40th Division (Syrian Army)

40th Division
File:Emblem of Syria (2025–present).svg
Active	February 2025 – present
Country	Syria
Allegiance	Syrian Arab Republic
Branch	File:Coat of arms of Syria.svg Syrian Army
Type	Infantry division
Role	Security and stabilization
Size	~3,000 personnel
Garrison/HQ	Daraa
Nickname(s)	Southern Division (initially)
Equipment	Small arms, light vehicles
Engagements	Southern Syria clashes (July 2025)
Commanders
Current commander	Colonel Binyan al-Hariri

The 40th Division is a formation of the Syrian Arab Army established in February 2025 as part of the post-Assad military reorganization. It is responsible for the Daraa region in southern Syria and is composed primarily of former fighters from various rebel groups in the south, along with recent recruits. The division is affiliated with Ahrar al-Sham and focuses on regional security, counter-insurgency, and integration of local militias.

History

The division was formed amid efforts to consolidate control in restive southern Syria, following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024. Recruitment targeted local armed groups, with over 3,000 fighters selected from approximately 10,000 applicants, many originating from Syria's coastal regions but deployed to Daraa and Quneitra Governorate. In March 2025, members of the controversial Eighth Brigade were absorbed into its brigade teams as part of a broader reorganization by the Ministry of Defense. Early operations focused on stabilizing Daraa through integration of militias, but the unit faced immediate challenges. In July 2025, it clashed with Druze militias in neighboring Suwayda Governorate, resulting in casualties. That month, Israeli airstrikes targeted 40th Division assets, including convoys and facilities, killing several officers such as Brigadier General Muammar Ibrahim and Khaled al-Zoabi. Internal incidents included the August 25, 2025, shooting of a division member by internal security forces during an arrest attempt, and the September 30, 2025, assassination of another member from Al-Bowayr village, marking the third such killing of Syrian security personnel in Daraa that month. As of October 2025, the division continues recruitment and training to bolster southern security, operating amid ongoing instability.

References

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