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The leader of “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,” Ahmed al-Shar’a, also known as “Abu Mohammad al-Joulani,” outlined his plans for Syria’s transitional phase.

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Al-Joulani revealed his intention to abolish mandatory conscription in the Syrian army and to continue fighting against the “Syrian Democratic Forces – SDF,” which are predominantly Kurdish.

Currently, al-Joulani dominates the Syrian scene after leading a military campaign from Idlib to Damascus, ending half a century of al-Assad family rule.

According to “Syrian TV,” a platform for opposition to Bashar al-Assad‘s regime, al-Joulani stated in a broad interview with local and international media: “The interim government is now working on laying out the roadmap for the future of Syrians.” Among the transitional phase’s key priorities, he highlighted dissolving all armed factions, restricting the use of weapons to state-linked entities, abolishing mandatory military service, and possibly introducing short training camps for youth lasting no more than a month.

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Military Service: 18 Months

In a video circulating on social media, al-Joulani addressed the issue of conscription: “We are evaluating this matter. Our army will be voluntary. There’s no need to continue burdening Syrians with the nightmare of mandatory conscription.”

He also mentioned the possibility of 15-20 days of mandatory service under extreme danger, adding that general mobilization could occur in critical situations.

Syria has long enforced mandatory conscription, with the service period set at 18 months under a legislative amendment passed in March 2011.

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The potential impact of this decision on Syria’s security, facing the growing threat of ISIS and Israeli expansion along the southern borders, remains uncertain.

Conflict with the Kurds

Al-Joulani also stated that “Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor provinces will regain their freedom and return to their people,” indicating continued fighting against the “Syrian Democratic Forces – SDF,” opposed by Turkey.

On December 9, the SDF withdrew from Manbij, a town in northeast Aleppo province, following a U.S.-Turkey agreement ensuring their safe withdrawal.

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Located 80 kilometers from Aleppo, Manbij was partially reclaimed by armed factions after they entered the city.

On December 8, these factions launched an offensive against the SDF, demanding they disarm and stay out of the conflict.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced on December 11 that a ceasefire in Manbij had been brokered under U.S. mediation to ensure civilian safety.

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Meanwhile, armed factions claimed control over Deir ez-Zor, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Previously, Deir ez-Zor province was split between the SDF and the Syrian army. However, after the army withdrew toward Damascus to counter attacks by “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,” the SDF retreated, leaving control to tribal militias who later aligned with the armed factions.

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