Syria's New Leaders Pursue Ousted Regime Members Amid Rising Unrest

As the new rulers of Syria hunt for a senior official loyal to the former Assad regime, unrest continues to challenge their authority.

In a significant move to address accountability for past atrocities, the new Syrian government has intensified its search for Mohammed Kanjou al-Hassan, a senior official under the ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Al-Hassan, who was in charge of military justice, faces accusations of committing systematic abuses against civilians during his tenure. This operation unfolded on Thursday, illustrating the ongoing tensions as government forces confront remnants of the former regime amidst rising public dissent.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that an attempt to arrest al-Hassan led to violent clashes in Tartus—a key Alawite stronghold affiliated with the old regime—resulting in the deaths of 14 government security personnel. This violent pursuit signals that the new administration is keen on holding accountable former regime members amid increasing calls for justice from Syrian citizens.

In response to the escalating strife, security forces have been deployed in al-Hassan's home area, with the state-run news agency, Sana, stating their objective to eliminate lingering Assad loyalists while restoring order and security for civilians. Al-Hassan has previously been implicated in heinous acts at Syria's notorious Sednaya prison, further justifying the government's interest in apprehending him.

The broader context of unrest has seen protests erupt in cities like Latakia and Homs, particularly among the Alawite community, spurred in part by the desecration of a local shrine. In light of these developments, interim officials have opted to prohibit any content that may exacerbate sectarian divisions within the country. Despite reassurances from rebel leaders about the safety of minority communities, apprehension remains high among Alawites, Christians, and Kurds regarding their futures in a post-Assad Syria.