The Al-Jabal Brigade (, ) is a

Druze The Druze ( ; , ' or ', , '), who Endonym and exonym, call themselves al-Muwaḥḥidūn (), are an Arabs, Arab Eastern esotericism, esoteric Religious denomination, religious group from West Asia who adhere to the Druze faith, an Abrahamic ...

militia A militia ( ) is a military or paramilitary force that comprises civilian members, as opposed to a professional standing army of regular, full-time military personnel. Militias may be raised in times of need to support regular troops or se ...

operating primarily in the

al-Suwayda Governorate As-Suwayda or Al-Suwayda Governorate () is one of the fourteen Governorates of Syria, governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is the southernmost governorate, covering an area of 5,550 km², and is part of the historic Hawran region. The capita ...

southern Syria Southern Syria () is a geographical term referring to the southern portion of either the Ottoman-period Vilayet of Syria, or the modern-day Arab Republic of Syria. The term was used in the Arabic language primarily from 1919 until the end of ...

. Established during the Syrian civil war, the group has been involved in various military operations and has played a significant role in regional security dynamics.

Background

The Al-Jabal Brigade emerged amidst the fragmentation of the Syrian conflict. Its formation reflected localized efforts by Assad loyalists to assert control and protect communities in the predominantly Druze region of

al-Suwayda Suwayda (), also spelled Sweida, is a mainly Druze city located in southern Syria, close to the border with Jordan. It is the capital of Suwayda Governorate, one of Syria's 14 governorates, bordering Jordan in the South, Daraa Governorate ...

and was aimed at community defense.

Activities

The group has conducted military operations against opposition forces, including rocket attacks on regime headquarters. The Al-Jabal Brigade has also participated in suppressing dissent within al-Suwayda, reflecting its alignment with government forces in some instances. The faction allied with Druze militia Men of Dignity and the armed wing of the

Syrian Socialist Nationalist Party The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP; ) is a Syrian nationalist party operating in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. It advocates the establishment of a Greater Syrian nation state spanning the Fertile Crescent, including present-day Syria, Leban ...

, Eagles of the Whirlwind, in July 2018 while fighting against the

Islamic State The Islamic State (IS), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Daesh, is a transnational Salafi jihadism, Salafi jihadist organization and unrecognized quasi-state. IS ...

. The faction joined the Southern Operations Room in late 2024 and took part in the 2024 Southern Syria offensive. The group issued a joint statement with the Men of Dignity in January 2025 emphasizing that it was prepared to integrate into a new "military body". The office of Suwayda governor Mustafa al-Bakour was stormed on 21 May by armed criminals who successfully released Raghib Qarqout, a convicted car thief. The Men of Dignity provided cover for al-Bakour's exit, while the Al-Jabal Brigade engaged with the criminals.

Leadership

The group's leadership has been a focal point of local and regional disputes. Marhaj al-Jarmani, a prominent leader of the brigade, was assassinated in July 2024 at his home in al-Suwayda. It was thought by some that his death was caused by the Syrian government, but an investigation by the group indicated that his wife and daughter were responsible.

Relations with other factions

The Al-Jabal Brigade's relationships with other factions have varied over time. While initially aligned with local defense militias, the group has also cooperated with pro-regime forces. However, internal power struggles and shifting allegiances have at times led to tensions within the local community.

References

{{Syrian civil war 2020s in Syria Anti-Assad factions of the Syrian civil war As-Suwayda Governorate in the Syrian civil war Assassinations in Syria Druze in Syria Druze militant groups Paramilitary organizations based in Syria