Pro-Hizbullah Daily: Southern Syrian Tribes Seeking Weapons, Training From Parties In Turkey To Confront Israel, Syrian Government
On May 24, 2025, the pro-Hizbullah Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar published an article which quoted "field sources" in southern Syria's Daraa governorate, who claimed that "security tensions" have increased in the area due to the incursions of Israeli forces and fears of a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) cells, which were previously active in the area under the name Jaysh Khalid bin Al-Walid (JKBW).[1] Daraa's "complicated tribal nature," according to Al-Akhbar, had enabled ISIS to establish a presence among some tribes, who often possess personal weapons.[2]
In addition, Al-Akhbar noted growing discontent with interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Daraa due to his April dissolution of the Eighth Brigade headed by Ahmad Al-Awda, who still enjoys "popularity" in southern Syria, as well as the government's lack of a "firm stance" regarding "repeated Israeli incursions."
Al-Sharaa's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, which raised speculations that Syria may join the Abraham Accords, and the Syrian leader's remarks about "peace," were met with "widespread rejection" in southern Syria, according to the pro-Hizbullah daily. Al-Akhbar claimed that many locals feel that Al-Sharaa has "abandoned them religiously and ideologically" by adopting "pragmatic" rhetoric that distances Syria from the "principles of the Arab-Israeli conflict."
Al-Akhbar's sources reported that some "opposition factions" are acting to hold secret meetings in Turkey, seeking to obtain weapons and training from "stakeholders in the Syrian issue," in preparation for future confrontation with the Syrian government if it "continues its steps toward normalization" with Israel, or to take independent action against Israeli forces if government inaction persists. While locals appreciate Al-Sharaa's efforts to preserve Syria's unity and pursue "security cells," they reject any ties to Israel, and "tribal voices" have compared Al-Sharaa negatively with Assad, insisting that "the former regime, despite its drawbacks, would never remain silent to the Israeli incursions."
The Lebanese daily warned that "various approaches" are needed to guarantee southern Syria's stability, so that the area does not "slide … into chaos" again.
The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Formidable in Might militia is active in southern Syria and has claimed small-scale operations against Israeli forces in the area.[3]
Israeli actions in Syria have been met with anger among Syrian jihadis, who have called for armed jihad against Israel.[4]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Trump gives Iran two-week ultimatum
Shafaq News/ On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that Iran has been given a two-week deadline to 'come to its senses,' warning of escalating consequences. Speaking at a media briefing at the White House, Trump described Iran's position as increasingly precarious, citing the impact of the ongoing conflict. 'Iran is in a tough spot and suffering greatly under the current escalation with Israel,' he remarked, warning that the standoff shows no signs of nearing a resolution. He also praised Israel's military performance, characterizing Israeli forces as 'doing very well,' stressing that expecting Israel to halt its aerial operations inside Iranian territory remains unrealistic given the current dynamics. On the question of de-escalation, Trump voiced conditional openness to a ceasefire. 'I might support a ceasefire depending on how the situation evolves,' he stated. 'But right now, I don't see a clear path to ending the fighting.' He also alleged that Iran was only 'weeks away' from obtaining a nuclear weapon—an outcome he insisted would not have materialized during his presidency. Trump's remarks come amid growing regional backlash over Israel's Operation Rising Lion, a sweeping campaign of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The operation resulted in the deaths of several senior commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as well as prominent nuclear scientists, drawing broad condemnation across the region. In retaliation, Iran launched True Promise 3, which has so far consisted of 17 waves of drone and missile attacks in what Tehran described as the largest direct strike on Israeli territory to date.
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US Embassy warning sparks fears of major security shift in Iraq
Shafaq News/ A senior Iraqi lawmaker warned on Friday that a potential closure of the US Embassy in Baghdad could be a 'precursor to an unprecedented security event' in Iraq or the wider region. Mohammed al-Shammari, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, told Shafaq News that 'the possible shutdown of the American Embassy is a serious indicator that the United States and Israel may be preparing for a dangerous operation, warranting the evacuation of diplomatic personnel.' 'This is an early warning signal that demands urgent political and security preparedness inside Iraq,' al-Shammari added. He pointed to Iraq's limited sovereignty, particularly in defense and financial matters, blaming US control over Iraqi oil revenues for hampering military development. 'If Iraq held its financial sovereignty, weapons, salaries, and pensions would be fully national,' he said, noting that the US Federal Reserve can block arms deals that don't align with Washington's preferences. Al-Shammari stressed that sovereignty is not merely territorial, but also financial, warning that the Iraqi military's weaknesses are rooted in dependence on foreign-controlled funds. Regarding the future of US forces in Iraq, he confirmed there is a binding agreement for full withdrawal by 2026, with a mutually agreed timeline currently in place. Earlier on Friday, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement denying any operational changes at its Baghdad embassy or the consulate in Erbil. 'The United States remains firmly committed to advancing its policy priorities in Iraq, supporting Iraqi sovereignty, and engaging with Iraqi leaders and citizens,' the statement said. However, the embassy had issued a security alert last week warning American citizens of increased risks of violence or attacks on US interests. It advised Americans in Iraq to avoid crowded areas and locations frequented by foreigners. The State Department continues to classify Iraq as a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination. Last Sunday, Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah threatened to strike US bases and interests in the region if Washington intervenes militarily in the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Shipping Giant Suspends Israel's Haifa Port service
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Danish shipping company Maersk announced the suspension of all vessel calls to Israel's Haifa port, citing security concerns tied to the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. In a statement, the company, considered the world's second-largest container shipping operator, explained that potential risks to crew safety and vessel operations at Israeli ports prompted the move. Meanwhile, Maersk added that no further disruptions are expected across its regional routes, confirming that vessels will continue docking at Ashdod, a southern Israeli port. The suspension follows Israel's Operation Rising Lion, a series of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites that resulted in the deaths of several senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with True Promise 3, described as its largest direct assault on Israeli territory, involving so far 17 waves of missile and drone attacks. Official reports count at least 224 fatalities in Iran and 25 in Israel since the conflict began.
