Sweida Military Council commander confirms continuous ceasefire violations

The commander of Sweida Military Council, Tariq al-Shoufi, spoke to ANHA agency about the fronts in Sweida and parties' adherence to the ceasefire accords. He said, "The Sweida fighting fronts are open, with a choking siege that is laid by government security forces and the tribes allied with them."

Swedia in southern Syria is experiencing a state of tension following fierce fighting on July 13 between transitional government forces and allied militants on one side and local Druze military forces on the other. The clashes killed 1,568 people, of whom 349 were killed summarily. The fighting abated with a ceasefire agreement on July 19 between the two sides under international patronage.

Tareq al-Shoufi confirmed ongoing ceasefire breaches by "tribes and security forces" and reported that the recent breaches were last Friday on the western front, when "tribal forces entered the area of ​​Qarbat Najran with medium weapons, attacking civilian property and scaring the residents. These villages have been subjected to looting, destruction, burning, and bombing."

He also reported a breach and infiltration from the village of Tal al-Aqraa, near Tal al-Hadid, by the same groups. His forces surrounded the infiltrators, affirming their maximum dedication to the ceasefire and international commitments.

In comments that came as civilian fears grew, Al-Shoufi emphasized that civilians and the Druze are victims of what he referred to as "genocide at the hands of extremists and ISIS members under a cover of security," calling for intervention and protection by the international community.

He confirmed the arson, pillage, and burning of dozens of villages and attributed the blame for perpetrating massacres against their inhabitants to the other party. He stated recording the events and called on international investigative teams to investigate the issue.

Tareq al-Shoufi emphasized the control of his units and formations on various fronts of combat and their ongoing coordination with Sweida Military Operations Room, stating that they would not hesitate to provide protection or intel to save the lives of civilians and fighters of all allegiances.

He called on foreign powers to pressure towards achieving a quick resolution to the crisis within the region and affirmed that the Sweida Military Council stands ready to coordinate with coalition forces and "friendly countries" to deal with the security situation in the areas covered by its forces.

The commander of Sweida Military Council, Tariq al-Shoufi, affirmed categorically that the battles were and continue to be fought in defense and to protect the dwellers of the mountain against several sects and religions. He added that their forces did not and will not leave the limits of the villages and cities of Sweida, but are remaining there for civilian security.

ANHA