Formation of the Syrian Popular Resistance Group: The First Anti-Julani Government Group

Consisting of former soldiers and residents of the Syrian coastal region, the group announced its formation on December 30, 2024, with the mission to defend the people of western Syria.

The group considers Tahrir al-Sham terrorists and its affiliated militants to be elements and soldiers of NATO, the United States, and Israel. In a statement, they emphasized their commitment to fighting the oppression and terrorism of Tahrir al-Sham and its militants.

On January 1, the Syrian Popular Resistance Group carried out its first official operation against Tahrir al-Sham forces in the Hamdaniyah area of Aleppo city, claiming responsibility for the action through a statement.

The regions of Latakia and Tartous in western Syria have long been the main bases of Syrian Alawites and supporters of the former government. Alawites, who constitute about 10 percent of the Syrian population, held significant power within the army and government during the Assad regime. Following the fall of the Assad government, attacks against Syrian Alawites, particularly in the coastal regions, have intensified.

Tahrir al-Sham militants and their allies claim their operations in the Sahel region aim to identify, arrest, and prosecute former government forces and collect weapons. However, numerous criminal and inhumane acts, including field executions, beatings, and property looting against Alawites, have been documented. These actions suggest that operations in Latakia and Tartous extend beyond their stated objectives.

Recent mass arrests and personal vendettas by militants have sparked protests and significant discontent. These actions have prompted some Alawites to form groups to retaliate against Tahrir al-Sham. Given the sentiments of some of Syria’s new rulers towards Alawites and the continued aggression against residents of western Syria, it is likely that new groups will emerge to oppose Tahrir al-Sham in the coming weeks.