SYRIA: Instability and misconduct persist under Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s rule in Hmoth (Homs)

HMOTH, Syria — Nearly two months into Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) governance in Syria, widespread instability and reports of misconduct by its forces continue to plague several cities, particularly Hmoth (Homs). While HTS attributes these incidents to individual actions and claims to take corrective measures, the behavior remains pervasive.

Hmoth Under Strain

Hmoth, known for its diverse religious and ethnic composition, has become a hotspot for armed displays under HTS control. The city’s streets are increasingly dominated by checkpoints, disrupting the daily lives of residents and travelers.

Sources describe a heavy concentration of checkpoints at the city’s entrances to Syriac Press, where the conduct of stationed personnel has sparked widespread criticism.

Eyewitnesses reported troubling incidents at these checkpoints, where HTS personnel often focus solely on women in passing vehicles, ignoring the men accompanying them. At one location, a soldier’s role appears limited to questioning women about their relationship to the men in the vehicle.

Observers note that checkpoint personnel in Hmoth often display a lack of professionalism, with some lacking basic literacy skills or understanding of the region’s complex social dynamics.

Religious Slogans Fuel Polarization

Since HTS assumed control in early December, the roads connecting Hmoth to other cities have seen an increase in signs displaying overtly religious slogans. This development has intensified tensions and alienated parts of the local population.

HTS leadership initially pledged a participatory government that would respect the rights of all communities in Syria. However, the actions of its personnel in Hmoth paint a starkly different picture.

Residents express growing frustration with the gap between HTS rhetoric and their lived experiences, questioning the sincerity of the group’s commitment to inclusivity and stability.

As HTS governance enters its third month, the challenges in Homs serve as a microcosm of broader issues, underscoring the difficulties of achieving lasting peace and security under its rule.