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Above: Saleh Jarboa (left) Commander of the "Liwa' Al-Tawhid " liaison from Sweida with Iranian ambassador to .

Above: Activists of the Quwwat Al-Ghayti deployed in the Yarmouk Basin.

The Iranian Shiite Axis Expansion - Establishment of Mercenary Local in Southern Syria (April 2021) By: Tal Beeri

Establishment of Mercenary Local Militias in Southern Syria

Table of Contents:

Main Findings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 General Map ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Appendix A: Local Sunnis militias ( District) …………………………………………………….. 7 Appendix B: Local Sunnis militias ( District) ………………………………………………… 19 Appendix C: Local militias (Quneitra and Sweda Districts) ……………………………….. 22

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Main findings: The report is based on updated information from the years 2019 – 2020, detailing of 36 local militias in southern Syria consisting of locals, Sunnis (Appendices A+B) and Druze (Appendix C). The militiamen serve as mercenaries for the radical Shiite axis led by . The report details these militias according to: location, number of activists, identity of the commander and additional information. These militias are deployed throughout southern Syria and operate in all three southern provinces: Quneitra (6 militias), Daraa (28 militias) and Sweida (2 militias). The loyalty of most of these militias is bought with money, like mercenaries, and not acquired on the basis of an ideological common denominator. The data collected indicates that the local militias in southern Syria are engaged in a variety of missions on behalf of the radical Shi'ite axis headed by Iran, such as: establishing presence and deterrence (Deterrence towards the local population), conducting activity against those who interfere with the radical Shi'ite axis entrenchment in the region, assistance in the establishing of civic infrastructures , assistance in recruiting new activists, securing the movement of senior axis officials during their exposed and secret visits to the area, and drug smuggling, as part of the major narcotics trafficking operation run by from . Based on cross-referencing information we have, we estimate with high probability that the militiamen, sometimes perform additional tasks under a different command structure, despite their original militia affiliation. For example: An operative in the local militias listed in this report may be called on to carry out a task for the Hezbollah Golan unit or for one of the special units of the Iranian Quds Force operating in the area like unit 840. These tasks are fundamentally different from the routine tasks of those militias, i.e., the militia operative may also be involved in intelligence gathering and activities against Israel. Sometimes the militias also act to assist the activities of Syrian regime forces affiliated and closely cooperating with the radical Shi'ite axis. This mainly refers to the 4th Armored Division, commanded by Maher Al-Assad (the president's brother) and one of the Syrian intelligence apparatuses known as the "Air Force Security". They also cooperate with the forces of the 1st. , which are permanently stationed in the southern Syrian sector. Some of these militiamen previously served in the Syrian or one of the Syrian security services. Many of them belong to the "people of the reconciliation", locals who were mostly former opposition figures and even fought as part of the Free and the Jaysh Khalid Ibn Al-Wallid forces (ISIS in southern Syria), against the Syrian regime and against the forces of the radical Shi'ite Axis itself. After the regime's reconquer of southern Syria in July 2018, they reached an understanding and agreement with the Syrian regime on a mutual reconciliation, i.e., the dismantling of the combat forces established as part of the opposition, handing over

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some of their weapons (with an emphasis on heavy duty weapons) and the signing of a "non-aggression" document against the Syrian regime. In return, the regime forces did not enter their communities and did not carry out arrests among them. Many of the "people of the reconciliation" themselves and their families were medically treated by Israel as part of a "good neighborhood" project. It is not at all certain that they will remember this good for Israel. in all probability if they demand action against Israel they will do so. They will do so because they depend on the money paid to them by the radical Shiite axis led by Iran. The radical Shiite axis headed by Iran is driven by the power of ideology. On the other hand, most of the local militiamen in southern Syria are in need of money in order to survive and sustain their families. Their ideology is of low priority, if at all. The Shi'ite axis takes advantage of this and this is where the interests of both sides meet: in the not-too-distant past, they were willing to fight against the Iranian involvement, in the present, they are willing to fight on behalf of the radical Shi'ite axis and serve it for an average monthly salary of $50 to $100. In fact, these are mercenaries. A good example demonstrating this, is the fact that quite a few expatriates from Jaysh Khalid Ibn Al-Wallid Army, former ISIS members living in the Yarmouk Basin, have joined these militias. Some of the local militias operate under the "Syrian Hezbollah", an umbrella organization established by the radical Shi'ite axis headed by Iran and supported militarily by Hezbollah Lebanon. Another part of the local militias operates under the civilian veil of civic associations. These associations operate in southern Syria under the auspices of the radical Shi'ite axis. The militias mentioned in this report are actually the military wings of those associations. The most prominent of these associations are "Jamaia Al-Zahara" and "Jamaia Al-Bostan" or in its new name "Al- Arin", under which the militias "Al-Arin", "Dir Al-Watan" and "Majmuat Kamil Nasr and Anwar Al-Karydi" operate. This is a good example presenting the integration of the civilian and military establishment of the radical Shi’ite alliance headed by Iran in Southern Syria, similar to the Hezbollah model in Lebanon where the military and civilian branches are indistinguishable. Over the past year, the Alma Center has intensely explored the fusion of military and civilian establishment of the radical Shi'ite axis headed by Iran in southern Syria. Throughout 2020, we published a number of research reports regarding the deployment of Shiite militias and Hezbollah (the Southern Headquarters and the File units) and the civic establishment process in southern Syria. The reports presented all aspects of the establishment of the radical Shi'ite axis led by Iran in southern Syria. The reports revealed the fact that there are already dozens of sites where Shi'ite axis proxies are deployed: Shi'ite militias, Hezbollah and its

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units and local militias. This deployment exists both inside Syrian military sites and more importantly within many Communities in Sunni areas (see Alma Center’s reports). We now see the outcome of the extensive establishment strategy, accomplished by the radical Shi’ite alliance, enabling the widespread use of the human shield tactic. Many civilian buildings and houses are used and will be used as weapons depots, missile launch sites and observation posts. We estimate that in the not-too- distant future UNDOF's movements and activities will be restricted and they too will be prevented from entering villages and moving on certain roads similar to Hezbollah's restrictions on UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. In our assessment, the proxy forces, led by the local militias, will increase their activities against those who oppose the radical Shi'ite axis establishment.

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Establishment of Mercenary Local Militias in Southern Syria

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Establishment of Mercenary Local Militias in Southern Syria

Appendix A: Local Sunnis militias (): (لواء العرين) Liwa' al-Arin - Al-Arin Brigade .1

a. Location: The city of Deraa. The militia headquarters are located in the Al-Kashaf neighborhood of the city. The militia also has a presence in the town of Izraa, where they control the local cultural center (Coordinates: 32.85320457414553, 36.24875559433646). b. Number of activists: 600 (approx.) c. Commander: Waseem Al-Amar Al-Masalma (see right photo: notice the Jamaia Al-Bostan/Al- Arin association plaque on his desk). d. The Militia assists Hezbollah's narcotics trafficking, and if need be, also assists regime forces. The militia has two Lebanese Hezbollah- appointed controllers: Haj Suleiman and Mostafa Al-Arabi. e. The Militia serves as a military wing of the Jamaia Al-Bostan/Al-Arin civil association, which operates in southern Syria under the auspices of the radical Shi'ite axis. The Militia also has a military presence mainly in various farmlands and real estate investments.

) لواء درع الوطن ) Liwa' Dir Al-Watan - The Homeland Shield Brigade .2

a. Location: Deraa. b. Number of activists: 400 activists. c. Commander: The militia is currently under the command of Dr. Tariq Maaruf.

This may be his Facebook account: Above: Dir Al-Watan insignia

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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002531511735 d. In the past, the militia commander was Mohammad Jafar (dated September 2018). e. The militia operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah", an umbrella organization established by the radical Shi'ite axis headed by Iran and supported militarily by Hezbollah Lebanon. f. The militia strengthened significantly after the regime re-conquered southern Syria. g. The militia serves as the military wing of the "Jamaia al-Zahara" civil association, which serves as an important tool for the civilian establishment of the radical Shi'ite axis in southern Syria. h. Attached are links to a video of the brigade together with Al-Ghayti forces on their way to Daraa en masse in May 2020, a photo from August 2019 and another group of photos under the relevant Facebook hashtag:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=30133600320 91684&id=100002531511735

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=572515616616196&set=a.14 5264476007981

https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8% A1_%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D 9%86

Above: Dir Al-Watan activists.

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)قوات الغيث ) Quwwat Al-Ghayti - Al-Ghayti Force .3

a. Location: As of June 2020, the militia is deployed in the Yarmouk Basin area (, Jara, Tepes, Beit Ara, etc.) with its headquarters located inside a school in the village of Al-Kassir. b. Number of activists: The militia is considered a considerably large militia. We estimate that there are several hundred activists. c. Commander: Apparently, the commander is Rowad Adra Maghuta Al- Sharqia. It's is our understanding that he serves under the command of Ghaiat Dalah, commander of the 42nd Brigade of the 4th. Division. d. Additional info: During 2019, the militia took part in the in province. It is our understanding that the militia aggregates a number of small militias and consists mainly of "the people of the reconciliation".

Above: Quwwat Al-Ghayti militia activists.

)اللواء Liwa' 313 Brigade (313 .4

a. Location: The militia headquarters are located in the community of Azrah. The militia also has a presence at Khalkhala military airport. Its activists may also be scattered around Quneitra. b. Number of activists: According to info. about 1600 - (in our estimation this is an exaggerated number)

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c. Commander: Ibrahim Margie (as of December 2020). There may be another commander named Shadi Jafar. The militia is directly controlled by Lebanese Hezbollah. d. Additional info: The militia was established in 2017. Its activists are mainly Shiites from Basra al-Sham, Karfa and Al- Malih Al-Arabiya. Its duties include protecting the weapons depots belonging to the radical Shiite axis in the region. e. A recent photo (right) is a photo from 2019 of a militia (notice that his uniform is very similar to a Lebanese Hezbollah combatant's uniform).

(مجموعة صيدا) Majmuat Saida - Saida Group .5

a. Location: Saida. b. Number of activists: 350 (approx.) recruited while undergoing Shia indoctrination. c. Commanders: Mohamad Al-Mahamid (nicknamed: "Abu Abud", shown in the below right photo along with a cleric), and Nazal Al- Sha'abin (shown in the left photo below in a red shirt), Former Firqat Salah Al-Din - Salah Al-Din - فرقة صالح الدين- Commander of Division, and Aref Al-Jahamani (a car dealer, shown in the below photo wearing an Adidas cap). According to the indications we have, Al Jahamani also belongs to the Golan File unit.

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(مجموعة ظاهر الحمد) Majmuat Thahir Al-Hamad - Thahir Al-Hamad Group .6

a. Location: The militia base is located in the community of Saida Al- Jolan. The militia also operates in the communities of Rafid and Ghadir Al-Bostan. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Thahir Al-Hamad. d. Additional info: The militia operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

(مجموعة خ رض حليحل) Majmuat Khader Halyhal - Khader Halyhal Group .7

a. Location: The militia center is located in the town of Al-Rafid. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Khader Halyhal (on the right).

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After the regime reconquered southern Syria in August 2018, he was detained by the Air Force Security intelligence apparatus, released only in February 2019 after promising to cooperate with the regime forces. His release was secured because of his earlier good ties with the "Military Security" intelligence apparatus located in the community of Sa'asa. d. Additional info: Its operatives are "people of the reconciliation" and "Liwa Al-Sabtin" – the "Al- Sabtin" (لواء السبط ر ي) – once belonged to the Brigade, an opposition force that belonged to the (Halyhal was its commander). The militia operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

(مجموعة أبو غدير) Majmuat Abu Ghadir - Abu Ghadir Group .8

a. Location: Ghadir Al-Bostan. b. Number of activists: unknown. – جبهة ثوار سوريا - c. Commander: Abu Ghadir (former commander of the "Jabhat Thwar Surya", the Syrian Revolutionaries Front, an opposition force belonging to the Free Syrian Army). d. Additional info: The militia consists of "people of the reconciliation" from the town of Al-Bostan, operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

مجموعة هيثم أبو ) Majmuat Haytham Abu Saeifan - Haitham Abu Saifan Group .9 ( سعيفان

a. Location: The militia is mainly active in Al-Shajra, but also in nearby towns in the Yarmouk Basin. b. Number of activists: 200 (approx.). c. Commander: Haitham Abu Saifan, formerly a member of the "Military Security" intelligence apparatus. It is known that he has been working for Hezbollah a long time. d. Additional info: The militia specializes in assassinations and drug trafficking, operating under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

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(مجموعة محمد مروة) Majmuat Muhamad Marwa - Muhamad Marwa Group .10

a. Location: Deraa city. b. Number of activists: 300 (approx.). c. Commander: Muhamad Marwa. d. Additional info: The militia acts, among other things, recruiting from the opposition forces throughout the city and from the Daraa refugee camp.

(لواء الحس ر ي) Liwa' Al-Husayn - Al-Husayn Brigade .11

a. Location: The Syrian 15th Brigade base near . b. No further known information.

(قوات الرضوان) Quwwat Al-Raduan - Al-Raduan Force .12

a. Location: The Syrian army's Fog' 89 camp near the community of . b. No further known information.

(الفوج Fog' 666 - Regiment 666 (666 .13

a. Location: The militia headquarters are located in the Al-Mazarib military base. b. Number of activists: A couple of hundred activists. The exact number is unknown. c. Commander: Wahel Al-Mrush, known as a minion of Iran. d. Additional info: The militiamen are mainly "the people of the reconciliation" (approx. 200 activists). As of summer 2020, various checkpoints are manned by them in the Daraa province, with an

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emphasis on the area of Al-Mazarib, Al-Yadudah and the Yarmouk Basin. مجموعة خالد ) Majmuat Al-Khalid Al-Hashish - The Khaled Al-Hashish Group .14 (الحشيش

a. Location: The militia base is located in . b. Number of activists: A couple of hundred activists. The exact number is unknown. c. Commander: Khaled al-Hashish (known as "Abu Al-Majid"). He is associated with the 4th. Division and owns a money changing establishment called "Limar". d. Additional info: The militiamen were opposition activists. As a result of the reconciliation agreements with the regime, they "switched sides". The operatives come mainly from towns on the Jordanian- Syrian border such as Tell Shihab, Altabriat and Zaytun. The militia operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

(مجموعة أبو سالم) Majmuat Abu Salem - The Abu Salem Group .15

a. Location: located in the community of Khrab Al-Shcham. Its people are also deployed in the towns of Al-Ajami, Al- Faouar, Khirbet Kees and Nahej. b. Number of activists: 300 (approx.). c. Commander: Ahmad Maosh, nicknamed "Abu Salem Al-Khaldi." He's known for his associated with the 4th. Division. There is a single indication that he was arrested in February 2020 in by the authorities following his drug trafficking. d. Additional info: The militia specializes in the drug smuggling business into and operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

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(مجموعة سامر الحريري) Majmuat Samir Al-Hariri - Samir Al Hariri Group .16

a. Location: Busra Al-Harir. b. Number of activists: 200 (approx.). c. Commander: Samir Al Hariri, (Former commander of the largest opposition force - the "Free Syrian Army"). d. Additional info: Its operatives are "people of the reconciliation" and – "Firqat Amoud Horan" (فرقة عامود حوران) – once belonged to the "Amoud Horan" Division, a prominent opposition force in the region. The militia operating under the "Syrian Hezbollah" stands out for its cooperation with Hezbollah recruiting youths for the military activities of the radical Shi'ite axis in the region.

مجموعة محمد ) Majmuat Muhamad Al-Haraki - Muhamad Al-Haraki Group .17 (الحرا ك

a. Location: Al-Malihah. b. Number of activists: 100 (approx.). c. Commander: Muhamad Al-Haraki, (nicknamed "Kazael"). According to indications we possess, he may have been arrested by the regime in November 2020. During his arrest, he was tortured to death. d. Additional info: most of its operatives are "people of the reconciliation". The militia specializes in kidnapping operations and they operate under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

(مجموعة فارس الحويلة) Majmuat Faris Al-Hawila - Faris Al- Hawila Group .18

a. Location: Rasem. b. Number of activists: 100-150 (approx.). c. Commander: Faris Al- Hawila. d. Additional info: most of its operatives are "people of the reconciliation", operating under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

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(مجموعة ع ل العذبة) Majmuat Ali Al- Azbah - Ali Al-Azbah Group .19

a. Location: Busra al-Sham. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Ali Al-Azbah, (a Shi'ite from Busra al-Sham, known for his ties to Hezbollah). d. Additional info: operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

(مجموعة خالد الوحش) Majmuat Khalid Al-Wahsh - Khaled Al-Wahsh Group .20

a. Location: Al-Ghariya Al-Sharqiya b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Colonel Khaled Al-Wahsh. d. Additional info: The militia assists Hezbollah in recruiting young people.

21. Majmuat Yashar Al-Homsi - Yashar Al-Homsi group (مجموعة يشار الحم ص )

a. Location: Kiheel b. Number of activists: 300 (approx.). c. Commander: Yashar Al-Homsi (right photo). d. Additional info: Militia recruits opposition veterans.

مجموعة ) Majmuat Ra'af Al-Zabi - Ra'af Al-Zabi Group .22 (رأف الز ب

a. Location: Al-Masifra. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Ra'af Al-Zabi (right photo).

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d. Additional info: The militia was a former opposition force called – ( .liwa Al-Omri" – "Al-Omri" Brigades"– (ألوية العمري

مجموعة مشعل ) Majmuat Mishaal Al-Qasabrah - Mishaal Al-Qasabrah group .23 (الكسابرة

a. Location: Al-Hrak. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Mishaal Al-Qasabrah. d. Additional info: The militia was a former opposition force called – .Amoud Houran" – "Houran Column" Division" -)عامود حوران(

(مجموعة المسيكة) Majmuat Al-Masika - Al-Masika Group .24

a. Location: Masika. b. Number of activists: 180. c. Commander: unknown. d. Additional info: The militia was a former opposition force called –( ."Jish A-Harar Al-Esha'ar" – "Army of Free Tribes" -( جيش أحرار العشائر

(مجموعة حوش حماد) Majmuat Hosh Hammad - Hosh Hammad Group .25 a. Location: Hosh Hammad. b. Number of activists: 300 (approx.). c. Commander: unknown. d. Collaborate with Hezbollah. e. Additional info: The militia was transferred to the area following the reconciliation agreements, where it was recruited by Hezbollah.

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(مجموعة مجد الملو ح ) Majmuat Majd Al- Mallouhi - Majd Al Mallouhi Group .26

a. Location: The militia is mainly active in the Al-Agha/Ebb region. b. Number of activists: 200 (approx.). c. Commander: Majd Al Mallouhi. d. Collaborate mainly with the Shiite militia "Al- Fatemiyoun". e. Additional info: Its operatives are "people of the reconciliation" and Al-Liwa' Al-Omari" – the Al-Omari") ألوية العمري once belonged to the Brigades) - a prominent force of opposition figures in this region. Its activists are mainly engaged in drug smuggling and operating under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

(مجموعة فيصل الصبيح) Majmuat Faysal Al-Sabih - Faysal Al-Sabih Brigade .27

a. Location: Al-Lajiah and the Syria-Jordan border. b. Number of activists: 700 (approx.). c. Commander: Faysal Al-Sabih, .(liwa Al-Omri -Al-Omri Brigades' - ألوية العمري - Formerly in) d. Deputy Commander: Maflah Al-Basra. e. Additional info: Its activists are mostly Bedouin.

(مجموعة الرويضان) Majmuat Al-Roudan - Al-Roudan Group .28

a. Location: Al-Lajiah and the surrounding area. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Hassan Mansur Al-Roudan (Originally from the community of Masika, wounded in an assassination attempt in August 2020). d. Additional info: The militia deals among other things with assassinations, kidnapping and theft.

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Appendix B:

Local Sunnis militias ()

(فرع 220/سعسع) Majmuat 220 - Group 220 / subordinate to branch 220/Sa`sa .29 a. Location: Madinat Al Baath (The new city of Quneitra) and the surrounding area. b. Number of activists: 220 (approx.), the militia consists of the loyalists of two commanders (175 men of Commander Jareeda, 45 men of Commander Kabul). c. Commanders: Hazem Kabul (a Hezbollah associate for some time) and Mamun Jareeda (in the below photo, he is apparently affiliated with the Jamaia Al-Bostan / Al-Arin Association and a resident of Khan Arnabe).

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(مجموعة أحمد كبول) Majmuat Ahmad Kabul - Ahmad Kabul Group .30

a. Location: Khan Arnabe and the northern periphery of Quneitra. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Ahmad Kabul (on the right, nickname "Abu Thagham"), a Hezbollah's senior collaborator in the region. He is among one of the National Defense officials in Khan Arnabe. He deals in narcotics smuggling. He may have previously maintained positions in the water and electricity administration in Quneitra. d. After the regime reconquered southern Syria in August 2018, he was detained by the Air Force Security intelligence apparatus, released only in February 2019 after promising to cooperate with the regime forces. His release was secured because of his earlier good ties with the "Military Security" intelligence apparatus located in the community of Sa'asa. e. The militia is directed by a Lebanese Hezbollah operative named Al- Haj Hamza. f. Additional info: On December 23, 2020, two operatives belonging to this militia were assassinated in the town of Al-Gharef for unknown reasons.

(لواء صقور القنيطرة) Liwa' Suqur Al-Quneitra - Suqur Al-Quneitra Brigade .31 **The name means: "Quneitra Falcons"

a. Location: Jabah and Khan Arnabe. b. Number of activists: 150 (approx.). c. Commander: Yassin Al-Khabi. d. Additional info: The militia was founded long before the establishment of the radical Shi'ite axis led by Iran in the southern

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Syrian region. The militia aided the Syrian army in its against the opposition forces. Al-Khabi's group also deals in drug trafficking. The militia collaborates with the Deraa Al-Quneitra militia.

(درع القنيطرة) Dir Al- Quneitra – Shield of Al-Quneitra .32

a. Location: Madinat Al Baath (The new city of Quneitra) and the surrounding area. b. Number of activists: unknown c. Commander: Khaled Abatha, previously commander of Fog' Golan, president of the Quneitra branch of the Ba'ath Party.

(مجموعة معاذ نصار) Majmuat Muhad Nasar - Muhad Nasar Group .33

a. Location: Jubata al-Khashab. b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Muhad Nasar, (Former commander of the opposition force Forsan Al-Jolan, belonging to the Free Syrian Army. d. Additional info: The militia consists of "people of the reconciliation" from the town of Jubata al-Khashab and its surroundings and operates under the "Syrian Hezbollah".

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Appendix C:

Local Druze Militias (Quneitra and Sweida Districts)

(لواء التوحيد) Liwa' Al-Tawhid - Al-Tawhid Brigade .34

a. Location: The town of Sweida near the "Bollman" auto shop. b. Number of activists: 100 (approx.). c. Commander: Saleh Jerboa (in the Right photo below, on the left, with Iranian Ambassador to Syria). d. Additional info: Within this Druze militia there are also Lebanese Druze who are the associates of the former MP Wiam Wahhab (in the left photo below, with a blue tie).

مجموعة ) Majmuat Nasr/Al-Karydi – Sweida - Nasr/Al-Karydi Group .35 (الكريدي/نارص

a. Location: The town of Sweida and its surroundings .Al-T'alah and طريق )–Khalfahla military airports near Sweida and near a road called ."Tariq Al-Qanawat" -( قنوات b. Number of activists: 400 (approx.). c. Commander: Daniel Nasr, Anwar Al-Karydi. d. Additional info: The militia consists of Druze, most of them recruited with the help of Daniel's father, cleric Kamil Nasr. (مجموعة باسل حسون) Majmuat basil Hasun - Basil Hasun Group .36

a. Location: The village of Hader (Druze militia). b. Number of activists: unknown. c. Commander: Basil Hasun.

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