Southern rebels gain influence as Syria's interim rulers seek to form national army

Syria's interim rulers are working to create a unified national army following the fall of Bashar Assad. Insurgent factions from the south have gained influence, pushing towards Damascus and coordinating with northern groups, despite previous agreements to halt advances. The southern rebels, less Islamist and more localized than their northern counterparts, have retained their weapons after a 2018 reconciliation with Assad's government. They reactivated their forces during a recent offensive, defying international expectations for a political transition. Local factions remain the main security forces in many areas, with some hesitant to disarm. The new police chief in Daraa city is collaborating with local groups to establish order, while factions are assessing their future roles in the new state structure.