On January 2, 2025, Syria’s new security forces conducted operations in Homs, detaining over 100 suspected loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad. Armed members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carried out searches and executed detentions to enforce control and compel weapon surrender among former militia members, reflecting ongoing shifts in government authority following Assad’s flight.
In Homs, Syria, on January 2, 2025, the newly established security forces conducted extensive operations targeting militia members loyal to the ousted President Bashar Assad. According to state media, the operation led to the detention of over 100 individuals as armed fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) searched homes and alleyways for those who have refused to relinquish their arms. Residents reportedly cheered for the forces, contributing to a tense atmosphere as the HTS sought to solidify control in this pivotal city by compelling former regime loyalists to surrender their weapons.
The operation was carried out with considerable military presence, including tanks, as the HTS fighters coordinated their efforts with the interim Interior Ministry. These forces not only detained suspected Assad loyalists but also seized weapons and destroyed Baath party-related documents. The local population’s mixed reactions included supportive cheers from some residents witnessing the confrontations.
Following Assad’s departure to Russia, significant shifts occurred in the Syrian political landscape, with the HTS taking on a central role in maintaining order and stability. They have established centers for voluntary weapon surrender, reflective of broader initiatives implemented in various regions post-Assad’s fall from power. The HTS claimed that their actions are based on local intelligence regarding threats posed by militia members who continue to pose dangers in the community, highlighting ongoing efforts to dismantle the remnants of Assad’s regime.
Abu Muhammad, an unnamed official from the General Security Department, indicated a commitment to eradicating the influence of former regime elements, stating, “We received information from the residents that there are members of former regime militias here who refused to give up their weapons and were terrorizing the residents.” His remarks underscore the delicate balance of power in Homs and the risks that linger amidst attempts to establish security and order.
The geopolitical landscape of Syria has drastically changed in recent years, particularly after the ousting of President Bashar Assad. The ongoing conflict has led to the emergence of various factions, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) gaining significant ground and authority in territories previously controlled by Assad’s loyalists. With Assad fleeing to Russia, the HTS is positioned as a key player in stabilizing regions by targeting remaining elements of his regime that refuse to disarm. This operation in Homs exemplifies the HTS’s approach to governance and security in the context of the shifting dynamics following years of civil strife.
The recent security operation in Homs serves as a salient example of the new governance structures emerging in post-Assad Syria. With the HTS leading efforts to neutralize remaining loyalists, the atmosphere in Homs is being reshaped by the assertion of military authority and community support for these actions. While the state of unrest remains, the HTS’s operations highlight both the challenges and the steps being taken to ensure public safety in a region still grappling with the aftereffects of a protracted conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
