Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 44

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from October 6 to October 12

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 is still lower than it was in late September, but killings, kidnappings, and inter-communal conflict continue to occur across the country. Government security forces meanwhile continue steady operations against both criminal organizations and ex-regime cells across western Syria. This includes regular anti-narcotics operations in Damascus, Aleppo, and counter-smuggling operations on the Homs-Lebanese border.

Housing disputes and unresolved regime-era violations continue to be the main driver of conflict in Syria. In Damascus’ Qadam, Sunni residents attacked some Alawi residents on October 10, with security forces intervening. This clash followed the discovery of a mass grave in the neighborhood two weeks ago, which had resulted in protests against “shabiha” still living in the neighborhood, and recent arrests of regime criminals from the area. Vigilante killings continue to be a constant problem, with six more murders, three each in Hama and Aleppo, this week. This brings the total to at least 14 in the past two weeks, nearly all of whom were Sunnis.