The town of Rankous, in the Damascus countryside, is witnessing widespread public anger, as large crowds of residents took to the streets in mass demonstrations heading toward the town’s police station, in response to the hostile acts and blatant violations targeting people from the area last night.

The demonstrators chanted powerful slogans condemning the practices of the security services, the policy of repression, and abuses, stressing that they would continue their gathering until those responsible for these attacks are held accountable immediately.

At Least 7 Killed as a Result of the “Rankous Operation”

Accusations Point to Jamal Zainiya, Known as “Abu Malik al-Talli,” Who Is Affiliated with Jabhat al-Nusra and the Damascus Authorities

The operation launched by General Security forces in the town of Rankous, in the Damascus countryside, resulted in at least seven people being killed: five from the town and two members of the security forces who carried out the raid.

The town had witnessed a raid carried out by General Security personnel arriving in a large convoy of vehicles.

Accounts differed regarding the motives behind what happened, including whether it was indeed a raid aimed at eliminating an “ISIS cell” or a settling of scores unrelated to this matter. Accusations have been directed at Jabhat al-Nusra commander Jamal Zainiya, known as “Abu Malik al-Talli,” as the main party involved in the outbreak of the confrontation. This comes amid reports that he attempted to impose his control over one of the areas of Rankous and was confronted by young men from the town who sought to prevent him from achieving his aim. Al-Talli allegedly found no other way to respond than to label them as ISIS members.

Names:

• Shadi Mahmoud Younes, Rankous
• Ahmad Mohammad Faraoun, Rankous
• Youssef Ahmad al-Khatib, Rankous
• Majd Mohammad Suleiman, Rankous
• Ahmad Rami Quraish, Rankous
• Talal Abdullah Quwaider, a member of General Security, originally from al-Qasimiya in the Damascus countryside
• Mohammad Abdulkarim al-Toum, a member of General Security, originally from Taybat al-Imam in the Hama countryside