In a significant shift following the fall of the Assad regime, more than 600 former military personnel and police officers attended a reconciliation center in Latakia, hoping for amnesty from the new ruling coalition.
Syrian Soldiers Seek Amnesty in Latakia Amid Regime Change
Syrian Soldiers Seek Amnesty in Latakia Amid Regime Change
Over 600 former soldiers and police officers arrive at a reconciliation center to relinquish ties to the ousted Assad regime.
In an unprecedented move, hundreds of former soldiers and police officers from Bashar al-Assad's regime gathered at a reconciliation center in Latakia on Sunday, signaling their willingness to disassociate from the ousted leadership. Reports indicate that over 600 individuals came forward, illustrating the desire of former security forces to seek amnesty as the new rulers of Syria forge a new path for the nation.
Attendees received temporary identification cards and participated in photo sessions while recounting their service and experiences under Assad’s administration. Many opted to hand over their weapons, a significant gesture towards reconciliation.
The rebel coalition that now governs Syria has assured participants that while it will pursue higher-ranking officials complicit in the regime's crimes, it will show leniency towards the rank-and-file soldiers who were conscripted. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of these soldiers remains palpable, as the process to determine their fates will take time.
In concurrently related developments, a historic flight from Damascus has successfully landed in Aleppo, marking the first domestic air travel since the regime’s downfall. Meanwhile, tensions between Kurdish and Turkish-supported fighters continue, risking a fragile ceasefire in northern Syria as battles persist.
