Did the group appear organized? (the more organized a group is, the more
likely it is part of an official military group. A highly disorganized group may be
resident groups such as the Popular Committees (Lijan Sha’biyya))
Describe the attackers’ facial hair. (long beards point to Jihadist groups such as
Jabhat al Nusra or the Ahrar El Sham Brigades)
Were there aerial attacks? (Syrian Arab Air Force)
Set forth below are examples of groups that have been reported to be active in Syria.
This list is not exhaustive. The list is divided into three headings: (a) pro-government
forces, (b) anti-government forces, and (c) other armed groups.
Syrian Government Forces and Pro-Government Forces
Syrian Arab Army
Regular armed forces of Syria.
National Defense Army:
Paramilitary force drawn mainly from progovernment communities
Engaged in combat alongside regular army
units
Shabiha:
Pro-government militia
Dressed in civilian clothing
Often dress in black35
Syrian Intelligence and Police units
Hezbollah fighters:
PFLP
Logo of the PLFP
Supporting the Syrian Army near Al-Qusayr
and in other areas
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
Active around Yarmouk Camp in
Damascus36
Reportedly uses snipers to kill rebel
fighters in camp
Flag of the PLFP
28
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