New Interim Syrian Government Detains 300 Alleged 'Assad Militias'
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Damascus, Dec 30 (NationPress) Syria's interim government has taken into custody about 300 individuals since the launch of a campaign targeting the remnants of Assad's militias, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The state-controlled news outlet SANA confirmed that the interim authorities detained several remnants of Assad's militias and suspects in the coastal province of Latakia on Saturday, and in Hama on Thursday. SANA also disclosed the seizure of quantities of arms and ammunition.
The Observatory revealed on Sunday that those apprehended include security informants, pro-regime and pro-Iranian armed groups, along with lower-ranking military personnel.
The new administration's security forces launched a comprehensive operation on Thursday aimed at individuals connected to the former regime around Damascus, Latakia, Tartus, and Homs, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The detained individuals comprise former regime informants, pro-Iranian fighters, and junior military officers alleged to have participated in killings and torture, as stated by Abdel Rahman. A notable arrest includes General Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, the previous head of military justice under Assad, who reportedly oversaw thousands of death sentences following summary trials at the infamous Saydnaya prison.
The Observatory highlighted that the arrests have proceeded more smoothly due to cooperation from local residents, noting that the operation also involves disarming civilians.
Earlier this month, armed factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) executed a surprise offensive, seizing major cities and reaching Damascus by early December. Since then, the new administration has ramped up its efforts to consolidate power.
International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have called on the current factions to ensure humane treatment and due process for all detainees, including former officials.
In parallel, Anas Khattab, the newly appointed chief of Syria's General Intelligence Service, stated on Saturday that the entire Syrian security apparatus would undergo reorganization following the dissolution of all branches.
