Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 18

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from April 7 to April 13

Announcements of security deployments mostly in western Syria, with an emphasis on the minority regions. Content is categorized as deployment, crime, statement, arrest, operation. This weekly update is intended to provide base level data for more holistic research into the rebuilding of the security and governance structures of post-Assad Syria. Direct links to primary sources provided throughout.

• Aleppo

• Damascus

• Coast

• Homs

• Hama

The security situation across western Syria has begun to improve after several notable violations two weeks ago. Kidnappings and harassment at checkpoints remain an issue, but increasingly locals are reporting that security officials are responding to complaints and discipling checkpoints when people report violations. General Security forces also appear much more responsive to ongoing crimes. Many of the murders happening in Alawite areas now appear to be from civilian criminals, rather than security forces. Security commanders have also embarked on extensive engagement campaigns in Latakia, Masyaf, and Salamiyah which have received mixed but generally positive feedback on Facebook. Notably, multiple cases of vigilante murder occurred in Hama and Aleppo cities this week, all targeting (Sunni) ex-regime political and military members known to have committed crimes locally. The continued delay of transitional justice and accountability measures will only exacerbate this issue.