By Ihsan Muhammad
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – Five years have passed since the Syrian government forces took control of Daraa Governorate, southern Syria, with support from Russia and Iranian-backed militias.The security situation, however, remains tense and complicated, posing challenges for the local population due to the ongoing violations they face, and the security vacuum.
The situation in southern Syria mirrors the broader conflict in the country. On one hand, there are military forces claiming victories on the ground, seeking to assert dominance and control. On the other hand, there are those who view the security vacuum in Daraa and the protests in the adjacent Suwayda Governorate as crucial political developments that cannot be overlooked amidst the talk of military conquests.
In July 2018, the opposition armed factions and the government forces agreed to halt hostilities and reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia in the opposition-held areas in Daraa.
Under the deal, the opposition armed factions agreed to hand over their weapons in exchange for staying in Daraa. Meanwhile, those who opposed the agreement relocated to Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria, which is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) and the opposition factions.
The first settlement was carried out in September 2018. Since then, the Syrian government has announced several settlement processes to address the security status of wanted individuals. Many, however, boycotted these settlements, doubting the government’s willingness to uphold their end of the bargain.
Chaos
A former leader of the Syrian opposition, Fuad al-Zu’bi, describes the situation in Daraa as fragile and unstable. Despite the end of military operations, sporadic clashes and assassinations against opposition members continue, worsening the tension and insecurity.
He points out that one of the security challenges is the intensive presence of security and military forces, whether affiliated with the government or linked to Iran, which impose strict control over the population. Arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances are common, fueling fear among the locals.
He adds, “Movement between cities and towns has become greatly restricted due to increasing number of security checkpoints, in addition to the corruption in the security apparatus and extortion of the population.”
Reconciliation agreements
Russia, through reconciliation efforts, managed to incorporate most opposition factions into the Eighth Brigade, affiliated with the Fifth Corps, which is now under their control. After the Russian-Ukrainian war, this brigade became subordinate to the Military Intelligence Branch of the government forces.
Despite five years passing since the reconciliation, the population has not experienced any form of stability in recent years.
Al-Zu’bi believes that Russia played a significant role as a mediator between the government forces and the people in Daraa, imposing a kind of stability through negotiations and local agreements.
However, he points out that there were contradictions, as Russia sought to achieve its strategic interests, sometimes conflicting with the interests of the city’s residents.
He emphasizes that the reconciliation and the promises that were made have only resulted in further security crackdowns and harassment, turning Daraa into a region that witnesses daily killings and assassinations.
He further explains that Russian military police were deployed in some areas is an attempt to maintain security, but their effectiveness in the face of greater security challenges is limited.
Political changes
Bashar al-Haj Ali, member of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, tells North Press that since the government forces took control, Daraa has experienced “major” changes in policy and on the ground.
He says that the government forces have not been able to fully impose their control over Daraa, leading to a security and political deterioration and the dominance of Iranian-backed militias and the Lebanese Hezbollah over wide areas.
He adds that these changes have made the situation more complicated and chaotic as the symbolic presence of the government did not contribute to improving the situation but increased tension and mistrust between the people and the authority.
He points out that the main political challenges facing the people of Daraa include the absence of security and stability, saying, “The deteriorating security is a result of the activities of factions and smuggling gangs.”
Return to activism
Al-Zu’bi explains that people are facing these challenges in different ways, such as forming local community networks to provide basic services, and resorting to peaceful protests to demand an improvement of the conditions.
He also highlights that some residents continue protesting against the government, while others choose to immigrate or move to safer areas.
He says that the political opposition in Daraa is still present, even though they are operating covertly to avoid the government forces. He points out that the opposition holds secret meetings and exchanges information in undisclosed ways. They also communicates with international and human rights organizations to shed light on violations, and uses the media to convey the reality on the ground.
Al-Haj Ali notes that the influence of the Syrian government and Iran in Daraa has led to the suppression of freedoms. There is no room for expressing opinions and engaging in political activities freely as a result of persistent arrests and chaos.
He believes that a sudden shift will happen again and all residents will participate, even those who were considered loyal to the government.