Al-Assad Regime Remnants Seek to Return Syria to Chaos

16th May 2025

2 minutes read

Al-Assad Regime Remnants Seek to Return Syria to Chaos

Syrian security forces announced on Thursday evening the discovery of a large cache of explosive devices in the village of Bahmara, located in the Qardaha region — once a stronghold of the al-Assad family in Latakia province.

According to a statement published on the Interior Ministry’s official Telegram channel, the warehouse contained bombs ready for detonation, intended to target safe areas and destabilize the country. The operation followed detailed intelligence work aimed at thwarting sabotage efforts by remnants of the former regime.

The discovery coincides with a series of political and diplomatic gains achieved by the new Syrian administration since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December — including gradual restoration of stability, a reduction in international isolation, and the beginning of U.S. sanctions relief.

These developments are seen as a direct threat by loyalists of the former regime, pushing them to escalate sabotage activities in an attempt to disrupt the transition and plunge Syria back into disorder.

In March, coordinated attacks believed to be carried out by ex-regime elements targeted patrols and checkpoints in Latakia and Tartous, resulting in hundreds of casualties, both civilian and military. Authorities described these assaults as the most violent since the fall of the previous regime, and investigations suggest foreign backing — particularly from Iran, which still maintains ties with former military and intelligence leaders.

Despite ongoing efforts by security forces to restore order and pursue outlaws, some ex-regime leaders, especially in coastal regions, have refused to disarm and continue to rebel — openly seeking to turn back the clock.

Since December, the new government has launched a nationwide reconciliation program, offering former regime members the opportunity to disarm and reintegrate into civilian life or state institutions. However, influential factions within the old apparatus have rejected these efforts and instead engaged in sabotage — posing a direct challenge to the state.

The recent discovery of the explosives depot further confirms that an underground network remains active, especially in former regime strongholds, where pro-Assad structures remain partially intact.

The Interior Ministry reaffirmed that security institutions will persist relentlessly in protecting citizens and pursuing anyone who attempts to bring chaos back to the country.

While the current phase remains delicate, the political will of the new leadership — backed by popular support and growing regional alignment — may be sufficient to foil these plots and build a new Syria free from the tyranny and corruption of five decades of family rule.