Syrian Forces Sweep Homs in Major Security Operation

Syrian security forces are currently carrying out a large-scale operation in Homs city, according to state media reports. The operation, which is focused on two districts predominantly inhabited by the Alawite minority, follows an announcement from the Ministry of Interior and the Military Operations Department. The target of the operation is individuals involved in criminal activities who have refused to surrender their weapons and join settlement centers. The authorities are also searching for hidden arms and ammunition.

A security official quoted by state news agency SANA stated that the operation is aimed at war criminals and those who have been involved in crimes. The operation follows earlier reports suggesting that remnants of Assad’s militias remain in parts of Homs, prompting the authorities to intensify their efforts.

Since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels last month, a transitional government has been registering former soldiers and conscripts, asking them to relinquish their arms. Troops and armored forces have been deployed to search for individuals refusing to comply, particularly in Homs. A curfew has also been imposed in some parts of the city, and the Ministry of Interior has advised residents of certain neighborhoods to stay indoors and cooperate with security forces.

A resident of one of the affected districts, Akrama, fled the area and reported heavy gunfire and the presence of military tanks. He mentioned that communications had been cut off, and there were reports of house searches and arrests of young men.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, stated that the two targeted districts, Wadi al-Dhahab and Akrama, are majority-Alawite, the sect to which the Assad family belongs. The ongoing operation is believed to be targeting former Shabiha militia members and individuals who were involved in pro-Assad demonstrations, which the new government viewed as a threat to its authority.

Concerns over sectarian tensions have been raised, especially after protests broke out in Syria on December 25 following a video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine in the north. Although the ministry has stated that the video is old, activists have criticized the security sweeps, warning against actions that could exacerbate sectarian divisions and violate people’s rights.

Alawites, who have long been associated with the Assad regime, fear backlash due to their community’s ties to the former president. The new leadership in Syria has sought to reassure minorities that they will be protected. However, tensions remain high, as evidenced by recent clashes in the Alawite-majority province of Tartus, where several security personnel were killed.