The predominantly Christian Wadi al-Nasara area in the western Homs countryside has become a safe haven for groups of shabiha and wanted individuals implicated in serious violations during the years of war in Syria.
Testimonies obtained by Zaman al-Wasl reveal that the area, which extends toward the Lebanese border, has become home to the families of several figures associated with prominent militias, most notably the Tiger Forces militia, led by Major General Suheil al-Hassan, and the National Defense militia. This raises concerns about a future security threat in one of the most peaceful areas in Syria.
According to a student source currently residing in Wadi al-Nasara, the area has witnessed the unannounced presence of members of families involved in military operations against civilians. These include relatives of a member of the "Duraid Awad" brigade, nicknamed "Nar al-Nimr," and a relative of an officer named Aksam Mahmoud Hussein, who held a senior position in the Second Assault Brigade, a formation of the Fifth Corps. This Russian-backed brigade played a prominent role in storming several opposition-held areas and perpetrated numerous massacres during its operations.
The source also indicates that the area was—or continues to be—a point of residence or transit for prominent figures in the National Defense Forces, such as Nabil al-Abdullah and Simon al-Wakil. These figures moved between several governorates after being subsequently cornered by the authorities themselves or by the local community following the revelation of their involvement in looting and field executions during the fighting.
Hiding Under the Sectarian Cloak
The source notes that entry to Wadi al-Nasara faces no notable security restrictions, especially for vehicles bearing Christian religious symbols, such as the cross, which is exploited by wanted individuals to hide or move freely. The valley's geographical location, connecting it to the western Hama countryside (Masyaf) to the north and to the border villages of Homs to the west, also makes it easy to access Lebanese territory by irregular means.
An Emerging Threat?
This infiltration of former security personnel or militias within the structure of the Christian community cannot be separated from a broader context, represented by the repositioning of some former shabiha and officers to areas with less security friction, as part of an attempt to evade accountability or prepare for future roles should the political or military landscape change.
According to observers, this presence may pose a threat to any future efforts to achieve transitional justice or national reconciliation efforts, especially in areas that have long been promoted as "safe" and "free from sectarian divisions."
Zaman al-Wasl refrains from naming witnesses for security reasons. It will continue to investigate the illegal presence and movements of these individuals, as part of its efforts to uncover systematic crimes and violations in Syria and pursue those involved wherever they may be.
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