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Shelling and Clashes: Escalation and Tension in Sweida and Daraa
In the evening, the village of Thala in the western countryside of Sweida was subjected to shelling with mortar shells and heavy machine gun fire, originating from the western area of the village. This led to fierce clashes between local factions stationed at the outskirts of the village and attacking groups targeting residential areas.
The armed groups involved in the attack released video clips showing moments of gunfire on Thala, as well as a missile strike with an anti-tank missile. In response, local factions in Sweida used heavy machine guns, confirming that they targeted the sources of the attacking fire.
The clashes caused partial displacement of residents from the Daraa village, which is part of the western countryside of Sweida, due to projectiles falling on their homes. Many of them sought refuge in the Malika village in Daraa’s countryside to escape the renewed clashes and dangers.
Sources from Daraa province told Sweida 24 that non-local armed groups, known to come from specific areas, have been attempting to stir tension in the region for days through attacks targeting Syrian territory. These groups arrive on motorbikes and vehicles equipped with heavy weapons and have established positions on strategic hills to launch attacks towards Sweida.
The sources explained that these groups are highly active on instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, trying to incite the local community in Daraa and prepare it to escalate security unrest, especially after the recent agreement between the Syrian government and the elders of Sweida. They also noted that these groups exploit darkness to carry out their operations, inciting and mobilizing residents.
The source further confirmed that residents in Daraa confronted a group two days ago, which was targeting areas near Sweida, after their attempt to plan an attack on one of the western villages in the region. The residents rejected any attempts to ignite strife from their areas.
Meanwhile, since five days ago, there has been ongoing shelling of the western parts of Sweida, from Harran to Lbain, Thala, Rassas, and Ara, using mortar shells. This has resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to eight others, according to medical sources. There has also been a mass displacement of women and children from the targeted areas to safer locations within the province, along with significant property destruction.
These sudden attacks coincided with escalating tension in the cities of Jarmana and Ashrafieh Sahnaya, where government authorities accuse “lawless” groups of attempting to ignite the situation. In response, the elders of Sweida have called for the immediate disbanding of these groups to prevent the region from spiraling into further violence.
Sources emphasize that what is happening is a deliberate attempt to stir unrest and ignite community tensions. They urge the communities in the Daraa and Sweida countryside to remain vigilant and cautious, to enforce the law, and to prevent any parties seeking to destabilize security through suspicious operations or movements.
