Militia in Southern Syria Disbands, Hands Over Weapons to Government

14 April

Armed groups formerly part of Syria’s 8th Brigade have officially disbanded and pledged allegiance to the country’s central authorities, according to a statement by their spokesperson, Captain Muhammad al-Qaderi, cited by Asharq al-Awsat.

 

The statement confirms that all weapons, headquarters, and barracks under the 8th Brigade's control are being handed over to the Ministry of Defense, and its personnel will now operate under the authority of the Syrian government.

 

This development comes shortly after security forces regained control of Bosra al-Sham, a city roughly 110 kilometers south of Damascus. The area had witnessed sporadic clashes, prompting the enforcement of a curfew. Tribal leaders from the region reportedly appealed to Damascus for intervention, demanding the removal of the armed groups that had held sway over Daraa province since 2018.

 

The 8th Brigade was originally formed from opposition fighters who had reached a localized truce with the government. The zones they controlled remained semi-autonomous until now.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Georgia National Guard/Creative Commons 2.0

Based on materials from TASS