New Syrian administration prioritizes boosting internal security

(MENAFN) Since the fall of the Baath Party Regime on December 8, 2024, the new Syrian administration has prioritized boosting internal security and ending the international sanctions and isolation the country faces. In its early actions, the administration emphasized protecting citizens' lives and property, issuing strict orders to imprison anyone holding state-owned weapons without authorization or using them recklessly. Additionally, individuals involved in the theft and looting of public property were targeted for punishment.

The government also made strides in addressing the illegal drug trade, which was a significant revenue source under the former regime. It conducted raids in cities like Damascus, Latakia, Homs, and Aleppo, seizing large amounts of drugs and destroying production facilities. To regulate the situation, the new administration established centers for former soldiers, police officers, and security personnel from the ousted regime to turn in their weapons. On January 29, 2025, armed revolutionary factions met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and agreed to dissolve and unite under the Ministry of Defense.

The administration intensified operations against remnants of the old regime's forces, targeting war criminals who refused to disarm. These efforts resulted in the neutralization of many of the regime's remnants, especially in Damascus, Homs, Latakia, Aleppo, and Hama. One notable casualty was Shuja al-Ali, the leader of a regime militia responsible for the Houla massacre, who was killed during operations. Anas Khattab, head of the Syrian General Intelligence Service, revealed that the security institutions under the former regime had tortured the people for over 50 years. He confirmed plans to restructure these institutions to align with their original goals.

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