Syrian Security Forces Eliminate Former Government Militant Amid Clashes in Capital: Watchdog Reports
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Synopsis
On February 25, Syrian security forces killed Fawzi Layla, a former pro-Assad militant, and detained several of his associates in Damascus during intense overnight clashes. The ongoing unrest highlights the instability in the capital as Syria navigates a transitional period following the previous government's fall.
Key Takeaways
- Security forces killed Fawzi Layla in Damascus.
- Intense clashes occurred in the Qaboun and Tishreen neighborhoods.
- Layla was a former member of the Arab National Guard.
- A security officer was also killed in the confrontations.
- The National Dialogue Conference is addressing Syria's political future.
Damascus, Feb 25 (NationPress) Syrian security forces eliminated Fawzi Layla, a former pro-Assad militant, and apprehended several of his associates during clashes that unfolded overnight in Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Tuesday.
The UK-based watchdog stated that intense confrontations ignited late Monday in the Qaboun and Tishreen neighborhoods, where Layla and his group faced off fiercely against security forces.
Layla was recognized by the watchdog as a former member of the Arab National Guard, a paramilitary group that had backed the previous government.
The skirmish, which involved light and medium firearms, also led to the death of a security officer and injuries to two others.
In response to the clash, security forces have increased their presence in the region, with ambulances dispatched to the scene.
This event highlights the ongoing instability in Syria's capital, even as the country navigates a transitional phase following the collapse of the previous government in December 2024.
The Syrian interim authorities are intensifying efforts to target the remnants of the former government, with multiple violations reported by the watchdog.
In a related development, Syria's National Dialogue Conference officially commenced on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, as the nation navigates its political transition post-Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The event, organized by a preparatory committee led by Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to chart the country's future political trajectory, addressing critical matters such as drafting a new constitution, economic recovery, transitional justice, and institutional reform.
In his opening address, al-Sharaa stated that the conference is taking place during a pivotal moment of reconstruction after years of devastation, urging for unity in restoring national sovereignty and stability.
Syria remains indivisible; it is a single, unified entity, al-Sharaa asserted, emphasizing that consolidating arms under state control is not merely an option but a necessity for maintaining national security. He also underscored the need for social peace as a collective duty and highlighted Syria's tradition of coexistence as a global example.
The conference emerged after weeks of consultations throughout Syria's provinces, gathering input from roughly 4,000 individuals to ensure comprehensive representation.
Estimates of participation have varied, with numbers between 400 and over 1,000.
Importantly, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and loyalists of Assad were excluded unless they consented to disarm and align with the new authorities, drawing criticism regarding the conference's inclusivity.
