Iran had functioned as one of Damascus's most essential supporters throughout the civil war that ignited in 2011 after the regime's brutal response to pro-democracy demonstrations, sending military advisers and Revolutionary Guards forces to Syria, AFP reported.

Revolutionary Guards units and regional allies – chiefly Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon, plus combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan – had occupied strategic locations and propped up Assad's regime, only to vanish as Islamist-led forces charged toward the capital, according to AFP.

Syrian military officers and troops operated under Revolutionary Guards command, whose influence grew during the conflict while Assad's authority weakened, AFP reported.

A former Syrian officer posted at a Guards security facility in Damascus said that on December 5, 2024, his Iranian commander ordered him to an operations center in Mazzeh district the next day to address an "important matter," according to AFP. The ex-officer, requesting anonymity over safety concerns, said his commander – identified as Hajj Abu Ibrahim – delivered a bombshell announcement to about 20 Syrian officers and soldiers assembled for the briefing, AFP reported.

"From today, there will be no more Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Syria. We're leaving," those present were informed, according to AFP. "It's all over. From today, we are no longer responsible for you."

They were instructed to destroy or burn classified documents and extract hard drives from computers, AFP reported. The declaration came as Islamist forces secured massive gains, yet it still caught Syrian soldiers by surprise, he said, according to AFP.

"We knew things hadn't been going well, but not to that extent." They received advance payment covering one month and departed for home, AFP reported.

Within two days, Islamist forces captured Damascus without fighting after Assad escaped to Russia, according to AFP. Two Syrian staff members at Iran's Damascus consulate, requesting anonymity for security purposes, also recounted a hurried Iranian departure, AFP reported. The consulate stood empty by December 5 evening as Iranian diplomats scrambled across the border into Beirut, they informed AFP.

Multiple Syrian employees "who held Iranian nationality left with them, accompanied by senior Revolutionary Guards officers," one former employee stated, according to AFP. At Jdeidet Yabus – Syria's primary Lebanese border crossing – taxi operators and former staff documented enormous congestion on December 5 and 6, with eight-hour delays to cross the frontier, AFP reported.

Both ex-consulate workers said Iranians instructed Syrian personnel to remain home and compensated them three months' wages, according to AFP.

The embassy, consulate and all Iranian security installations were abandoned by December 6 morning, they said, AFP reported.

Throughout the conflict, forces under Iranian authority concentrated in critical Damascus zones and suburbs, especially Sayyida Zeinab district – site of a significant Shiite Muslim shrine – and around Damascus airport, plus near Lebanese and Iraqi frontiers, according to AFP.

Sections of northern Aleppo and other provincial sites also functioned as major deployment zones for personnel and combatants, AFP reported.

At a location that formerly operated as a crucial Iranian military base south of Aleppo, Colonel Mohammad Dibo said when the city fell early in the rebel campaign, "Iran stopped fighting," according to AFP.

Iranian forces "had to withdraw suddenly after the quick collapse" of Assad's military, stated Dibo, who participated in the rebel offensive and currently serves in Syria's new armed forces, AFP reported. On severely damaged walls at the deserted base, an AFP journalist observed Iranian and Hezbollah slogans plus a mural showing a sword slicing through an Israeli flag, according to AFP.

Israel – Tehran's foe – had conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria during the war, primarily claiming it targeted Assad's forces and Iran-backed organizations, AFP reported. The anonymous former Syrian army officer said that on December 5, a high-ranking Iranian military official known as Hajj Jawad and several Iranian troops and officers were transported to Russia's Hmeimim base on the Mediterranean coast, then airlifted to Tehran, according to AFP.

At the deserted site near Aleppo, Dibo said following the city's collapse, "some 4,000 Iranian military personnel were evacuated via Russia's Hmeimim base" where they had sought refuge, AFP reported. Additional personnel escaped overland through Iraq or Lebanon, he stated, according to AFP.

The departure proved so hurried that "when we entered their bases" in Aleppo province, "we found passports and identity documents belonging to Iranian officers who didn't even have time to retrieve them."

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This represents the first arrest warrant by the Syrian state against the dictator living in exile, based on accusations of war crimes in Daraa province in 2011. The rebellion against Assad's regime erupted in March of that year after three children in Daraa province spray-painted graffiti against the government and were murdered. November 2011 was one of the bloodiest months, during which hundreds of civilians were killed.

The judge in the case, Tawfiq al-Ali, explained to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that the arrest warrant includes charges of premeditated murder and responsibility for torture that led to death and deprivation of liberty. According to the judge, the arrest warrant opens the door to an Interpol warrant and international involvement in the case. Those who filed the lawsuit were families of victims from the Daraa events in November 2011.

Against this backdrop, the head of the Syrian Authority for Justice, Abdul al-Basit al-Latif, said that communication channels were opened with Interpol and other international bodies to pursue Assad family members. He emphasized that this primarily concerns Bashar and his brother Maher Assad (former commander of the Fourth Division), on charges of serious violations against the Syrian people.

Multiple cases are proceeding simultaneously against Bashar Assad and his associates related to his crimes in the civil war. Just at the beginning of the month, the French justice system issued new arrest warrants for the tyrant and six former senior officials in his regime, including his brother Maher. The basis for these warrants was the bombing of Homs city on February 22, 2012. Two foreign journalists were killed in the attack: Marie Colvin (56), an American working for the British Sunday Times, and Remi Ochlik (28), a French photographer.

The former Syrian president resides in Moscow after being overthrown in December 2024. His regime collapsed in an attack by the Islamist rebel coalition of Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani), who became Damascus' ruler. Following this, Assad fled to Russia and has since remained in exile under the protection of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. Al-Sharaa recorded a historic achievement in recent days when he spoke as Syria's president at the UN podium after more than six decades.

The collapse of Assad's regime ended an era of more than 50 years during which the Assad family ruled Syria with an iron fist. The rule of Hafez Assad and his successor Bashar, was known for boundless cruelty. Countless Syrians were murdered, tortured, kidnapped, humiliated, and oppressed by the terror regime's agents. One of the notorious symbols of Assad's rule was Sednaya prison in the Damascus area. With the regime's collapse last year, the prison was breached by rebels, revealing facilities for destroying bodies and records of executions.

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The neighborhood is located near Al-Mezzeh Airport in the southwest of the capital. Earlier, eviction orders were published and signed by the "Public Housing Committee." The orders state: "We inform all those residing in unofficial housing in the al-Sumariya neighborhood to evacuate all homes within a maximum period of 72 hours."

Additionally, videos were published yesterday showing security personnel from al-Sharaa's regime attacking Alawites from the same neighborhood whom they had arrested. Subsequently, women from the neighborhood demonstrated against the arrests and were also attacked by regime personnel.

Residents were reportedly forced to sign documents waiving their property rights. Incidents of looting gold jewelry and stealing cash from homes were also reported.

Following the events, the Alawite Religious Council in Syria published a condemnation statement: "We reject the crimes and violations of the de facto regime, led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in the al-Sumariya area of Damascus. This regime invaded homes and forcibly evacuated residents simply because they belonged to the Alawite sect," it stated. The statement further noted that authorities "ignored legal documents proving home ownership," brutally attacked, publicly humiliated, and hurled sectarian insults at residents, including assaulting women.

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Documentation provided to Israel Hayom reveals bookstore proprietors affiliated with Islamist networks celebrating their newfound ability to distribute these materials, which remained prohibited throughout Assad's tenure. While Assad's regime did support terrorist organizations, this support stemmed from different motivations, particularly alignment with Iranian geopolitical interests.

During one mosque sermon in Homs, a preacher declared, "Numerous enemies surround us. Internally, we face minorities, separatists, remnants from Assad's regime, and individuals who despise Muslim leadership. Externally, our adversaries are equally abundant. They seek to prevent us from achieving freedom and dignity, attempting to maintain tyrannical rule, imprisonment, exile, and resource exploitation. Our singular option remains steadfast unity, patience, and solidarity with our state and leadership. The greatest threat we confront is internal disorder. Defiance of leadership directives and excessive criticism foster rebellion and state delegitimization, ultimately enabling coups and destructive civil unrest."

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The published specifics reveal that oversight of the Sweida area, which became the focal point of Syrian regime aggression against the Druze population, will transfer to American control, with US officials committing to ensuring agreement implementation. The arrangement stipulates that all local tribal forces and government forces must withdraw from Druze villages, while Druze units will perform verification sweeps in these communities to confirm compliance.

Subsequently, the agreement provides for the establishment of local councils with participation from Sweida residents, with appointed members handling regional resource management and essential services. Additionally, a monitoring and documentation committee will track agreement violations, submitting reports to American officials when necessary.

The accord further mandates that Quneitra and Daraa, located near the Syrian-Israeli border, undergo complete disarmament, with local security committees formed through resident participation, contingent on restricting possession to light weapons only. Syrian government-affiliated organizations or institutions face an entry prohibition to Sweida, while United Nations entities receive authorization for regional access.

I met this evening with the Syrians and Israelis in Paris. Our goal was dialogue and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that. All parties reiterated their commitment to continuing these efforts.

— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 24, 2025

Previously, US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack confirmed his Paris discussions with Syrian and Israeli representatives, declaring, "Our goal was dialogue and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that. All parties reiterated their commitment to continuing these efforts."

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A source in Syria's Interior Ministry told the country's official news agency on Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement had been reached in Sweida, following a revelation by an American official that the Trump administration had asked Israel to stop its attacks in Syria.

The announcement came amid a dramatic day marked by Israeli strikes in Damascus, hundreds of armed Druze crossing into Syria, and a stern warning from the US regarding Israeli operations. Even in the past hour, Druze continue to cross the border into Syria.

The official Syrian announcement

A source from the Syrian Interior Ministry told the official Syrian news agency: "A ceasefire agreement has been reached in Sweida. Security checkpoints have been set up in the city, which will be fully reintegrated into the Syrian state." In parallel, Druze Sheikh Yusuf Jerbo also announced a ceasefire agreement with the regime, the deployment of checkpoints, and the "full integration of the province into the Syrian state," according to the pro-Assad daily Al-Watan. The statements suggest that the Syrians regard the situation in Sweida as resolved through a formal agreement, not merely a temporary ceasefire. However, it should be noted that this information comes solely from Syrian sources and has not yet been independently confirmed by Israeli or international channels.

American pressure and the Druze crisis

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern on Wednesday morning about the Israeli strikes: "We are concerned about Israeli strikes in Syria. We are speaking with all parties and want the fighting to stop." It has since emerged that behind the scenes, the Trump administration was working to end the strikes. A US official revealed: "The Trump administration asked Israel to stop its attacks in Syria." The American pressure comes amid fears of regional escalation and a desire to ease tensions along the Israel-Syria border.

Washington's intervention stems from a severe escalation triggered when the Druze leadership in Israel declared a general strike and urged the government to act immediately on behalf of the Druze population in Syria. The leadership warned that "the blood pact with Israel is at a breaking point," citing what they described as a "brutal massacre" of Druze residents in southern Syria. In response, the Israel Defense Forces carried out strikes on the Syrian regime's general staff compound in the Damascus area. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned: "The time for signals in Damascus is over – now come painful blows."

The crisis reached a peak when hundreds of armed Druze civilians crossed the security fence at Majdal Shams into Syria, aiming to aid their brethren being slaughtered in the Sweida region. The incursion was massive and dramatic, with Druze carrying personal weapons and acting against IDF directives. Israeli forces attempted to prevent the crossing and to safely return the civilians, but the Druze protest was resolute and well-organized. Demonstrations also erupted at major junctions in northern Israel, as the Druze leadership declared a general strike and days of national mourning.

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Regional intelligence sources indicate the "Red Bands" conduct high-risk missions, encompassing deep infiltration operations and complex urban combat scenarios. The formation first gained public attention in 2018 through training footage depicting combatants donning distinctive red headbands during military exercises. Multiple subsequent operations attributed to the "Red Bands" have since been documented. Their signature red headband honors a renowned companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, celebrated for his battlefield courage.

Reports from Saudi Arabian media outlets describe significant expansion and modernization of the unit in recent years, including acquisition of advanced weaponry and enhanced combat capabilities. This growth included active recruitment campaigns targeting young men with competitive compensation packages. The unit's exact personnel strength remains classified. During a notable 2020 visit, al-Sharaa personally met with the specialized force and ceremonially wore their emblematic red headband, cementing its status as their official symbol. The occasion included formal loyalty pledges from unit members.

Regional media analysis suggests "Red Bands" deployment typically occurs when conventional military formations encounter operational difficulties. Intelligence assessments highlight their guerrilla warfare expertise, providing tactical advantages against traditional military structures. The unit maintains specialized components including precision marksmen, explosive ordnance experts, and anti-armor weapon teams.

Intelligence reports from earlier this year documented a significant "Red Bands" operation against Russia's Hmeimim military installation in western Syria, resulting in five Russian military casualties. The attack involved two unit operatives successfully penetrating base security and engaging Russian personnel. These elite formations proved instrumental during al-Sharaa's strategic campaign that secured multiple Syrian urban centers in the final months of last year.

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According to reports last night, large columns of Syrian government troops were seen entering Sweida, the capital of the mountainous Druze region and home to the country's largest Druze population. This followed several days of clashes between Druze militias and regime loyalists. Areas entered by Defense Ministry and internal security forces have descended into chaos, with looting and shops being set ablaze. A mass exodus of residents from the city is underway, according to sources cited by the website. Videos shared on social media show regime fighters abusing captured Druze militiamen.

Simultaneously, Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Syria. According to reports, the strikes were aimed at halting the advance of regime forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Defense Minister Katz held a phone consultation about the recent developments in Syria and the attacks on the Druze.

Netanyahu and Katz emphasized that Israel is acting "to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them and to ensure the demilitarization of the area adjacent to our border with Syria." A defense official said, "This is an exceptionally high volume of strikes against regime forces in the Druze Mountain region. Israel sees this as a test of its policy to demilitarize southern Syria and its commitment to the Druze."

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According to reports emerging Tuesday, at least nine members of the Radwan family, known for its affiliation with one of the Druze militias, were slaughtered in their home by regime forces. Shocking images showing their bodies strewn across the family's living room have spread on social media, sparking outrage across Syria.

Video: Regime soldiers in Syria shave the mustache of a Druze community elder /// Arab networks

Footage also showed mass arrests of Druze militia members, with detainees beaten, threatened and humiliated. Although Syrian air force strikes destroyed several regime tanks and vehicles, they failed to halt the offensive, and Syrian government forces continued to deepen their grip on the city, home to roughly 50,000 residents. Nevertheless, Druze militias were still reported to be fighting in parts of Sweida, and casualties were reported among regime troops.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that regime soldiers and police summarily executed 12 civilians after storming the Radwan home. Four others, including one woman, were executed inside the home of the Mathluma family in the village of al-Thaala. Additional reports suggested more people had been abducted, their fate unknown.

The organization also claimed that armed regime loyalists shot and killed three brothers in front of their mother at Al-Basha Square in northern Sweida, forcing her and other family members to watch.

In the past 48 hours, 64 residents of the Sweida Governorate - including two children and two women - have been killed, the observatory said. Nineteen people, including one woman, were executed, while 51 regime troops and loyalist militia members also died in the fighting.

As reports of the atrocities mounted, local media in Syria said Druze residents were fleeing the city en masse, fearing reprisals similar to those inflicted on the Alawite minority in western coastal regions. Despite calls from Druze leadership to lay down arms, Syrian state TV reported continued fierce street battles in Sweida.

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