Tue Dec 24 14:11:10 UTC 2024: ## Syrian Rebels Consolidate Power, Form Unified Defence Ministry

**Damascus, Syria –** Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced on Tuesday the dissolution of all former rebel factions and their integration under a unified Defence Ministry. This follows a statement last week from Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir outlining plans to restructure the Ministry using former rebels and defectors from Bashar al-Assad’s army. The move comes just over two weeks after rebels seized control of Damascus on December 8th, ending Assad’s 13-year rule. Murhaf Abu Qasra, a prominent figure in the insurgency, has been appointed as the interim Defence Minister. Al-Sharaa faces the significant challenge of preventing conflict between the various formerly independent groups now under his command.

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