Syrian Leader Dissolves Militias, Abolishes Constitution
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously Abu Mohammed al-Golani, declared himself transitional president, abolished the constitution, and disbanded the national army and all political and armed groups, including his own. In his Wednesday victory speech, he officially took office, marking a departure from Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
Prominent leaders of Syrian military factions, the prime minister, and several ministers from the caretaker government attended the event.
“Months ago, Damascus appeared to me like a devoted mother, wounded and distressed, looking upon her children for salvation while bleeding and struggling with humiliation. But today, Syria rises with newfound dignity,” Sharaa said in his speech when taking office.
“We have broken the chains, liberated the oppressed and dusted off the humiliation that clouded Damascus. The sun of Syria shines anew as people chant in celebration of this monumental victory.”
Sharaa, former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist group, spearheaded Syria’s rapid takeover last month, ending over five decades of Assad rule and reshaping Middle Eastern alliances. He is now advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed on Syria by the U.S., Europe, and the United Nations during Assad’s tenure.
A spokesman stated that Sharaa will rebuild the national army and security apparatus, and establish a temporary legislative council for the ongoing transitional period until a new constitution is enacted.
A military source disclosed that 18 armed factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Jaysh al-Nasr, and Jaysh al-Izza, have agreed to disband and merge into the Defense Ministry to create a unified Syrian army.
Sharaa stated that drafting a new constitution could take three months and elections might be four years away. A meeting with representatives from Syria’s various communities to discuss the transition was expected earlier this month but has been postponed.
Sharaa, formerly an anti-U.S. jihadist with al Qaeda in Iraq, has in recent months is trying to rebrand himself as a moderate, advocating a pragmatic approach to Islamist politics.