Rebuilding Security in New Syria: Week 45

Tracking the spread of new security forces and security incidents in post-Assad Syria from October 13 to October 19

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

This week saw a significant number of security-related events in western Syria. Violence remains somewhat elevated and in-line with the past two weeks, largely centered around vigilante killings and sectarian-motivated murders. Unlike recent months’ vigilante violence, this week saw only one assassination in Aleppo and none in Homs. Instead, a Sunni ex-informant from Idlib was killed in Latakia and two Shi’i ex-fighters killed in Damascus. Meanwhile, several killings and attacks occurred in Homs and it’s countryside, targeting both minorities and Sunnis. These attacks marked the end of more than of month of general quiet in the city.

Kidnappings returned to the media forefront this week, including several viral fake kidnapping claims. Two women kidnapped in Latakia last week were found this week. One was found near the Lebanese border in a van with several other missing women, their driver fleeing while trying to cross the border thanks to the arrival of a General Security patrol.

Government forces conducted many arrests and operations this week as well, detaining ex-regime fighters involved in Alawi kidnappings and insurgent attacks, drug networks, and ISIS cells. Several weapons caches were also discovered.