Clashes in Tartus Province Erupt After Residents Refuse to Allow House Searches

Violence Flares as Security Forces Seek to Arrest Officer Linked to Notorious Prison

The Syrian war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that 17 people were killed in clashes in Tartus province on Wednesday, following a violent confrontation between security forces and residents who refused to allow their houses to be searched.

Security Forces Sought to Arrest Officer Linked to Saydnaya Prison

According to the Observatory, the security forces were attempting to arrest an officer who was among those responsible for the crimes of the Saydnaya prison. The officer, identified as Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was a director of the military justice department and field court chief during the former regime. He issued death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners.

Residents Refuse to Allow House Searches

The clashes erupted after a number of residents in Khirbet al-Maaza, a village in Tartus province, refused to allow their houses to be searched by the security forces. The officer’s brother and armed men intercepted the security forces, setting up an ambush for them near the village and targeting one of the patrol vehicles.

Dozens Arrested, Tensions Run High

The Observatory reported that dozens of people were arrested in the village, and tensions remain high in the area. The security forces suffered significant losses, with 14 members of the general security force killed, along with three armed men.

New Interior Minister Condemns Attack

New interior minister Mohammed Abdel Rahman condemned the attack, stating that 14 interior ministry personnel were killed and 10 others wounded in the treacherous ambush by remnants of the criminal regime. He emphasized that the security forces were performing their tasks of maintaining security and safety when they were attacked.

Legacy of Saydnaya Prison

The Saydnaya complex, the site of extrajudicial executions, torture, and forced disappearances, epitomizes the atrocities committed against Assad’s opponents. The fate of tens of thousands of prisoners and missing people remains one of the most harrowing legacies of the conflict.

Conclusion

The clashes in Tartus province highlight the ongoing tensions and violence in Syria, even after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The pursuit of justice and accountability for human rights abuses committed during his regime remains a critical challenge. As the country continues to rebuild and transition, it is essential to address the legacy of Saydnaya prison and ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable.

FAQs

Q: Who was the officer being sought by the security forces?
A: The officer was Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, a former director of the military justice department and field court chief who issued death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands of prisoners.

Q: Why did the residents refuse to allow their houses to be searched?
A: The residents refused to allow their houses to be searched due to concerns about the security forces’ intentions and the potential for further human rights abuses.

Q: What was the outcome of the clashes in Tartus province?
A: The clashes resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including 14 security forces personnel and three armed men. Dozens of people were also arrested in the village.

Q: What is the significance of Saydnaya prison?
A: Saydnaya prison is a notorious complex that was used for extrajudicial executions, torture, and forced disappearances during the Assad regime. Its legacy is a testament to the atrocities committed against Assad’s opponents.