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Southern Syrian Factions Refuse to Dissolve, Demand Integration as Independent Military Body
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Rejection of Southern Factions' Self-Dissolution Reveals New Challenge Facing Abu Muhammad al-Julani, Reflecting Desire to Preserve Military Identity and Organized Strength
Southern Syrian armed factions denied intentions of dissolution and surrendering weapons, challenging Abu Muhammad al-Julani's desire to impose complete control over Syrian territories.
The official spokesperson for the Southern Operations Room controlling Daraa Governorate, Colonel Nasim Abu Ara, rejected the idea of faction dissolution, indicating possession of heavy weapons and comprehensive equipment.
Abu Ara, a military officer who defected from the Syrian Army in 2012, proposed integration as a unified military body with the Ministry of Defense, clarifying that their forces constitute an organized force in southern Syria under dissident officers' management.
Colonel Abu Ara revealed their forces were first to enter Damascus on the morning of December 8th after Assad's departure, preparing a military convoy in late night hours.
The military spokesperson explained that Ahmed al-Awda's forces, the Operations Room commander, withdrew from the capital to Daraa after northern fighters led by al-Julani arrived, avoiding chaos and armed confrontation.
Al-Awda met with al-Julani two days after Damascus' fall but declined attending a subsequent meeting on December 25th, which included faction leaders who agreed to integrate under the Defense Ministry.
Levant-Agencies
