Zeidal Crime: Syrian Authorities Reveal Latest Developments

The Homs Governorate announced on Monday the extension of the curfew in several neighborhoods to maintain stability and public safety, following the crime that occurred in the town of Zeidal on Sunday. According to the Governorate, 40 homes and shops and 29 cars were initially damaged in the subsequent events.

1. Security Measures and Initial Damages

• Curfew Extension: The curfew was extended in the tense neighborhoods to control the situation and prevent crowds from reaching areas of conflict.

• Initial Toll: The initial assessment of the damage includes 40 homes and commercial premises, in addition to 29 damaged cars.

• Investigation Update: The Governorate affirmed that the criminal investigation into the circumstances of the crime is ongoing, promising to announce the results immediately upon completion. Security reinforcements have been brought in to control the situation.

2. Details of the Tension in Homs

• The Original Crime: The tension followed the horrific murder of a man and his wife from the Bani Khalid tribe in Zeidal, where the wife's body was burned, and sectarian phrases were found at the scene.

• Retaliatory Attacks: The incident sparked widespread anger within the tribe, resulting in large retaliatory attacks carried out by armed men from the tribe against predominantly Alawite residential neighborhoods in Homs, involving arson, vandalism, and random shooting.

• Field Response: Syrian authorities deployed army units and Internal Security Forces, concentrating their presence in the Al-Basel suburb and Al-Muhajireen neighborhood, to contain the escalation and the state of fear among residents.