The Stalled Transitional Justice Process in Syria Fuels Security Chaos
Popular protests have spread across several Syrian cities, from Deir ez-Zor to Aleppo and Idlib, with demonstrators demanding accountability for those involved in violations committed during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, the acceleration of the transitional justice process, and an end to impunity. These developments come amid growing fears that disorder and acts of personal revenge could escalate into broader security confrontations.
Protesters are also demanding the departure of individuals they describe as “remnants of the former regime” from their towns and villages, raising concerns that public anger could evolve into wider security tensions.
Local sources reported on Sunday an incident in the town of Kafr Takharim in the Idlib countryside, where a resident was assaulted by a group of locals who beat him before he later died from his injuries. The attack reportedly stemmed from accusations that he had collaborated with the former regime. Videos circulating on social media documented the assault.
A similar incident occurred in the town of Kafr Oweid, also in Idlib province, where a young man was attacked by several individuals and sustained severe injuries amid comparable allegations of collaboration with the former regime, highlighting the apparent absence of effective law enforcement institutions.
Some protesters accused the authorities of failing to hold perpetrators accountable, arguing that individuals allegedly responsible for past abuses continue to move freely without facing clear legal proceedings.
In response, the Syrian Ministry of Interior stated that it is closely monitoring developments in parts of Idlib Governorate and stressed that achieving justice and prosecuting those responsible for crimes and violations are responsibilities entrusted to the competent state institutions in accordance with legal procedures.
The ministry added that it understands the anger generated by crimes committed against Syrians, while emphasizing that security agencies continue to pursue wanted individuals across various governorates. It also urged citizens to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could threaten security and stability or hinder the course of justice.
In the Idlib countryside, local sources also reported security tensions in Kafr Takharim, including raids on homes based on allegations of links to the former regime. The same sources mentioned casualties during the incidents, although no official confirmation has yet been issued.
In the Aleppo countryside, the city of Tall Rifaat witnessed demonstrations and popular movements targeting the homes of individuals whom protesters described as “remnants of the former regime,” following the expiration of a deadline reportedly granted to them to leave the city.
Syrian authorities deployed reinforcements from the military police and internal security forces to contain tensions and prevent further escalation. The towns of Ouroum al-Jawz and Salqin in the Idlib countryside also witnessed gatherings demanding accountability for those involved in violations before security forces intervened to restore order.
The Ministry of Interior renewed its call for citizens to submit any documented information or evidence regarding individuals involved in crimes or violations through official channels. It stressed that all cases would be handled in accordance with legal procedures to ensure accountability and justice for victims, while avoiding chaos or personal acts of revenge.
Security instability is not limited to demands for accountability or retaliation against figures associated with the former regime. Several Syrian provinces have also witnessed attacks targeting the military and security forces.
Local sources in Aleppo reported that several people were injured when an explosive device detonated inside a vehicle believed to belong to a senior official in the Syrian Ministry of Defense in the city of Al-Bab in northern Syria.
According to these sources, the explosion occurred in a vehicle thought to be linked to a Ministry of Defense commander near Al-Nasr Mosque (the Small Mosque), close to the Central Roundabout in the center of Al-Bab, in northern rural Aleppo.
The incident resulted in two injuries and significant material damage. The blast was heard across the city, while ambulances rushed to the scene to transport the wounded to hospitals for treatment. Security forces established a security perimeter around the area and launched preliminary investigations to determine the cause of the explosion.
Initial reports suggested alternative explanations, including the presence of a hand grenade inside the vehicle or a fuel tank explosion during electrical welding work. However, local sources later considered the explosive-device hypothesis the most likely.
No official statement has yet been issued clarifying the circumstances of the incident or confirming the final cause of the explosion, while investigations remain ongoing.
The security situation remains extremely fragile in several parts of Syria, particularly in the rural areas of Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and the Damascus countryside. These regions continue to experience periodic explosions as well as tribal and local clashes, requiring repeated intervention by security forces to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
