Powerful armed faction in southern Syria disbands, joins government forces

A prominent armed group in southern Syria, the Eighth Brigade, announced on April 13 its formal dissolution and full integration into the Syrian government’s military structure.

The move marks a significant shift in the country’s evolving post-conflict landscape, particularly in the strategically important province of Daraa, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Led by defected Syrian army officer Ahmed al-Awdeh, the Eighth Brigade had been one of the most influential factions in the region. In a video statement released on April 13, the group's official spokesperson, Colonel Mohamed al-Hourani, confirmed the decision.

"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 defence ministry," al-Hourani stated.

He emphasized that the decision was motivated by a commitment to “national unity,” the promotion of “security and stability,” and “adherence to state sovereignty.”

The Eighth Brigade had been part of the Southern Operations Room (SOR), a coalition of rebel factions in Daraa province formed in December 2024 with the objective of toppling then-President Bashar al-Assad. That goal was realized just days later, following a rapid and coordinated offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), culminating in Assad’s ouster.

HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa subsequently assumed the role of Syria’s interim president and announced a new cabinet last month.

Despite the broader rebel movement agreeing to disband and form a unified national army during a key meeting on December 25, the Eighth Brigade had until now resisted, retaining its weapons and autonomy. Its announcement comes after a brief period of unrest and tension between its forces and those of the new authorities.

Daraa had previously returned to Assad’s control in 2018 under a Russia-brokered deal, which allowed local rebel factions to maintain a degree of autonomy and security control. Sunday’s development signifies a definitive end to that semi-independent status.

Meanwhile, Syria’s new interim government is engaged in efforts to unify the country’s fragmented military and political institutions. In March, it reached an agreement with the autonomous Kurdish administration in the northeast to integrate its structures into the national framework. Negotiations are also ongoing with Druze community leaders in the south to incorporate their armed elements into the new Syrian military apparatus.

By Vafa Guliyeva