Ahrar Jabal al-Arab
| Ahrar Jabal al-Arab Gathering | |
|---|---|
| Founder | Suleiman Abdul Baqi |
| Leader | Suleiman Abdul Baqi |
| Dates of operation | February 2022[1]-present |
| Country | .svg.png){kind=small} Syria |
| Headquarters | Suwayda |
| Active regions | Suwayda Governorate |
| Ideology | Syrian Opposition Anti-Assadism |
| Status | Active |
| Allies | Syrian Opposition (2022-2024) Syria (2024-present).svg.png){kind=small} Guest House of Dignity Men of Dignity[2] (formerly)[3] |
| Opponents | %252C_Flag_of_Syria_(1980%E2%80%932024).svg.png){kind=small} Ba'athist Syria (until 2024) Suwayda Military Council[2] |
| Battles and wars | |
Ahrar Jabal al-Arab Gathering (Arabic: تجمع أحرار جبل العرب, lit. 'Free Men of Jabal al-Arab') is a militant organization in Syria, based in Suwayda Governorate.
History
The group, led by Suleiman Abdul Baqi,[4] said it was ready to fight against the Assad regime in 2022.[5]
Ahrar Jabal al-Arab pressured the regime to release prisoners from Suwayda amidst protests in 2023 and 2024.[6][7] The group fights against drug trafficking.[8]
Abdul Baqi coordinated the entry of government forces into the governorate in December 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, though the convoy was forced to turn around, as it was not coordinated with the Suwayda-based Joint Operations Room.[9]
A meeting was held in March 2025 between Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri, Yahya Al-Hajjar, the head of the Men of Dignity, Abdul Baqi and Shakib Azam, the leader of Al-Jabal Brigade, in which it was agreed that the General Security Service would be "re-activated" in the governorate, as long as the people involved were from Suwayda.[10] The Guest House of Dignity also announced its support for the initiative.[11]
Ahrar Jabal al-Arab reiterated its support for the Syrian transitional government in July 2025, following the clashes in Suwayda that began in July 2025.[12]
References
- ^ "Secretary-General of Syrian Liwa Party: Best solution to end Syrian crisis is federal system". Hawar News Agency. 1 May 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Tensions in Suweida: Protests Against the New Syrian Administration Amid Military Council Involvement". Enab Baladi. The Syrian Observer. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ al-Kanj, Sultan (19 July 2025). "Sweida's Druze, Bedouin Tribes Locked in Historic Grievances". Asharq Al-Awsat. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Unknown assailants target house of Suleiman Abdul Baqi". Enab Baladi. 8 March 2025. Archived from the original on 8 March 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Suweida: Faction Ready for Military Confrontation with Regime". Al-Modon. The Syrian Observer. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Nelson, Mateo (5 June 2024). "Suwayda protesters resolute despite regime military reinforcements". Syria Direct. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Mansour, Karam (26 June 2024). "Suwayda sidesteps a 'spiral of violence' following clashes". Syria Direct. Translated by Mateo Nelson. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Ahrar Jabal al-Arab Gathering accuses regime of attempting to assassinate its leader". Enab Baladi. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Factions prevent Military Operations Administration convoy from entering As-Suwayda". Enab Baladi. 12 December 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Agreement Reached to Reintroduce Syrian Security Forces in As Suwayda, Southern Syria". 963 Media. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Messager, Armin; Amer, Karam (11 March 2025). "Syria's Druze: Key players caught between local and regional power struggles". The New Arab. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Al Nofal, Walid (16 July 2025). "Damascus begins Suwayda withdrawal after days of bloodshed". Syria Direct. Translated by Mateo Nelson. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
