Syria`s new administration announced an agreement to merge all rebel factions under the Defense Ministry. This follows the rebels` capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing President Assad to flee after over 13 years of civil war. The agreement to integrate rebel forces into the Defense Ministry came after HTS leader Al-Golani took control of Syria. Last week, Prime Minister Md al-Bashir revealed plans to restructure the ministry with former rebel fighters and defected officers from Assad`s army. Since assuming power, Al-Golani has engaged with international delegates and given interviews to Western media, meeting officials from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the US.