Demolition of homes in Al-Mazraa suburb of Homs sparks dispute between government, residents

The demolition of homes in the town of Al-Mazraa, in the countryside of Homs, continued for a second consecutive day, as authorities said the operation is part of an urban expansion plan and a campaign to remove unauthorized structures. Residents, however, responded with protests, rejecting the government's claims and disputing the official justification for the demolitions.

30 June, 2026 14:41

NEWS DESK

Public Security patrols under the Ministry of Interior continued operations in the suburb of Al-Mazraa, in the Homs countryside, for a second consecutive day, accompanied by bulldozers and machineries that began demolishing a number of homes, including properties registered in the official land registry, according to local sources.

In a statement published on its official platforms on Tuesday, the Homs City Council, which operates under the Interim Government, said the demolition and clearance works are part of a plan for "organized urban expansion" in Al-Mazraa, located at the western entrance to the city.

The council added that the measures are being implemented in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 44 of 1960 on the removal of building violations and encroachments, with the aim of protecting the general regulatory plan and ensuring structural safety.

Local residents, however, rejected the council's assertion that Al-Mazraa is classified as an informal settlement, telling ANHA correspondent that the town is covered by the latest approved urban zoning survey conducted in 2008. They added that a number of the demolished homes are officially registered in the land registry.

Residents of the suburb continue to protest in front of the bulldozers and machineries, which, with the backing of Public Security forces, have proceeded with the demolition and removal of a number of homes