70th Division (Syria)


The 70th Division of the Syrian Army was established in 2025 as part of the post-Assad military reorganization, under the Syrian transitional government. It is responsible for the eastern Rif Dimashq region in southern Syria. Its forces are mainly composed of former fighters from Jaysh al-Islam, a militant organisation combining an Islamist-Salafi outlook with Syrian nationalism, which operated in Rif Dimashq in the early stages of the Syrian civil war, but was later forced to Aleppo where it operated under Turkish supervision. In addition, the 70th Division now contains elements of the US-backed Syrian Free Army that had been based at Al-Tanf base.

History

Background

After the fall of the Assad regime, Jaysh al-Islam was integrated into the Syrian defense apparatus, however it is unclear how many of its 5,000–8,000 fighters actually joined the division.

Operational history

The division took part in the clashes against Druze militias in Suwayda in July 2025, and may have suffered several casualties.

Structure

The division is headed by Issam Bouidani, who has been a commander within Jaysh al-Islam previously. In April 2025, Bouidani was arrested during a visit to the UAE, reportedly following an Interpol request. As of early July, he remains in detention, and it is unclear whether a successor has been appointed. Other high-ranking members include Chief of Staff Ali Abd al-Baqi, who previously held the same position within Jaysh al-Islam.
The division controls at least three subordinate brigades: