| Published April 23, 2025
In a significant development, Syrian authorities have detained two senior leaders of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement: Khaled Khaled, who oversees PIJ operations in Syria, and Yasser al-Zafari, head of the group’s organizational committee. The detentions occurred on April 17, 2025, and were confirmed by PIJ on April 22. The group stated that the two leaders had been held for five days without explanation.
This move is notable given Syria’s historical support for PIJ, a group aligned with Iran and Hezbollah in the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” The detentions suggest a potential shift in Syria’s stance toward PIJ, possibly indicating a desire to distance itself from certain militant groups.
The detentions come amid a broader context of regional tensions and shifting alliances. Syria’s actions may reflect an attempt to recalibrate its relationships with various non-state actors operating within its borders.
The international community will be closely monitoring the situation to assess the implications for regional stability and the dynamics of militant groups operating in the Middle East.
Here are the key implications of Syria’s detention of two senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) leaders:
⚖️ 1. Possible Shift in Syrian Policy
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Syria’s move to detain high-ranking PIJ officials marks a significant departure from its traditional support for the group. This may suggest a reevaluation of alliances, possibly driven by shifting geopolitical interests or pressure from regional powers like Russia or Arab states.
🤝 2. Signal to Iran and Hezbollah
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PIJ is closely aligned with Iran and Hezbollah. Syria’s unexpected crackdown could signal a rift—or at least a recalibration—in its relationship with the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” It may also be a quiet message to Iran to respect Syrian sovereignty in internal affairs.
🌍 3. Potential Impact on Militant Networks
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If Syria distances itself from PIJ, it could disrupt logistical or operational support for the group in the region. This could weaken PIJ’s influence, especially in the Levant, and affect its ability to coordinate with other militant factions.
🕊️ 4. Opening to Arab Normalization?
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Some analysts may interpret this move as a step by Damascus toward rehabilitating its image in the Arab world. Detaining PIJ leaders might be seen as an effort to align more closely with countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states, who oppose Iranian proxy militias.
🔍 5. Increased Surveillance and Crackdowns
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This could be the beginning of broader Syrian efforts to tighten control over non-state actors operating on its soil. Other groups operating within Syria’s borders may now come under scrutiny, especially if Damascus is looking to assert greater authority.
💥 6. Risk of Retaliation
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PIJ or aligned groups may not take this lightly. The detentions could trigger retaliatory actions or internal unrest, especially if Syria continues to target leaders of Iranian-backed factions.
🧭 Overall Takeaway
Syria’s detention of two top Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) leaders is a striking move that could signal a realignment in the Middle East’s militant and diplomatic landscape. For a regime long known for harboring and backing groups like PIJ, this shift hints at a potential recalibration—possibly distancing from Iranian proxies or seeking broader regional legitimacy.
Whether motivated by internal security concerns, quiet diplomacy with Arab neighbors, or subtle messaging to Iran, this decision challenges long-standing assumptions about Syria’s role in the so-called “Axis of Resistance.”
The broader takeaway: Syria may be cautiously repositioning itself amid evolving alliances, and this single act could ripple far beyond Damascus—altering the regional power matrix and possibly affecting future militant activity and peace dynamics across the Middle East.
SOURCES: REUTERS – Syria detains two leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad
LONG WAR JOURNAL – Syria detains two members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad
ENGLISH ENABBALADI – Syria arrests two leaders from al-Quds Brigades
THE MEDIALINE – Senior Islamic Jihad Members Detained in Syria as Ties With Iran Deteriorate
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