This is an AI-generated English translation. The original text is in Arabic.

The "Islamic Resistance Front in Syria â Awli al-Bas" is one of the most prominent armed formations that emerged in the Syrian scene following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024. The movement, which combines visual symbolism inspired by Hezbollah and reliance on the remnants of the former Syrian regime, presents itself as a "resistance" force targeting both the Israeli and Turkish occupations, while its ideological identity and media discourse indicate a close connection to the Iranian approach and Hezbollah.

The name Abu Jihad Rida, the overall leader of the "Awli al-Bas", has emerged prominently in recent months after he announced in March 2025 the establishment of the "Islamic Resistance Front in Syria", following an initial phase named "Southern Liberation Front" that appeared in early January 2025, about a month after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Recently, Abu Jihad Rida appeared in a video recording announcing a mobilization call, addressing "the mujahideen, the free, and the officers and members of the Syrian Arab Army," urging them to confront the extended forces of occupation â as he put it â "from the Iskenderun Brigade to the occupied Golan, and from eastern Syria to the capital that weeps for its glory".

 The Visual Identity of the Organization and Its Implications:

The organizationâs logo is based on the colors of the flag of the dissolved Syrian regime - red, green, and black.

The design of the logo is very similar to Hezbollah's logo in terms of the weapon used, the hand holding the weapon, and the typeface.

Moreover, the name of the organization is reminiscent of Hezbollah (the Islamic Resistance Movement in Lebanon â Hezbollah).

The background design of the segment in which Rida appeared is identical to Hezbollah's video designs, with the exception of the fonts, which appeared uncoordinated unlike those of the Lebanese party.

Ideology:

It is clear from the designs and visual identity that the movement, despite its denial, strongly attempts to resemble Hezbollah, indicating that it may be an extension of it in Syria or follows the same source, which is the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This data suggests that the movement is ideologically linked to the Iranian approach and Hezbollah, with a clear focus on the Shiite component

as is evident in some statements published by the movement. For example, what was published in May 2025 from the words of Mahmoud Mawladi, the former head of the political department of the front, where he stated: "Awli al-Bas is an ideological extension of the school of Hussein and the Commander of the Faithful Ali, peace be upon him."

In a series of videos titled "Call of Truth," it features and is presented by former political bureau member Ghadnfar al-Ali, who is a Shiite cleric.

It is worth noting that the movement's first statement denied any connection to internal or external organizations, affirming that its main goal is "to confront the Turkish and Israeli occupations and foreign interventions in Syria".

Features of Abu Jihad Rida's Discourse

He used the phrase: "and upon all his companions" instead of Hezbollah's usual formulation: "and upon his righteous chosen companions," indicating an attempt to attract the Sunni component or neutralize them.

He appeared tense and stuttered during the speech, suggesting he was reading a pre-prepared text.

He was seen with a white medical bandage on his hand, which may indicate a recent field injury or an attempt to hide a distinctive mark.

Components and Alliances:

The movement is composed â according to its official statements and the names of its leaders â of remnants of Bashar al-Assad's regime, and includes prominent former leaders, the most notable of whom is Brigadier General Munther Wanos. Its military structure relies on combat groups that emerged after the regime's fall, the most prominent of which are: Coastal Shield Brigade led by Muqdad Fattihah, and the Al-Areen Brigades, and the Syrian Popular Resistance.

In a statement to the Lebanese newspaper "An-Nahar", the front confirmed that it had stopped dealing with the Coastal Shield Brigade since the events of March 6, following accusations of its responsibility for those events.

Media Activity:

The movement is active in the media through its channels on the Telegram application, primarily the official channel "Islamic Resistance Front in Syria â Awli al-Bas", which has more than 5600 subscribers. The channel describes itself as "the official platform speaking on behalf of the movement," and is also used as a means of direct communication with its supporters.

Other channels, associated with the former Syrian regime, also republish the movement's statements, such as: "Syrian Axis" and "Syrian Compass." The Lebanese newspaper "An-Nahar" and the "Al-Mayadeen" channel are highlighted as the most important media outlets that continuously cover the movement's news.

Operations of the Movement:

1. January 9: Establishment of the "Southern Liberation Front" with a 48-hour ultimatum for Israel to withdraw.

2. January 11: Announcement of monitoring Israeli sites and "preparing for qualitative operations."

3. January 31: Statement of support for the Palestinian resistance, condolences for Muhammad Deif, and glorification of Hassan Nasrallah.

4. February 19: Mourning for Muhannad al-Buqari and Muhammad Mansour, with a call for "a massive revolution against the occupation."

   
   

Members of the Movement (January â June 2025)

The leadership structure of the movement during the period from January to June 2025 included the following names:

• Ali al-Ashqar â Organization Official

• Mahmoud Mawladi â Political Bureau Member

• Mufeed Shirbil â Political Bureau Member

• Ghadnfar al-Ali â Political Bureau Member

• Dr. Jibran Salem â Head of Economic and Advisory Department

• Batool Badr â Head of Women's Department

• Abu al-Qasim â Military Spokesperson

• Malaak al-Zahir â Head of the Expatriates Unit in the Russian Federation

• Colonel Ahmed S. â Commander of the Al-Areen Brigades

  
  

Restructuring (July 2025) Current Leadership:

In July 2025, the movement issued an official statement announcing the reformation of the general leadership and the dissolution of the previous political bureau, and the new leadership came as follows:

• Abu Jihad Rida al-Hussein â General Leader

• Brigadier General Munther Wanos â Deputy General Leader

• Brigadier General Ahmed Jad Allah â Chief of Staff

• Dr. Tarek Hamad â Head of the Political Bureau

• Brigadier General Abu Mujahid â Head of Security and Intelligence Bureau

• Colonel Hashim Abu Shaib â Head of Mobilization and Organization Department

• Dr. Abbas al-Ahmad â Public Relations Official

Note:

The movement's statements did not address whether the other offices still exist with the same names and previous functions or if they were completely dissolved in the recent restructuring process.

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Identification Card: 

Name: Islamic Resistance Front in Syria â Awli al-Bas

Ideology: Shiite sect

Declared Objectives:

• Confronting the Israeli occupation in the Golan.

• Countering the Turkish presence in northern Syria.

• Presenting itself as an alternative "resistance" force after the regime's fall.

Current Leadership (after July 2025):

• Abu Jihad Rida al-Hussein â General Leader.

• Brigadier General Munther Wanos â Deputy General Leader.

• Brigadier General Ahmed Jad Allah â Chief of Staff.

• Dr. Tarek Hamad â Head of the Political Bureau.

• Brigadier General Abu Mujahid â Head of Security and Intelligence Bureau.

• Colonel Hashim Abu Shaib â Head of Mobilization and Organization Department.

• Dr. Abbas al-Ahmad â Public Relations Official.

 Media Activity and Publishing Channels:

• Official channel on Telegram: "Islamic Resistance Front in Syria â Awli al-Bas" (5600 subscribers).

• Supporting Channels:

  • Syrian Axis.

  • Syrian Compass.

  • An-Nahar Lebanese (media coverage).

  • Al-Mayadeen Channel (media coverage).

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