Sweida’s protests continue against transitional government forces 

Today, dozens of Sweida residents, alongside those forcibly displaced from their villages, protested again in Martyrs’ Square in the city, rejecting the continued presence of transitional government forces in the countryside of Sweida.

During the protest, participants demanded their right to return to their homes and lands from which they were displaced, rejecting any presence of these forces in the administrative areas of Sweida, particularly the southern and western countryside. They also called for the return of abductees and for clarification regarding their fate.

Protesters held banners expressing these demands, including: “Land and abductees first,” “It is hard to speak the truth if you benefit from falsehood,” “We are part of Jabal al-Bashan,” “We have the right to self-determination,” “Our return to villages is inevitable,” “The western area (al-Muqrin) is Sweida’s food reserve; we must reclaim it,” and “Where are the guarantor states and their promises?”

They also chanted slogans demanding self-determination, the return of abductees, and praising the Sweida military forces.

Sweida has witnessed regular protests since July, as part of local efforts to raise public awareness regarding the return of displaced residents, the release of those abducted by transitional government forces, and affirming the right of Sweida’s people to self-determination.

Since July, the western villages of Sweida have remained under the control of transitional government forces and affiliated armed groups. These entities also maintain a strict siege on the city and its countryside, preventing the entry of essential food, medical supplies, and fuel, except for those delivered by international organizations such as the World Food Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

A-H 

ANHA