Syria Moves to Calm Tensions in Daraa After Security Escalation

Authorities in Syria’s southern province of Daraa have reached an agreement with local elders in the town of Busra al-Sham to de-escalate tensions and hand over four suspects involved in the recent assassination of Bilal Al-Droubi, a commander affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defence.

The move follows two days of heightened tension in the region, long regarded as one of Syria’s most volatile security flashpoints. The agreement was reached during a meeting that included Daraa Governor Anwar Al-Zoubi, local political and security officials, and members of the Reform Committee.

As part of the agreement, additional security forces will be deployed to Busra al-Sham to support stabilisation efforts and reinforce the presence of the Public Security Directorate.

A statement by Daraa’s Governorate confirmed the agreement falls within ongoing efforts to restore state authority and foster calm across eastern Daraa.

Overnight on Friday, security convoys entered Busra al-Sham and surrounding areas, conducting a brief patrol before withdrawing following the agreement. Local sources reported a series of arrests in the town of Al-Jiza, while discussions continued over the disarmament of former fighters from the Eighth Brigade, including the surrender of light and heavy weapons.

The Eighth Brigade, formerly linked to the Russian-backed Fifth Corps, was composed of opposition fighters who resisted disarmament following reconciliation deals in 2018. Led by Ahmad Al-Awda, the group remained one of the most powerful in Daraa. Though Al-Awda was among the first to endorse Syria’s new leadership after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, his brigade was not formally integrated into the Ministry of Defence.

Some Eighth Brigade elements have reportedly been absorbed into the Public Security Directorate, while others have maintained independent command.

The recent escalation followed the fatal shooting of Bilal Al-Droubi — also known as Bilal Al-Mustafa (Al-Miqdad) — a former local faction commander turned defence ministry officer. He was attacked by gunmen while driving with his family and later died in hospital. Syrian state newspaper Al-Thawra described the incident as a major destabilising event.

Local sources reported that Al-Droubi was shot and detained by forces loyal to Ahmad Al-Awda. The violence sparked confrontations between factions tied to the Eighth Brigade and those who had defected to the Ministry of Defence.

Damascus continues its push to stabilise Daraa, which remains plagued by sporadic violence, drug trafficking, and widespread arms possession. These challenges have not only threatened internal security but also impacted Syria’s border with Jordan and allowed for increased Israeli intervention in the south.

Despite the unrest, public and tribal initiatives are ongoing to resolve disputes and encourage the surrender of weapons. The Public Security Directorate has reiterated that settlement opportunities remain open for all, but warned it would not tolerate efforts to destabilise the region.