Israeli military says it captured ‘terrorist cell operated by Iran' in Syria
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France says decision on Iran sanctions to depend on release of French detainees
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Asharq Al-Awsat
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Demarcating the Lebanese–Syrian Border Tops Agenda of Trump's Envoy in Beirut
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack, President Donald Trump's special envoy to Syria, is prioritizing the demarcation of the Lebanese–Syrian border during his meetings in Beirut this week with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army leadership. The border issue is expected to feature prominently in Lebanon's response to proposals Barrack presented, as he considers it essential for establishing a mechanism to implement the ceasefire agreement with Israel and asserting Lebanese sovereignty under UN Resolution 1701. According to Lebanese ministerial sources speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Saudi Arabia recently hosted a Lebanese–Syrian meeting that defused tensions and ended clashes across the overlapping areas between the two countries in northern Bekaa. Riyadh's mediation created a favorable climate to advance border demarcation along the roughly 375-kilometer frontier from north to east. Saudi sponsorship of this process, along with measures by the joint Lebanese–Syrian committee to prevent further clashes, strengthened Washington's interest in supporting these efforts. Much of the violence has stemmed from rival smuggling networks once protected by the former Syrian regime and used for trafficking Captagon into Lebanon and beyond. Calls to demarcate the border date back to the National Dialogue Committee's first session in 2006, convened by Berri. At Hezbollah's request, the term 'demarcation' was replaced with 'delineation,' arguing it was more appropriate for relations between 'brotherly nations.' Nevertheless, the issue remained unresolved as Syria refused to engage in formal negotiations, especially before the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, when Damascus consistently blocked references to completing the Taif Agreement or withdrawing Syrian troops from Beirut. Later attempts during Saad Hariri's premiership under President Michel Sleiman also stalled when President Bashar al-Assad declined to cooperate, citing other priorities. Illegal crossings continued to proliferate, justified as necessary for Hezbollah's movement to avoid Israeli monitoring and to maintain unregulated 'military routes' for arms smuggling. Sources revealed that in a Damascus meeting co-chaired by Hariri and Assad, Lebanon requested not only border demarcation but also a review of bilateral agreements under the Treaty of Brotherhood to address their pro-Syrian bias. While the status of the occupied Shebaa Farms was briefly raised, it was withdrawn to avoid jeopardizing talks. Though an agreement was reached to start demarcation from the northern border, Syrian officials later backed out, citing preoccupation with the Jordanian border. Lebanon has since prepared a detailed file with maps and coordinates, ready to support renewed negotiations under President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Officials believe the time is now ripe to demarcate the border and end agreements that once facilitated Syria's dominance over Lebanon.
Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
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Violence in Southern Syria Fueled by Tribal, Sectarian Tensions
Amid escalating lawlessness and revenge killings in Syria's Daraa province, the Internal Security Forces leadership has dismissed at least 200 personnel for committing 'behavioral violations and transgressions inconsistent with the institution's values and principles.' In an official statement, authorities announced the launch of a comprehensive reform plan aimed at training staff and improving professionalism, pledging zero tolerance for misconduct that damages the security agency's reputation or exceeds legal authority. These measures follow growing unrest in Daraa and Suwayda, sparked by clashes at a checkpoint in Al-Masmiyah, north of Daraa, along the Damascus–Suwayda highway. Checkpoint personnel were accused of abuse, extortion, and arbitrary fees imposed on passing vehicles. According to residents, many of the checkpoint guards are former members of the Eighth Brigade - once overseen by Russia and Military Intelligence - and have continued practices reminiscent of the old regime, including intimidation and extortion. After the government's collapse, they were incorporated into the new security forces through tribal and family connections to avoid accountability for past crimes. Locals say these abuses are often driven by tribal and sectarian rivalries, further eroding trust in the security apparatus. On Tuesday, reinforcements from Damascus attempted to take control of the Al-Masmiyah checkpoint but were met with armed resistance, prompting authorities to close the highway to protect civilians. In Al-Sanamayn, security forces deployed to six locations after a surge in killings. One grieving mother recorded a video plea to Syrian President Ahmada al-Sharaa, demanding justice for her son, who was shot dead while praying. She revealed that two of his brothers and their father had also been killed. The Violations Documentation Office of the Ahrar Houran Gathering reported 17 assassinations by unknown gunmen in Al-Sanamayn since the regime's fall. Meanwhile, Daraa 24 Network documented 38 killings in June alone - double the toll in May - including 23 civilians, with violence ranging from shootings to disputes and accidents involving weapons misuse. According to Ahrar Houran, many of the killings are carried out by armed groups exploiting tribal conflicts once fueled by the previous regime, alongside frequent kidnappings, robberies, and sporadic abuses by security personnel. The Internal Security leadership pledged to continue reforms, enforce discipline, and improve training to restore public trust, emphasizing that professionalism and respect for the law remain top priorities in rebuilding the security institution.
