On the morning of June 29, 2026, machinery belonging to the Homs Governorate, backed by security forces, commenced demolition operations in the predominantly Shia village of Al-Mazra’a, located west of Homs city, following the disconnection of water and electricity services to the village, according to local sources. The sources reported that the authorities demolished at least ten houses and granted the remaining residents a 72-hour grace period to evacuate the village, which, according to residents’ testimonies, threatens the displacement of around 1,000 families residing in the area.
According to local testimonies, the demolition operations were accompanied by stringent security measures, which included threats and insults directed at some residents, in addition to prohibiting the documentation of the demolitions through photography. Sources also reported that a delegation of the village residents proceeded to the Homs Governorate building to request a cessation of the measures; however, the Governor, appointed by the interim authority, refused to receive the delegation or listen to their demands, according to those sources.
Information received from the village indicated the arrival of reinforcements and heavy machinery belonging to the Public Security to the area, where the demolition operations targeted a number of residential homes belonging to residents of the Shia community. Sources also reported that a young man from the Al-Ali family sustained a gunshot wound while objecting to the demolition of his home, amid a heavy security deployment in the vicinity of the village.
In a related context, the circulation of posts on social media was monitored, containing inflammatory statements and hate speech targeting members of the Shia community, and including calls glorifying the demolition of the village and urging the eradication of its traces. This raises concerns regarding an escalation of discriminatory discourse and incitement based on religious or sectarian affiliation, in violation of international standards that prohibit incitement to hatred and discrimination.
Circulated local testimonies and positions indicate that the current measures may constitute an extension of a pattern of displacement operations targeting residents based on their religious or sectarian affiliation. Some also allege that these practices led, during the past year, to the displacement of large numbers of the Shia community from areas in the eastern and northern countrysides of Homs.
Conversely, another circulated narrative indicates that the targeted real estate properties are located within an area legally classified as informal/illegal housing, and that the demolition campaign is being executed within the framework of removing building violations.
International human rights standards reaffirm that any evictions or demolitions of housing must adhere to legal safeguards, including prior notification, access to remedies/appeals, consultation with affected individuals, non-discrimination, and the provision of adequate alternative housing when necessary, while prohibiting forced displacement based on religious, sectarian, or ethnic grounds, and emphasizing the necessity of investigating any violations or unlawful use of force that may accompany the execution of such measures.
