Syria Tackles Challenges in Rebuilding Its Armed Forces

Syria is grappling with significant challenges in rebuilding its armed forces following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024. The new interim government is prioritising the reconstruction of its national army and security forces, focusing on creating a military that serves the nation rather than the previous regime’s interests. Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced the commencement of military restructuring and recruitment during a ceremony for newly graduated soldiers in Aleppo, stating, “We started the process of restructuring our military… to build an army that represents Syria and is able to face the challenges.”

Despite these efforts, analysts caution that the path to a cohesive and professional army will be fraught with obstacles. Transitioning armed groups into a unified military force presents a complex challenge, particularly as the new government works to build trust among the country’s diverse minority groups. The integration process must also contend with significant logistical hurdles, including the vetting of new recruits and decisions regarding military equipment, particularly concerning Russian supplies.

The situation is further complicated by the aftermath of the regime’s downfall. Following al-Assad’s departure, much of Syria’s military infrastructure was severely damaged, with the Israeli military reporting the destruction of approximately 80 percent of Syria’s strategic military capabilities shortly after al-Assad’s flight. In the past year alone, Israel has conducted over 600 airstrikes in Syria, targeting military installations and hampering the rebuilding process.

The new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has dissolved the former army and appointed military leaders from various factions, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a pivotal role in the regime’s ousting. This group, along with others, has brought around 40,000 fighters into the new security apparatus. However, this number is insufficient for governing the entire country, leading to a reliance on rapid recruitment from the general population.

While the need for manpower is pressing, the speed of recruitment has raised concerns about the lack of proper vetting processes. Many young men, particularly those aged 18 to 23, are seeking military positions as a means of economic survival following years of conflict and sanctions that have devastated Syria’s economy. Samy Akil, a nonresident fellow at the Tahrir Institute, noted, “It’s a very delicate balance to keep Syria’s security glued together,” emphasizing that effective integration of various factions is crucial.

Additionally, the presence of foreign fighters within Syria’s new military poses a challenge, as Western powers, including the United States, have warned against their inclusion in key military positions. President al-Sharaa has assured that these fighters will not hold significant roles, stating they “will not pose any threat” to their home countries.

Another pressing issue is the absence of experienced military officers. While the government has welcomed around 3,000 former regime soldiers back into the military, there remains a substantial deficit of qualified personnel. According to a report by the Washington, DC-based Middle East Institute, approximately 70,000 Alawite officers under the previous regime are unlikely to be reinstated, increasing the risk of instability.

International dynamics are also shifting. The fall of al-Assad has led to a change in Syria’s foreign relations. While Russia and Iran were crucial allies during al-Assad’s reign, the new government has started to foster ties with nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which previously opposed the regime. Notably, al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House marked a significant step towards improving relations with the United States.

Despite this newfound support, challenges remain. The Syrian Armed Forces (SAA) continue to rely on Russian military equipment, complicating their operational independence. Rob Geist Pinfold, a scholar at King’s College London, pointed out that this dependency gives Russia leverage over Syria, which could impact its relations with the United States, particularly as the Biden administration seeks to distance Damascus from both Moscow and Tehran.

International actors are also stepping in to support Syria’s military capabilities. The United States is reportedly enhancing Syria’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance abilities, while Turkey has signed a defence agreement to provide training and advisory support to the Syrian Armed Forces. As part of this agreement, 49 Syrian cadets are undergoing training in Turkish military academies.

Building domestic legitimacy remains critical for the new security forces. Incidents of sectarian violence have eroded trust among many communities, particularly minority groups, who view the SAA as a sectarian militia rather than a national army. Geist Pinfold observed that while Sunni Arab Syrians may still have faith in the government, minority communities are apprehensive and feel threatened by the military.

Tensions also persist between the newly formed military and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). On March 10, the SDF and Damascus signed a deal to integrate SDF forces into the Syrian military by the end of 2025. Nevertheless, ongoing clashes between the two sides reflect the underlying distrust and conflict that complicates efforts to unify the country’s armed forces.

As Syria embarks on the arduous journey of rebuilding its military, the success of these efforts will be pivotal for the nation’s political stability and the potential for international support. Without effective integration and a shift away from sectarian divisions, Syria risks recurring conflicts that could undermine any progress made toward peace and stability.