Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
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Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)

Syria’s Defense Ministry has been holding meetings with military leaders to integrate factions into its structure. Sources say the ministry is focused on creating a volunteer army, replacing mandatory conscription.

The move follows an agreement between Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ali Nour El-Din Al-Naasan, and most Syrian factions to restructure the Ministry of Defense.

Sources told Syria’s Al-Watan newspaper on Monday that officers from the “Free Syrian Army,” who defected from the former regime's military, will have a special status within the Ministry of Defense structure to leverage their expertise.

Syrian media reported that the ministry rejected proposals granting sectarian, religious, or regional privileges to armed factions. It also reached an agreement with National Army factions in northern Syria on joining the military.

The ministry noted that most factions from Sweida were willing to join a national army without regional quotas. However, some factions in Daraa suggested a special regional status for themselves.

Syria’s General Security Directorate announced on Sunday the release of a group of detainees in Homs, central Syria.

A source in the Homs security department said the detainees were released after confirming they did not possess weapons and had promised not to act against the new Syrian administration. They are required to appear when summoned if needed.

The source added that more detainees would be released once the necessary procedures are completed. The General Security Directorate continues efforts to maintain stability in the Homs province.

The Ministry of Interior, working with Syria's military operations, had launched a large-scale operation in Homs to find “war criminals and those involved in crimes” who refused to surrender weapons or attend reconciliation centers.



EU Announces Aid for Syria and Countries Hosting Syrian Refugees

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) meeting with EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib in Damascus, on January 17, 2025. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) meeting with EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib in Damascus, on January 17, 2025. (SANA / AFP)
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EU Announces Aid for Syria and Countries Hosting Syrian Refugees

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) meeting with EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib in Damascus, on January 17, 2025. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) meeting with EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib in Damascus, on January 17, 2025. (SANA / AFP)

A top European Union official announced an aid package of 235 million euros ($244 million) for humanitarian needs within Syria and for countries in the region hosting displaced Syrians, especially Türkiye.

Speaking alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday during a visit to Ankara after her trip to Syria, Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, said that the situation in Syria was dire,

“The needs are dramatically immense. The humanitarian crisis is affecting millions of Syrians, and the EU will continue to work and to alleviate the suffering in response to the basic needs of the people," Lahbib said.

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest number of refugees, including up to 3 million Syrians.

“Türkiye’s hospitality for the Syrian refugees has been crucial over the years,” Lahbib said. “Türkiye’s role is crucial in providing humanitarian corridors for the EU to deliver emergency assistance to Syria.

“The region is in geopolitical turmoil, and it would be important for the European Union to work together with Türkiye and provide the adequate response by the international community.”