Syria’s military has announced a strategic redeployment in the southern regions of Daraa and Sweida, following reports from a war monitoring group indicating a significant loss of control in Daraa province. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that local factions had captured more than 90 percent of Daraa, including the city that shares its name, igniting a response from the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces.
In a statement released via state media, the military confirmed that forces operating in the affected provinces were repositioning and establishing a security cordon in response to attacks by what they termed “terrorist elements” on remote army checkpoints. This action highlights the increasing tensions and instability in the region, as local fighters have gained substantial ground.
As part of the reported unrest, the situation in neighboring Sweida has also deteriorated, with local media sources indicating that key officials—including the governor, police and prison chiefs, as well as local leaders of the ruling Baath Party—have vacated their offices. Local fighters reportedly gained control of multiple checkpoints, signaling a shift in power dynamics within the province.
The military’s statement indicated ongoing operations to regain control in Homs and Hama provinces as well, where rebel forces have mounted a significant offensive. Recent weeks have seen these factions capturing critical cities including Aleppo and Hama, leading to intense confrontations near Homs.
Sweida, recognized as the stronghold of Syria’s Druze minority, has experienced anti-government protests for over a year. The Syrian government has largely overlooked the tens of thousands of Druze men who have opted out of mandatory military service, with the majority refraining from direct confrontation against the state.
The situation in Daraa is particularly complex, as it was the birthplace of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2011. Although the province returned to government control in 2018 through a ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia, it has since experienced persistent violence and unrest. Former rebels who agreed to the 2018 deal retained their light weapons, contributing to ongoing instability. Daraa has become a focal point for violent incidents, including frequent attacks, armed clashes, and assassinations, with some incidents attributed to the Islamic State group.
