The Syrian Internal Security Command announced the death of Firas Abdul Karim Hamoud, known by the nickname 'The Uncle,' following a gunfight that ensued after a raid on his hideout in the city of Safita, located in the Tartus countryside.
The command stated that the operation was carried out by the internal security forces in collaboration with the Counterterrorism Directorate in Tartus province, after tracking Hamoud's movements across several areas to pinpoint his hideout.
They added that Hamoud initiated the gunfire and engaged with the security forces raiding the location, which led to them responding and killing him during the operation.
According to the statement, Hamoud had previously fired at security personnel three days prior during an earlier attempt to arrest him, before escaping and successfully hiding in Safita.
The Internal Security Command noted that Hamoud formerly held the position of special forces leader in 'Division 25' during the tenure of former President Bashar al-Assad, and he was known by the codename 'Fajr 3.'
They added that he acted as a deputy to Ghiath Dalla in leading armed groups loyal to the former regime in the Syrian coastal region.
The Syrian authorities accused Hamoud of engaging in armed insurgency operations targeting government headquarters, leading to the deaths of security and military personnel and the detention of others, noting that he personally assumed responsibility for negotiating the detainees' release.
They also accused him of attempting to form armed groups to target state headquarters and civilians, though no independent comment has been issued regarding these allegations.
Ghiath Dalla, a former officer in 'Division 4,' was noted for his prominence as one of the leaders of pro-regime armed groups during the coastal Syrian events in March 2025.