Exciting New Video: Transitioning from Fighters to Policemen in Post-Assad Damascus
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From Rebels to Law Enforcers in a Changing Damascus
Witness the transformation of former insurgents into administrators as they strive to maintain peace and order in the bustling streets of the Syrian capital.
Once engaged in fierce battles against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, these men now stand guard at checkpoints throughout Damascus. Former members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (H.T.S.), an Islamist group with roots tied to Al Qaeda, successfully overthrew Assad’s government. With security being a top priority post-civil war, H.T.S. has appointed individuals like Basel al-Helal, a former rebel leader, to oversee law enforcement efforts in Damascus. These ex-fighters now manage traffic flow and work towards returning stolen property following the recent regime change. Their duties also include conducting raids to capture criminals such as drug dealers, thieves, and corrupt officials from the previous administration.
Before their victory over Assad’s rule, H.T.S. governed a smaller region where reports of human rights violations surfaced including unjust imprisonments of dissenters. This history raises concerns about their governance as they expand control over a larger and more diverse territory within Syria. Despite apprehensions from some quarters about their leadership capabilities, these H.T.S. fighters remain confident in their ability to govern effectively.
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2024-12-25 05:01:08
Article sourced from www.nytimes.com