Clashes Erupt in Post-Assad Syria as HTS Consolidates Power

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Clashes Erupt in Post-Assad Syria as HTS Consolidates Power \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Clashes in post-Assad Syria left six Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters dead as they attempted to arrest a former Assad government official accused of human rights abuses. Protests from the Alawite community erupted, driven by sectarian tensions and calls for the release of detained former soldiers. Despite efforts to restore normalcy, sectarian violence, revenge killings, and deep divisions mar Syria’s fragile transition after 14 years of devastating civil war.

Post-Assad Syria: Quick Looks

Clashes: HTS fighters died attempting to detain an ex-official accused of executions under Assad’s regime.
Protests: Alawite demonstrations erupted across Syria, demanding the release of detained former soldiers.
Sectarian Tensions: Revenge killings and shrine desecration inflame divisions between Alawite and Sunni communities.
Transition Period: HTS-led interim authorities face challenges in maintaining order and rebuilding war-torn regions.
Return Home: Displaced Syrians begin returning to their homes, finding widespread devastation.
Drug Raids: New authorities confiscated and destroyed drugs used by Assad’s forces, including Captagon pills.

Deep Look

The fall of Bashar Assad’s regime has triggered a tense and uncertain transition in Syria, with clashes and protests highlighting the complexities of a nation scarred by 14 years of civil war. On Wednesday, six fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—the Islamist group that led the offensive toppling Assad—were killed in a confrontation while attempting to arrest a former government official accused of human rights abuses. The deaths are the latest in a series of incidents underscoring the challenges of navigating a fragile peace in a deeply divided country.

HTS Faces Resistance and Sectarian Unrest

HTS fighters targeted the ex-official, accusing him of issuing execution orders against thousands of prisoners during Assad’s rule. The clash highlights lingering resentment over the actions of Assad’s government, particularly among those victimized by his policies.

In the wake of Assad’s ouster, protests erupted across the country, predominantly from the Alawite community, the Shiite offshoot sect to which Assad belongs. Demonstrations occurred in Damascus, the coastal regions, and the Homs and Hama countrysides, with protesters calling for the release of former Syrian soldiers detained by HTS. The unrest turned deadly in Homs, where HTS forces killed one protester and injured five others while enforcing crowd control.

Adding fuel to the fire, a viral video purportedly showing the burning of an Alawite shrine sparked outrage. HTS dismissed the video as outdated, but its circulation reignited fears of sectarian violence. In response to the protests, HTS imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. to quell unrest.

Sectarian Violence and Revenge Killings

While fears of widespread violence have not materialized, revenge killings targeting the Alawite community have been reported. Activists and monitors estimate dozens have died in retaliatory attacks since Assad fled the country. These acts of vengeance underscore the persistent sectarian divisions that continue to threaten Syria’s stability.

The civil war left an estimated half a million people dead, displaced millions, and turned vibrant cities into ruins. Though the fighting has subsided, the social and economic scars remain, complicating efforts to rebuild and reconcile.

A Nation Begins to Rebuild Amid Devastation

Amid the turmoil, some displaced Syrians have begun returning home to rebuild their lives. In the northwestern Idlib region, residents worked to repair damaged homes and businesses. Shops reopened, windows were repaired, and people sought a semblance of normalcy. However, the destruction is overwhelming.

Hajjah Zakia Daemessaid, a 62-year-old woman who returned to her home in the Idlib countryside, described the heartache of discovering her life’s work reduced to rubble. “My husband and I spent 43 years of hard work saving money to build our home, only to find that all of it has gone to waste,” she said.

In the capital, Damascus, a mix of rebuilding and law enforcement marked the transition. Authorities raided warehouses suspected of storing drugs used by Assad’s forces, confiscating large quantities of Captagon pills and cannabis. The interim government publicly destroyed the seized substances, signaling a crackdown on illicit activities associated with the former regime.

Challenges of a Pluralistic Vision

HTS, rooted in fundamentalist Islamist ideology, has pledged to create a pluralistic system in post-Assad Syria. However, skepticism abounds regarding their willingness or ability to share power. Their history as a militant group and the use of force against protests suggest authoritarian tendencies that could undermine the fragile transition.

Led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, HTS has attempted to distance itself from its past ties to al-Qaida. However, the group’s rule over Idlib and its handling of dissent raises questions about its commitment to inclusivity and democratic governance.

The Road Ahead for Syria

Syria faces enormous challenges as it transitions away from Assad’s authoritarian rule. The sectarian tensions, revenge killings, and protests are stark reminders of the divisions that persist. Rebuilding trust among communities, addressing grievances, and fostering reconciliation will be critical for lasting peace.

Additionally, the reconstruction of Syria’s devastated infrastructure will require significant resources and international cooperation. The return of displaced Syrians offers hope, but the sheer scale of destruction presents an uphill battle.

The HTS-led interim government must navigate these challenges carefully. Their ability to balance maintaining security with promoting inclusivity will determine whether Syria’s fragile peace holds or gives way to renewed violence.