Syrian Rebel Factions Agree to Unite Under New Defense Ministry, Marking Potential Shift in Power

Syrian rebel factions have agreed to dissolve their individual groups and integrate under a unified Ministry of Defense, Al Jazeera reports, citing the new Syrian general administration.

This agreement, brokered by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), aims to consolidate military power after 13 years of civil war.

According to a statement from the new administration, a meeting between al-Sharaa and the heads of various rebel groups resulted in a unanimous decision to “dissolve all the groups and integrate them under the supervision of the ministry of defense.” This move is viewed as a critical step towards stability and consolidation of power, particularly following the recent capture of Damascus by forces led by al-Sharaa.

Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir had previously indicated that the restructured ministry would incorporate former rebel fighters and officers who had defected from Assad’s army, signaling a shift in the makeup of the Syrian military.

The appointment of Murhaf Abu Qasra, a prominent figure in the rebellion against Assad, as Defense Minister in the interim government further underscores the dramatic transformation of the political landscape.

Kurdish Forces Remain Outside the Agreement

Notably, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) group in northeastern Syria, backed by the United States, are not part of this unification agreement, highlighting ongoing tensions and complexities in the region.

HTS Promises Stability and Economic Focus

Al-Sharaa has previously emphasized that all weapons in the country, including those held by Kurdish forces, will eventually come under state control. He has also sought to allay concerns among Western officials about HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, stating that the group will not seek revenge against the former regime or oppress religious minorities. His stated priorities are reconstruction and economic development, and he has expressed disinterest in new conflicts.

New Government and International Re-engagement

The events follow a sweeping offensive two weeks ago, which led to the installation of a three-month caretaker government led by al-Sharaa. This takeover culminated with the rebel seizure of Damascus on December 8th, forcing Assad to flee after decades of his family’s rule.

A significant shift in regional relations has also occurred, with Qatar calling for a swift end to sanctions on Syria. This call comes a day after a high-level Qatari delegation visited Damascus, and the Qatari embassy reopened on Sunday, ending a 13-year diplomatic rift.