On Thursday, January 6, ruling groups in Syria launched a military operation to confront what they call 'pro-Assad militias.' Reports from inside Syria indicate that the operation is focused on predominantly Alawite areas of Tartus and Latakia along the Mediterranean coast, and some 'pro-Assad militias' have been killed so far. This operation was initiated following the death of 14 members of groups active in overthrowing Bashar al-Assad's government in these areas. According to Syria's new 'Interior Minister,' 10 others were also injured after falling into an ambush by 'pro-Assad militias.' In threatening statements, he promised to suppress all those who 'undermine the security' of Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the attack on Wednesday occurred when new ruling groups in Syria attempted to arrest a former Assad regime official accused of issuing death sentences in the notorious 'Saydnaya' prison. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, stated on Thursday that over 50,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their country in the past three weeks, and the rate of return is gradually increasing. He described the situation in Syria as 'still dire' and called for increased humanitarian assistance and improved living conditions for 'refugees and all those in need.' The UN High Commissioner for Refugees had reported in recent weeks that it can confirm the return of 34,000 Syrian refugees to their country during the first eight months of this year (December 31, 2023, to September 1, 2024). During the 13-year civil war in Syria, more than five million citizens were forced to leave the country, and another seven million were displaced within safer areas of the country. About two and a half million Syrian refugees fled to Turkey, and hundreds of thousands more to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees added in its recent report that although most Syrian citizens are interested in returning to their country, many prefer to wait and assess the security situation and political stability in Syria.
Operation by Ruling Groups in Syria Against Pro-Assad Militias Begins
Ruling groups in Syria have launched a military operation against pro-Assad militias, following the deaths of 14 members of anti-Assad groups. The operation is concentrated in Alawite areas of Tartus and Latakia, amidst ongoing tensions and a humanitarian crisis. The situation remains critical as over 50,000 refugees have returned, yet many are hesitant to fully return due to security concerns.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Ruling groups in Syria launched an operation against pro-Assad militias, resulting in casualties.
- ruling groups in Syria attack pro-Assad militias
- pro-Assad militias injure members of overthrowing groups
- new ruling groups in Syria arrest former Assad regime official
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The military operation signifies escalating tensions between ruling groups and pro-Assad forces.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%