Syrian security launches crackdown on former regime loyalists in Deir ez-Zor
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – General Security forces of the Syrian Transitional Government announced on Sunday the launch of a large-scale security campaign targeting remnants of the former Syrian regime and Iran-backed militias in the southeastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria.
According to a statement broadcast by Syria’s state-run al-Ikhbariya TV, the Internal Security Forces, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, began the operation in the city of Abu Kamal, aiming specifically at elements of the former regime and fighters affiliated with Iran-backed Brigade 47.
This announcement follows recent developments on July 2, when the General Security Directorate of the Syrian Transitional Government reported the arrest of several wanted individuals associated with the former regime, including a senior officer from the Air Force Intelligence branch in Deir ez-Zor.
On June 16, Internal Security in Deir ez-Zor declared the start of a governorate-wide campaign aimed at dismantling the influence of former regime loyalists and affiliated armed groups.
Since the fall of the previous Syrian regime, security forces under the Syrian Transitional Government have routinely launched operations which they say are intended to dismantle lingering networks tied to the Assad government and Iranian militias, citing security threats and instability in liberated regions.