Al-Fahd Forces

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Al-Fahd Forces
LeadersSalim Humeid
Dates of operation2022-2025
HeadquartersQanawat[1]
Size50[2]
AlliesRaji Falhout group[3]
OpponentsMen of Dignity[4]
Al-Jabal Brigade[5]
Political Security Directorate
National Defence Forces[6]
Battles and warsSyrian civil war

The Al-Fahd Forces, also translated as the Panther Forces,[3] were a government-aligned faction in Syria during the Syrian civil war which was led by Salim Humeid.

History

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The group cooperated with protestors in blocking the Damascus-Suwayda Highway following the outbreak of protests in February 2022 in Suwayda Governorate,[7] primarily over the increase in costs after the removal of subsidies by the state.[8]

Salim Humeid announced in late July 2022 that his group would withdraw its weapons, in response to the Al-Jabal Brigade giving the group 24 hours to give up its weapons.[9]

Laith al-Balous, the Al-Jabal Brigade and the Anti-Terrorism Force launched a "security campaign" against the Al-Fahd Forces and the Raji Falhout group in Qanawat on 11 August 2022.[10]

Humeid's brother, as well as Salim al-Qan’abani, were arrested on 11 August 2022.[11] Humeid turned himself in to the leader of the Al-Jabal Brigade, Murhij al-Jarmani, who released him.[12] This took place at the request of a Druze spiritual authority, which inflamed tensions.[10]

Humeid initially agreed to abide by a proposed reconciliation agreement, but he opened fire after his release.[13]

The faction joined the National Guard in August 2025.[14]

References

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  1. ^ David Isaly (17 August 2022). "Against the odds". Now Lebanon. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  2. ^ Ali Darwish; Khaled Jar’atli; Hussam al-Mahmoud; Rayan al-Atrash (3 October 2021). "Multiple conflicting forces on the ground portend possible clash in Syria's As-Suwayda". Enab Baladi. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  3. ^ a b Sofia Al Asaad (4 March 2025). "Suwayda's Women Trapped in Complicity". Al Jumhuriya. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  4. ^ "Armed factions raid leaders of government-backed groups in Syria's Suwayda". North Press Agency. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  5. ^ "As-Suwayda: Local fighters eliminate second pro-regime faction". Enab Baladi. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  6. ^ "Agreement to Reduce Tension in Suwayda". Baladi News. The Syrian Observer. 22 March 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  7. ^ "Residents of Syria's Suwayda reject governor's promises, continue protesting". North Press Agency. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Fresh wave of protests in As-Suwayda: Causes and repercussions". Jusoor. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
  9. ^ Walid Al Nofal (4 August 2022). "After Falhout: Suwayda residents and factions expand action against Damascus-backed 'gangs'". Syria Direct. Translated by Mateo Nelson. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  10. ^ a b "Regime-controlled areas in August 2022 {{|}} 105 fatalities in acts of violence amid rampant security chaos…heavy human and material losses in five Israeli attacks…ongoing efforts by Jabal Al-Arab' residents to curb Iranian expansion". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 10 September 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  11. ^ "Armed factions raid leaders of government-backed groups in Syria's Suwayda". North Press Agency. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  12. ^ Walid Al Nofal (13 September 2022). "Suwayda factions: Uprooting 'the gangs' or consolidating power?". Syria Direct. Translated by Mateo Nelson. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  13. ^ "Pro-government groups in Syria's Suwayda face undecided fate". North Press Agency. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  14. ^ "What Is the "National Guard" Formed by Sheikh al-Hijri in Suwayda, Southern Syria?". Enab Baladi. 24 August 2025. Archived from the original on 24 August 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.