Syria’s Afrin residents urge caretaker government to restore security
AFRIN, Syria (North Press) – Local residents in the city of Afrin, northwestern Syria, told North Press on Saturday that they are urging the caretaker government in Damascus to restore security and establish police stations.
These calls come amid growing chaos and a surge in nighttime thefts, coinciding with discussions about dissolving armed factions and removing their headquarters from Afrin.
Activists in Afrin reported on social media that talks are underway to reintegrate Afrin into Aleppo Governorate and merge Turkish-backed Military and Civic police forces with Aleppo’s police.
Additionally, all faction-run economic offices, which are widespread in the region, are expected to be dismantled, while military barracks will be gradually withdrawn from Afrin throughout February.
However, neither the new Syrian administration nor the Turkish-backed armed factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA) have commented on these reports.
Residents describe a deteriorating security situation, particularly at night, with frequent thefts and robberies fueling concerns of renewed purges in many villages and suburbs of Afrin.
They are calling for the establishment of local-led police forces to curb the unrest, alongside stricter control over weapons and an end to ongoing military disorder.