Syrian Forces Evacuate Alawite Suburb

In late August, Syrian security forces conducted raids in the al-Somaria suburb of Damascus, targeting homes of families linked to former soldiers in Bashar al-Assad’s army, marking properties with “X”s and “O”s to indicate eviction status. The operation, which left the area nearly deserted due to fear of violence against Alawites, drew criticism for its brutal tactics and lack of government authorization.