Syria Issues 10-Day Deadline for Armed Groups to Join Defence Ministry

Syria's interim government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is pushing for the integration of remaining small armed groups into the official military framework, setting a 10-day ultimatum issued by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra to unify these factions or face unspecified consequences. This move aims to consolidate state authority amid ongoing challenges from numerous weapons and armed groups that operate independently, including both supporters and opponents of the interim government. The integration efforts do not target the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia that has already agreed to gradually join state institutions. The push follows a diplomatic boost from the U.S., as President Donald Trump met with Sharaa and announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, a decision touted by Syrian officials as supporting regional stability and peace. Despite these efforts, Syria continues to experience violence, including sectarian attacks and clashes between different militant factions. The government sees the unification of armed groups into a centralized institution as a critical step toward national security and the restoration of order following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad six months ago.