### An Unprecedented Operation in Daraa: Between Power and Resistance
On Monday, January 20, a first joint military operation was conducted in the Daraa region, marking a significant turning point in the power dynamics in Syria. This is not just a simple military gathering, but a testimony to the evolution of the control strategies of the new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The mobilization of nearly 150 vehicles and a thousand men reveals the ambitions of unification of the factions and the desire to make the region, known for its instability, more secure.
#### A charged historical context
Deraa, often referred to as the “cradle of the Syrian revolt”, has a tumultuous history. It was here that the first protests broke out in 2011, which marked the beginning of a devastating civil war. However, after years of chaos, the geopolitical landscape of this region seems to be changing. The change of power in Damascus and the rise to power of Ahmed al-Sharaa bring a new dynamic, which symbolises a quest for legitimacy through national unity.
The pain of a recent past, where communities were divided and plunged into mistrust, seems to be the driving force behind this new operation. The promises of security, reconciliation and justice, as mentioned by the leader of the “Southern Command”, echo the deep suffering of the inhabitants.
#### The operation in figures: a mixed success?
The operation was presented as a success with weapons confiscated, without a single shot being fired. A rarity in an environment where clashes are often daily. However, this raises questions about the real motivations of the armed Bedouins. The apparent weakness of the armed groups in the face of a massive military deployment seems almost too easy, suggesting a possible cautious withdrawal strategy in the face of a concentrated force.
Crime rate statistics in the region could illustrate this situation. Deraa has long been a hotspot for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and kidnappings. A study of the situation in 2022 reported a 30% increase in clashes related to these activities. The possibility of a strengthening of public order following this operation could invite analysis of the chances of success of such a security policy in the long term.
#### The reality on the ground versus the ideology of power
The operation also highlights the challenge of reintegrating armed groups into a coherent state structure. If the objective is to arrest “wanted persons” and remove weapons from populations, it remains debatable how the authorities actually intend to integrate these citizens into a sustainable peace process.
The absence of gunfire suggests a surrender, but also a temporary resistance to the inescapable reality of the power deployed. As militia member Abou Fahed points out, the fortress that the region’s caves represent remains a crucial element in the collective consciousness of the armed groups. Returning to a normal life without weapons will be an arduous task, as long as distrust of the government persists. Can these villages, once bastions of rebellion, become models of peaceful coexistence? Do the inhabitants accept this new order?
#### Conclusion: Towards a reconciled society or a new facade?
As Deraa navigates between tumultuous past and hopes for peace, the success of the January 20 operation opens the way to a multitude of questions. Could the unity promised by Ahmed al-Sharaa become a reality or would it be limited to mere political slogans?
The true essence of this operation lies in how it will be perceived by local populations and what tangible changes it will lead to. Reconciliation, much more than a military operation, requires sustained efforts and a genuine will to bring security and prosperity to regions marked by protracted conflicts. While the guns may be falling silent, dialogue and understanding must now take center stage to avoid a return to armed resistance and ancestral tensions.
Fatshimetrie.org and its readers will follow this development closely, because beyond the numbers and statistics, it is human lives and stories of resilience that will be enriched or impoverished.