On January 2, 2025, Syrian security forces, primarily from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, executed operations in Homs aimed at detaining militia members loyal to former President Bashar Assad. More than 100 arrests were made as part of attempts to disarm those who refused to surrender their weapons.
Syrian security forces conducted extensive operations in Homs on January 2, 2025, targeting militia members and former soldiers loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad. More than 100 individuals were detained as fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) conducted searches in residential areas and homes. During the operations, they confiscated weapons and destroyed symbols associated with Assad’s Baath party, engaging with residents who sometimes cheered and expressed support for their actions. HTS fighters executed the operations in collaboration with the interim Interior Ministry, reflecting the ongoing efforts to dismantle Assad’s loyalist presence in the region. The gathered individuals included men lined up for identification checks and those who were then apprehended and transported for further processing.
The current situation in Syria follows the ousting of President Bashar Assad, leading to the emergence of new security forces primarily constituted by factions such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This militant group, which played a crucial role in destabilizing Assad’s regime, now faces the challenge of governing sections of Syria, including Homs, and managing remnants of Assad’s loyalists. Following Assad’s departure in December, the new authorities have intensified their operations to ensure compliance and disarmament among those who were loyal to his government.
The significant sweeps conducted by the new Syrian security forces in Homs illustrate a decisive move towards consolidating power and authority by the HTS-led administration. The operations represent a broader campaign to eradicate the remnants of the Assad regime and highlight the ongoing instability within the region. As various factions vie for control, the implications of such operations—alongside the resident responses—underscore the complexities of governing a fractured Syria.
Original Source: apnews.com
