Syria Monthly Report

Summary

In south and central Syria, the electricity minister Ghassan al-Zamel highlighted the challenges facing the electricity sector. These included partially operational power plants, a damaged electricity grid, and insufficient fuel to run the stations, all interconnected problems that have made poor electricity provision a chronic issue. The government has been conducting repairs to increase power generation but lacks the necessary resources and foreign currency to provide fuel for its power plants. Alternative measures, including encouraging a switch to renewable energy systems and permitting private generator subscriptions, have had only a limited impact. Separately, in Dar‘a, former opposition leaders met in Tafas city despite the tense relationship between them. The meeting did not have a clearly stated purpose, leading to speculation about its reasons and what its results could be.

In northeast Syria, tribal leader and prominent anti-SDF local figure, Ibrahim al-Hifl, announced the formation of the ‘Arab Tribal Forces’ amid the intensifying insurgency against the SDF. The SDF had set up 120 military positions along the Euphrates to prevent government-affiliated militias from crossing into Autonomous Administration territory to support the insurgents. Reports also surfaced of government forces providing artillery support for insurgents, leading to an exchange of fire with the SDF in Deir-ez-Zor. Fuel shortages continued throughout the month impacting services and increasing the financial burden on residents. The Administration increased transportation prices after drivers complained of the increased cost of fuel and spare parts. Private generator owners increased electricity rationing because of difficulties in procuring enough fuel. Farmers also complained about the lack of subsidized fuel, forcing them to purchase it for soaring prices on the black market.

In northern Aleppo, the armed factions of the Mu’tasim Division, Al-Jabha Al-Shamiyah and the Shahba Gathering announced the formation of the ‘Unified Force.’ The collaboration between the three factions is noteworthy, in that the Mu’tasim Division is one of the largest groups in the Syrian National Army, while the Shahba gathering is reportedly an HTS ally in northern Aleppo. The merger is an indicator of evolving relationships between armed actors in northwest Syria which could result in a strategic shift in the security landscape. Local councils in northern Aleppo announced that Syrians in Turkey who hold a temporary protection card (kimlik), dual citizenship, tourist residency, or other residency permits would be allowed to register for a month-long visit to Syria on the condition that a $200 entry fee is paid per person. The announcement was not corroborated by the Turkish authorities, raising concerns among those who wish to visit their relatives in opposition-held areas of being blocked from returning to Turkey.