[4][23] It was composed of two mechanized divisions with its main purpose to protect the capital of Syria, Damascus, from any foreign or domestic threats.

In June 2012, the Republican Guard clashed with rebels near its housing compounds and bases in the suburbs of Qudsaya and al-Hamah, about 8 kilometers from central Damascus.

[28] In 2012, Republican guard units played an important role in repelling opposition offensives on Damascus and Aleppo.

[29] Later in 2012, Republican Guard units were deployed to government bases in the North and East of the country, in order to bolster and stiffen the resistance against rebel advances.

[32] The brigade also reportedly participated in offensive operations which partially expelled rebels from the Latakia province.

[34] The brigade reportedly defended the Ithriya-Khanasser highway thus preserving a major supply line to Aleppo.

[53][54][55] On October 18, 2017, Issam Zahreddine, a Major General leading the Syrian government's fight against ISIL in Deir ez-Zor and known as "Lion of the Republican Guard,"[56][57] was killed when a land mine struck his vehicle in the Hwaijet Saqer area of Deir ez-Zor's countryside during a military operation.

[59] As a result, the Republican Guard was one of the units sent to defend Aleppo, but they only managed to hold some of the city's most strategic locations for a limited time.

[60] When rebel groups later advanced into Damascus, the Republican Guard offered no resistance, while the Assad regime crumbled.

[61] In 11 February 2025, the HTS-led Syrian Defense Ministry reportedly appointed HTS Shura Council member Brigadier General Abdul Rahman al Khatib as commander of the Republican Guard in Damascus.

[62] At the outset of the Syrian civil war, the Republican Guard included three mechanized brigades and two "security regiments."

[23] The main ground combat unit of the Syrian military was often called a brigade or regiment and was between 500 and 1,000 strong.

[23] For reasons of esprit de corps, these retained their pre-civil war titles as tank, infantry, mechanized, artillery, special forces and airborne Republican Guard brigades or regiments.