Syrian security forces have escalated their operations against remnants of the ousted Assad regime and ISIS cells in a series of arrests and weapons seizures across multiple provinces. Authorities say the efforts are aimed at curbing the influence of armed groups and stabilizing the country following the regime’s fall in December.
High-Profile Arrests & Security Raids
In Damascus, security forces arrested Bashar Mahfouz, a former commander in the notorious 25th Division, which was led by Suhail al-Hassan, also known as “the Tiger.” Mahfouz, along with his associate Khaled Othman, faces charges of war crimes, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The Interior Ministry confirmed that both men will be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, in Deir Ezzor, the General Security Administration (GSA) detained Brigadier General Abdul Karim Ahmad al-Hamada, a close associate of Maher al-Assad. Hamada was responsible for coordinating between officers of the former regime and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Security sources say his arrest is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks linked to the deposed dictatorship.
The crackdown has extended to Idlib province, where security forces launched a large-scale campaign in Khan Shaykhun and Jisr al-Shughur, arresting multiple fugitives and confiscating weapons. According to the GSA, these raids targeted individuals who refused to surrender under the government’s reconciliation program.
Weapons Seizures Disrupt Planned Attacks
Authorities have also intercepted multiple arms shipments intended for regime loyalists. In Daraa, security forces seized sophisticated weapons during a sting operation, arresting two individuals linked to smuggling networks. In Homs, authorities discovered a weapons cache hidden inside a well in Madaba, intended for use in attacks against government forces.
The Ministry of Interior also reported a major seizure in Qardaha, where remnants of the ousted regime had stockpiled rockets, mortar shells, and tanks. Light weapons were voluntarily surrendered by village elders in Jableh, as part of efforts to centralize arms under state control.
Security officials believe these stockpiles were left behind by the Assad regime before its collapse and are now being used to fuel insurgent attacks. One of the deadliest incidents occurred earlier this month when regime loyalists launched a coordinated assault on military and government facilities along the Syrian coast, resulting in hundreds of casualties.
ISIS Cells Targeted in Deir Ezzor
While pursuing remnants of the Assad regime, security forces have also engaged ISIS militants. A recent operation in Albukamal led to the death of Hamza al-Sulayman, a key ISIS figure, during a clash with government forces. General Security commander Muhammad Yusuf al-Muhanna was killed in the raid, marking the first major confrontation between the new government security forces and ISIS since the fall of the former regime.
Strengthening Security in a Transitional Syria
Authorities emphasize that the fight against rogue elements remains a priority. “We will remain vigilant in maintaining security across Syria,” said Lieutenant Colonel Umar Ali al-Ayham. “Those who commit crimes against our people will face justice.”
