Crackdown on Residents of Al-Sumaria Neighborhood Amid Fears of Organized Displacement
Local sources from the Al-Sumaria neighborhood in Damascus have reported a series of unofficial measures and restrictions imposed on residents. These developments come amid accusations of coordination between the neighborhood’s security official and an individual known as “Abu Hudhayfah,” sparking fears that these actions may be part of an organized plan to displace Alawite families.
Controversial New Measures
The measures include a home census to be carried out within 48 hours, despite the absence of many residents from their homes. This has raised concerns that their absence may be exploited to resettle others in these homes in exchange for financial compensation.
Movement Restrictions and Humanitarian Suffering
Restrictions on entering and exiting the neighborhood have also been enforced. Residents are now barred from using the main project gate and are only allowed to enter through the garage gate. This has caused severe overcrowding and long hours of waiting at the checkpoint under the pretext of inspections, with no regard for humanitarian cases such as women, children, and the elderly.
Tenants Barred, Strangers Allowed
Additionally, tenants have been prohibited from returning to their homes with their belongings under the pretext that they are not the original property owners. Meanwhile, strangers have been allowed to enter the neighborhood without identity checks or justification for their presence, leading to an increase in thefts from vacant homes.
Private Office for “Abu Hudhayfah”
Sources indicate that “Abu Hudhayfah” has been granted a private office for himself and his personnel within one of the neighborhood’s buildings, despite previous orders by the authorities banning his presence in Al-Sumaria.
This situation reflects a continuing policy of pressure against the residents of the neighborhood, fueling growing fears that it may be a prelude to a large-scale displacement targeting the people of Al-Sumaria.
