Syrian Officials Free Hostages Held by Militant Group
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Synopsis
On January 15, Syrian authorities successfully released seven members of the security forces who were held hostage by an armed group in Latakia. The operation was part of broader efforts to consolidate control in the region following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Key Takeaways
- Seven security personnel were taken hostage in Latakia.
- Authorities conducted a successful rescue operation.
- The abduction was led by a militant group in Ain al-Sharqiyah.
- Transitional authorities are intensifying campaigns against remnants of Assad's regime.
- 300 individuals have been detained in recent crackdowns.
Damascus, Jan 15 (NationPress) Syrian authorities have successfully liberated seven security personnel who were held hostage by an armed faction in the northwestern region of Latakia, as reported by officials and war monitoring organizations.
Mustafa Knaifati, the head of general security in Latakia, informed the state-operated SANA news agency that his forces, in alliance with the Military Operations Administration, "effectively rescued our personnel."
"We will not tolerate these criminals. We will ensure the safety of our civilian population and rid Syria of them," he stated, mentioning that the leader of the abduction had detonated himself, while other militia members were captured, according to Xinhua news agency.
The militants in the town of Ain al-Sharqiyah reportedly took the seven security members hostage late Monday. In a video, the kidnappers threatened to execute the hostages unless the authorities ceased their intentions to enter Ain al-Sharqiyah.
This standoff occurred amidst broader military campaigns across Homs, Damascus, and Latakia provinces by the transitional authorities aiming to strengthen their control following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Earlier in December, Syria's new interim authorities detained approximately 300 individuals as part of a crackdown on the "remnants of Assad's militias," stated the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The state-run news agency SANA confirmed that the interim authorities captured "multiple remnants of Assad's militias and suspects" in the coastal province of Latakia on Saturday, and in Hama on Thursday. They also reported the seizure of "quantities of weapons and ammunition."
The Observatory revealed that those apprehended included "security informants, pro-regime and pro-Iranian armed individuals, along with lower-ranking military officers."
Security forces under the new administration initiated extensive operations targeting individuals associated with the prior regime around Damascus, Latakia, Tartus, and Homs.
