Al-Jabal Brigade
| Al-Jabal Brigade | |
|---|---|
| لواء الجبل | |
.svg) | |
| Also known as | Liwa al-Jabal |
| Country | Syria |
| Allegiance |  Syrian opposition |
| Headquarters | As-Suwayda |
| Active regions | As-Suwayda Governorate |
| Status | Active |
| Part of | Southern Operations Room[1] |
| Allies |  Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham Syrian Arab Republic (formerly) |
| Opponents | Syrian Arab Republic (Until 2024) Russia Iran Hezbollah |
| Battles and wars | Syrian civil war Spillover of the Gaza war in Syria |
The Al-Jabal Brigade (Arabic: لواء الجبل, romanized: Liwā' al-Jabal, lit. 'The Mountain Brigade', Arabic pronunciation: [liˈwɑːʔ alˈdʒabal]) is a Druze militia operating primarily in the al-Suwayda Governorate of southern Syria. Established during the Syrian civil war, the group has been involved in various military operations and has played a significant role in regional security dynamics.
Background
[edit]The Al-Jabal Brigade emerged amidst the fragmentation of the Syrian conflict. Its formation reflected localized efforts to assert control and protect communities in the predominantly Druze region of al-Suwayda. While initially aimed at community defense, the group has also engaged in offensives against both opposition and government forces, depending on the shifting alliances of the conflict.[3]
Activities
[edit]The group has conducted military operations against opposition forces, including rocket attacks on regime headquarters.[4] The Al-Jabal Brigade has also participated in suppressing dissent within al-Suwayda, reflecting its alignment with government forces in some instances.[5]
The group issued a joint statement with the Men of Dignity in January 2025 emphasizing that it was prepared to integrate into a new "military body".[6]
Leadership
[edit]The group's leadership has been a focal point of local and regional disputes. Marhaj al-Jarmani, a prominent leader of the brigade, was assassinated in July 2024 at his home in al-Suwayda.[7]
Relations with other factions
[edit]The Al-Jabal Brigade's relationships with other factions have varied over time. While initially aligned with local defense militias, the group has also cooperated with pro-regime forces.[8] However, internal power struggles and shifting allegiances have at times led to tensions within the local community.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Avraham Levine (19 December 2024). "Rebel factions in southern Syria – Southern Operations Room (SOR)". Alma Research and Education Center. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
- ^ Al-Tamimi, Aymenn Jawad (27 July 2018). "The Suwayda' Attacks: Interview". Retrieved 15 April 2025.
- ^ "Liwa al-Jabal: A New Loyalist Militia Unity". Syria Direct. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Suqur Jabal Brigade Claims Rocket Attack on Regime Headquarters". The Syrian Observer. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Liwa al-Jabal: New Loyalist Militia Emerges in Syria". BBC News. 17 October 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Two Druze rebel groups say they're ready to join new Syrian national army". Agence France Presse. 6 January 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "Marhaj al-Jarmani Assassinated in Al-Suwayda". Alhurra. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Liwa al-Jabal". Open Sanctions. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Leader of Al-Jabal Brigade Assassinated in Al-Suwayda". Hawar News Agency. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
