Surge in bomb attacks show fragile security in regime-held areas of Syria

Although details regarding the incident and the deceased person's identity remain elusive, initial reports suggest that the individual killed may have been transporting or attempting to plant the explosive device when it accidentally detonated.

Just prior, an explosive device went off in a car in the al-Qusour neighbourhood of Hama on 3 April. The device detonated in the car belonging to the branch manager of the Military Constructions institution, a part of the Ministry of Defense, while it was parked outside his residence, resulting in his death.

Mere hours earlier, a fourth explosive device detonated in a car in the al-Sakan al-Shababi neighbourhood in Homs, although no casualties were reported.

Pro-regime elements behind attacks?

Despite the gravity of these attacks, the perpetrators have largely remained silent. The absence of claims of responsibility has fueled speculation that they may have been orchestrated or facilitated by pro-regime elements.

For instance, rumours have circulated suggesting that the assassination of the director of the Military Construction institution's branch in Hama could be connected to corruption allegations he intended to expose.

Before his death, the official purportedly received threatening messages, prompting him to relocate to the al-Qusour neighbourhood for safety.

Other sources suggest that pro-regime security or military forces may have been involved in these incidents to bolster their influence.

The lack of casualties in most of these events has led to speculation that groups adversely affected by the relaxation of security measures in these areas could be behind them, aiming to expand their presence and influence.

Notably, these incidents followed the regime's intensified efforts to dismantle non-essential checkpoints, including those associated with the 4th division, last year.

Consequently, sources accuse these groups, which previously profited from these checkpoints, of orchestrating the attacks to maintain their checkpoints or reinstate those that were removed.

While the direct involvement of pro-regime forces cannot be entirely ruled out, the surge in these incidents may primarily result from increased corruption within these troops.

Deteriorating living conditions in regime-held areas, characterised by rapid inflation and low salaries, have led to widespread bribery and corruption across state institutions.

Pro-regime forces are not immune to these trends. While some may engage in illicit activities like smuggling or petty crimes, others depend on bribes to make ends meet.

This has created an environment conducive for perpetrators, irrespective of their political allegiance, to plant explosives and target highly secured areas, as evidenced in Mazzeh, Shaalan, and al-Qusour.

Precarious situation

Regardless of the identity of the perpetrators and their motives, the recent wave of explosive attacks this month paints a stark picture of the precarious security situation in regime-held areas.

It is imperative for Western and Arab governments to dispel any illusions about al-Assad's capability to secure and stabilise these regions, including the Syrian capital.

Syria remains in a state of war, and the only path to lasting peace is a comprehensive and fair political solution. Without it, insecurity will continue to reign supreme throughout Syria, overshadowing any semblance of stability.