HTS “Al-Zubair Group” Raids Sunni-Majority Town in Homs Countryside, Assaults Civilians

Homs | Al-Rayan Town – April 23

🟡A unit known as the “Zubair Group,” affiliated with the HTS-led General Security, stormed the town of Al-Rayan in southeastern rural on April 23. During the raid, clashes reportedly broke out between the group and local residents, with numerous civilians subjected to severe beatings. Multiple injuries were reported, and witnesses say anyone attempting to leave their home was assaulted.

🟡Reports also indicate that the group stole several motorcycles during the operation.

🚫It’s important to note that Al-Rayan is a Sunni-majority town. This isn’t mentioned to justify HTS’s actions, but rather to highlight a broader reality: in post-Assad Syria, the only civilians still openly bearing arms tend to be from the Sunni community. Confirmed reports suggest that has distributed weapons to Sunni residents in several regions, particularly those from the Sunni minority in Western Syria, following the regime’s collapse.