Southern rebels challenge Syria's new rulers in efforts to form national army

Insurgent groups in southern Syria have gained significant power following a surprise offensive that reached Damascus. This has led to a fragmented situation, with various factions reluctant to unify under a single command despite calls for a national army. The southern rebels, who have different dynamics and backers compared to northern factions, have formed a joint operations room to coordinate their efforts. However, some leaders refuse to engage with the interim government, complicating the formation of a cohesive military structure. Local armed groups remain the primary security forces in many areas, and the process of establishing a new state is ongoing. Cooperation between factions is being tested as they navigate their roles in the evolving political landscape.