بعد عودة الاشتباكات.. «السويداء» إلى أين؟

Clashes renewed today (Wednesday) between elements of the Syrian army, internal security forces, and armed factions in several neighborhoods in Sweida.

The Ministry of Defense reported that after a ceasefire agreement was reached with the city's notables and dignitaries, groups outside the law returned to attack army and internal security forces. The ministry confirmed the army's right to respond to sources of fire, while adhering to the rules of engagement to protect civilians and prevent harm to them, and to ensure a safe return for those who left the city to their homes.

This coincided with the announcement by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that Israel would not abandon the Druze and would continue to attack Syrian forces until they withdraw from Sweida. Israeli airstrikes continued today on areas of the public security forces in the province, in addition to shelling the General Command headquarters in Damascus as a warning message, threatening an escalation in the bombardment.

Sources reported an explosion near the Syrian Ministry of Defense headquarters in the capital, and the occupying army announced targeting the entrance gate of the army's General Staff headquarters. Two Syrian civilians were injured as a result of the Israeli bombardment, according to what was reported by the Syrian "Al-Ikhbariya" channel.



For its part, the Syrian presidency condemned the violations against civilians in Sweida and pledged to hold accountable and follow up on the unfortunate violations that affected some areas of the province. It confirmed that these acts, which fall within criminal and illegal behaviors, cannot be accepted under any circumstances and are completely contrary to the principles upon which the Syrian state is based.

It strongly condemned what it described as disgraceful acts, affirming its full commitment to investigating all incidents related to them and holding accountable anyone proven to be involved.

The Syrian presidency emphasized that any party responsible for these acts, whether individual or organizations outside the law, will face severe legal accountability and will not be allowed to go unpunished.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least 169 Syrians have been killed and more than 200 others injured in Sweida since July 13, while local sources reported the death of 3 leaders of the Syrian army and security forces in an Israeli airstrike in Sweida.

For his part, the leader of the Men of Dignity Gathering, Laith al-Balious, stated: "We strive as much as possible to protect civilians in Sweida and do not deny that there are violations, and we demand the state to stop them."

He called on the Syrian state to take a clear stance regarding the violations faced by civilians. He confirmed that the position towards Israel is clear: "We do not need protection from anyone and we oppose foreign projects and division in Syria." He affirmed standing with the state that "preserves our rights and dignity, and we do not accept fragmentation or division in any form." Al-Balious called on Syrians to stand against aggression and for the state to commit to protecting the blood of innocent Syrians in Sweida.