Deadly clashes in south Syria after govt raid on pro-Assad group

Three people were killed in clashes in the Daraa governorate of southern Syria on Wednesday after the country’s new security forces launched raids on armed groups loyal to the fallen regime of Bashar al-Assad.

According to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR), the clashes occurred during a security forces operation in the city of al-Sanamein, during which drug dealers and remnants of the former Assad regime were targeted.

Additionally, the security forces were also searching for weapons that were not handed over to reconciliation centres. 

The violence resulted in the deaths of three members of al-Haimed’s group and injuries to three civilians, including a child who was present at the scene. A curfew was subsequently imposed in the city.

Enab Baladi reported that the pro-Assad groups in question are affiliated with commander Mohsen al-Haimed, who previously worked for the former regime’s Military Security.

The clashes broke out after the security forces stormed positions held by al-Haimed’s group, as well as raiding the houses of leading members of the group in the outskirts of al-Sanamein. 

This followed previous tension in the city after an assassination attempt in January by unidentified individuals against Osama Muhammad al-Atma, also known as “al-Awts,” who is part of al-Haimed’s group. Al-Atma survived but was severely wounded, leading to local clashes and the involvement of security forces. 

The clashes ended on 5 January, following an agreement stipulating a ceasefire and requiring factions, including al-Haimed’s group, to hand over their heavy and medium weapons to the new interim Syrian government, according to Enab Baladi. 

A local commander, requesting anonymity, told the Syrian news outlet that many locals in the city of al-Sanamein considered the agreement unfair, arguing that al-Haimed had committed crimes against civilians and should be held accountable by the Syrian authorities.