Al-Jabal Brigade
Al-Jabal Brigade | |
---|---|
لواء الجبل | |
Also known as | Liwa al-Jabal |
Country | Syria |
Allegiance | Syrian opposition |
Headquarters | As-Suwayda |
Active regions | As-Suwayda Governorate |
Status | Active |
Allies | |
Opponents | |
Battles and wars | Syrian civil war |
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. Its activities and leadership have drawn both local and international attention.
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.[1]
Activities
[edit]The group has conducted military operations against opposition forces, including rocket attacks on regime headquarters.[2] The Al-Jabal Brigade has also participated in suppressing dissent within al-Suwayda, reflecting its alignment with government forces in some instances.[3]
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.[4] His death underscored the precarious position of militia leaders and the volatile dynamics of the region.
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.[5] However, internal power struggles and shifting allegiances have at times led to tensions within the local community.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Liwa al-Jabal: A New Loyalist Militia Unity". Syria Direct. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "Suqur Jabal Brigade Claims Rocket Attack on Regime Headquarters". The Syrian Observer. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "Liwa al-Jabal: New Loyalist Militia Emerges in Syria". BBC News. 17 October 2013. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "Marhaj al-Jarmani Assassinated in Al-Suwayda". Alhurra. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "Liwa al-Jabal". Open Sanctions. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ "Leader of Al-Jabal Brigade Assassinated in Al-Suwayda". Hawar News Agency. Retrieved 2024-12-08.