The Eighth Brigade, formed by Russia in 2018 from remnants of opposition factions, announced its dissolution today, Sunday, April 13.

In the statement issued by the Eighth Brigade, delivered by spokesman Colonel Mohammed al-Hourani (Abu Issam), it stated, “We, the individuals, elements, and officers of what was formerly known as the (Eighth Brigade), officially announce:

• The complete dissolution of this formation.
• The handing over of all its human and military resources to the Ministry of Defense of the Arab Republic of Syria.
• Appointing Captain Mohammed al-Qadri to coordinate directly with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition and handover.”

According to the statement, the decision comes out of a commitment to national unity and to enhance security and stability while adhering to the sovereignty and authority of the state.

The spokesman for the Eighth Brigade also considered this step a new beginning to strengthen the nation’s journey under the umbrella of the Syrian state.

Enab Baladi‘s correspondent in Daraa reported that the General Security Forces, under the Ministry of Interior, took control of the military and security facilities of the Eighth Brigade in the city of Busra in eastern Daraa, took control of two prisons, and transferred the prisoners (10 on criminal charges and four on security charges) to the city of Daraa.

These developments come in the wake of the assassination attempt on Defense Ministry leader Bilal Daroubi last Thursday evening, who died Saturday from his injuries inflicted by a group affiliated with the Eighth Brigade.

Following the targeting of Daroubi, the Syrian Ministry of Defense deployed significant military forces to Busra al-Sham, the stronghold of the Eighth Brigade, and demanded the handover of those involved and the dissolution of the faction.

Loudspeakers in the mosques of Busra announced today, Sunday, that a military operation by the General Security Forces is underway against the leaders of the Eighth Brigade.

For the second day, the family of the defense ministry leader refuses to bury him until those accused of his murder and those who ordered his assassination are handed over.

On Saturday, the leadership of the Eighth Brigade handed over three individuals accused of assassinating Daroubi, but the family insisted on the handover of those who gave the orders for his assassination.

A demonstration took place earlier today in Busra, demanding that the General Security Forces arrest the leaders of the Eighth Brigade, disarm them, and hold them accountable.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated on Saturday evening that the General Security Forces continue to spread across the city of Busra al-Sham in eastern Daraa as part of efforts to enhance security and stability and reinforce the rule of law.