Detainee exchange in Sweida under supervision of Red Cross International Committee

The exchange involves the release of 61 detainees in exchange for 25 prisoners, following agreements reached in the wake of the military and security escalation witnessed in the governorate during July of last year.

26 February, 2026 12:43

NEWSDESK

Meanwhile, in Sweida in southern Syria, an exchange of prisoners and detainees is taking place between the Syrian Interim Government forces and the “National Guard” forces formed from the people of Sweida, under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross, following understandings related to the security events that Sweida and its countryside witnessed during July of last year.

According to local sources, the handover is taking place at the governor's temporary residence in the town of Al-Surah Al-Sughra, north of Sweida.

The exchange involves the release of 61 detainees from Sweida who were being held by the Syrian Interim Government forces, in return for the release of 25 prisoners held by the National Guard forces.

Last July, Sweida witnessed a significant military and security escalation, marked by clashes between factions of the Syrian Interim Government and the National Guard forces, stemming from security tensions and reciprocal arrests.

This escalation resulted in deaths and injuries, and imposed a state of security tension and instability in the region for several weeks, followed by calls from the people of Sweida for international intervention and the right to self-determination.