Escalating security tensions in Sweida amid denials of city invasion

Rural Sweida witnessed heightened security tensions and intensified events, as internet and electricity networks remain disrupted and communication systems are severely weakened.

ANHA correspondent reported that, since the early hours of Thursday evening, some gunmen affiliated with government forces entered the administrative borders of Sweida Governorate from two directions, with security facilitation, via the Damascus-Sweida road. They settled near the town of Dakhir.

Other groups entered from rural Daraa and reached the town of Walgha, west of Sweida. Armed elements were also seen mobilizing in other areas, moving in vehicles mounted with machine guns and motorcycles.

Sources confirmed that the areas where the incursion occurred were almost empty of residents due to the recent military operations in the governorate, which caused widespread damage. The groups reportedly set fire to civilian homes, and limited clashes took place between gunmen affiliated with the transitional government forces and local military units.

Shortly after midnight on Thursday-Friday, a drone strike targeted the groups affiliated with the transitional government forces near the town of Walgha, west of Sweida. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the strike was carried out by Israeli forces.

Amid these developments, the city is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as a result of the intense operations it has endured in recent weeks. There have been growing calls to end the bloodshed and restore peace among Syrians.

Sweida is grappling with severe hardships, including continuous outages in communications and internet services, a power blackout now entering its fifth day, and most bakeries shutting down due to the lack of flour. In response, residents and community leaders are attempting to gradually restore life in the city and its countryside through social solidarity.

Sweida and its countryside in southern Syria have witnessed a serious escalation since July 13, triggered by attacks launched by groups affiliated with the transitional government. These forces later became directly involved in the offensive.

Violations and crimes have been committed against the city’s Druze population. Despite incitement and military buildup against the city, the operations ended yesterday morning without the transitional government achieving its goals. The forces withdrew from the neighborhoods of the city and villages they had temporarily seized.

A-H 

ANHA