Saif al-Sham Brigade

Saif al-Sham Brigade (In Arabic: لواء سيف الشام, meaning "Sword of the Levant Brigade") is a Syrian rebel faction that operated primarily in southern Syria during the Syrian civil war. It was affiliated with the Southern Front of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and was active mainly in the western parts of Daraa Governorate and Quneitra Governorate.^[1] The brigade was known for its relative discipline and avoidance of extremist ideology. The group one was of several rebel factions to receive Israeli support, alongside Fursan al-Joulan, Firqat Ahrar Nawa, Jaysh al-Ababil , Al-Ezz bin Abdul Salam Brigade, Omar Bin Al-Khattab Brigade, Al-Haramein Battalion and others.

The Saif al-Sham Brigade emerged around 2013 and drew its members largely from local communities in southern Syria, including defectors from the Syrian Arab Army. It became part of the moderate opposition movement under the umbrella of the Southern Front, and participated in coordinated military campaigns against government forces in southwestern Syria.

The group operated in the towns of Heet, Tasil, and Sahem al-Golan. It often cooperated with other Free Syrian Army-affiliated factions such as:

• Firqat Ahrar Nawa
• Alwiyat al-Furqan
• Al-Haramoun Brigade

Like other factions along the Golan Heights frontier, Saif al-Sham was reportedly among the rebel groups that received limited support from Israel, including humanitarian aid, medical treatment in Israeli hospitals for injured fighters, basic logistical support, and military support.

• Southern Front (Syrian rebel group)
• Fursan al-Joulan
• Firqat Ahrar Nawa
• Quneitra Governorate
• Hezbollah–Israel conflict