On October 14, 2025, an abduction took place involving Mr. Yasser Wassouf, a member of the Alawite community, in front of Iyad Atiya School in the Al-Hamrat neighborhood of Tartous City, western Syria. The incident occurred near a building that was formerly occupied by the State Security Branch and is currently controlled by members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
According to the victim’s brother, Mr. Fahd Wassouf, a political activist, the kidnapping had no connection to his brother’s political affiliations.
Detailed Information:
Type of incident: Abduction
Date: October 14, 2025
Location: In front of Iyad Atiya School, Al-Hamrat neighborhood, Tartous City, Syria — near a building formerly occupied by the State Security Branch, now held by members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham
Victim’s identity:
Name: Yasser Wassouf
Age: 70 years old
Religious background: Alawite
Health condition: Suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure
Presumed perpetrators:
Circumstances and the location suggest that members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham are the likely perpetrators, given their control over the nearby building where the incident occurred.
Context:
This incident occurs amid a rise in killings, sectarian violence, and kidnappings targeting minorities in Syria following Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s takeover of power.
