Syrian Security Issues Statement on the Killing of Young Man Ahmad Khudur in Tartus

The Internal Security Directorate in Tartus Province issued a statement today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, regarding the circumstances of the death of the young man Ahmad Khudur (23 years old) from Kartou village, which has sparked widespread debate in local circles and social media.

The statement mentioned that Khudur was wanted by the security authorities on charges of belonging to "hostile and provocative acts" linked to "outlawed groups," based on information described as "accurate" in the statement. It added that an arrest warrant was issued against him on July 23, and a security checkpoint at the Kartou village junction was tasked with arresting him.

The statement indicated that Khudur "resisted violently" during the arrest attempt, leading to a "physical clash" with the checkpoint personnel, resulting in serious injuries causing internal bleeding. He was then transported to the hospital, where he passed away despite rescue efforts.

The Directorate confirmed the formation of a special committee to investigate the incident, holding an emergency session with village elders and residents, emphasizing "the state's commitment to hold those involved accountable and refer them to the judiciary." It also announced its commitment to compensate the deceased's family in accordance with the law.

On the other hand, local and media sources circulated different accounts of the incident, with witnesses reporting that Khudur was accompanied by three other young men while passing by their car near the security checkpoint, which they had previously crossed without being stopped.

According to local testimonies, the young men were subjected to "mistreatment" from the very beginning, including "verbal and physical insults," described by some as "systematic humiliation attempts." Those accounts confirmed that Khudur refused orders deemed as "an infringement of his dignity," leading to a brutal beating with rifle butts, resulting in severe chest and head injuries that later caused his death.

The incident has sparked widespread public anger, with demands from village residents and activists to uncover the circumstances of what they described as a "crime" and to hold the responsible parties accountable. The issue has also become a major topic of discussion on social media platforms, with many calling for transparent investigation and justice.

It is worth noting that the security statement did not mention torture allegations, only referring to "physical clashes" and legal procedures followed.