Desert Security Forces (Syria)

The Desert Security Forces (Arabic: قوات الأمن البادية, romanized: qūwāt al-amn al-bādiyah) are a security force under the Syrian Ministry of Interior operating in the central desert region known as the Badiya. Formed in late 2024 following the fall of the Assad regime, the forces are tasked with countering remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) and securing vast arid areas prone to insurgent activity.^[1] They coordinate with international partners, including the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.

Desert Security Forces
قوات الأمن البادية
Active	2024–present
Country	Syria
Branch	Ministry of Interior
Type	Security force
Role	Counter-terrorism Border security Patrols in desert regions
Garrison/HQ	Al-Tanf, Palmyra
Engagements	Syrian conflict War against the Islamic State
Commanders
Commander	Major Ahmad al-Tamer

History

The Desert Security Forces were established by integrating remnants of the Syrian Free Army (SFA), a U.S.-trained rebel group that had previously fought ISIS in the Syrian desert between 2016 and 2017. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the SFA units were restructured and absorbed into the transitional government's security apparatus, renaming them the Desert Security Forces.^[2] This integration aimed to consolidate rebel factions under a unified national structure amid the fragile political transition.

In October 2025, Interior Minister Anas Khattab visited Palmyra to meet with the leadership of the Badiya Internal Security Directorate, underscoring the forces' role in stabilizing the desert.^[3]

Organization

The forces are structured into mobile detachments for patrolling and monitoring movements, as well as fixed guard posts. They fall under the Badiya Internal Security Directorate within the Ministry of Interior.^[4] Commanded by Brigadier General Ahmad Al-Tammer since September 2025, the unit draws on veterans' battlefield experience against ISIS.^[1]

Operations

The primary mission is to prevent ISIS resurgence in the Syrian Badiya, a former stronghold for the group. Operations include armed convoys, drone surveillance, cyber monitoring, and raids to disrupt supply routes and sleeper cells. Notable actions include:

A July 2025 operation in the Teloul Al Safa desert, a key ISIS hideout.^[1] Foiling ISIS plots, such as attacks on Sayyida Zainab and a motorcycle bombing in Damascus.^[1] Joint inspections with U.S. forces at al-Seen military airport in November 2025 to expand security coverage.^[5] The forces maintain close ties with the U.S. garrison at Al-Tanf, where the deconfliction zone expanded post-2024 to cover 140 square kilometers.^[1]