A tense standoff unfolded Friday in eastern Daraa as Syrian government security forces deployed heavily to confront elements of the Eighth Brigade in and around the city of Busra al-Sham, following an armed clash and the wounding of a key figure aligned with the Ministry of Defense.
Clashes in Busra al-Sham Raise Fears of Renewed Violence
The confrontation was sparked Thursday evening when forces loyal to Eighth Brigade commander Ahmad al-Awda shot and arrested Basil al-Droubi, who recently aligned with the central government. Al-Droubi, traveling with his family at the time, was seriously wounded in the attack, deepening an already growing rift within the fragmented remnants of armed factions in the region.
In response, the Ministry of Interior’s General Security Administration (GSA) sent reinforcements into Busra al-Sham and surrounding towns. Convoys reportedly seized several key checkpoints, including the strategic crossing in al-Musayfirah and a position in Saida, dismantling Eighth Brigade outposts and confiscating their weapons.
According to Abu Muhammad al-Hourani, a media activist in Daraa, an agreement was reached Friday between the GSA and Awda’s forces to de-escalate the situation. The deal reportedly includes surrendering heavy and light weapons and handing over those suspected of shooting Droubi.
Despite the agreement, GSA patrols continued across Daraa province, and mosque loudspeakers in several towns called on Eighth Brigade members to disarm. Arrest campaigns targeting the brigade’s personnel were underway in towns like Jizah and Harak, with many fighters surrendering voluntarily, local sources confirmed.
Old Grudges and a New Government
The crisis has its roots in long-standing rivalries. Droubi, a divisive figure in Daraa, once attempted a coup against Awda in 2016 and more recently sought to recruit Eighth Brigade members into new units under the Ministry of Defense, moves perceived by Awda as threatening his dominance in the region.
“Negotiations are ongoing, and a peaceful resolution is still possible,” a military source within the brigade told local outlets, speaking anonymously. “But the region remains on edge.”
The Syrian Ministry of Interior said in a statement Friday that operations were aimed at “enhancing security and stability and enforcing the rule of law.” However, reports of curfews, raids, and the presence of armored convoys have spread fear among residents.
Security in Daraa province has deteriorated significantly since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Armed groups—many once aligned with the Assad regime—remain active and often resist integration into centralized security structures. The proliferation of weapons and unresolved local rivalries continue to pose risks to the region, threatening to unravel fragile gains made after years of conflict.
Awda, once backed by Russia through the formation of the Fifth Corps in 2018, has maintained tight control over Busra al-Sham. While his meetings with President Ahmad al-Sharaa signal efforts to align with the new leadership, recent events suggest that consolidating authority in southern Syria requires special attention and care.
