Southern Syria's Ahmad al-Audeh Challenges New Rulers' Disarmament Plan
The leader of a powerful southern militia resists integration into Syria's new defense ministry, raising concerns over national unity.
- Ahmad al-Audeh, leader of the Southern Operations Room in Daraa, opposes the disbandment of his forces despite agreements with other groups to dissolve.
- Al-Audeh's militia, estimated at 7,000 fighters, played a key role in the fall of Damascus on December 8, 2024, but withdrew to avoid clashes with northern Islamist forces.
- The group has historically maintained ties with Russia, Jordan, and the UAE, raising questions about its regional and international influence.
- Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, insists on consolidating all armed groups under state control, but al-Audeh demands his forces remain intact within the defense ministry.
- Observers warn that al-Audeh’s refusal to disarm and his demonstrated military strength could undermine Syria's fragile attempts at post-Assad unity.
l'Opinion 