Unarmed and Disabled: The Tragic Killing of ‘Abu Salman’ Amid Security Raids in Rural Jableh

JABLEH, SYRIA — A heavy security crackdown in the village of Babda, located in the Jableh countryside, has left at least one civilian dead and sparked widespread terror among local residents. What began as a targeted raid has rapidly escalated into a full-scale military-style operation, drawing sharp condemnation from local spiritual leadership.
A Raid Turned Violent
On the afternoon of December 24, 2025, patrols from the so-called “General Security” forces stormed a farm in Babda under the pretext of apprehending “wanted individuals.” According to local reports, the raid met with armed resistance, triggering intense clashes that transformed the quiet agricultural area into a combat zone.
Witnesses reported the use of heavy weaponry, including 23mm anti-aircraft machine guns and RPG launchers, which were fired indiscriminately into orchards and surrounding forests. The shelling has raised serious fears among farmers regarding potential fires that could devastate their livelihoods.
The Killing of “Abu Salman”
The most tragic outcome of the day was the confirmed death of Mr. Ali Suleiman Ali, widely known as “Abu Salman.” Local sources in Babda confirmed that Abu Salman was a senior citizen and a person with a physical disability (wheelchair-bound). He was reportedly unarmed and present inside the house during the security raid. He was killed by gunfire from the security forces, an act that residents have described as a “cold-blooded execution” of a defenseless man.
Cautious Calm and Local Appeals
As night fell, a state of “cautious calm” settled over the village, though the atmosphere remains thick with tension. Security reinforcements continue to arrive in the area, maintaining a heavy presence.
The severity of the situation prompted an emotional plea from a local woman in the nearby village of Dweir Babda, whose voice recording circulated on social media, calling for urgent intervention. In response, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, the head of the Higher Alawite Islamic Council, issued a formal statement addressing the crisis and the conduct of the security forces.
Humanitarian Concerns
Local activists have urged residents to remain indoors as “sweeping operations” continue. The indiscriminate nature of the gunfire and the use of explosive projectiles near residential homes have highlighted the “gang-like” tactics used by the de facto security apparatus, further deepening the rift between the local population and the authorities.
As of this report, the area remains on high alert, with no official investigation launched into the death of the disabled civilian, Abu Salman.