Sweida women join military training

In several towns in Sweida, among them al-Melh in the eastern countryside, women have begun training courses in the use of Kalashnikov light weapons, according to ANHA correspondent in Sweida.

In some photos, ANHA correspondent observed the women training in organized groups on shooting weapons in the town's countryside.

According to the trainees, the goal of the training is to achieve a form of self-defense within popular protection committees against any military developments that may confront the region, avoid killing and kidnapping, prevent a recurrence of what Sweida and its countryside witnessed in July of this year, and organize themselves according to the stage. Moreover, it has not been confirmed whether this training is part of the establishment of a women's military formation or organization.

Observers of Syrian affairs, including activists from northern and eastern Syria, believe this is a step in the right direction, following the example of women in northern and eastern Syria, who organized their ranks and formed special forces to protect women in April 2012, now known as the Women's Protection Units (YPJ).

In July of this year, Sweida and its countryside witnessed a military escalation between the forces of the Syrian transitional government and the Druze National Guard Forces, resulting in the killing of more than 2,000 people and the kidnapping of hundreds, the majority of whom were women.

Today, Sweida and its countryside are suffering from a siege imposed by the transitional government forces, prohibiting movement to and from the city in addition to cutting off flour, trade, and the region's share of money, fuel, and humanitarian aid.

J.J

ANHA