Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 37

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from August 18 to August 24

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

Violence increased this month across all sectors, while government arrests and counter-smuggling operations continue at a steady pace. Aleppo city and Hama governorate saw a slew of vigilante killings against mostly Sunni ex-regime members. At the same time, attacks against Alawite civilians also increased, with several killings in western Hama again after a period of calm over the past several weeks.

Government forces have publicized several arrests across the country, targeting kidnapping gangs, thieves, regime insurgents, and senior regime officers. Security forces also uncovered several weapons smuggling operations in the Qusayr border area. Meanwhile, unknown gunmen killed a security member in Jisr Shoughur and in the Safira countryside. The Ministry of Defense also announced new recruitment campaigns as well as social media and uniform regulations for its members.