In a significant shift in Syria, the new interim government has announced the dissolution of all armed rebel factions, integrating them under the Ministry of Defense. This move follows the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad by a coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasized the need for state control over all weapons, marking an end to the era of unregulated militias.
The decision aims to unify the country's fragmented military forces and prevent further internal conflict. This comes as Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war that erupted in 2011, fueled by both domestic unrest and international involvement. The war has left the nation deeply divided, with ongoing clashes in northern regions between Kurdish forces, backed by the US, and Turkish-supported groups.
The integration of these factions into the regular armed forces is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing the region. The interim government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, has appointed Murhaf Abu Kasra as the new defense minister. This restructuring seeks to harness the experience of former rebels and military deserters to rebuild the nation's defense capabilities.
Internationally, this development has prompted discussions on Syria's future and reconstruction efforts, with regional players like Qatar and Jordan showing interest in supporting the country's recovery. The dissolution of rebel groups is intended to pave the way for economic development and the return of displaced citizens, signaling a hopeful, albeit challenging, path toward peace and unity in Syria.
