Syrian authorities release hundreds of citizens arrested during unrest in Homs

The authorities of Syria's transitional government have released a large group of citizens detained during a law enforcement operation aimed at restoring stability in the city of Homs (160 km from Damascus) following unrest there in late December, according to a source in the provincial General Security Administration.

"360 individuals who participated in the unrest but were not involved in war crimes against the population during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad have been released," the source stated, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"This decision was made following a preliminary investigation, and those released have pledged not to engage in any hostile actions against the new Syrian administration."

On December 25–26, protests by Alawites—a religious minority in Syria—took place in Latakia, Jableh, Tartus, and Homs. These demonstrations were accompanied by attacks on police stations and patrol vehicles. In response, authorities imposed a curfew, dispatched reinforcements to the coastal areas, and accused supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad of inciting the unrest.

On December 27, Syria's Ministry of Interior warned that it "would pursue those attempting to destabilize the situation and incite sectarian strife." "All those threatening civil peace will be held accountable and face just punishment," the statement said.

According to Al Hadath TV channel, the operation conducted by the end of December resulted in the detention of 587 wanted individuals accused of defying authorities and illegally possessing weapons. Raids targeting areas sheltering supporters of the former regime were also carried out in Aleppo, Hama, and several districts of Damascus.

Since early January, a campaign has been underway in Syrian provinces, allowing officers and soldiers of the former Republic's Armed Forces, as well as members of security agencies, to voluntarily surrender to the authorities and undergo verification by law enforcement agencies.

The security operations in Homs, which lasted five days and concluded on January 6, 2025, targeted neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by the Alawite community, previously supportive of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The campaign aimed to locate weapons depots and apprehend individuals who had not surrendered their arms following the regime's overthrow. Authorities reported that suspects were arrested, with those proven to have committed crimes transferred to the judiciary, while others were released. Some individuals remain under investigation.

The recent unrest in Homs is part of broader developments in Syria, where rebels have made significant advances, including the capture of Damascus. These events have led to the detention and subsequent release of numerous individuals, as the new authorities work to establish control and address security concerns.

By Khagan Isayev