New Security Forces in Syria Conduct Operations Against Assad Loyalists in Homs

On January 2, 2025, new security forces in Homs, Syria, led operations targeting militia affiliated with ousted President Bashar Assad, detaining over 100 individuals. The operations involved Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and aimed at seizing weapons and eliminating remaining loyalists, amidst mixed reactions from local residents who supported the new regime.

In Homs, Syria, the newly formed security forces launched significant operations on January 2, 2025, to apprehend individuals affiliated with ousted President Bashar Assad. The police action, performed by militants from the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), involved tanks systematically searching residential areas, resulting in over 100 arrests. According to state media, these operations included identity verifications for local residents and confiscation of weapons from those refusing to surrender. Residents expressed support for the new forces, despite tensions from the previous regime’s loyalists. HTS claimed they were acting in coordination with the interim Interior Ministry, further consolidating their control in the region, which follows Assad’s departure to Russia after his regime’s collapse.

The actions taken in Homs illustrate the ongoing power realignment in Syria following the ousting of Bashar Assad. The groundwork for this development began when Assad fled to Russia, allowing rival factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to assert dominance. The HTS-led government aims to establish stability and re-establish authority by rooting out remaining loyalists and any armed elements that might threaten the newly created order. In this context, the detention operations seek to neutralize resistance and reassure local populations about their safety under the new governance.

The recent military operations conducted by Syria’s new security forces underscore the significant transformation within the country’s political landscape. The proactive measures adopted aim to eliminate remnants of the Assad regime while reinforcing the authority of the interim government. Community sentiment reflects both fear and hope, as residents navigate the complexities of life under new governance amidst lingering loyalty to the former president. The developments signal a critical phase in Syria’s recovery from a tumultuous political history, with the HTS asserting its influence in ensuring compliance and stability.

Original Source: apnews.com