De-Radicalization and De-Mobilization of Extremist Groups in Idlib: An Urgent Priority
By Ola Rifai
April 1st 2025
This year’s Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, was celebrated differently in Syria, reflecting the significant transformations the country is undergoing. On Monday, March 31st, thousands of Syrians gathered for an open-air prayer at al Jundi al Majhul the Unknown Soldier monument, situated on the slopes of Qasun Mountain—an area that was previously restricted and heavily guarded during the Assad ear. At the People’s Presential Palace, perched atop Qasun, Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa attended the Eid prayer, marking the first time a religious observance was held at the palace, al-Sharaa accompanied by senior officials and military personnel. The Minister of Religious Affairs led the prayer and gave a talk underscoring the collective responsibility to rebuild the state.
Later, President al-Sharaa and his wife hosted a celebration for children orphaned by the war, distributing nicely wrapped Eid gifts. The couple was filmed walking through a sunny backyard overlooking Damascus, interacting with children playing on slides and trampolines. These images, spanning from the slope of Qasun Mountain to the summit, where the Presidential Palace is located, symbolize the efforts by the new leadership in Syria to reconnect with the people and rebuild the state/society trust.
Nevertheless, the situation remains far from ideal. On the same day, several kilometers northwest of Damascus, sectarian violence erupted when soldiers, reportedly affiliated with the newly formed General Security forces, attacked an Alawite village on the outskirts of Tartus. The attack resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a minor. Such sectarian violence, often motivated by revenge, has plagued the coastal cities since early March, leading to the deaths of members of the Alawite community. These violent clashes represent the most severe sectarian unrest since the collapse of the Assad regime. Although Syrian authorities have established investigative committees, their efforts have thus far proven inadequate in addressing the root causes of these tensions.
Similar incidents continue to unfold, as militia groups composed of unregulated soldiers operate autonomously, frequently justifying their actions on what they claim are “individual bases.” This pattern of violence escalates rapidly and presents a significant policy challenge for the new leadership in Damascus. The government’s goal should extend beyond merely containing the violence—it must work to eliminate the underlying threats entirely.
From Allies to Foes: Governing the Ungoverned
Various extremist militias continue to operate in the northwest of Syria, particularly in Idlib and its surrounding areas. Some of these groups were previously aligned under the umbrella of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which dissolved after toppling Assad, and integrated into the Syrian government’s army and security apparatus. These militias are not homogenous; they are divided by ideological divergence, with varying levels of loyalty. While they are predominantly composed of Syrian nationals, there is also a presence of foreign fighters. The integration of these militias into the Syrian army has proven counterproductive. Demobilizing these groups will be a complex and challenging task, with the potential to exacerbate violence rather than mitigate it.
To address this issue, a comprehensive twofold strategy must be implemented. Indeed, the past and the present of HTS leadership, particularly the pragmatism displayed by its former leader and current interim president, highlights a capacity to shift the balance of power based on evolving interests. When HTS emerged as the de facto governing authority in northern Idlib nearly a decade ago, it succeeded in neutralizing most of its rivals, such as Ahrar al-Sham and Hurras al-Din, as well as groups with transnational ties to al-Qaeda and ISIS. HTS at the time, consolidated its authority by incorporating local religious and political leaders into the group’s bureaucratic structure. However, such a strategy may no longer be applicable in the current political landscape.
Given the evolving dynamics, it is essential for the Syrian government to adopt a twofold strategy that combines the processes of demobilization and deradicalization. In the short term, efforts should focus on curbing the influence of militias by disarming them and appointing key figures within civil services to regulate their power. In the long term, deradicalization must be pursued through comprehensive educational reforms and social reintegration programs designed to counter extremist ideologies and foster long-term stability.
Here in, the newly born Syrian government faces a multitude of challenges. As President al-Sharaa put it when addressing worshipers on Monday , “The Syrian people have endured immense suffering and sacrifice to reach this moment, and it is for this reason that we must now focus on state-building… the path ahead is long and fraught with difficulties.” Well, this is absolutely true, however, the elimination of extremist militias in northwestern Syria is a crucial step toward paving the way for a sustainable state-building process in the country.