Syria’s new security forces conducted sweeps in Homs on January 2, 2025, detaining over 100 individuals associated with ousted President Bashar Assad’s administration. Armed units from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham performed house searches, seized weapons, and publicly destroyed Baath party memorabilia, indicating a firm stance against Assad’s loyalists in the region.
On January 2, 2025, the newly established Syrian security forces launched coordinated operations in Homs to detain individuals associated with former President Bashar Assad. Armed forces from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group instrumental in ousting Assad, utilized tanks and conducted house-to-house searches, detaining over 100 suspected militia members who had reportedly refused to surrender their weapons. As community members observed, HTS fighters seized firearms and publicly destroyed artifacts related to the Baath party. The operation was supported by Syria’s interim Interior Ministry, demonstrating the new regime’s commitment to asserting control in the region and addressing the lingering presence of Assad loyalists.
The recent operations in Homs are part of a broader effort by the Syrian government to consolidate power following the ousting of President Bashar Assad, who fled the country in early December 2024. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the principal opposition group post-Assad, has established its authority in various regions of Syria. This exercise illustrates the ongoing challenges in transitioning to a new governance structure and the complexities involving disarmament and reintegration of former soldiers and militia members loyal to the previous regime. The new government’s strategy includes voluntary weapon surrender initiatives, which aim to foster stability and security throughout the nation.
The Homs operations signify a pivotal move by Syria’s new security forces to eliminate the remnants of Assad’s loyalist militias. By apprehending over 100 suspects and enforcing disarmament, the interim government aims to stabilize the region and reinforce their authority. However, the treatment of detainees and the future of the arrested individuals remain uncertain, highlighting the precarious situation as Syria attempts to stabilize after years of conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
