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Asharq Al-Awsat
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
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.
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syrian Defense Ministry Begins Reshaping Military Affairs in Daraa
The Syrian Ministry of Defense has begun reorganizing military affairs in the southern province of Daraa, days after the Eighth Brigade — a former opposition group integrated into the army — surrendered its weapons to government forces. The move comes as part of Damascus's efforts to tighten its grip over southern Syria, particularly in areas previously outside its full control. Separately, the Interior Ministry said it had seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition hidden inside a vehicle and arrested the driver as he attempted to smuggle the arms into the neighboring province of Sweida. Daraa police said late on Sunday they discovered another stockpile of weapons concealed under piles of hay in a truck in the eastern town of al-Sahwah. Authorities seized a significant weapons cache, including Katyusha artillery shells, anti-tank Malutka missiles, heavy machine guns, and ammunition, in a smuggling attempt from Damascus to Sweida. The haul was intercepted by security forces, with images released by the General Security Directorate showing the captured items. The vehicle, which was stopped by security patrols, was reportedly en route from the Syrian capital, Damascus, to Sweida when the arms were discovered. Authorities transported the confiscated weapons to the security center in the town of Izraa for further investigation. Reports from Daraa have varied, with some claiming the shipment was intended for the group of Ahmad al-'Awda, leader of the Eighth Brigade, based in Busra al-Sham in southern Daraa. Others suggest the weapons were meant for his affiliates and were to be sent later to Sweida. There are also concerns that some members of the Eighth Brigade, who had previously retained their weapons after the group's dissolution announcement, may use the arms to stir unrest in the region. The Syrian Ministry of Defense began accepting recruitment applications on Monday from residents of the eastern Daraa countryside. The registration process is taking place at one of the ministry's offices west of Busra al-Sham. Local sources in Daraa reported that the recruitment campaign will extend to other villages and towns in both central and western Daraa in the coming days. A training course for new recruits is expected to begin within two weeks. The recruitment drive follows a meeting held on Sunday in Busra al-Sham, which included Col. Binyan al-Hariri, commander of the 40th Division, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defense and former leaders from the area. The meeting aimed to organize military affairs and register both new and former personnel into the Ministry of Defense. According to local reports, the upcoming training will include new recruits from Busra al-Sham and its surrounding areas.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Armed faction in southern Syria to integrate into government forces
DAMASCUS: A powerful armed faction in southern Syrian Arab Republic led by defected military officer Ahmed Al-Awdeh announced on Sunday that it was dissolving itself and integrating into the government's armed forces. The Eighth Brigade, the most prominent armed faction in southern Syria, announced its dissolution and placed its weapons and personnel at the disposal of the Syrian Defense Ministry, according to a statement read by the official spokesman on Sunday in a video recording. 'We, members, soldiers and officers of what was previously known as the Eighth Brigade, officially announce the dissolution of this formation and handing over all its military and human capacities to the Defense Ministry,' said Col. Mohamed Al-Hourani. 'This decision stems from our commitment to national unity and enhancing security and stability and adherence to state sovereignty,' said Hourani. The Eighth Brigade is part of the Southern Operations Room, a coalition of armed groups, also led by Awdeh, from the southern province of Daraa formed on Dec. 6 to help topple Bashar Assad. Assad was toppled two days later following a lightning offensive by rebels led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, or HTS. Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who led HTS, has since been named Syria's interim president and appointed a cabinet last month. The SOR was notably absent from a Dec. 25 meeting during which other militant factions agreed to disband and join a future army. Awdeh's forces, including the Eighth Brigade, held on to their weapons and maintained their presence on the ground. Sunday's announcement comes after two days of unrest between the forces of the Eighth Brigade and those of the new authorities.
See - Sada Elbalad
12-04-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Syria Moves to Calm Tensions in Daraa After Security Escalation
By Ahmad El-Assasy Authorities in Syria's southern province of Daraa have reached an agreement with local elders in the town of Busra al-Sham to de-escalate tensions and hand over four suspects involved in the recent assassination of Bilal Al-Droubi, a commander affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defence. The move follows two days of heightened tension in the region, long regarded as one of Syria's most volatile security flashpoints. The agreement was reached during a meeting that included Daraa Governor Anwar Al-Zoubi, local political and security officials, and members of the Reform Committee. As part of the agreement, additional security forces will be deployed to Busra al-Sham to support stabilisation efforts and reinforce the presence of the Public Security Directorate. A statement by Daraa's Governorate confirmed the agreement falls within ongoing efforts to restore state authority and foster calm across eastern Daraa. Overnight on Friday, security convoys entered Busra al-Sham and surrounding areas, conducting a brief patrol before withdrawing following the agreement. Local sources reported a series of arrests in the town of Al-Jiza, while discussions continued over the disarmament of former fighters from the Eighth Brigade, including the surrender of light and heavy weapons. The Eighth Brigade, formerly linked to the Russian-backed Fifth Corps, was composed of opposition fighters who resisted disarmament following reconciliation deals in 2018. Led by Ahmad Al-Awda, the group remained one of the most powerful in Daraa. Though Al-Awda was among the first to endorse Syria's new leadership after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, his brigade was not formally integrated into the Ministry of Defence. Some Eighth Brigade elements have reportedly been absorbed into the Public Security Directorate, while others have maintained independent command. The recent escalation followed the fatal shooting of Bilal Al-Droubi — also known as Bilal Al-Mustafa (Al-Miqdad) — a former local faction commander turned defence ministry officer. He was attacked by gunmen while driving with his family and later died in hospital. Syrian state newspaper Al-Thawra described the incident as a major destabilising event. Local sources reported that Al-Droubi was shot and detained by forces loyal to Ahmad Al-Awda. The violence sparked confrontations between factions tied to the Eighth Brigade and those who had defected to the Ministry of Defence. Damascus continues its push to stabilise Daraa, which remains plagued by sporadic violence, drug trafficking, and widespread arms possession. These challenges have not only threatened internal security but also impacted Syria's border with Jordan and allowed for increased Israeli intervention in the south. Despite the unrest, public and tribal initiatives are ongoing to resolve disputes and encourage the surrender of weapons. The Public Security Directorate has reiterated that settlement opportunities remain open for all, but warned it would not tolerate efforts to destabilise the region. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
Al Bawaba
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
What Caused the Hudson Helicopter to fall? Insider breaks down catastrophic failure
Published April 11th, 2025 - 01:55 GMT ALBAWABA - As the violence escalates, Syrian General Security has sent significant forces to the southern Syrian province of Daraa's eastern countryside. The action is intended to bring peace after violent clashes in the city of Busra al-Sham. Also Read Medical helicopter crash killing 3 in Japan The security operation in Busra al-Sham is also aimed at disbanding the Eighth Brigade, a group under the direction of former opposition commander Ahmad Al-Awda, according to local news sources based on Telegram. Authorities are working to increase security across the area, and in tandem, a disarmament effort was started in the Daraa town of Saida to gather illicit and unregistered firearms. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in the United Kingdom, said earlier Friday that three Syrian Ministry of Defense personnel were seriously wounded in an assault in Busra al-Sham that was purportedly carried out by fighters from the Eighth Brigade. An ex-opposition leader who joined the administration is among the wounded. After the event, security personnel stepped up their presence on the city's streets and enforced a curfew. Tracking: looks like a Bell 206L Long Ranger Helicopter. Appears main rotor & tail are detached when the main fuselage impacts the Hudson River in NYC. The main nut/pin that holds the main rotor onto the helicopter's fuselage is called the 'Jesus Nut.´ — Mikey Kay 🏴 (@MikeyKayFilms) April 10, 2025 As a result of accusations from certain locals that members of the Eighth Brigade were trying to kill and imprison Ministry of Defense personnel, tensions increased. Nevertheless, no proof has been made public to back up the claims as of yet. Despite government attempts to reintegrate former opposition organizations under reconciliation treaties, the latest events signal a fresh period of instability in Daraa, a region that has seen several flare-ups. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
