Damascus - Saba
Nine people were killed and 30 others injured in armed clashes on Sunday between local armed groups and tribal gunmen in al-Sweida region of southern Syria.
Syrian medical sources confirmed that the death toll from the clashes so far has reached nine dead and 30 wounded in the al-Maqous neighborhood east of al-Sweida city, while the situation on the ground remains tense amid warnings of a possible escalation.
These developments come amid a rapidly escalating security situation, following incidents of mutual detention between local gunmen and tribal fighters from the region. This followed an armed attack on a young man from al-Sweida on the Damascus-Sweida road a few days ago.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an armed group from the tribes set up a temporary checkpoint near al-Masmiya area, where they intercepted the young man, assaulted him, and robbed him of his belongings before releasing him in a remote area in critical condition.
In response to this incident, a number of residents of the governorate detained members of the tribes, leading to renewed escalation of tensions.
A state of anticipation and anxiety prevails among residents, in the absence of decisive intervention from official authorities. Negotiations led by local dignitaries are currently underway to contain the situation, exchange detainees, and end the tension.
It is worth noting that kidnappings and armed attacks are recurring on the vital road between al-Sweida and Damascus, amidst the security chaos and the absence of a body controlling the movement of armed groups.
Residents have called for urgent action to put an end to these practices, which threaten security and stability in the region.
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