Tensions have persisted in western Syrian provinces since last night, with clashes described as a conflict between Alawites and the forces of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's interim president. However, the SOHR has attributed the unrest to a military commander from the Assad regime.

Ahmed al-Sharaa's forces, leading the Syrian transitional government, have labeled Ghiath Dalla as the key figure behind the "rebellion" in western Syria.

Meanwhile, Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), told Channel8 that Ghiath Dalla, a former regime commander, is responsible for the unrest in Syria and has played a role in inciting tensions between different groups.

Who is Brigadier General Ghiath Dalla?

Brigadier General Ghiath Suleiman Dalla is the former commander of the Syrian regime’s 42nd Brigade, known as the Ghiath Forces, and is regarded as one of the most prominent military figures of the Assad regime.

Born in the coastal city of Jableh, Dalla began his military career in the 42nd Brigade, which was led by Maher al-Assad, the brother of Bashar al-Assad.

He later assumed command of the brigade, which was part of the former Syrian army's Fourth Division.

Since the onset of the Syrian revolution in 2011, Dalla has been a key figure in military offensives against Syrian civilians and has been accused of committing genocide and human rights violations.

Over time, his influence grew, and he launched military operations in Daraa, playing a central role in reclaiming territories previously held by Syrian opposition forces.

He later established his own armed group, further expanding his authority within Syrian military institutions.

Dalla is the founder of the Military Council for the Liberation of Syria, an alliance of former Assad regime military leaders that has conducted multiple operations against Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces, particularly in areas where sleeper cells are active.

He is among the key figures benefiting from Iranian support in Syria and is viewed by Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces as the mastermind behind last night's tensions in western Syria.