Formation of Syria’s new army critical to region

The restructuring of the Syrian military is just starting. The new de facto leader has pledged to transition the new army into a professional, volunteer-based force to foster professionalism within the ranks, moving away from the conscription policies that characterized the collapsed regime of Assad.

Under Assad’s rule, military conscription was often a source of resentment, as many were forced to serve against their will. Reforming the army to rely on volunteers addressed this long-standing grievance while laying the foundation for a more capable and disciplined military.

This professionalization of the armed forces is essential for maintaining stability, having a secure atmosphere across the cities, and ensuring that the military serves the interests of the nation rather than any single faction.

First agreement in Syria

The country’s newly established administration has taken a decisive step toward unification by consolidating armed factions under a single national army. The landmark decision formalized during a high-level meeting in Damascus, marks a significant attempt to stabilize the war-torn nation after more than a decade of civil strife. The newly unified force will operate under the Ministry of Defense, aiming to centralize military command and restore order.

On Dec. 24, Syria’s new authorities announced they had reached an agreement with armed opposition groups to dissolve and integrate them into the country’s regular defense forces. While this move represents a framework agreement for now, it reflects an effort to bring broader cohesion to Syria’s fragmented military landscape.

Khaled Hodja, a Syrian-Turkish politician, shed light on the deal in an exclusive interview with Türkiye Today. He noted that the agreement does not encompass all factions. Groups operating in southern regions like Daraa, Quneitra and Sweida, as well as U.S.-trained forces stationed in Tanf, remain outside its scope. The terror group YPG also falls outside the framework, leaving key gaps in the agreement’s coverage.

Despite these exclusions, Hodja highlighted the deal as a promising first step. “This agreement is a positive initial move, especially to prevent potential clashes,” he said. “However, it’s far from comprehensive. Many groups are still maintaining their weapons and independent structures. Complete dissolution or integration is yet to be achieved.”

Plans for a broader integration are set for implementation after March, following the end of the transitional government’s term. 

Hodja stated that negotiations with northeastern Syrian forces, supported by U.S. pressure, could lead to their inclusion in the new formation.

He further revealed that a National Congress is set to take place after March, bringing together all groups in the region, including the YPG and others. The results of this Congress, he emphasized, will be decisive.

“If the National Congress succeeds, a transitional government will be established. Under its Defense Ministry and General Staff, all groups will be incorporated,” Hodja explained.

“Whether this force will be labeled as the Syrian National Army or Syrian Arab Army remains uncertain, but a unified military structure will emerge. However, if this step fails, challenges are likely to continue,” he concluded.

Factions and appointees

Making sense of how the new structure is being prepared is crucial. Notably, several high-ranking military positions have been assigned to non-Syrian fighters. Out of 50 new military roles announced, at least six have gone to foreigners.

Based on published names, these appointments reportedly include Chinese Uyghurs, a Jordanian, an Egyptian and a Turkish national. All are said to have been given high-ranking positions as colonels or brigadier generals.

Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is steadily consolidating its influence by placing its commanders and allies in key positions within the new Syrian military. Many of these appointees are HTS commanders and emirs who have long-standing ties to Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the country’s interim administration, further underscoring the group’s efforts to entrench itself in the evolving power structure.

Syria’s complex story features other notable figures as well. Ahmad al-Awda, the head of the Eighth Brigade of the Fifth Corps, leads a group made up of former rebels from southern Syria. This faction has maintained close ties with Russia. Now Awda frequently finds himself a place at key meetings hosted by Sharaa and attempts to reverse his image.

The involvement of certain individuals has already sparked backlash, particularly among residents of southern Syria who vividly recall their past offenses against the local population.

Murhaf Abu Qasra has been appointed as the interim defense minister. Syrian politician Khaled Khoja remarked, “Abu Qasra’s appointment reflects his proven track record in managing Idlib effectively, even during the conflict. His first visit to Saudi Arabia emphasizes Syria’s intention to build alliances, signaling broader regional cooperation in reconstruction efforts.”

Given the historical opposition of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt to regime changes in the region, their new involvement in Syria’s rebuilding process could signal a major policy shift. 

However, developments are still not being positively received in countries other than Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Negotiations with YPG/PKK

In remarks addressing the anticipated turning point within the newly forming army, the opposition figure Hodja stated: “The groups trained by the U.S. in the Al-Tanf region are not in a position to affect the balance. The U.S. relies more on the YPG, which will likely continue in parallel with the resolution process in Türkiye—whether positively or negatively.”

While protests in northern Syria have continued to claim lives, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Türkiye is extending an olive branch both domestically and internationally, but warned that if this offer is not accepted, military options remain on the table.

The solid offer was on the table. Khaled Khoja stated, “Negotiations with the YPG remain complex, with the group insisting on autonomy and greater control over resource-rich areas. While the Syrian government has reportedly offered 20% of revenue, the YPG rejected the proposal, complicating progress and raising the risk of renewed clashes.”

The terrorist organization eyeing half of the energy resources in Hassakeh and Deir ez-Zor is employing stalling tactics rather than presenting a viable solution.

Hodja notes that if a cycle of conflict were to erupt, it would likely focus on these energy-rich areas rather than Ayn al-Arab and Raqqa.

Preventing another war

Syria’s military capabilities remain severely weakened. Israeli strikes have decimated air force resources and weapon stockpiles, leaving only basic arms and helicopters.

Khaled Khoja commented, “Israel’s targeted strikes have left Syria with minimal military capabilities, resembling post-WWII Japan. Rebuilding the armed forces will be a long and challenging process requiring internal stability and external support.”

The lack of advanced military equipment points to a long-term effort required to rebuild Syria’s armed forces. Many experts also state that the erosion of Syria’s military strength mirrors the disbandment of Iraq’s army during the U.S. invasion, creating a security void that paves the way for foreign powers and non-state actors to step in.

In this context, achieving unity and enabling Syria’s new authority to establish effective state institutions seem vital steps toward ensuring regional stability.

Military intelligence

Syria’s former military intelligence agencies were notorious for repression. In the new structure, efforts are being made to build an intelligence system from scratch, free from the legacy of the previous regime.

Khoja noted, “The new leadership has engaged with former bureaucrats and military personnel untainted by past abuses. However, no ties have been forged with the old intelligence apparatus. The development of this new system will rely heavily on support from neighboring countries and aims to prioritize transparency and accountability.”