Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 38

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from August 25 to August 31

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 and sectarian attacks decreased dramatically this week after a surge over the previous week. The most severe violence came on August 29 in Damascus’ Sumeria neighborhood, which once served as the government housing for 4th Division officers and their families. Local pro-government factions attacked Alawi residents in the neighborhood, ordering them to leave within three days and detaining and beating some people. While the governor quickly issued statements telling residents to not leave, many have over fears of continued violence.

Elsewhere, government forces have continued a steady rate of arrests targeting criminal organizations and ex-regime leaders. A large security operation was conducted in a village outside Tartous city, resulting in the capture of an insurgent hideout and field hospital and killing of three men. Military forces also deployed to new parts of rural Latakia late this week, establishing positions for the first time in several areas which had previously had no permanent government presence.