An Iraqi national serving as the imam of a mosque in the village of Kaftin in Syria’s Idlib province was assassinated by unidentified gunmen on Saturday, local sources reported. The attack marks the latest in a series of targeted killings in the region, raising alarm over the worsening security situation in northwest Syria.

According to activists from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the victim was shot dead in front of his home by assailants riding a motorcycle, who fled the scene immediately. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

This assassination follows a similar incident on June 8, when another Iraqi national, “Abu Aisha al-Iraqi,” was gunned down by two unidentified men on a motorcycle in the village of Azmarin in western Idlib.

In March, “Abu Khalid al-Iraqi al-Samarrai,” also an Iraqi national, was assassinated in rural Idlib. He had previously been linked to a local armed faction but had reportedly withdrawn from military activities before his death.

The repeated killings—particularly targeting Iraqi nationals—have raised concerns over the fragmented security landscape in Idlib. Observers note that the consistent use of motorcycle-riding assailants and the absence of claims of responsibility suggest coordinated, targeted operations.

While the latest victim’s exact affiliation has not been disclosed, reports indicate he was a former member of a local armed group who had since retired from militant activities.

Local authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Investigations are ongoing amid heightened fears of further attacks in the region.