The recent upheaval in Syria has left citizens vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for better protection as kidnappings surge in the absence of a strong security presence.
**Syria Faces Rising Kidnappings Amid Security Vacuum Following Regime Change**
**Syria Faces Rising Kidnappings Amid Security Vacuum Following Regime Change**
In the aftermath of the regime's collapse, Syrians grapple with public safety concerns over rampant abductions on unpatrolled streets.
The first ransom notification arrived on Sami al-Izoo’s phone shortly after a traumatic incident where he witnessed his brother being forcibly taken by a group of masked men in Talbiseh, a suburb of Homs. The demand? An outrageous $400,000. His brother, Abdulrazaq al-Izoo, 60, is now living a nightmare—seeing himself in videos bound and blindfolded, being threatened with violence.
The situation reflects a troubling trend across Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. With the new government swiftly dismissing police and security forces, a dangerous void has emerged, escalating fears among residents about personal safety, especially after dusk.
Despite the oppressive nature of the former regime's security forces, many are voicing concerns over the current lack of law enforcement, which seems to have emboldened criminals. The newly established government has attempted to fill the gap by appointing new officials and training officers, but this has been insufficient to cover the entire country.
Sami's efforts to amass the ransom illustrate the dire economic conditions many face. He has resorted to selling cars and even considering selling family land in a bid to secure the money, yet he knows it may still fall short. "If I sell everything I have, I won’t reach that amount,” he expressed with despair.
The unsettling spike in kidnappings has left a deep mark on the psyche of ordinary Syrians, compelling them to demand a proactive approach towards law enforcement and public security in hopes of reclaiming a semblance of safety in their communities.
The situation reflects a troubling trend across Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. With the new government swiftly dismissing police and security forces, a dangerous void has emerged, escalating fears among residents about personal safety, especially after dusk.
Despite the oppressive nature of the former regime's security forces, many are voicing concerns over the current lack of law enforcement, which seems to have emboldened criminals. The newly established government has attempted to fill the gap by appointing new officials and training officers, but this has been insufficient to cover the entire country.
Sami's efforts to amass the ransom illustrate the dire economic conditions many face. He has resorted to selling cars and even considering selling family land in a bid to secure the money, yet he knows it may still fall short. "If I sell everything I have, I won’t reach that amount,” he expressed with despair.
The unsettling spike in kidnappings has left a deep mark on the psyche of ordinary Syrians, compelling them to demand a proactive approach towards law enforcement and public security in hopes of reclaiming a semblance of safety in their communities.
