Syria: Protester, policeman killed amid angry protests in southern city of Sweida

A protester and a policeman were killed today in the south Syriawhen security forces opened fire on protesters who they were complaining about the worsening of their living conditions, according to NGOs.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of the city of Sweida, before angry protesters stormed the government buildingaccording to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Syrian government forces responsible for his protection opened fire to disperse them, added the NGO, which is based in Britain and has an extensive network of imgs in Syria.

At least one protester and one policeman were killed“, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.

As he stated, the protesters also “they tore down a large photo of President Bashar al-Assad that hung on the facade” of the building.

The local news network Suwayda 24 confirmed the two deaths, adding that four injured were taken to hospital.

The same network broadcast images showing dozens of people shouting “The people want the fall of the regime» in front of the governor’s offices.

Other images show an armored military vehicle to be on fire and heavy gunfire is heard.

The Syrian authorities are present in Sweida province through official institutions and security centers, protected by security forces. The army has been deployed near the governor’s offices.

The Ministry of Interior blamed “a group of illegalsn’ that he killed a policeman while trying to break into the police headquarters.

Power shortages

Some “they carried weapons“, according to the Ministry of the Interior, which announced that it wants to “take all legal action against anyone who tries to undermine the security and stability of the government and the safety of citizensn”.

State television reported that “illegals broke into the government building and burned records” without elaborating.

In recent days, the Syrian government has decided to take austerity measures, such as severely limiting electricity consumption. The country is also facing fuel shortages.

According to the United Nations, 90% of the Syrian population lives below the poverty line and 12.4 million residents suffer from food insecurity.

The mainly Druze-populated province and capital of Sweida have remained relatively safe from fighting since Syria’s war began in 2011, except for rebel attacks in 2013 and 2015 and an attack by the Islamic State group. (IK) in 2018, during which more than 280 people were killed.

Although some members of the Druze minority joined the opposition at the start of the conflict, others continue to support Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the Athens News Agency reports.


Source: News Beast

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