Sweida Military Council formed in southern Syria

SUWAYDA, Syria — Amid increasing instability in southern Syria, a group of armed men announced the establishment of the Suwayda Military Council. This newly formed entity aims to coordinate efforts among local military factions to address security threats and ensure regional stability.

In its official statement, the Council outlined its primary goals, including protecting civilians, safeguarding public and private property from violence and vandalism, and fostering cooperation with other security entities in the area.

The Council’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s unity, advocating for lasting peace, local development, and economic collaboration. It also emphasized values such as social harmony, coexistence, and opposition to religious extremism, military dominance, and authoritarianism.

Positioning itself as a proponent of a decentralized, secular democratic state, the council underscored the importance of social cohesion as a foundation for Syria’s future.

The Suwayda Military Council announced plans to convene regular meetings to evaluate security conditions and implement measures to address emerging challenges. It also called on officers, non-commissioned officers, and armed civilians to attend a forthcoming military gathering at the Al-Ain Dam area along the Suwayda-Salkhad highway.

With these developments, southern Syria is at a crossroads, as both regional powers and local entities vie to shape the security landscape of this pivotal area.

In related news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to prevent the deployment of the newly formed Syrian Army in southern Syria, emphasizing Israel’s dedication to safeguarding the Druze community from perceived threats. Speaking at an Israeli military officers’ graduation ceremony, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli Army would indefinitely maintain its presence in the Mount Hermon area and the demilitarized zone in southern Syria.

Netanyahu demanded that the Syrian Army withdraw its forces from the region, insisting it remain completely demilitarized. He also warned against the presence of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or any factions aligned with the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) near Israel’s borders.