وزارة المالية السورية: مسلحون يسطون على رواتب موظفي السويداء

The Syrian Ministry of Finance announced that armed groups have seized the salaries of some employees in the province of Sweida.

It stated in a statement today (Friday) that the attacks by these armed groups in Sweida hinder its efforts to complete the payment of salaries for workers and retirees, according to the Syrian news agency "SANA".

According to the statement, the ministry began procedures to transfer the salaries of public sector employees in Sweida, but was surprised to find that some of these funds were subjected to armed robbery by armed groups, including the robbery of the Commercial Bank of Syria branch in the city of Shahba. It noted that this attack by the armed groups obstructs the ministry's efforts to complete the payment of salaries for workers and retirees.

The statement emphasized the Syrian state's commitment to fulfilling its duties towards all its citizens and its aspiration to provide the conditions that help achieve this, the most important of which is the safety of employees in public institutions that exist to serve the honorable citizens of the province.

Sweida has witnessed significant tensions in recent weeks, prompting the Syrian Ministry of Justice to announce yesterday (Thursday) the formation of a committee tasked with investigating the situation.

The ministry stated that the goal is to "reveal the circumstances and details that led to the events in Sweida and investigate the assaults and violations that citizens have been subjected to, and to refer anyone proven to be involved to the judiciary." It added that the committee consists of 7 members, including 4 judges, 2 lawyers, and an officer with the rank of colonel.

The decision stipulates that the committee must submit its final report within a period not exceeding 3 months from the date of its formation, with the right to seek assistance from experts and specialists as deemed appropriate.

Sweida experienced clashes between local armed groups and Bedouin tribes starting from July 13 for a week, which necessitated the intervention of government forces.

Israel intervened in the confrontation and launched a series of airstrikes on July 16 targeting near the General Staff headquarters and the vicinity of the presidential palace in Damascus, under the pretext of "defending the Druze."

The Syrian forces withdrew from Sweida on July 17 according to a ceasefire agreement that was reached, but clashes continued between local armed groups and Bedouin tribes.

The Syrian presidency announced on July 19 a ceasefire and called on all parties to adhere to it, as security forces began to deploy in Sweida following the clashes that took place in the province.