Syria’s newly established authorities have arrested close to 300 individuals, including informants, pro-regime fighters, and former soldiers, in a sweeping crackdown targeting loyalists of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. This operation comes in the wake of Assad’s regime being toppled by rebels led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, ending over five decades of Assad family rule.
Intensified Efforts to Consolidate Power
The arrests began last Thursday and have been concentrated in major regions, including Damascus, Homs, Hama, Tartus, Latakia, and Deir Ezzor. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the campaign aims to dismantle networks linked to the former regime.
Prominent Arrests and Weapons Seizures
Among those detained were former regime informants, pro-Iranian fighters, and low-ranking military officers accused of grave crimes, including torture and killings. The most notable arrest so far is that of General Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, former head of military justice under Assad, who allegedly oversaw numerous death sentences at the notorious Saydnaya prison.
The official Syrian news agency SANA also reported arrests in Hama and Latakia provinces, where security forces confiscated weapons and ammunition.
Allegations of Abuse and Executions
The crackdown has drawn attention for alleged human rights abuses. Videos circulating on social media appear to show armed men abusing detainees and conducting summary executions. Rami Abdel Rahman noted that some informants were executed immediately after their arrest. These claims remain unverified by independent sources.
Support from Local Populations
Abdel Rahman mentioned that the crackdown is being carried out with the cooperation of local communities, reflecting widespread discontent with the former regime.
A Pledge for Reform
Anas Khattab, the new head of General Intelligence, has vowed to reform Syria’s security apparatus, condemning the corruption and oppression perpetuated under Assad’s rule. “The injustice and tyranny of the former regime will not be repeated,” Khattab assured in a public statement.
