Syrian Regime Prepares for Military Operation in Western Countryside of Daraa

Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)
Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)
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Syrian Regime Prepares for Military Operation in Western Countryside of Daraa

Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)
Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)

Military reinforcements arrived in Syria's western countryside of Daraa Governorate on Monday morning, signaling the Syrian government's preparation for new military operations in the outskirts of Tafas, Dael, Yadouda, and Al-Mazareeb.

This information was reported by local military sources in the western countryside of Daraa.

According to sources, Syrian regime forces successfully reached the Tafas-Al-Mazareeb road on Monday morning.

They deployed at various points in the area and conducted extensive combing operations. Moreover, they raided several abandoned buildings in the southern part of Tafas, west of Daraa, including the “Planter” factory and the Abu Na'im Press.

The local news network Daraa 24 reported that the military campaign in the western countryside of the governorate is targeting farms and expansive plains between the city of Tafas and the towns of Al-Mazareeb and Yadouda, along with the surrounding areas.

This region has witnessed recurring incidents of theft, road blockades, and assassinations.

Additionally, it has become a haven for cells affiliated with ISIS following the recent military campaign against the organization in Daraa city. Moreover, a drug trafficking gang is active in the area.

A leader in one of the local factions in Tafas explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the targeted groups by Syrian regime forces in the recent military movements in western Daraa, including drug traffickers and cells affiliated with ISIS, have been working to swiftly evacuate and relocate their positions as soon as they learn of potential military operations targeting them.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the local leader, who requested anonymity, pointed out that the regime forces conducted military operations in this area around the same time last year.

They imposed financial levies on farmers, who ended up incurring significant losses, estimated at over one billion Syrian pounds, because of the military operations coincided with the harvest season.



Baghdad and Erbil Strengthen Coordination on Border Security and Combating Smuggling

Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani receives National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi in Erbil on August 15, 2026 (government media).
Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani receives National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi in Erbil on August 15, 2026 (government media).
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Baghdad and Erbil Strengthen Coordination on Border Security and Combating Smuggling

Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani receives National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi in Erbil on August 15, 2026 (government media).
Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani receives National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi in Erbil on August 15, 2026 (government media).

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi discussed with Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani on Saturday the continuation of coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region on border security and combating smuggling, as a high-level Iraqi committee held a meeting in Erbil to review implementation of the security agreement between Baghdad and Tehran.

Al-Aboudi arrived in Erbil on Saturday morning at the head of a security delegation at the direction of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. The visit focused on joint security issues between the federal government and the region, as well as following up on the provisions of the security agreement between Iraq and Iran.

Al-Aboudi's office said in a statement that the national security adviser met with Barzani in Erbil, where they discussed "the overall situation inside Iraq," along with the latest regional and international developments.

The statement added that the two sides discussed continued coordination and cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil in securing the borders, maintaining security and stability, and strengthening security cooperation, as well as exchanging information to prevent smuggling and combat terrorism.

Al-Aboudi conveyed a message from Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi stating that the federal government is committed to making every effort to maintain the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region and all Iraqi cities.

Security Agreement with Iran

Also in Erbil, the Higher Committee responsible for implementing the joint security agreement between Iraq and Iran held a meeting chaired by Al-Aboudi, with the participation of a Kurdistan Regional Government delegation headed by Interior Minister Reber Ahmed.

The regional Interior Ministry said the meeting addressed details of the security agreement, particularly measures to secure the borders, prevent infiltration and smuggling, and maintain security and stability in Iraq.

According to a statement from Al-Aboudi's office, the committee reviewed the implementation of the agreement's provisions and stressed the need for continued communication and coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government regarding implementation of the agreement, in accordance with the directives of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and in a manner that serves "Iraq's interests and sovereignty."

The meeting comes as part of efforts to follow up on implementation of the security agreement concluded by Iraq and Iran to address the issue of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the Kurdistan Region. The agreement focuses on preventing Iraqi territory from being used to launch attacks against Iran and strengthening control over the shared border.

The issue carries security and political significance for Baghdad and Tehran, given the mountainous border stretching between Iraq and Iran and the presence of armed Iranian Kurdish groups in parts of the Kurdistan Region.

The Kurdistan Regional Government participates in implementing border-related arrangements, while the federal government retains constitutional responsibility for foreign policy and Iraq's international border security.

Al-Aboudi's move in Erbil comes as the Al-Zaidi government seeks to strengthen security coordination between Baghdad and Erbil on issues including border control, combating smuggling and terrorism, while also following up on Iraq's security commitments to Iran.


Hezbollah Says Israeli Attacks will Be Met with 'Appropriate' Response

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem (file photo- Reuters)
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem (file photo- Reuters)
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Hezbollah Says Israeli Attacks will Be Met with 'Appropriate' Response

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem (file photo- Reuters)
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem (file photo- Reuters)

Hezbollah said that Israeli attacks on Lebanon would be met with an "appropriate" response after deadly strikes on the country's south on Saturday, urging authorities to halt "humiliating" negotiations with Israel.

Israel "must clearly understand that its attacks, violations and attempts to impose a fait accompli cannot continue, and will be met with an appropriate response", the Iran-backed group said in a statement.

The Lebanese authorities "must not insist on continuing along the humiliating path of direct negotiations and providing the enemy with free concessions".


Aoun: Israeli Strikes Send 'Clear Message' on Negotiations with Lebanon

People inspect a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike on the village of Ansar, southern Lebanon, 15 August 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
People inspect a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike on the village of Ansar, southern Lebanon, 15 August 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
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Aoun: Israeli Strikes Send 'Clear Message' on Negotiations with Lebanon

People inspect a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike on the village of Ansar, southern Lebanon, 15 August 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
People inspect a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike on the village of Ansar, southern Lebanon, 15 August 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Israeli strikes on the country's south on Saturday were a "clear message" on negotiations between the two countries, ahead of the next round of US-sponsored talks early next month in Rome.

Aoun condemned the "ongoing Israeli attacks" on the south and "repeated violations of the framework agreement... and international law on protecting civilians, which led to the death of an entire family in the village of Ansar,” according to a statement from his office, adding that "these violations are a clear message on the negotiation process.”

At least nine people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanon's state news agency said.

Seven people were killed when Israeli warplanes struck a house in Ansar, while two others were killed in a strike on the village of Deir El Zahrani, the National News Agency said. Eleven people were injured in the attacks.

The strikes are among the deadliest ⁠in the weeks ⁠since Lebanon agreed to a US-mediated peace framework with Israel.