Former Syrian Regime Forces Surrender Weapons to HTS-Led Government in Latakia Amid Amnesty Offers and Coastal Security Operations

Dec 21, 2024, 01:45 PM

In a significant development following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, former Syrian regime security forces have begun surrendering their weapons to the new rebel-linked transitional government in the southern city of Latakia. Video footage captured by Agence France-Presse shows long lines of men in civilian attire handing over their firearms to officials from the new Syrian government's Ministry of Interior. The new leadership, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is working to transfer power peacefully and gain international legitimacy. Mohammad Al-Bashir, appointed as the caretaker prime minister, has announced that his government will oversee the transition to a new government over the next three months. Additionally, hundreds of former Syrian soldiers are reporting to the new rulers to answer questions about potential involvement in crimes against civilians, in exchange for promised amnesty. Upon surrendering their weapons, former regime forces receive a temporary card allowing them to circulate in 'liberated' areas while their legal proceedings are completed. The new authorities are also conducting security operations in the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus to track down and arrest former regime members, amid concerns of mobilization and threats in these areas. HTS leader Jolani has called for the lifting of international sanctions, stating they were targeted at the old regime. This comes as the UN special envoy Geir Otto Pedersen expressed hope for a quick end to sanctions to aid in rebuilding Syria. Over 306,000 civilians were killed during the conflict, according to UN Human Rights estimates.