Armed groups in Suwayda merge as “National Guard.”

By Abdulsalam Khoja

SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Several armed groups in the southern Syrian governorate of Suwayda announced on Saturday their full merger under the name “National Guard,” pledging to operate under the directives of the Druze community’s spiritual leadership.

In a joint statement, the newly formed forces declared, “The National Guard will adhere to the guidance of the spiritual presidency of the Druze sect, represented by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who is considered the legitimate figure authorized to express the community’s public position.”

The statement added that the new structure aims to work in cooperation with local forces and supporting units with the mission of “defending the mountain and preserving the Unitarian Druze identity.”

The merger brings together a wide range of local groups that have emerged in Suwayda over the past years. These include: Sons of the Mountain Gathering, Fazaat Shabab al-Jabal, Saraya al-Jabal, Anti-Terror Forces, Sheikh al-Karama Forces, al-Uliya Forces, Local Forces, Toud al-Jabal Forces, al-Qaheroon, Areen al-Jabal Forces, Hamza Knights Forces, Shams al-Janoub Forces, Dhiab Hamza Forces, al-Fahd Forces, Guardians of the Frontiers, Sultan Forces, Sayf al-Haq Forces, Fazaat al-Ghayara, Fazaat al-Nashama, Daraa al-Lajat Forces, Suwayda Operations units, Khayal Group, Bayraq al-Raad – Ta’ara, Daraa al-Jabal – Zain al-Din, Bayraq Fazaa – Muf’ala, Khawal al-Jabal, Druze Protection Units, al-Asayel Forces, and the Army of the Unitarian Druze.

The integration reflects attempts by Suwayda’s local groups to consolidate their ranks amid ongoing instability and to present a unified military front under religious guidance.

Suwayda, which has largely remained outside the direct control of Syrian government forces and opposition factions, has witnessed growing militarization in recent months as local armed groups seek to protect the community and maintain order.

The announcement comes at a time when different parts of Syria continue to face security challenges, with local actors organizing their forces in response to shifting dynamics on the ground.