By Omar Abdurrahman
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Since the fall of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, 2024, the proliferation of armed groups in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, has become a growing source of anxiety for residents. Citizens are urging the Military Operations Command led by Ahmad al-Sharaa to address the situation and restore stability to the region.
Ahmad al-Ali, 37, a resident of al-Mayadin, a city in the east of Deir ez-Zor, describes living in constant fear due to the widespread presence of armed groups. “Our daily lives are overshadowed by anxiety,” he told North Press. “At times, it feels as though normal life has ended.”
Al-Ali expressed concerns about the impact of the unrest on families, many of whom have been forced to flee due to recurring conflicts. He, along with many others, calls on military authorities to establish a robust security presence, including fixed checkpoints and security centers to deter armed groups. “A strong security force is essential for restoring order. We cannot continue living like this,” he added.
Celebration cut short
Hussein Khaled, 40, from the city of Deir ez-Zor, recalls feeling a brief sense of liberation after years under Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, this joy quickly dissipated as unidentified groups began sowing chaos.
Living in the al-Joura neighborhood with his wife and four children, Khaled recounts the rise in violence following the seizure of weapons by groups previously allied with the regime, such as the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Lions of the East. “Looting and theft have reached alarming levels, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Khaled describes the fear instilled by the unchecked presence of armed individuals, noting, “Shops and homes in our neighborhood have been targeted, and nightly gunfire terrifies my children.”
He hopes for a return to normalcy, urging the new authority in Damascus to respond to residents’ pleas by arresting these groups. “Deir ez-Zor deserves to regain its status as a safe city where families can live in peace.”
Calls for security, reform
Samer al-Saleh, a 48-year-old human rights activist from Deir ez-Zor, describes the ongoing violence and proliferation of weapons as crimes against society. “The residents’ calls for tighter security reflect legitimate concerns about personal safety,” he told North Press.
Al-Saleh emphasizes the need for systemic security reforms, including training forces to respect human rights and fostering trust between the community and security forces. He proposed implementing monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability for any violations.
Authorities respond
A senior official from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Deir ez-Zor, speaking anonymously, confirmed that they have received numerous complaints about armed groups engaging in intimidation and theft.
“Periods of unrest are expected in the aftermath of conflict, but they are temporary,” the official stated. He revealed plans to enhance security by increasing patrols and deploying forces to villages and towns, extending to the Iraqi border.
Additionally, reconciliation centers have been established to reduce unrest and armed presence, a move aimed at achieving long-term stability. “We are committed to restoring peace and addressing the concerns of the population,” the official concluded.