11 killed, injured in Hama countryside amid security deployment; escalating violence

Villages and towns in the western Hama countryside, including Hawarat Amurin, Nahr al-Bared, Ain al-Ward, al-Ramilah, Ain al-Krum, Saqiyat Najm, and Ain Warida, witnessed an intense security deployment over the past few hours. This deployment included the movement of military vehicles and the installation of temporary checkpoints by transitional government forces, along with searches and arrests of civilians.

Civil sources confirmed to SOHR that a military convoy affiliated with the government's Ministry of Defense, including approximately 100 four-wheel-drive vehicles, entered the villages of Ain al-Ward and al-Ramilah.

It reported that the convoy members carried out acts of terrorizing the residents, including random gunfire, verbal abuse, assaults, and humiliation, accompanied by the arrest of a number of residents.

In parallel, the village of Hawarat Amurin the scene of a sexual assault on a young woman, Rawan, a few days ago – was subjected to arson and looting attacks targeting several shops, carried out by gunmen from neighboring villages. At least 11 people were reported killed and injured.

ANHA