Calm returns to Ain Menin after day of security tensions

Citing residents of the town of Ain Menin—located in the Al-Tal district of the Damascus countryside—ANHA correspondent reported today that a gradual calm is returning to the area following a day of security tensions and protests.

The area is currently experiencing a state of cautious calm, with Internal Security Forces maintaining a heavy presence at town entrances and along several streets. Meanwhile, local notables and community figures are working to contain tensions and prevent a resurgence of protests, as residents await the outcome of ongoing discussions regarding detainees and the water issue.

According to local sources, the events began yesterday with a peaceful protest organized by Ain Menin residents. They were objecting to what they described as the continued execution of work on water wells within the town's territory without their consent, pointing to a long-standing dispute with the city of Al-Tal over the utilization of water resources.

Residents of Menin state that people from Al-Tal utilize 16 wells located within Ain Menin’s territory, whereas Ain Menin residents benefit from five wells located within Al-Tal’s territory. They argue that continued work on one of these wells has reignited the dispute and escalated tensions.

Eyewitnesses reported that the initial protest expanded, involving road blockades, before the Internal Security Forces deployed heavily throughout the town—utilizing armored vehicles and large numbers of personnel. This deployment was followed by an arrest campaign that residents say affected approximately 20 people, alongside reports of assaults on citizens, further heightening tensions.

ANHA correspondent reported that the situation on the ground has relatively stabilized since the morning, with reduced activity in the town's streets and a continued security presence. Meanwhile, residents are calling for the dispute to be resolved through dialogue, for the release of those detained, and for the avoidance of any measures that could lead to renewed escalation.

In a statement issued today, the Rural Damascus Governorate confirmed that the work underway in the town of Ain Menin is being carried out by the General Company for Drinking Water and Sewage. The project involves clearing and cleaning Well No. 14—part of the Ba'arjal water project—to boost water supply to the Al-Tal area, and falls within the establishment's service plan.

The Governorate added that it had held several meetings with the town council and representatives of the residents to hear and discuss their demands and objections before commencing the work.

The Governorate stated that a number of individuals obstructed the project, sabotaged drilling machinery, and assaulted Internal Security Force personnel, necessitating security intervention and the arrest of several of the aggressors and instigators.

For its part, the Rural Damascus Media Directorate clarified that the machinery operating in Ain Menin was performing maintenance on wells belonging to the Water Establishment, rather than drilling new wells on private land as had been rumored.

The Directorate added that the Water Establishment had previously met with residents to explain the nature of the work, as water management falls within its jurisdiction. It noted that the tension in the town involved the sabotage of the operating machinery, assaults on technical staff, road blockades, and the burning of tires; fire trucks and ambulances also came under attack while attempting to reach the scene of the incidents.

Sh-S

ANHA