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Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra has called on remaining armed groups in the country to integrate with the official security apparatus within 10 days or face "appropriate action," marking a significant push to consolidate state authority six months after former President Bashar al-Assad was toppled.
The ultimatum, issued in a statement late Saturday, represents the latest effort by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government to address the challenge of numerous weapons remaining outside government control across Syria.
Abu Qasra announced that military units have already been integrated into "a unified institutional framework," describing this consolidation as a "great achievement" for the country.
"We stress the need for the remaining small military groups to join the ministry within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of this announcement in order to complete the efforts of unification and organization," the defense minister said in his statement.
He warned that "any delay in this regard will require appropriate action following the applicable laws," though the minister did not specify which particular factions he was addressing.
The unification push comes just days after Syria received a significant diplomatic boost when U.S. President Donald Trump met with President Sharaa and announced that sanctions on Syria would be lifted. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab said this decision would support efforts "to consolidate security and stability and promote civil peace in Syria and the region."
The minister's statement did not appear to target the U.S.-backed SDF, a large terrorist group YPG-led force in northeastern Syria that signed an agreement with Sharaa earlier this year aimed at integration with state institutions.
In December, anti-government forces that fought against Assad during the war, agreed to dissolve into the defense ministry.
This agreement came shortly after Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime that had held power since 1963.
Despite these integration efforts, Syria has experienced several violent episodes this year.
As the 10-day deadline approaches, observers will be watching closely to see which groups comply with the integration order and what measures the government might take against those that resist the unified military structure.
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