Syrian Rebels Hunt Down Former Government Fighters

The initiative has reportedly gained public support, with SOHR noting significant population movements in areas known to house regime sympathizers. “According to SOHR sources, parts of some villages, which are known for accommodating notorious families, have experienced mass escape from those villages,” the group claimed, “along with monitoring damage to public properties and breaking of power pylons, while the forces of the Military Operations Administration managed to enter and dominate those villages.”

The security operations are particularly concentrated in Latakia, traditionally an Alawite stronghold and Assad’s ethnic homeland. The region’s transformation comes after the dramatic conclusion of Syria’s long-running civil war, which began in 2011 and recently reignited when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda affiliated group, launched a successful offensive against Aleppo in late November. The terrorist organization’s rapid advance culminated in the capture of Damascus, forcing Assad and his family to seek refuge in Russia.

While HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani promises an “inclusive” transition period, his organization’s actions have sparked fear among Syria’s minority communities. The group has suspended the constitution for three months and expressed intentions to establish an Islamic government, causing particular concern among Christian, Kurdish, and Alawite populations.

Disturbing evidence of violence has emerged on social media platforms, particularly Telegram, showing alleged public executions and revenge killings. France 24 confirmed one such incident from December 10, depicting the execution of supposed Shabiha members amid anti-Alawite slurs and jihadist chants. Le Monde’s investigation placed this incident in Rabia, Hama, following Assad’s departure.

The situation in Latakia exemplifies the growing humanitarian crisis. Residents report widespread looting, home invasions, and forced evictions by apparent HTS members. “The HTS members came to our village and guaranteed the safety of the Alawites, But my family is terrified and cannot trust them. They fled to the mountains to wait and see what happens next,” revealed an Alawite civilian identified as “Ali” to France 24.

🇸🇾 Suhail Hassan, former Syrian Regime Special Forces Commander, falls into the hands of Syria's Supreme Leader Jolani's Forces! pic.twitter.com/hq32p81cFr

— Militant Tracker (@MilitantTracker) December 11, 2024

SOHR reports additional complications as imposters exploit the chaos. “People disguised as members of the Administration of Military Operations in three cars equipped with heavy machineguns entered villages of southern Al-Qirdaha countryside,” the organization detailed, “to rob the house of ‘Haitham Ammar,’ a former brigadier general of the former regime and other houses in the area, and roamed in the villages to collect weapons from civilians.”

The disconnect between HTS’s promises of inclusivity and the ongoing violence partially stems from the group’s diverse membership, including international jihadists from Afghanistan, Chechnya, and France. While HTS leadership attempts to document and prevent attacks on minorities, their efforts appear ineffective, with local terrorists dismissing violent incidents as the work of “infiltrators” and “saboteurs.”