Syria sets deadline for merger of all military units under Defense Ministry

Syria announced the consolidation of all military units under the Ministry of Defense to create a unified military structure within a single institutional framework, Anadolu Agency reported. Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra stated on Saturday that any remaining small military groups must join the ministry within 10 days of the announcement as part of ongoing efforts to unify and organize the armed forces. He warned that failure to comply would result in appropriate legal actions.

This move follows an agreement reached on December 24, when all factions in Syria consented with President Ahmad al-Sharaa to dissolve their separate forces and integrate under the Ministry of Defense during a meeting in Damascus.

After nearly 25 years in power, Bashar Assad fled to Russia on December 8, marking the end of the Baath Party’s long-standing regime since 1963. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led the opposition forces against Assad, was appointed president for a transitional period in late January.