72nd Division (Syria)

Last updated
72nd Division
Emblem of Syria (2025-present).svg
ActiveMarch 2025 - present
Country Syria
Branch Coat of arms of Syria.svg Syrian Army
Area of responsibility Aleppo Governorate
Engagements Druze insurgency in Southern Syria (2025–present)
Commanders
Current
commander
Colonel Doghan Suleiman

The 72nd Division of the Syrian Army, established in March-April 2025, under the Syrian Transitional Government, operates in the Aleppo Governorate. The 72nd Division's personnel originates from the pro-Turkish Syrian National Army (SNA). [1] [2]

Contents

History

Background

The establishment of the Division is based on the merger of five pro-Turkish rebel militias: Sultan Murad Division, Sultan Muhammad al-Fateh Division, Liwa al-Waqas, Muntasir Billah Brigade, and 51st Division. [1] These organizations operated in northern Syria under the SNA and received significant Turkish support while cooperating with the Turkish Land Forces in several military operations. Additionally, it is claimed that combatants from these organizations were sent by Turkey to assist Azerbaijan during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. [1]

Social media posts suggest that the division continues to recruit new fighters and personnel. However, in early June, several reports indicated that soldiers stationed in the town of Mare' protested after delays in receiving their salaries. [1]

Clashes with Druze forces

Members of the 72nd Division were among the forces sent to Suwayda during July 2025 due to the clashes with Druze forces. [1]

Structure

The 72nd Division is led by Colonel Doghan Suleiman, former head of the Sultan Muhammad al-Fateh Division. [3] Other high ranking members include: Commander of the special forces Rabia Azizi, 23mm Anti-Aircraft Artillery Officer Abdullah Zaynab, and Equipment and Missions Officer Ghalib Mustafa al-Amr (Abu Muhammad). [1]

The Division controls six subordinate brigades: [1]

See also

Notes and references

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Shapira, Boaz (31 Jul 2025). "Special Report – The New Syrian Army" (PDF). israel-alma.org. Alma - Research and Education Center. pp. 30–31. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  2. Waters, Gregory (28 Mar 2025). "The New Syrian Army: Structure and Commanders". www.syriarevisited.com.
  3. Nelson, Mateo (27 June 2025). "Turkey in Syria: Temporary necessity turned permanent presence?". Syria Direct. Retrieved 13 September 2025.