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Syrian Coast... New Security Promises in Qardaha and Doubts About Their Implementation?
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Continued security tensions in the Syrian coast reflect the fragility of measures taken and raise challenges about the temporary authorities' ability to achieve real stability
Sources in the "Civil Peace Committee" revealed to Syria TV details of an expanded meeting held in the city of Qardaha, bringing together local community figures and security officials, headed by the region's security director Sajid Al-Deek, to discuss security conditions in the area.
According to the sources, the meeting came as a culmination of local initiatives aimed at containing the repercussions of recent events, amid pledges from security agencies to take "actual measures" to ensure stability. The discussions also included promises to apply successful security experiences to the rest of the Syrian coastal areas.
During the meeting, a series of measures were agreed upon, including accelerating investigation processes and releasing detainees within a specific timeframe, not targeting those with settlement cards, committing to not carrying out any arrests except with official warrants, returning occupied houses to their owners, improving the behavior of security checkpoints toward civilians, and designating official numbers to receive complaints.
The deliberations also addressed the issue of displaced persons, with appeals to residents who were forced to leave their homes to return immediately, amid reassurances that there are no obstacles preventing this. The sources confirmed that security instructions emphasized the necessity of dealing "fraternally" with Qardaha residents and providing assistance to them when needed.
The committee indicated that it was able to implement a similar experience in Damascus and seeks to expand its scope toward Jableh and rural Tartus. It also pledged to soon announce a list of volunteers and names of communication officials in security, rights, and detainee affairs.
Despite these statements, numerous questions remain about the extent of security agencies' commitment to implementing these promises, especially in light of the continued repressive practices witnessed in the Syrian coastal areas.
This meeting comes after violent clashes erupted in Latakia and Tartus between security forces and local armed groups, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries according to human rights sources.
In the same context, the formation of a national investigation committee was announced by decision of the interim transitional Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, consisting of judges, security officers, and human rights lawyers, with the aim of uncovering the circumstances of the events and holding accountable those involved in violations against civilians and public institutions.
