Syria launches major operation to disarm Ba'ath regime loyalists in Latakia

The Syrian General Security Directorate has launched an operation in the Jableh area of Latakia province against supporters of the ousted Ba'ath regime who have not surrendered their weapons.

The General Security Directorate has initiated the operation against elements of the former regime, Caliber.Az reports via Syrian media.

The operation in the region is being conducted in response to increasing attacks on civilians and military targets.

The new administration, which declared a general amnesty following the fall of the Ba'ath regime on December 8, has established reconciliation centres in various provinces and demanded that representatives of the ousted regime hand over their weapons by the specified deadline.

Similar large-scale operations had previously been carried out in the provinces of Tartus and Homs. Thus, on January 14, forces from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham initiated an operation in Homs aimed at identifying and disarming supporters of Assad, causing alarm among minority groups, particularly the Alawites.

The operation, which began on January 13, has resulted in the detention of hundreds and the confiscation of weapons, sparking fear and distrust among residents. Eyewitnesses reported violent tactics, including forced home entries and aggressive raids.

Some armed individuals claiming affiliation with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham have reportedly used the chaos to extort or attack Alawite residents, escalating fears of further reprisals within the community.

By Aghakazim Guliyev