Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 35

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from August 4 to August 10

Announcements of security deployments mostly in western Syria, with an emphasis on the minority regions. 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 are provided throughout.

• Aleppo

• Damascus

• Coast

• Homs

• Hama

Vigilante killings remain a major problem in Aleppo city while sectarian violence remains low in western Syria. The issues in the Jableh countryside which had persisted for months appear largely resolved, for now, with one local activist telling me that continued arrests of MoD members and a change in some units deployed in the area have helped reduce the violations. He also said that in general, security forces in this area have become more comfortable and “flexible” with the local people, reducing tensions. The only documented killings this week occurred in Homs, with one kidnapping/execution in the city, a targeted killing of three Alawite men in rural Qusayr, and a likely revenge-driven killing of an Alawite family in north Homs.

Meanwhile, security forces conducted a major anti-ISIS operation in Harem, Idlib, resulted in the capture of nine militants. The cell is accused of assassinating five Iraqi opposition fighters in Idlib in recent months. This week also saw the government announce the start of preparations for trials against senior regime-era officials for war crimes.