Syrian ex-rebel factions agree to merge under defence ministry

MUHAMMAD HAJ KADOUR/ AFP

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa reached an agreement on Tuesday with former rebel faction chiefs to dissolve all groups and consolidate them under the defence ministry, according to a statement from the new administration.

Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir had said last week that the ministry would be restructured using former rebel factions and officers who defected from Bashar Al-Assad's army.

Sharaa will face the daunting task of trying to avoid clashes between the myriad groups.

The country's new rulers appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency that toppled Bashar Al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government.

Sharaa has told Western officials visiting him that the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group he heads, a former Al Qaeda affiliate, will neither seek revenge against the former regime nor repress any religious minority.

Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on December 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!