Amid escalating lawlessness and revenge killings in Syria’s Daraa province, the Internal Security Forces leadership has dismissed at least 200 personnel for committing “behavioral violations and transgressions inconsistent with the institution’s values and principles.”
In an official statement, authorities announced the launch of a comprehensive reform plan aimed at training staff and improving professionalism, pledging zero tolerance for misconduct that damages the security agency’s reputation or exceeds legal authority.
These measures follow growing unrest in Daraa and Suwayda, sparked by clashes at a checkpoint in Al-Masmiyah, north of Daraa, along the Damascus–Suwayda highway. Checkpoint personnel were accused of abuse, extortion, and arbitrary fees imposed on passing vehicles.
According to residents, many of the checkpoint guards are former members of the Eighth Brigade - once overseen by Russia and Military Intelligence - and have continued practices reminiscent of the old regime, including intimidation and extortion. After the government’s collapse, they were incorporated into the new security forces through tribal and family connections to avoid accountability for past crimes.
Locals say these abuses are often driven by tribal and sectarian rivalries, further eroding trust in the security apparatus.
On Tuesday, reinforcements from Damascus attempted to take control of the Al-Masmiyah checkpoint but were met with armed resistance, prompting authorities to close the highway to protect civilians. In Al-Sanamayn, security forces deployed to six locations after a surge in killings.
One grieving mother recorded a video plea to Syrian President Ahmada al-Sharaa, demanding justice for her son, who was shot dead while praying. She revealed that two of his brothers and their father had also been killed.
The Violations Documentation Office of the Ahrar Houran Gathering reported 17 assassinations by unknown gunmen in Al-Sanamayn since the regime’s fall. Meanwhile, Daraa 24 Network documented 38 killings in June alone - double the toll in May - including 23 civilians, with violence ranging from shootings to disputes and accidents involving weapons misuse.
According to Ahrar Houran, many of the killings are carried out by armed groups exploiting tribal conflicts once fueled by the previous regime, alongside frequent kidnappings, robberies, and sporadic abuses by security personnel.
The Internal Security leadership pledged to continue reforms, enforce discipline, and improve training to restore public trust, emphasizing that professionalism and respect for the law remain top priorities in rebuilding the security institution.
