Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 34

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from July 28 to August 3

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

Attacks against Alawite civilians have dropped significantly, possibly linked to the continued security operations targeting kidnapping gangs and criminal groups as well as the continued arrest of MoD and MoI personnel who commit violations. Vigilante attacks have, nevertheless, surged again in Aleppo city with at least four men killed this week by unknown armed individuals.

Insurgent attacks against government forces increased noticeably, with two likely ISIS attacks in southeast Aleppo and two attacks by regime remnants in Qardaha. Government security operations continue at a high rate, especially anti-narcotics operations including ones in coordination with the Iraqi and Turkish intelligence, showing the deepening integration of Syria’s new security apparatus with the region.