Fact Check: Does the SFA and the SOR share control of Damascus?
What We Know
The claim that the Southern Operations Room (SOR) and the Syrian Free Army (SFA) share control of Damascus is rooted in the complex dynamics of the Syrian civil war. The SOR is a coalition of various Syrian opposition groups that initially operated in southern provinces such as Daraa, Suwayda, and Quneitra, but later expanded to include parts of Damascus and Rif Dimashq (Southern Operations Room - Wikipedia). As of December 2024, the SOR was involved in military operations that led to the capture of Damascus, marking a significant shift in control from the Assad regime to opposition forces (2024 Syrian opposition offensives).
The SFA, which is backed by the United States and has historically operated near the Jordanian border, has also expanded its influence into parts of Damascus (Syria's New Reality: A Nation at a Crossroads). Reports indicate that both groups have engaged in military actions in the region, but the extent of their control and collaboration remains unclear.
Analysis
The evidence suggests that while both the SOR and SFA have been active in Damascus, their levels of control and cooperation are not fully aligned. The SOR has been explicitly noted for its role in the offensive that led to the fall of Damascus, with claims of having taken full control of the city (Analysis: Who liberated Damascus?). The SOR's leadership has publicly stated its objectives and has coordinated efforts among various factions to achieve military goals in the region (Who liberated Damascus?).
However, the SFA's role appears to be more complex. While it has expanded its presence into Damascus, it is not clear that it shares control with the SOR in a formal sense. The SFA's operations seem to be more localized and may not encompass the same breadth of influence as the SOR, which has been more prominent in recent offensives (Syria's New Reality: A Nation at a Crossroads).
Moreover, the SOR's formation and operations have been characterized by a degree of independence, particularly in its military strategies and objectives, which may not align completely with those of the SFA. This independence raises questions about the nature of their relationship in terms of shared control.
Conclusion
The claim that the SFA and the SOR share control of Damascus is Partially True. While both groups have been active in the region and have made significant military advances, the evidence indicates that the SOR has taken a more leading role in the control of Damascus. The SFA's involvement, while notable, does not suggest a formal or equal partnership in governance or military control over the city. Thus, while there is some overlap in their activities, the extent of shared control is limited.