Syria Daily Report – 14 January 2025

Jan 15, 2025

NATIONAL OVERVIEW

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Nationwide incidents 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

  • UN Human Rights Commissioner arrives in Damascus
  • Six European countries call for suspension of sanction
  • Jordanian airstrikes targeted drugs trafficker near Syria/Jordan border
  • Jordanian businessman killed and grenade attack reported in Damascus
  • HTS-tribal clashes and IS attack reported in Deir Ez Zour
  • UXO detonations cause casualties in countryside of Deir Ez Zour
  • Turkish artillery strikes target villages in northern Hasaka province
  • Turkish-backed forces launch operation southeast of Manbij
  • Protest outside governate building in Aleppo city
  • Clashes between HTS and tribal factions reported near Syria-Lebanon border
  • Clashes and security operations involving HTS reported in Latakia
  • Civilian injured by landmine in Idlib

STRATEGIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

UN Human rights Commissioner arrives in Damascus
On 14 January, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, arrived in Damascus for a two-day visit that will include stops in Beirut, Lebanon. The visit is the first made by the UN Human Rights Commissioner since the position was established in 1993, as the former government led by President Bashar al-Assad refused to grant previous commissioners entry. According to a statement released by the UN on 14 January, Türk will meet with officials “as well representatives of civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic corps and UN entities.”

The visit comes shortly after a summit in Riyadh on 12 January where senior Western officials and regional stakeholders discussed the future of Syria and in particular the lifting of sanctions on the new government. While the commissioner is not assessed to be directly involved in the political transition itself, the visit does form part of a broader international effort to promote an inclusive government transition in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 which remains the guiding framework for international engagements with the new government. In particular, the US and several Western countries have earmarked respect for human rights and respect for minority rights as preconditions for lifting sanctions on the new government – issues that are expected to be at the center of Türk’s visit.

Six European countries call for suspension of sanctions
Meanwhile, in a related development following the Riyadh Summit, several media sources reported that six European countries signed a document that urged the EU to “immediately commence adjustments to the sanctions regime.” According to Reuters, the document specifically calls for the lifting of sanctions on a number of key sectors including transportation, energy and banking with a view to facilitating civilian flights, easing restrictions on imported goods as well as on the export of oil and gas. The overarching purpose of these measures would be to alleviate pressure on the Syrian economy.  The document also includes key caveats however and stresses the importance of assessing the “listed entity HTS and its leader” as well as the “evolution on the ground in Syria” with respect to the government’s commitment to respecting human rights and promoting an inclusive political transition.

The report comes a day after the EU Foreign Policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed that the EU will discuss lifting sanctions on Syria in a summit scheduled for 27 January and suggests that there is growing support within the EU in favor of easing the current restrictions. Last week, the US also announced the easing of some sanctions as a temporary measure likely intended to incentivize the new government towards making progress on the UNSC resolution.

Jordanian airstrikes targeted drugs trafficker near Syria/Jordan border
Late on 13 January, Jordanian fighter jets conducted airstrikes on two houses in Al-Shaab village, As Suwayda province. One of the targeted houses belonged to Jihad al-Saeed – a known narcotic trafficker accused of smuggling weapons and drugs between Syria and Jordan. Al-Saeed was previously arrested by the former regime and released shortly before its fall. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, one person was injured in the attack however the identity of the victim was not specified initially.

It is worth noting that the Jordanian air force has been conducting airstrikes on a regular basis against assets, sites and individuals affiliated with Syria’s drug trafficking industry that flourished under the former government. These strikes form part of an ongoing attempt by Jordan – facilitated and supported by the GGC states – to stem to flow of narcotics along the Jordan-Syria border region and into Saudi Arabia. While the fall of the Assad-led government is assessed as a positive indicator in this regard, and likely to reduce the number of airstrikes along the border, such operations are expected to continue on an intermittent basis.

DAMASCUS & THE SOUTHERN REGION (including Suwaida, Daraa & Quneitra)

Jordanian businessman killed and grenade attack reported in Damascus
Hostile activity in Damascus was mainly confined to localized issues and violence. Most notably, on 13 January, businessman Dr. Abdul Razzaq Ahmed Al-Raziq – a representative of the Jordanian company Jovac Vaccines and owner of Amat Group Company –  was killed by his private driver in his home in the Tijara area of Damascus City. The driver reportedly stole money from the residence before fleeing, indicating that a financial motive was behind the assassination.

Separately, after midnight on 14 January, an individual threw a hand grenade under the Midan Bridge in the Midan area of Damascus City. No casualties were reported and while the cause of the attack was not specified, such incidents are typically linked to local or personal disputes. The timing of the attack is also suggestive of an act of intimidation, with the incident likely conducted to send a message rather than to kill or injure.

Palestinians gathered outside UNRWA building in Damascus
On 13 January, dozens of Palestinians gathered outside the UN Relief Agency presidency building in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus City, protesting deteriorating living and service conditions. The demonstrators called for reduced corruption, improved health and education services, increased job opportunities for Palestinian youth, and the reconstruction of Palestinian camps damaged during the Syrian conflict. They also demanded accountability for negligence, timely disbursement of monthly aid and heating assistance, and equitable aid distribution. Further protests linked to the issue are expected to continue, with clients advised to avoid all gatherings as a standard operating procedure.

Workers gathered outside governate building in Suwayda
On 13 January, dozens of workers staged a demonstration in front of the governorate building in As Suwayda in opposition to a recent decision by the Workers’ Union to dismiss workers on temporary employment contracts. The protesters demanded the protection of workers’ rights, the timely payment of salaries, and an end to arbitrary decisions that do not serve the public interest. The demonstration included both men and women who carried a banner condemning the caretaker government’s decision. Chants echoed through the streets, calling for their rights to be upheld. The demonstrators vowed to continue their sit-ins and protests until their demands are fully met. Additional demonstrations outside the government building can therefore be expected over the coming days.

On the same day, additional protests were held in Salkhad City, As Suwayda province, with demonstrators demanding improvements to public services and the economy. Footage from the scene depicted a peaceful gathering, with no disruptions noted.

RPG attack targeted home of Sheikh in As Suwayda City
In another noteworthy incident in the province, unidentified individuals fired an RPG at the home of Sheikh Marwan Rizk near the Civil Defense Command in As Suwayda City on the evening of 13 January. The attack took place at approximately 22:15 and caused material damage, including shattered windows, but no casualties. Local sources described the attack as an intimidation-style event not aimed to kill or injure, however the motive for the attack was not specified initially.

NORTH & EAST SYRIA (Including Hasaka, Deir Ez Zour, Aleppo & Raqqa provinces)

HTS-tribal clashes and IS attack reported in Deir Ez Zour
Activity in the Deir Ez Zour province remains characterized by the province’s complex security dynamics and included tribal clashes as well as continued IS activity. On 13 January, three members of the HTS-affiliated Public Security force and a driver were injured during an armed attack by members of the Jafaifa tribe. The attack, which occurred in Albu Kamal city, eastern Deir Ezzor, involved the use of a hand grenade targeting a military patrol. In response, HTS members set fire to a car loaded with ammunition belonging to the Jafaifa tribe. Additional revenge activity can be expected in the area over the coming days as tensions remain elevated.

Separately, on the evening of 13 January, IS militants attacked an SDF vehicle in Zir village, eastern Deir Ezzor province, resulting in an unspecified number of SDF casualties. The attack was not widely reported and additional details remain limited yet it is consistent with high levels of IS activity along rural roads in the province.

UXO detonations cause casualties in countryside of Deir Ez Zour
Two incidents were also reported involving the use of explosive remnant devices. On 13 January, two children were killed when a hand grenade left from the war exploded in Ayash village, western Deir Ezzor province. On the same day, two brothers were killed in an explosion of a landmine left over from battles in the Kashma village, eastern Deir Ezzor province. Both events highlight the persistent risk of explosive remnants in areas exposed to armed conflict and underscore the importance of maintaining adequate security arrangements when transiting, especially in rural areas.

Turkish artillery strikes target villages in northern Hasaka province
Activity in the Hasaka province again comprised Turkish operations against areas associated with SDF control. On 13 January, Turkish forces and affiliated factions shelled the villages of Khadrawiyah, Umm Al-Khair, Asadiyah, and Tal Harmal, northern Hasakah province, using heavy artillery and mortar shells. A fuel station near Abu Rasin town was also targeted with mortar fire yet no casualties were immediately discussed. SDF counter-action remains likely over the coming days as part of ongoing tit-for-tat attacks along the frontlines.

Small protest reported outside UN office in Qamishli
Protest activity in the province included a small gathering in Qamishli city. On 13 January, dozens of displaced individuals from Ras al-Ain demonstrated in front of the United Nations office, demanding the right to return.

Turkish-backed forces launch operation southeast of Manbij
The tempo of Turkish-backed operations and SNA-SDF hostilities near Manbij remains elevated. Beginning on 12 January, local sources reported that Turkish-backed SNA forces launched an assault on Syriatel hill and surrounding villages southeastern Manbij. Intense clashes followed, resulting in the destruction of three military armored vehicles, a troop transport vehicle, another military vehicle, and a BMB vehicle. The SDF later confirmed killing 15 SNA members and reported additional casualties from drone strikes, though exact numbers were unconfirmed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that clashes near Tishrin Dam and Qara Qozak led to the deaths of 17 National Army members, five of whom died during an infiltration and combing operation on the Syriatel hill axis. Four SDF members were injured, and two of their vehicles were destroyed. Turkish warplanes and drones also conducted intensified strikes during the engagement. No changes in the territorial control of terrain have been confirmed as of writing yet the situation along the frontlines remains fluid and subject to sudden fluctuations.

Separately, Turkish warplanes conducted airstrikes targeting Sarrin Airport on 13 January. Additional strikes were reported on the same day in the Maghribtin village, and a construction centre in Bir Hassou village in Kobani countryside, eastern Aleppo province. No casualties were reported and few additional details regarding the outcome were provided.

Protest outside governate building in Aleppo city

On 13 January, workers in Aleppo also protested the dismissal of employees, gathering in front of the governorate building. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “The people are dying of hunger, do not deprive them of the right to work.” During the demonstration, the building was set on fire, though no information was provided on the cause or purpose of this act.

 

CENTRAL REGION (Including Idlib, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, Hama & Homs)

Clashes between HTS and tribal factions reported near Syria-Lebanon border
After midnight on 14 January, violent clashes erupted near the Syrian-Lebanese border in the Qusayr countryside of Homs province between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-affiliated factions and gunmen from the Hermel and Bekaa clans. Sources associated with Hezbollah even claimed that the clan fighters seized control of the border village of Al-Masryah. No official statements have been released by HTS regarding the incident so far and the seizure of the village has not been independently confirmed as of writing. If confirmed, a security operation can be expected in the vicinity as the HTS will most likely seek to reclaim the village.

Clashes and security operations involving HTS reported in Latakia
Clashes involving HTS elements were also reported in the Latakia province where, shortly after midnight on 14 January, clashes broke out between Public Security forces and a group of wanted individuals in the southern Raml area of Latakia City. The clashes were reported prompted by the launch of a security operation targeting suspected criminal elements in the area who subsequently resisted arrest.  Several individuals were detained, while two managed to escape.

Separately, the HTS launched a security operation in Jableh district, Latakia province, targeting Ain al-Sharqiya, Zama, and other villages for weapons confiscation on 14 January. This operation reportedly followed an attack on HTS members by remnants of the former regime in Ain al-Sharqiya.

Civilian injured by landmine in Idlib
In an otherwise subdued reporting period in Idlib province, another explosive remnant detonated on 13 January. According to local sources, a civilian was injured when a landmine left behind by the former Assad regime exploded under his motorcycle as he travelled to his farm in Afes village, eastern Idlib province.

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