The Secretary-General of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Haytham Rahmeh, warned about the Assad regime’s facilitation of Iranian and Lebanese militias in taking over the homes of displaced Syrians in Damascus, Homs, and Deir Ezzor, following the militias’ recent relocation efforts due to fear of Israeli strikes.
In a statement on Wednesday, Rahmeh said: “The Assad regime continues to seize the properties of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, whom it forcibly displaced through massacres and a war that has lasted for more than 13 years. Recently, the situation has become even more alarming as new homes and properties are being appropriated for the benefit of foreign militias.”
He added: “The actions of the regime, along with Iran and Hezbollah militias, represent a serious new violation against Syrians and advance a dangerous plan for demographic change. We urge the intervention of sisterly Arab nations and the international community to stop these schemes.”
Rahmeh emphasized that the return of Syrian refugees and the creation of a safe environment for them is the only way to safeguard their rights. This must be achieved through a political transition in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2254 and 2118, which would also help resolve the crises caused by the Assad regime.
He further noted that since Iran’s intervention in support of Assad, it has sought to alter Syria’s cultural identity and spread sectarianism that tears apart the Syrian social fabric. Iran remains the main backer of foreign militias that support the regime in its atrocities against the Syrian people.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)