Sweida National Guard commander dismissed following escape of 3 prisoners

According to information circulated by local sources, Brig. Gen. Jihad Al-Ghoutani was relieved of his duties as commander of the National Guard. Reports initially suggested that Brig. Gen. Fadl Abu Assaf would replace him. However, sources speaking to Al-Rased Network denied these claims, stating that the decision was to assign Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Issam Abu Saeed to temporarily oversee the command of the National Guard to ensure the continuity of administrative and military operations, without constituting a permanent appointment.

The measures coincided with a wide security deployment by National Guard forces. Local sources reported that National Guard units closed the Damascus–Sweida highway near the city of Shahba and imposed a security cordon around Swida city, sealing its entrances and exits as part of an ongoing security operation.

In an official statement, the National Guard Command said the developments followed the escape of three detainees from a detention facility during the early hours of Friday, June 5, 2026. The statement claimed that the escape was facilitated by the "collusion of traitorous personnel" who exploited their positions within the institution.

The command added that specialized units immediately reviewed surveillance camera footage and tracked the movements of those involved, leading investigators to key leads and the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the escape. Security and military operations to apprehend the remaining suspects are still underway.

Meanwhile, local sources reported that five individuals had been detained on suspicion of assisting in the escape and smuggling the detainees. No official confirmation has yet been issued regarding the final number of arrests.

ANHA