Armed masked gunmen raid villages in Tartus countryside

Villages in the Akkar Plain are witnessing escalating insecurity following a series of attacks carried out by masked gunmen in recent days, causing widespread fear among local residents.

Local sources told the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that unidentified armed groups, using motorcycles and unregistered cars, raided several villages including Samka, Dakika, Ziyada, Al-Mantar, and Al-Safsafa. The gunmen fired indiscriminately at homes, physically assaulted some residents, and stole their property.

According to the Observatory, no official security intervention has been reported so far, leaving residents anxious about potential renewed attacks.

This surge in violence comes just days after another incident in Tartus countryside. On 21 October, the Syrian Observatory documented an attack on the shrine of Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sanouri in Al-Mawrid village, Baniyas subdistrict, involving hand grenades that caused the shrine to burn and be nearly completely destroyed.

The incident drew widespread condemnation among members of the Alawite community, with suspicions pointing to armed groups believed to be from outside the area. Some residents described the attack as a provocative act with sectarian overtones.

a.k

ANHA