UN Engagement: UN chief António Guterres begins a rare Damascus visit in 17 years, urging international support for Syria’s fragile recovery and rebuilding under the new leadership. Border & Security: Syrian authorities say they seized 700,000 Captagon pills and 40kg of hashish in operations targeting smuggling routes from Lebanon, signaling tighter border enforcement. Energy & Trade Routes: With Strait of Hormuz disruptions reshaping regional commerce, an Iraqi analysis points to cargo shifting toward Eastern Mediterranean corridors—boosting trade links with Syria and neighboring states. Shipping Risks: A tanker hijacking case involving the MT Asana highlights unanswered questions over cargo, ownership, and destination, underlining how conflict-era maritime routes stay volatile. Agriculture & Recovery: A demining charity warns landmine and unexploded-device casualties are rising as Syrians return to cultivate, hitting wheat and orchard areas and threatening rural livelihoods. Rural Livelihoods: A UN and Saudi-aid program is backing women-led food-processing hubs and renewable-energy projects to revive Syria’s countryside economy. Industry & Culture: Syria’s tourism ministry signs with three Saudi tech firms to build an integrated digital tourism ecosystem, while Syria’s industrial comeback narrative spotlights textile revival efforts.