Armed Groups Attack Syria's Internal Security Forces in Sweida, Killing One
The source said the armed groups violated the ceasefire agreed in the predominantly Druze region last month after factional bloodshed in which hundreds have been killed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
23 minutes ago
- Al Arabiya
South Africa urges more countries to stand up to Israel's ‘genocidal activities'
More countries must recognize a Palestinian state and stand up to Israel to stop its 'genocidal activities,' South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told AFP in an interview Tuesday. Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 arguing that its war in the Palestinian territory amounted to genocide. As some of Israel's allies 'are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime to stop the genocidal activities,' Lamola said. This will also boost efforts to 'allow humanitarian access to the people of Gaza' and 'to agree to go into a negotiation table to cease the fire,' he said. 'We really welcome this development, and we call for more countries to continue to recognize Palestine.' 'We welcome the intention to recognize by France, Canada, and all countries of the world. This will put the pressure so that we can end up with ceasefire,' Lamola said. South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice argues that the war in Gaza, which began with the militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied that accusation. Several nations have added their weight to the proceedings, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya. The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have meanwhile said they plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September, and urged other nations to do so. The announcements by some of Washington's closest allies have displeased US President Donald Trump. Lamola said that had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, 'we would not be where we are'. 'It's clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case -- that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population,' he said. 'It's rather late, yes, but it's better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure.'
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Syrian and Turkish interior ministers discuss security cooperation in Ankara
LONDON: Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab discussed various topics with his Turkish counterpart, Ali Yerlikaya, during his official visit to Ankara this week. The two ministers explored ways to strengthen security cooperation and coordination, in addition to supporting and developing Syrian security institutions. Khattab highlighted the status of Syrian nationals who sought refuge in Turkiye during the civil war, calling for continued cooperation with Ankara to ensure their safe return home, the SANA agency reported. Yerlikaya wrote on X that his meeting with Khattab focused on providing essential support to the security and related units of the Syrian Interior Ministry. '(We discussed) sharing experience and providing an intensive training program and cooperating on the return of Syrians under temporary protection in our country,' he said. 'Strengthening security in Syria is vital for the consolidation of internal peace, economic development and social welfare,' he added, affirming Turkiye's support of Syria's stability.
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Damascus Temporarily Closes Humanitarian Corridor to Sweida Following Ceasefire Breach
Tensions escalated in southern Syria over the weekend as clashes resumed between armed factions in Sweida province, tribal fighters, and government forces in the western countryside, prompting Syrian authorities to temporarily shut the Bosra al-Sham humanitarian corridor. The move follows the collapse of a recently brokered ceasefire, highlighting deepening internal rifts among group leaders in the Druze-majority region. The latest outbreak of violence coincided with continued Israeli incursions and raids in Syrian border villages, accompanied by aerial activity in southern airspace. In an official statement released Sunday, Syrian authorities announced the temporary closure of the Bosra al-Sham corridor, citing security concerns and the need to stabilize the area. The announcement came just hours after a Syrian security source reported that 'outlaw groups' had violated the ceasefire agreement, launching attacks on internal security forces and shelling several villages in Sweida's countryside. According to the state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV, one member of the internal security forces was killed and several others injured in the renewed fighting. The source said the attacks came as the government was working to restore calm and resume public services in the province. 'The groups outside the law are determined to keep Sweida trapped in a cycle of instability, escalation, and lawlessness, undermining humanitarian relief efforts aimed at assisting civilians,' the source added. Later in the day, another security official told Al-Ikhbariya that government forces had regained control of key positions in Tal al-Hadid, Rimat Hazem, and Wulgha, all located in western Sweida. The area was secured, and hostilities halted in an effort to preserve the ceasefire framework. Speaking to Syria TV, Sweida's internal security chief, Ahmad al-Dalati, described the assault as 'a coordinated attack' involving tank shelling, mortars, and heavy machine guns. He confirmed casualties among the security forces and said return fire was ordered. Efforts were also made to re-engage mediators in order to de-escalate the situation. Dalati asserted that the behavior of these gangs clearly shows that the presence of the state is the only guarantee of security in the province, accusing the armed groups of exploiting their local influence to advance personal and foreign agendas at the expense of national stability. Last month, Syrian authorities reached a multi-stage ceasefire agreement with armed factions in Sweida, brokered with backing from the United States, Türkiye, and Jordan. The accord followed deadly clashes between Bedouin tribal fighters and local militias. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the violence in Sweida since July 13 has claimed at least 814 lives, including 34 women, 20 children, six medical workers, and two media personnel.
