Latakia, Dec 21 (V7N) — Former members of the Syrian government’s security forces have begun surrendering their weapons to the interim government in the southern city of Latakia, according to a report by CNN.

Footage captured earlier this week shows long lines of men, dressed in white, waiting to hand over their firearms to officials from the new Interior Ministry under Syria’s interim leadership. The video also depicts informal interviews being conducted with the security personnel, alongside photographs being taken of their faces as part of the disarmament process.

Inside a government office, hundreds of handguns and rounds of ammunition were visible, piled in a corner, signifying the scale of the surrender.

The disarmament effort comes as Syria’s new leadership, dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, attempts to consolidate control, transition power peacefully, and seek international recognition. This process includes persuading members of Bashar al-Assad’s former regime to relinquish their arms voluntarily.

The move is being viewed as a significant step toward stabilising the region, which has been mired in conflict for over a decade. However, it also raises questions about the long-term plans for integrating or addressing former regime loyalists in the evolving political landscape.

International observers are closely monitoring the situation as Syria's interim government continues its efforts to gain legitimacy and steer the country toward a post-conflict future.

END/RH/AJ