HTS arrests 28 Ariha residents over anti-group graffiti
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Since dawn on Sunday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has launched a raid and arrest campaign against residents of the city of Ariha, south of Idlib, due to graffiti and leaflets opposing the extremist group and its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani.
A security source told North Press, “The campaign was carried out under the supervision of Abu Maria al-Qahtani, the head of HTS’ General Security Apparatus, and targeted 28 people, including five female students at the University of Idlib [affiliated with HTS’ Salvation Government] on charges of striking internal security and undermining the group’s prestige.”
The source added that “the detainees were beaten and humiliated in front of their families during their arrest from their homes and at checkpoints set up within the city. They were later transferred to an investigation center in Idlib city.”
On Saturday, residents of Ariha expressed their discontent with the group through graffiti and leaflets, citing arbitrary arrests, a security crackdown, and the worsening economic situation due to the devaluation of the Turkish lira.