Former Syrian regime forces disarm under interim government

DAMASCUS, Syria (AA) – Following the collapse of the Assad regime, soldiers and security personnel are surrendering their weapons and registering at reconciliation centers established by the new interim government.

In the wake of the regime’s collapse on December 8, a former military conscription office in Mezze in the capital Damascus now functions as one such center.

Outside the center’s iron gate, long lines of people wait to register and surrender their weapons, also stepping on a poster with the image of deposed ruler Bashar Assad’s image before entering the building.

Inside, representatives of the new Syrian administration record personal information, residential details, and the positions held during the Assad regime. Photos are taken as individuals leave, and temporary ID cards valid for three months are issued, enabling safe travel across the country.

– Around 1,200 daily registrations in Damascus –

Col. Walid Abudrabo, who oversees the interim government’s identification centers, explained that the facilities allow military and police personnel to surrender their government-issued weapons and equipment.

“They hand over their weapons and are issued temporary cards valid for three months, which function as identification during that period,” said Abudrabo.

He added that each center in Damascus processes around 1,200-1,500 applications daily.

“Personnel who did not commit crimes such as murder or theft can return to their jobs and normal lives over time. These individuals are still citizens of Syria, misled by the regime. Some used their weapons against civilians, as the regime gave them unchecked power, far removed from the rule of law and accountability.”

Abudrabo urged the remaining armed members of the regime to surrender their weapons, saying: “We aim to turn a new page and rebuild a new Syria. I urge them to visit the reconciliation centers and surrender their weapons. Keeping arms only serves criminal or anti-government purposes, which will not be tolerated.”