7 | 11 | 10 | 12.1 | 12.5 | Meat |
| 3 | 3 | 2.54 | 3 | 3 | Chicken |
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.45 | 5.5 | 6.5 | Olive Oil |
| 1 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | Vegetable Oil |
Fuel and building material prices (USD)
| Daraa | Latakia | Hama | Aleppo | Damascus | Item | ||||
| 700 | 700 | 654 | 686 | 700 | Iron (per ton) | ||||
| 100 | 140 | 145 | 131 | 147 | Cement (per ton) | ||||
| .12 | 1.05 | 1 | 1.06 | 10.02 | Diesel | ||||
| 1 | 1.1 | 1.09 | 1.1 | 1.2 | Gasoline | ||||
| 18 | 17.5 | 15.2 | 17.6 | 18 | Domestic Gas | ||||
Gold and Foreign Currency Prices
| Daraa | Latakia | Hama | Aleppo | Damascus | Item |
| $83 | $82.5 | $82 | $82 | $83 | Gold |
| 10,000 | 10,000 | 11,000 | 9,900 | 9,500 | US Dollar |
| 10,400 | 10,450 | 11,500 | 10,400 | 10,250 | Euro |
| 276 | 280 | 282 | 279 | 275 | Turkish Lira |
