Syria’s Security and Economic Landscape Shifts Amid Ongoing Violence and International Moves

Damascus, June 21, 2025 – Syria continues to grapple with entrenched violence and political upheaval, as recent incidents underscore the fragile state of security and the push for economic and diplomatic renewal.

In Qamishli, protests flared after the killing of a boy in Jandaris, with demonstrators demanding justice and highlighting persistent unrest in minority regions. The city has become a focal point for civil dissent, with previous large-scale demonstrations also targeting the exclusion of local voices from national dialogue and condemning military operations affecting Alawite communities in western Syria.

The security situation remains volatile. Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria reportedly destroyed at least 10 Iranian drones in Daraa province, while a civilian woman was killed in Tartus following a drone strike. Syrian authorities have intensified their response to insurgent activities, with the transitional government refuting false reports of violence in coastal areas and arresting high-profile former regime figures, including General Daas Ali in Latakia.

Earlier this year, the country witnessed a surge in sectarian violence, notably the 2025 massacres targeting Alawite communities, which saw thousands displaced and seeking refuge at Russia’s Khmeimim Airbase. Activists and demonstrators have repeatedly called for accountability and international intervention as civilian casualties mount.

On the economic front, Syria has made its first SWIFT bank transfer in 14 years, a significant milestone signaling gradual reintegration into the global financial system. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are leading regional efforts to stabilize the country by funding public-sector salaries, while the United States raised its flag at the ambassador’s residence in Damascus for the first time since 2012, with envoy Thomas Barrack commending the interim government.

Despite these developments, challenges persist for over 1.87 million displaced Syrians who have returned home, facing immense difficulties in rebuilding amid widespread devastation. The EU’s Brussels VIII Conference is ongoing, aiming to mobilize support for a political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, with a strong emphasis on including Syrian voices and scaling up humanitarian aid.