Integration of armed factions remains one of Syria’s biggest challenges

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by Charles ListerJanuary 12, 2026 at 07:58 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Following the end of Syria's civil conflict in December 2024 and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, integrating numerous armed factions has become a major obstacle in the country's post-war state building. The transitional authority faces the challenge of disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating groups like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and former regime forces while establishing new security forces. A status settlement process was initiated, allowing former soldiers to register and either return to civilian life or re-enlist. However, many abstained, leading to the formation of anti-government factions and continued violence, particularly after a coordinated attack in March 2025. Despite efforts to train and integrate former regime personnel into new security forces, fighting persists, fueled in part by financial support from exiled al-Assad regime figures.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Alawite 40% Aleppo 40% al-Qaeda 50% ISIS 60% Bashar al-Assad ×370% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×380% Syria ×690%

Keywords

armed factions 100% syria 90% post-war state building 80% integration 80% demilitarization 70% syrian democratic forces 60% security sector reform 60% transitional authority 50% bashar al-assad regime 50% reintegration 40%