JABLEH, Syria – May 11, 2025

A new massacre struck the rural outskirts of the coastal city of Jableh yesterday, when armed militants affiliated with a group known as “Qurfays 400 Brigade” attacked the area surrounding the village of Zama. At least four people were confirmed killed, including a 14-year-old child. Local sources suggest the death toll may rise to nine.

Two decapitated bodies were later discovered near the abandoned 107th Brigade military base, which had been previously evacuated in March after armed clashes.

Eyewitnesses and local field sources told the Free Press Network that the assailants belong to a unit composed largely of foreign fighters from Uzbekistan and Turkistan. The faction has been using the deserted 107th Brigade as a base of operations in recent months.

Security patrols from the General Security Directorate in Jableh arrived on-site after the massacre and announced the opening of an official investigation. The attack has triggered a wave of anger among the local population, with growing calls for justice and the removal of all armed factions from civilian areas.

Despite assurances by the armed authorities that the 107th Brigade had been fully vacated and posed no security risk, yesterday’s killings suggest the area remains under de facto control of foreign-led militias. No presence of “remnants of the former regime” has been reported in or around the site, contradicting official narratives.

This incident has further deepened fears among minority communities in Syria’s coastal provinces, who have repeatedly raised alarms about being targeted in areas where jihadist factions operate with impunity.