The Eighth Brigade, a once-powerful military formation in southern Syria, has officially dissolved itself and handed over all personnel and assets to the Syrian Ministry of Defense. The announcement was made on Sunday amid growing public discontent and military pressure following the controversial killing of a pro-government commander.
In a video statement, brigade leader Mohammad al-Hourani declared the complete disbandment of the group. “We, the officers and members formerly known as the Eighth Brigade, officially announce the dissolution of this formation and the transfer of all military and human resources to the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Arab Republic,” al-Hourani said.
He added that Captain Mohammad al-Qadiri had been appointed to coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition. According to al-Hourani, the move stems from a commitment to national unity, the consolidation of security and stability, and respect for state sovereignty. He described it as “a new beginning to advance the nation’s path under the Syrian state’s umbrella.”
Deal with Damascus Under Threat of Force
Sources close to the negotiations told Al-Modon that the decision was reached in coordination with officials from the Syrian Ministry of Defense and local reconciliation committees in Daraa, after the brigade was threatened with a full-scale military offensive if it refused to comply voluntarily.
The developments came after a sharp rise in local anger and military pressure against the Eighth Brigade leadership, triggered by the killing of Bilal al-Droubi, a prominent commander from Busra al-Sham and an ally of the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
Security Forces Take Over Brigade Headquarters
Hours before the formal announcement, Syrian security forces took control of all Eighth Brigade headquarters in Busra, including its detention centers. They conducted extensive searches for hidden weapons depots and detainees. According to local sources, 14 detainees were discovered in one of the brigade’s makeshift prisons and were transferred to official state-run detention centers in the city of Daraa. Some of the detainees reportedly face criminal charges. No weapon caches were found.
Simultaneously, the handover of arms by Eighth Brigade fighters in the villages surrounding Busra al-Sham is ongoing, in what appears to be a systematic dismantling of the group’s remaining influence.
Lingering Tensions Over Killing of Droubi
Tensions remain high, however, as two top brigade leaders accused of killing Bilal al-Droubi have not yet been handed over to security forces. Al-Droubi’s family has refused to bury him until the suspects are transferred into custody, despite the surrender of three others involved in the incident.
The killing occurred on Saturday when al-Droubi and his family were ambushed by an Eighth Brigade-affiliated group in Busra al-Sham. The assailants reportedly shot and forcibly detained him. He succumbed to his wounds in hospital hours later.
The incident sparked immediate intervention by Syrian security forces, who deployed reinforcements and asserted control over the city under an agreement reached with the Eighth Brigade.
Negotiations between the Ministry of Defense, reconciliation committees, and remaining brigade leaders are reportedly ongoing, as authorities work to resolve the fallout and prevent further escalation.
The dissolution of the Eighth Brigade marks a turning point in the volatile dynamics of post-reconciliation southern Syria, where former opposition factions had previously been incorporated into the state’s military apparatus under Russian-brokered agreements.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
