Murhaf Abu Qasra on building a new army and Syria's future

Aleppo's speedy fall

While HTS leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa spoke of reaching Hama and Damascus, the initial focus was retaking and securing Aleppo, said Abu Qasra. "This would enable the return of one million displaced Syrians. However, when Aleppo was liberated in just three days, it reaffirmed our belief that the regime's collapse was inevitable."

Syria's defence minister recalled that Aleppo was "strategically divided into multiple axes," explaining that "the regime expected our entry to align with conventional military tactics, but we defied their expectations by advancing through the Kabashin axis, taking them by surprise and successfully breaching their defences… From there, our forces advanced to the right, securing all axes until we reached the M5 (Aleppo-Damascus) highway near the Journalists' District and Rashidin."

While the initial plan was to encircle Aleppo, he said, they, in fact, "determined that direct entry into New Aleppo would be more effective". This led to the swift liberation of the city and the regime's retreat. "There was an operation carried out in the heart of Aleppo, behind enemy lines, to expedite the liberation. Our focus was to avoid a drawn-out battle in the city, as civilians were understandably fearful." 

Taking Aleppo within days, and with minimum casualties, was a significant achievement, Abu Qasra said. "Our meticulous preparation before the battle ensured that, upon entering Aleppo, essential services would not be disrupted. Police forces, service units, and hospitals were all prepped in advance to function seamlessly. This readiness was instrumental in stabilising the city. Thanks to this foresight, Aleppo today is in a better state than most other provinces."

He said open communication and offering reassurances to the public played a vital role in their success. "The regime disseminated lies, saying we would mistreat the population if we gained control. We worked hard to dispel those fears, delivering clear messages: 'Stay in your homes; you will be safe.' The outcome speaks for itself. While minor violations occurred, they were few and expected under such conditions."

A clear road to Damascus

The success in Aleppo sent a powerful message to other provinces, easing the path for further advancement. Similar to Aleppo, the battle for H ama lasted three days. "The axis that inflicted the greatest damage on the regime began from the direction of Aleppo/Defence Factories, through Ithriya and Khanaser, toward Hamra and the 66th Brigade. This axis, leading to the Tracked Vehicle School, was pivotal and had a profound impact on the regime."

Abu Qasra described "notable resistance in areas such as Taybat al-Imam, Maardis, and Kasoura," but after the liberation of Aleppo, he said, "we were convinced that the regime's fall was inevitable," adding: "The regime apparatus began to crumble. People started to reach out to us seeking amnesty and assurances of safety. At that point, it became clear that it was only a matter of time before the regime fell." 

Al-Assad's Chief-of-Staff personally went to Qamhana to "regroup and reorganise their forces," explained Abu Qasra, but it was too little too late. "Two days of operations in Homs paved the way for a painless takeover of Damascus." With the momentum behind them, they pressed on towards the capital, choosing "not to linger" in Homs, 160km to the north. 

"Our main focus was ensuring the bulk of our forces continued advancing. Reaching Damascus was the ultimate goal. While certain units remained tasked with operations in and around Homs and its western areas, the majority pushed forward without delay. I was among those who continued directly to Damascus."

Describing their entry, he said: "We left Homs for Damascus and saw soldiers who had defected from the regime travelling on buses and even on water tanks, heading in the opposite direction as we entered Damascus. Left with no other choice, the regime's defence minister instructed his troops to leave."

Memories flood back

Abu Qasra studied at Damascus University and lived there for six years, graduating in 2008. He knows the city well. "Damascus holds an extraordinary place in my heart," he said. "I chose to study there because of my deep affection for the city. I lived there for six unforgettable years. 

"Damascus is a city of profound historical and religious significance, an ancient capital with unparalleled depth. It is a symbol of our heritage, as we, the descendants of Bani Umayyah, are intrinsically tied to its legacy. It was the heart of the Umayyad dynasty—a place of remarkable cultural and historical resonance.

"As I entered the city, I was flooded with memories of my life there: the places I lived, the paths I walked, and the streets I travelled. It was a moment of overwhelming joy, a connection to both personal history and timeless grandeur. I didn't cry. Sometimes, the happiness of a monumental moment is so overwhelming that it defies expression. Memories flooded back—this was where I had lived and where I took taxis. These memories were vivid."

Stepping out of his vehicle, Abu Qasra offered thanks to God and headed straight to the Faculty of Agriculture, where he studied. "I went to the dormitories, where I had lived 20 years ago, and entered the faculty building, which was completely empty. I walked through the halls, reliving memories." After half an hour, he performed the afternoon prayer and then returned to his duties. 

Read Ibrahim Hamidi's own emotional visit to Damascus

During this period, there was no contact with ministers or officials, nor with the Russians. As for al-Assad, "We had hoped to capture him to bring him to justice, but I had expected him to flee."

Rebuilding trust

Abu Qasra is now jokingly referred to as the only Syrian Minister of Defence to have won a battle. Asked about this, he is humble. "First and foremost, we must acknowledge the grace of God Almighty. Attributing victory to individuals alone is misguided; victory should always be credited to God and the sacrifices of the Syrian people."

His job now is to create a new Syrian army, which is no small task. "We have many priorities, but a big one is to rebuild the people's trust in the long-reviled Syrian army."

He added: "Our message to the Syrian people is: this army is your army—a force dedicated to defending the country and protecting you, not an instrument of humiliation, as it was under the regime, which used barrel bombs, arrests, insults, and brutal attacks against women, children, and the elderly."Syria's army needs to be an institution that "reflects the dignity and sacrifices of the Syrian people," he said.

Integrating factions

"Intensive discussions with various factions across Syria, including in Sweida, the north, and Horan, are already underway. We are committed to uniting all armed groups under the banner of a new Syrian army."

At the moment, this does not include the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast of Syria, whose leadership has held discussions with HTS leaders. Abu Qasra said a political agreement with the SDF was needed before a decision could be made to integrate it into the new army. "We want to create a strong, professional military institution and to strategically deploy these forces across Syria."

As for allowing some groups to operate independently under the banner of the Syrian army, Abu Qasra has unequivocally ruled this out.

"This doesn't work. The only way to build a cohesive military institution is to fully integrate factions into the Ministry of Defence under a unified structure. The foundation for this institution must be the rule of law, and I will be the first to abide by it."

When a faction joins the ministry, it must fall in line with the national military structure, framework, and operations, said Abu Qasra. "If a faction enters and continues to function independently, then we have failed to create a true Ministry of Defence. Simply gathering factions for appearances serves no purpose. The ministry must enforce a unified and cohesive structure across all branches—land, naval, and air forces."

Having consulted on models, he said there is now a proposed structure. "No faction can claim the right to remain independent. They must operate within a hierarchical system, with roles assigned according to their specialisation—infantry, armour, signals… This system must be applied consistently and without exception. Thankfully, every faction has been responsive."

He acknowledged that it is only natural for these independent armed groups to question their roles within the new structure. "Every group will have a role, but patience is required. If a faction resists, we will first discuss and seek to assure them. This stage of rebuilding requires unity and progress, not division."

"Ultimately, it is in the best interests of all. The state may forgive and move beyond past divisions, but people do not forget. Therefore, merging with the ministry and abiding by its rules is the most pragmatic and sustainable choice for all factions." 

Averting civil war

Asked about Syria's coastal areas, such as Latakia, home to large numbers of al-Assad's Alawite sect, he said he spent more than a week there "focused on stabilising institutions and restoring security, during which time we engaged with the region's elders and representatives… Our efforts were directed toward reassuring the population and conveying clear messages of safety and stability".

To address immediate concerns, he said, "We established arbitration centres with the primary objective of preventing the outbreak of civil conflict… managing this region demands meticulous coordination, open dialogue, and trust among all groups. These are essential for long-term security, unity, and stability. Averting civil war was a top priority."

He said: "We told people that there are legal mechanisms to address their grievances. Those who have been harmed should file complaints at the Justice Palace through the courts. Those who committed crimes, including torture, must be held accountable, but it is for the judiciary to ensure they are prosecuted properly. If people take justice into their own hands, this only creates further chaos."

Read more: Mazen Darwish: Assad must be publicly tried in Syria

Syria's new interim government has set up reconciliation centres, said Abu Qasra. These have already been well-used, including by high-ranking individuals, with users receiving temporary settlement cards. A "significant number" have also surrendered their weapons, he said. "Security is gradually being restored."

Respecting boundaries

When asked if he expected foreign meddling in Syria's affairs, he said he was not worried. "Iran cannot mount a significant threat. There might be occasional nuisances, but nothing more. Iran overstepped its boundaries by meddling in Syria, supporting the regime and committing massacres against the people. It had no right to do so."

"Shiite communities in Syria—whether in Nubul, Zahra, Sayyida Zainab, or other areas—are part of Syria's social fabric. It is our responsibility—not Iran's—to ensure their rights and protect them as Syrian citizens. It has no right to interfere. Our message to Iran is very clear: don't meddle in Syria's affairs."

He is equally clear with regard to Israel, who he said had violated Syrian sovereignty. "Israel must cease its violations," he said. "Significant efforts are underway to address these issues. Syria is exhausted from war. It is devastated and in dire need of rebuilding. God willing, these efforts will lead to a resolution of this issue."

His first ministerial visit overseas, together with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, was to Saudi Arabia. That visit was "highly productive," he said. "We presented the vision for the new Syrian state and clarified its identity. The reception was exceptionally warm. There was considerable interest in Syria's situation and future. We outlined the foundational goals of the new Syrian state and addressed numerous queries. God willing, the visit will be the first of many. Our focus is on strengthening relations with Arab countries."

As for Türkiye, Syria's new leaders have already visited Ankara and discussed a wide range of matters. Of particular concern to Türkiye is the issue of Syrian Kurds, particularly the YPG armed group.

At home, much remains to be done, and a highly touted National Dialogue Conference has recently been postponed. "This is a significant and pivotal event," said Abu Qasra. "It is crucial to ensure thorough preparation and careful planning to address all aspects comprehensively."

"The meetings we have held with stakeholders such as industrialists, traders, returnees, and academics have provided invaluable insights. We received a lot of feedback and advice. This will help us address gaps and refine our strategy to ensure the conference's success—it is not something that should be rushed."