al-Rahman Legion

The al-Rahman Legion was part of the Unified Military Command of Eastern Ghouta, established in 2014, along with Jaysh al-Islam (led by Zahran Alloush) and Ahrar al-Sham.Oweis, Khaled Yacoub ; Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik -SWP- Deutsches Institut für Internationale Politik und Sicherheit (Ed.): [https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/handle/document/44269/ssoar-2015-oweis-Backbone_of_the_Syrian_revolt.pdf?sequence=1 Backbone of the Syrian revolt: inclusion of rural Sunnis key for international efforts to end conflict]. Berlin, 2015 (SWP Comments 39/2015). URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-442697 Al-Rahman Legion and Jaysh al-Islam were allied in the Rif Dimashq offensive (September 2015), or the battle of "Allah al-Ghalib", around Tall Kurdi, Adra, and Harasta in Eastern Ghouta. However, after Alloush's death in late 2015 there were conflicts between Jaysh al-Islam and al-Rahman; Ahrar ash-Sham remained neutral.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2015/07/syria-ghouta-demonstrations-jabhat-al-nusra.html|title=Is Jabhat al-Nusra behind Ghouta demonstrations? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East|work=Al-Monitor|accessdate=4 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624110156/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2015/07/syria-ghouta-demonstrations-jabhat-al-nusra.html|archive-date=2016-06-24|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=63376|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420222359/http://carnegieendowment.org/syriaincrisis/?fa=63376|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 20, 2016|title=After Zahran: Rising Tension in the East Ghouta|author=Aron Lund|work=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|accessdate=4 May 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566671-rebel-allies-fight-each-other-in-east-damascus-monitor|title=Rebel allies fight each other in east Damascus: monitor|date=1 March 2016|publisher=|accessdate=4 May 2016|archive-date=4 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804201825/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566671-rebel-allies-fight-each-other-in-east-damascus-monitor|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReportsm/566802-rebel-heavyweights-clash-outside-damascus|title=Rebel heavyweights clash outside Damascus|author=Albin Szakola|date=30 March 2016|publisher=|accessdate=4 May 2016|archive-date=3 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203175321/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReportsm/566802-rebel-heavyweights-clash-outside-damascus|url-status=dead}}

On 18 February 2016, Ajnad al-Sham Islamic Union fighters based in eastern Ghouta announced the "full incorporation" of its fighters into al-Rahman Legion, though reiterating that its fighters based in the western Damascus suburbs of Darayya and Moadammiyyeh as well as in southern Damascus would still operate under the Ajnad al-Sham Islamic Union banner and were not a part of this merger.{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566633-damascus-rebels-merge-amid-jaysh-al-islam-intimidation|title=Damascus rebels merge amid Jaysh al-Islam "intimidation"|author=Albin Szakola|date=19 February 2016|publisher=|accessdate=11 April 2016|archive-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404201620/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566633-damascus-rebels-merge-amid-jaysh-al-islam-intimidation|url-status=dead}}

From 18 April until 24 May 2016, the Legion was involved in heavy clashes with rival rebel faction Jaysh al-Islam, while also fighting against government forces in the Rif Dimashq offensive (April–May 2016). On 26 April 2016, the 1st Brigade of Damascus (then an FSA-affiliated group armed with BGM-71 TOW missiles) left the Southern Front and joined the Legion.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ_5CMciMXY|title=بيان اندماج اللواء الأول العامل في دمشق مع فيلق الرحمن بسلاحه وعتاده الكامل. - YouTube|date=26 April 2016|publisher=|accessdate=4 May 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://beyondthelevant.com/2016/04/26/english-statement-first-brigade-in-damascus-has-fully-merged-with-al-rahman-corps/|title=English Statement: First Brigade in Damascus has fully merged with al-Rahman Corps.|work=Beyond The Levant Agency|accessdate=4 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427085309/https://beyondthelevant.com/2016/04/26/english-statement-first-brigade-in-damascus-has-fully-merged-with-al-rahman-corps/|archive-date=27 April 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://notgeorgesabra.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/the-moderate-rebels-a-complete-and-growing-list-of-vetted-groups/|title=The Moderate Rebels: A Complete and Growing List of Vetted Groups|work=Democratic Revolution, Syrian Style|date=21 October 2014|accessdate=2 December 2014}} However, it left some time later.{{cite web|url=https://skylightsyria.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/rebel-infighting-in-east-ghouta-map-and-analysis/|title=Rebel Infighting in East Ghouta: Map and Analysis|work=Skylight Syria|date=May 2017 |accessdate=1 May 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-rebel-hq-east-damascus-amid-latest-advance/|title=Syrian Army captures rebel HQ in east Damascus amid latest advance|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=18 March 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|accessdate=9 May 2017|archive-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123082149/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-rebel-hq-east-damascus-amid-latest-advance/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|None of these are reliable sources for rebel activities|date=February 2018}}

On 24 May 2016, leaders of Jaysh al-Islam and al-Rahman Legion met to sign a Qatari-backed deal to end hostilities after the East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (April–May 2016), supervised by Riyad Farid Hijab. On 14 June 2016, clashes erupted again, with the al-Rahman Legion taking control of several zones previously held by Jaysh al-Islam in the southern part of Eastern Ghouta.

In late July 2016, the al-Nusra Front clashed with the al-Rahman Legion in Zamalka, Markaz Rif Dimashq District over a dispute about Friday prayers in one of the mosques of Zamalka town.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=48556|title=Fight in mosque at Zamalka between Sheikhs of Jabhat Al-Nusra and Rahman Corps about who will ascend to the Minbar|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=23 July 2016}} In this period, the Legion was among the combatants in the Rif Dimashq offensive (June–October 2016).

On 21 October 2016, fighters from the al-Rahman Legion opened fire on protesters demanding the formation of a joint military operations room between Jaysh al-Islam and the Rahman Legion. Up to 5,000 people attended the protests throughout eastern Ghouta.{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/19527.html|title=Eastern Ghouta residents protest against rebels' rifts, demand unity|work=Zamanalwsl|date=21 October 2016}} Less than a week later, the Glory Brigades seceded from the Rahman Legion, making it the 9th rebel group to leave the legion since the start of the war. Previously several of these groups have seceded in order to join the Ajnad al-Sham Islamic Union and the now defunct Jaysh al-Ummah.{{cite tweet |user= Syria_Rebel_Obs|number= 790924537659621376|date= 25 October 2016|title= EXCLUSIVE INFOGRAPHIC - How Faylaq ar-Rahman slowly disappearing in E-#Ghouta | Alwiyat al-Majd secede today |}}{{cite web|url=https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2016/10/27/al-majd-brigades-make-dreams-syrian-people-true/#.WGkaQPmLSM8|title=Al-Majd Brigades: to make the dreams of Syrian people true|date=27 October 2016|publisher=Revolutionary Forces of Syria media office|access-date=1 January 2017|archive-date=30 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030202333/https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2016/10/27/al-majd-brigades-make-dreams-syrian-people-true/#.WGkaQPmLSM8|url-status=dead}}

In February 2017, the head of the Rahman Legion's political council, Mutasim Shamir, attended peace talks in Geneva.

Between February and May 2017, the Legion was targeted by the government's Qaboun offensive. In March 2017, the Legion clashed with government forces in Jobar.[https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/04/25/the-business-of-smuggling-supplies-in-besieged-eastern-ghouta The Business of Smuggling Supplies in Besieged Eastern Ghouta], Syria Deeply, April 25, 2017

From April 2017, heavy clashes restarted between Jaysh al-Islam and the Rahman Legion, backed by Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).Wisam Franjieh [https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/01/in-besieged-eastern-ghouta-rebel-infighting-increases-civilian-suffering In Besieged Eastern Ghouta, Rebel Infighting Increases Civilian Suffering] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530122457/https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/08/01/in-besieged-eastern-ghouta-rebel-infighting-increases-civilian-suffering |date=2019-05-30 }}, Syria Deeply, Aug. 1, 2017 More than 95 rebels from both sides were killed,[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/infighting-syria-ghouta-leaves-100-killed-170501065905888.html Infighting in Syria's Ghouta leaves nearly 100 dead], Al-Jazeera, 2 May 2017 among them a captain of the Rahman Legion.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} On 2 May, Colonel Abu Muhammad al-Kurdi of the Rahman Legion defected to Jaysh al-Islam.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

On 8 May 2017, the Glory Brigades rejoined the Rahman Legion after the latter surrounded the former's headquarters in Hamouriyah for 2 days.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/joskobaric/status/861549393031421954|title=Joško Barić on Twitter|publisher=Twitter}}{{better source needed|Twitter|date=February 2018}}

In June, government forces started an offensive against the Legion in Jobar, which lasted until mid-August. Government sources claimed 400 rebels were killed during the first month of the offensive.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/400-rebels-killed-syrian-army-east-damascus-offensive/ 400 rebels killed by the Syrian Army during east Damascus offensive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014032113/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/400-rebels-killed-syrian-army-east-damascus-offensive/ |date=2017-10-14 }}, Al-Masdar 15 July 2017

In July 2017, increasing tensions were reported between the Legion and its former ally HTS in eastern Ghouta.[https://eng-archive.aawsat.com/theaawsat/news-middle-east/protests-besiege-nusra-front-damascus-eastern-ghouta Protests Besiege Nusra Front in Damascus’ Eastern Ghouta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228083634/https://eng-archive.aawsat.com/theaawsat/news-middle-east/protests-besiege-nusra-front-damascus-eastern-ghouta |date=2018-02-28 }}, Asharq Al-Awsat, 29 July 2017 On 6 August 2017, 120 Ahrar al-Sham fighters in Arbin defected to the Rahman Legion after internal disputes.{{cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/home/article/992451/%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%B1-%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%88%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B6%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%83%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%C2%AB%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85%C2%BB-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%C2%AB%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%86%C2%BB|title=Security tension in Al-Ghouta after the joining of a battalion of "Ahrar Al Sham" to "Corps of the Lord"|work=Aawsat|date=7 August 2017}} Ahrar al-Sham accused the Rahman Legion of seizing their weapons, while the Rahman Legion accused Ahrar al-Sham of their attempt to implement their "failed" experience from northern Syria in eastern Ghouta.{{cite web|url=http://aldorars.com/news/973|title=The split of dozens of elements from the free Cham and their joining the "Corps of Rahman"|work=El-Dorar al-Shamia|date=6 August 2017|access-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820195846/http://aldorars.com/news/973|archive-date=20 August 2018|url-status=dead}} Tahrir al-Sham reportedly sided with Ahrar al-Sham against the Rahman Legion during the clashes.{{cite web|url=http://www.alquds.co.uk/?p=767925|title=The Free Syrian Army condemns the attack on its headquarters in the eastern Ghouta|work=Al-Quds al-Arabi|date=8 August 2017}} A ceasefire agreement between the Rahman Legion and Ahrar al-Sham was implemented on 9 August.{{cite web|url=http://www.aldorars.com/en/news/1038|title=The agreement terms implemented with Failaq al-Rahman , Senior commander of Ahrar al-Sham tells AlDorar|work=Al-Dorar al-Shamia|date=10 August 2017|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813192715/http://aldorars.com/en/news/1038|archive-date=13 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

In August 2017 in Geneva, the Legion signed a deal with Russia to join the de-escalation area in eastern Ghouta, brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran.[https://eng-archive.aawsat.com/theaawsat/news-middle-east/syria-faylaq-al-rahman-joins-ghouta-truce Syria: Faylaq Al-Rahman Joins Ghouta Truce] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213950/https://eng-archive.aawsat.com/theaawsat/news-middle-east/syria-faylaq-al-rahman-joins-ghouta-truce |date=2018-02-27 }} Asharq Al-Awsat, 19 August 2017 However, in September 2017, there were reports of clashes between the Legion and government forces in Jobar.[https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/executive-summaries/2017/09/29 Executive Summary for September 29th: Dozens of Pro-Government Forces Killed by Rebel Attacks], Syria Deeply, 29 September 2017

The Legion was involved, alongside Ahrar al-Sham, in the Battle of Harasta, November 2017-January 2018.

In February 2018, government forces launched a large-scale offensive to recapture eastern Ghouta from rebel groups, including the Rahman Legion. By March, the rebel pocket in eastern Ghouta was split into three, with the southern pocket of Hamouriyah being controlled by the Legion. Al-Rahman fighters withdrew from Hamouriyah to Ein Tarma by 15 March.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43414348|title=Syria war: Thousands flee Eastern Ghouta as army advances|work=BBC|date=15 March 2018}} On 23 March, the Legion reached a surrender agreement with Russia, and began to evacuate its fighters and their families from Zamalka, Arbin, Ein Tarma, and Jobar the next day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/1b93c6b9736149e5adb6b1cfb54ccaca|title=Hundreds gather to leave second pocket in Syria's Ghouta|work=Associated Press|author=Bassem Mroue|date=24 March 2018|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084602/https://www.apnews.com/1b93c6b9736149e5adb6b1cfb54ccaca|url-status=dead}} A convoy of more than 5,400 rebel fighters and civilians departed the pocket on 25 March, reaching northwestern Syria the next day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/fresh-rebel-withdrawals-from-syria-s-shrinking-ghouta-1.716199|title=Fresh rebel withdrawals from Syria's shrinking Ghouta|work=Agence France-Presse|date=26 March 2018}}

Al-Rahman Legion was supported by Qatar."[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-rebels/in-face-of-ghouta-defeat-syrian-rebels-blame-each-other-idUSKBN1H21VX?feedType=RSS&feedName%3B=worldNews In face of Ghouta defeat, Syrian rebels blame each other]". Reuters. 26 March 2018. Qatari-backed Al-Rahman Legion has been fighting Saudi Arabian-backed Jaysh al-Islam."[https://web.archive.org/web/20171028093234/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-gulf-qatar-syria/gulf-crisis-seen-widening-split-in-syria-rebellion-idUKKBN19517W Gulf crisis seen widening split in Syria rebellion]". Reuters. 14 June 2017. The group was actively using American BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles."[http://www.dw.com/en/which-rebel-groups-are-fighting-in-syrias-eastern-ghouta/a-42663501 Which rebel groups are fighting in Syria's eastern Ghouta?]". Deutsche Welle. 20 February 2018.

Turkey supported the group, but in 2020 it suspended the support to them, because they refused to obey Turkey's order to send fighters into Libya. A few militants of the group went on to fight in Libya anyway, despite the rejection of their commanders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/161593/|title=Turkey Suspends Support To One its Syrian Proxy Groups For Refusing To Send Fighters To Libya|date=24 April 2020|via=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights}}

• List of armed groups in the Syrian Civil War

{{Reflist}}

• [https://twitter.com/alrahmancorps?lang=en Al-Rahman Legion on Twitter]

{{Syrian Civil War}}

Category:Anti-Assad factions of the Syrian civil war

Category:Military units and formations established in 2013

Category:Free Syrian Army

Category:Turkish supported militant groups of the Syrian civil war