news

I have not seen anyone report on this yet here, though I might have missed it, so apologies if this repeating any information already seen. Suriyakmaps (a very solid source on Syria, though more followed for Ukraine war updates) has recently been reporting on the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria, which was formed last December as the Southern Liberation Front (changed its name in January). I will copy-paste two posts, the first being general information from last Friday (23/05) and the second being a statement from the group yesterday (26/05). The channel intends to continue to report on Syrian internal politics.

23/05 Regarding the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria: 🇸🇾

Last May 5 the organization held its first First Extraordinary General Conference with which a common roadmap for the resistance in Syria was established.

1. Establish the identity of the independent Islamic resistance and reject the projects of division and normalization.
2. To declare the legitimate and realistic position in the face of the dominant forces and imposed projects.
3. Draft a global action charter that renews the pact and lays the foundation for the next phase.
4. Launching of a general media, organizational and political mobilization inside and outside the country.
5. Unify the ranks of the resistance around leadership, weapons and resistance consciousness raising.

The Resistance criticized the new Syrian authorities (STG/HTS) for destroying any hope for peace in Syria by discriminating against women and minorities compared to the previous stage, denouncing the lack of freedom, security and dignity. It also emphasized the need for a strong and sovereign economy that should be linked to social justice, sustainability, decentralization in order to enhance the reconstruction and welfare of the people. Also mentioned were the ties with the diaspora and its relevant role in building new support networks for the country from abroad. He also highlighted secrecy and dissidence as indispensable elements for the success of the resistance. A call was made for the union of the rest of the dissident groups under a single command in order to fight side by side against the project of partition and occupation of the country. Finally, a declaration of struggle for the establishment of the Third Syrian Republic based on a comprehensive charter of coexistence, equality among components, and a clear definition of the common enemy.

Currently the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria (IRFS) is composed of the following groups:

• Saraya al Aaren (note: an Alawite militia in Latakia)
• Syrian Popular Resistance (note: an Assadist insurgent group formed last December)
• Ya Baqiyyata Allah (note: I haven't been able to find any info on this group, but I haven't looked far)

The Coastal Shield group, one of the main actors of the March uprising on the coast, was excluded after its rapprochement with Israel and advocating the creation of an Alawite state. As mentioned above, the IRSF receives support and funding from Iran in the sense of fighting the Israeli occupation in Syria. However, the funding of the resistance actually comes from various private Syrian groups abroad (diaspora). Regarding its composition, the organization is quite heterogeneous, composed of former SAA members, former Syrian rebels, civilians, clerics and Lebanese militants (Syrian diaspora, SSNP members), so it has merit to have achieved a common sheet in such a short time, although many of its principles remain diffuse. Despite their differences, there is a common goal: the establishment of a Third Syrian Republic. This is important because it implies the creation of a new state project that breaks with the past and is inclusive of all Syrians. That is why the members of the resistance do not have strong links with the previous political regime. Secrecy is one of the key pieces of this group. However, this does not mean that anonymity is eternal. The resistance is arming itself significantly and is increasing its networks throughout much of the country. Moreover, following Jolani's normalization stance with Israel, the STG becomes not only a political but also a military rival.

Does this imply a serious uprising in the near future?🇸🇾 It will depend on the capabilities of the resistance in a few months and the degree of control of the STG over the country (increasingly fragmented) It is really more likely to see a coastal uprising by the Coastal Shield, an armed group that increasingly adopts a more identitarian vision towards the Alawites. This group also receives external funding, from Syrian and Russian businessmen, while integrating Alawites in its ranks and some Sunnis. They see Russia as a natural ally despite its passivity in recent months, but it is the support they need to succeed in revolting. Like the IRFS they have broken with the previous political regime although in this case the control of the past of its members is not so strict.

26/05 Statement from the IRFS:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Rather, we cast truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and instantly it recedes.

Statement issued by the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria - All Power First

Flagrant violations of Syrian sovereignty by various occupation forces continue. In the south, the enemy continues to penetrate deep into Syria, reaching Quneitra Governorate. In the north, the Turkish occupation is expanding its presence and positions. While the de facto authority ignores these attacks, disregards the logic of sovereignty, and completely bows down to the will of the United States and Zionism after opening the homeland's airspace to enemies and violating its land and the privacy of its members, the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria, the first of the brave, expresses its total condemnation of authoritarian practices and its contempt for the repeated aggression against the homeland. It does not ignore the occupation's practices and will not remain a spectator, even as it prepares, equips, and elevates its organizational level to address national diversity. The Zionist enemy, in cooperation with this authority, seeks to liquidate the cause, dissolve the components of the Syrian state, and expand its security within our territory. This is an important indication that we, with God's help, are capable and fully confident of transcending Palestinian borders and responding with the appropriate logic that the enemy and its agents understand. God will fulfill His purpose, and our decision remains resistance.

May 26, 2025

Corresponding to: 28 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1446 AH