Ahmad al-Sharaa (Jolani) attempted to remove Brig. Gen. Muhammad al-Ghassem (Abu Amasha) from command of Division 62 and replace him with Maj. Gen. Jamal al-Saleh, according to Syrian sources. Abu Amasha refused and threatened to declare an armed rebellion alongside his forces, which are largely composed of fighters from the former pro-Turkish 'Sultan Suleiman Shah Division.' The Syrian Center for Human Rights reported significant troop movements, a high alert, and checkpoints around Division 62 bases in Hama and Afrin. Turkish intelligence is reportedly mediating to defuse the crisis.
The Zioneer reported at 00:18 that Jolani had placed Abu Amasha under house arrest after he refused to transfer command. Shortly before this report, The Zioneer also noted that the Syrian army had declared a state of high alert and moved a large convoy toward the 62nd Division headquarters in Hama.
New details indicate the crisis is more severe than initially reported. Abu Amasha not only refused the dismissal but threatened to lead an armed rebellion, drawing on his forces drawn from the former pro-Turkish militias. The Syrian Center for Human Rights confirmed troop movements, checkpoints, and a high alert around Division 62 bases in Hama and Afrin, as well as the involvement of the General Security service.
Turkish intelligence is reportedly attempting to mediate between the sides to prevent an internal military conflict. Unverified reports on Syrian social media claim Abu Amasha may have "disappeared" or been placed under house arrest, though this has not been independently confirmed. The broader context includes Jolani's efforts to consolidate control over the Syrian military by dismantling the old militia structure and placing his own Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham loyalists in key positions.
2 developments
- DevelopingSyrian army moves large convoy toward 62nd Division HQ in Hama, declares high alert, sources report
- DevelopingSyrian army reinforces Al-Bukamal with 72nd Division; Iraqi forces monitor border with drones, Al-Mayadeen reports
- DevelopingSyrian army reportedly moves commando force to Lebanon border, ready to raid Hezbollah-protected safe haven for Assad officers
- StrongSecurity establishment divided: Southern Command chief supports Gaza renewal, top brass hesitates
Source and signal
- Open-source intake