Syrian Armed Groups Agree to Dissolve, Integrate into Defense Ministry
In a major development following years of conflict, Syria's new authorities announced on Tuesday that armed groups operating within the country have agreed to dissolve and integrate into the nation’s Defense Ministry. The decision was the outcome of a pivotal meeting between the leaders of the armed factions and Ahmad al-Sharaa, the key figure who spearheaded the rebel offensive that ousted long-time president Bashar al-Assad from power. Al-Sharaa has emerged as a central figure in shaping Syria's political and military restructuring in the post-Assad era. The agreement comes just weeks after rebel forces seized control of the capital, Damascus, on December 8. This decisive takeover followed a rapid and strategic offensive that marked the end of years of military stalemate in Syria's prolonged 13-year civil war. The rebels’ advance also saw them secure several major cities in a matter of days, effectively consolidating their grip on the country and signaling a s...