56th Division (Syria)

The 56th Division, also known as the 56th Reserve Division, is a formation of the Syrian Army established in early 2025 as part of the post-[Fall of the Fall of the Assad regime|Assad regime|Assad] military reorganization. It operates primarily along the Syrian coast in Tartus and Latakia governorates, focusing on counter-insurgency against remnants of the former regime, coastal stabilization, and civilian support such as firefighting and public order maintenance. The division has no clear affiliation with major factions such as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham or the Syrian National Army.

History

The 56th Division was formed in early 2025 amid the integration of rebel groups and new recruits into a unified national army following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024. It is listed as a "new" reserve division based in Latakia by March 2025. Initial reports of its activities emerged in May 2025. In early June 2025, approximately 1,200 recruits—many from coastal areas—graduated from training programs. By August 2025, the division incorporated Islamic nasheeds into training and parades, reflecting a cultural shift in the military.

Structure

The division consists of:

1st Brigade
2nd Brigade
Special Forces Brigade

It includes new recruits and personnel primarily from coastal regions, with an estimated strength of over 1,200 soldiers as of mid-2025, supported by armored vehicles including tanks and BMPs.

Commanders

Colonel Tariq Solaq Initial commander as of March 2025.
Munir al-Sheikh Current commander, a former rebel from Maarat al-Nu'man with experience in Jaysh al-Fateh, Abu Bakr al-Saddiq Brigades, Uthman Brigade, and HTS sectors.

Other key officials include:

Jaber Muhammad Al-Jassem : Second Brigade officer.
Iyham Muhammad Tata : Special Forces Brigade chief of staff.
Adnan Ahmad Al-Aboud Al-Jadou': Special Forces Brigade officer.

Operations

The division's activities center on repelling attacks by pro-Assad militias, such as a thwarted infiltration at a Tartus barracks in May 2025. It also supports civilian efforts, including firefighting and public order maintenance along the coast. Training exercises in August 2025 emphasized faith and determination, with public parades featuring religious elements.