Public concern in the Homs countryside after a group carrying ISIS flags roams the area

The western countryside of Homs witnessed a state of tension yesterday evening, following the movement of a group consisting of around 13 motorcycles raising flags suspected to belong to ISIS, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

According to the Observatory, the group moved around the villages of Anaz and Al-Hawash, and stopped near the Mar Elias Church in Al-Hawash, where Christmas preparations were underway, chanting slogans and phrases that caused fear among residents.

The sources added that locals expressed concern about the nature of the movement and the way the group appeared, at a time when attempts have been recorded since this morning to mobilize residents of nearby villages to participate in marches in support of the transitional government, despite most residents’ refusal and some being pressured to join.

So far, no party has claimed responsibility for the group’s movements, and neither the transitional government nor security authorities have issued an official comment regarding the incident.