In a significant blow to organized crime in the liberated regions of northern Syria, the Security Directorate in Atma, under the leadership of Major Abdullah Muhammad Bakour, successfully carried out a large-scale operation that resulted in the arrest of an extremist gang responsible for a string of robberies and thefts across the area.
According to Major Bakour, the Executive Force of the Public Security Department conducted an extensive investigation, followed by continuous monitoring of the suspects. The operation was executed with precision across multiple locations in the liberated northern areas, leading to the arrest of all members of the gang. The authorities confiscated a significant cache of weapons and recovered a substantial amount of stolen goods and money during the raids.
“This operation went exactly as planned,” Major Bakour stated, highlighting the effectiveness of the coordinated effort. “The gang members were apprehended in different areas, their weapons were seized, and many stolen items were recovered.”
The arrested gang is believed to have carried out numerous criminal activities in the region, targeting both military and civilian assets. Among their most notable crimes were attacks on Mujahideen headquarters, where they forcefully seized weapons, and armed robberies against civilians. Their most recent offense involved the armed robbery of a money changer, referred to as (A.Kh), in the city of Dana, where they threatened the victim at gunpoint and stole a large sum of money.
The Security Directorate emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, to uncover the full extent of the gang’s activities and any potential connections to other criminal networks operating in the region.
In the wake of the arrests, rumors began circulating about the involvement and arrest of the gang members’ wives. The Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which governs the region, swiftly addressed these rumors. Major Bakour clarified the situation, stating that while some women associated with the criminals were temporarily detained to assist in the investigation, they were not arrested as accomplices.
“Some parties are trying to confuse the security operation by promoting false information about the arrest of the criminals’ wives,” Major Bakour explained. “What actually happened was the temporary detention of these women to complete investigations and obtain crucial information, which led to the recovery of part of the stolen money. They were released shortly after, under the recognizance of local notables.”
The operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in northern Syria, where remnants of extremist groups and criminal organizations continue to pose a threat. However, with the recent success of this operation, there is renewed hope that the region can gradually return to a state of peace and normalcy.
