Arab media outlets reported that a new paramilitary force  is being created in southern Syria called the Southern Army. The new paramilitary force is supported and funded by the countries of the Middle East, and its goal is "to counter Iranian influence in the region."

The media "give contradictory reports about the nature, strength, and weapons of the new army," reports Lebanese newspaper Al Modon.

"The task of the militia is to expel the Iranians from Syria by conducting military operations against their proxies," the newspaper notes.

Al Modon does not directly claim that Israel is behind the creation of the Southern Army, but recalls that from the end of 2017 to the middle of 2018, the Jewish state has already tried to form an anti-Iraqi paramilitary structure from various groups operating in the South of Syria.

"Then, it was decided that the Syrian Revolutionaries Front, Ansar al-Islam, Fursan al-Joulan (Knights of the Golan), as well as other paramilitary groups, will be included in the army. The army was stationed throughout the Jaidur region in the North-Western area of Darayya, as well as in all liberated areas of Quneitra. In this period, the commander of the Knights of the Golan, Moaz Nassar and leader of the Abel Horana Brigades Alla Zakaria Almalki maintained contact with the Israeli side," reports the publication.

The article also claims that Israel held "more than one meeting" with faction leaders, during which the rebels were promised "weapons, including anti-tank, artillery ammunition and Russian T55 and T62 tanks, which the Israeli army does not have." Also, Jerusalem had agreed to finance the purchase of other weapons, and fulfilled all its obligations, writes Al Modon.

Currently, the Southern Army is being developed, including Fursan al Julan and Jabhat Suvar al-Surya groups. The formation also includes several small groups.

  Israel, Syria

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