On January 2, 2025, Syria’s new security forces, along with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, conducted a sweeping operation in Homs targeting loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad. Over 100 individuals were detained as the forces searched residential areas for arms and Assad-affiliated militia members. This operation represents a shift in power dynamics following Assad’s departure and the establishment of new authority in Syria.
In a concerted effort to eliminate remnants of the ousted regime, Syria’s newly formed security forces, backed by fighters from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), conducted extensive operations in Homs on January 2, 2025. The operation targeted individuals affiliated with former President Bashar Assad, seeking those who had refrained from surrendering their weapons. State media reported the detention of over 100 suspects, as the armed forces executed searches throughout the residential areas, checking identification and seizing weapons, while destroying items associated with Assad’s Baath party.
The HTS-led forces, equipped with military vehicles, conducted their operations in cooperation with the interim government’s Interior Ministry. Throughout Homs, they entered homes, canvassing neighborhoods, and apprehending those deemed loyal to Assad, prompting mixed reactions from the residents, some of whom expressed support for the new authorities. Amidst this backdrop, the residents were reportedly informed about centers established for voluntary surrender of arms, aimed at integrating former militia members into the new societal order.
The recent operations in Homs occur amidst the broader context of the Syrian conflict, which saw the ousting of President Bashar Assad and the rise of factions seeking to establish new governance in the region. Following Assad’s departure to Russia in December 2024, the newly formed government under HTS is taking assertive measures to solidify control, primarily emphasizing disarmament and apprehending loyalists potentially threatening the new authority. The efforts highlight a significant shift in power dynamics within Syria, as the HTS assumes a central role in the governance and security of liberated territories.
In conclusion, the proactive measures taken by Syria’s new security forces signify a determined effort to dismantle the power structures of the previous regime under Bashar Assad. The operations in Homs reflect a new strategy for maintaining stability and enforcing compliance among former militia members amidst a fragile transition of power. While the immediate future of the detainees remains uncertain, the authorities aim to bring about a sense of order and security in areas recovering from years of conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
