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Syria's New Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa Agrees to Merge Armed Groups Under Defense Ministry to Unify Military

Dec 24, 2024, 12:44 PM

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new de facto leader, has reached an agreement with rebel faction leaders to dissolve all armed groups and merge them under the Ministry of Defense. The decision was made during a meeting in Damascus between Al-Sharaa and representatives of various revolutionary factions, including those that overthrew the Ba'ath regime. Al-Sharaa stated, 'In the coming days, the Ministry of Defense will be announced, and a committee of senior military officials will be formed to establish the future army of Syria. After that, the groups will dissolve themselves.' The new administration announced that the factions will integrate into the regular defense forces, aiming to unify the military under the government. The move is seen as a step toward consolidating power and rebuilding Syria's military structure following years of conflict.