Eighth Brigade Dissolution: Integration into Syrian Forces
In a significant development in southern Syria, the Eighth Brigade, a major armed faction led by defected military officer Ahmed al-Awdeh, announced its dissolution on Sunday. This decision also marks the group’s integration into the Syrian government’s armed forces. In a video statement released by the official spokesman, the Brigade offered its weapons and personnel to the Syrian defense ministry.
Colonel Mohamed al-Hourani, representing the dissolved formation, expressed the group’s commitment to national unity and the promotion of security and stability in Syria. He emphasized that the decision was made to respect the sovereignty of the state, stating, “We, the members, soldiers, and officers of what was previously known as the Eighth Brigade, officially announce the dissolution of this formation.”
Background of the Eighth Brigade
The Eighth Brigade was an integral part of the Southern Operations Room, a coalition formed on December 6, aimed at overthrowing Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing regime. Just days after its formation, a swift offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) resulted in Assad’s ousting. In the wake of this turmoil, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the head of HTS, was appointed as Syria’s interim president.
However, the Southern Operations Room did not attend a critical meeting on December 25, where other rebel factions agreed to disband and incorporate into a future national army. While these factions moved toward integration, Awdeh’s forces, including the Eighth Brigade, retained their military capabilities.
