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Widespread Discontent... Security Escalation in Al-Zuhriyah Housing in Damascus
The Syrian Human Rights Observatory, citing reliable sources, reports that the Al-Zuhriyah Housing Area in Damascus is currently experiencing widespread popular discontent due to residents' rejection of their demands submitted to local authorities and the Ministry of Interior. These demands concern recent security developments accompanied by intimidation, pressure, and forced displacements.
Information indicates that an armed group loyal to the Syrian army appointed a leader named "Abu Anas" to oversee security checkpoints in the area. This individual is the same who led an attack on the housing area on October 26, escalating fears among residents of further violations.
Regarding checkpoint management, it was previously under the supervision of someone known for good relations with residents, before being replaced by "Abu Anas," who issued direct threats saying: "Next time, you won’t even be able to take your clothes... Soon, you will see what I mean."
Residents fear an escalation of security measures or a renewal of violations, particularly with the appointment of a figure notorious for harshness toward civilians. These threats are seen as clear warnings of further displacement or tightened restrictions.
On October 26, the area was stormed by a pro-Syrian army armed faction composed of three pickup trucks carrying a large number of armed personnel, led by "Abu Anas" and "Abu Huthaifa," the security officer, with unofficial support from "Abu Al-Nour." This was the second such operation in October.
Testimonies documented by the Observatory reveal that the armed groups raided homes in a brutal manner, interrogating residents about their sectarian affiliations, and began storming houses while insulting inhabitants with sectarian language. The operation spread a wave of terror among children. During the raids, the soldiers filmed the process—an act considered a violation of family privacy, child rights, and human dignity.
The armed men also broke down the doors of closed homes, searched them, and gave residents a short deadline, not exceeding the following morning, to evacuate the houses—a step considered impossible for many. When residents objected, the fighters responded that "the decision is final," and that "the only authorized party to take actions is the armed authority," threatening to use force if intervention occurred.
Additionally, seven mobile phones—most of which belonged to women—were confiscated, and owners were forced to unlock their secret codes, with none recovered yet. Some young men were beaten with rifle butts and transported to hospitals for treatment.
These operations are part of repeated attempts to forcibly displace residents, amid the absence of genuine intervention by official authorities to protect the population or stop these violations.
