New attack west of Sweida amid repeated truce violations

Armed men linked to the Syrian transitional government forces attacked residential neighborhoods in the town yesterday evening, using medium machine guns from an area under their control west of the town of Aara in the Sweida countryside. This prompted local military forces to immediately respond to the sources of fire and thwart an infiltration attempt along the same axis, according to ANHA correspondent.

Meanwhile, intermittent bursts of gunfire can still be heard from time to time, resulting from combing operations conducted by local factions in the town's vicinity after the attack was repelled and the attackers' positions were targeted.

Earlier yesterday, mortar shells fell on the town, launched by militants stationed in the Christian cemetery. They fired toward populated areas, prompting local military forces to respond to their positions. No casualties were reported.

The attacks are recurring in the area, with no official response, increasing panic among residents, especially given the recent escalation in targeting residential areas.

On July 26, the western neighborhoods of Sweida city were subjected to a surprise bombardment with heavy anti-aircraft fire from the axis of the town of Kanaker. This shelling targeted Tal al-Hadid and its surroundings, in a clear violation of the truce, carried out by transitional government forces and tribal militants. Extensive looting and vandalism were also reported in Kanaker, under the watchful eye of General Security forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

In a subsequent development, General Security forces opened fire on civilians attempting to clear the Tha'la road leading to the besieged agricultural projects, exacerbating the suffering of residents and preventing them from reaching their lands.

Sh-S

ANHA