The Syrian Future Movement follows with deep national concern the events that took place at dawn on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in the town of Rankous, in the western countryside of Damascus. Internal Security forces, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, conducted a security operation that resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, raising legitimate questions among the town’s residents regarding the circumstances of the operation and the identities of those targeted.
The Syrian Future Movement mourns all those who lost their lives in these events—whether members of the Internal Security forces or residents of the town—and extends its heartfelt condolences to their families. We pray that the Almighty may bestow His vast mercy upon the deceased, grant their families patience and solace, and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
In line with our established position—published on our official website on April 28, 2024, under the title “Syrian Future Movement Podcast (47): Military, Police, and Intelligence Institutions from the Movement’s Perspective (1)”—which asserts that the role of security agencies must be strictly limited to protecting the nation and its citizens, that all security operations must be subject to the rule of law and judicial authorization, and that these agencies must be prevented from any overreach that infringes upon the dignity of citizens,
We affirm the following:
First: While protecting the security of citizens and the stability of the country is a fundamental responsibility of security institutions, this responsibility remains contingent upon full adherence to legal rules of engagement, respect for human dignity, and a clear distinction between genuine threats and innocent civilians. Second: We call upon the competent authorities to expedite the completion of investigations under independent and transparent judicial oversight, and to make the evidence and findings public as soon as possible. This is essential to uphold the citizens’ right to know the truth and to safeguard the trust between the public and state institutions.
Third: We emphasize the importance of maintaining disciplined institutional processes that prioritize the rule of law above all else. This includes supporting the development of professional, accountable security apparatuses, ensuring they are not misused for overreach or to settle personal or local scores.
Fourth: We urge all parties to prioritize the interests of the nation and its citizens, to refrain from politicizing or exploiting these events, and to work toward strengthening civil peace in areas that have experienced tensions.
The Syrian Future Movement—an independent, national, political, and civic organization—reaffirms its commitment to working toward a state that protects its citizens through the rule of law rather than unchecked force, and one that builds trust through transparency and accountability, rather than through exclusion or unsubstantiated accusations.
We assert that true stability in Syria begins with respecting the dignity of every single citizen.
