Former opposition leader killed in Syria’s Daraa
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – A former military leader within the Syrian opposition factions was killed on Monday by unknown gunmen in the northern countryside of Daraa, southern Syria.
A local source informed North Press that Radi al-Hashish, a former commander within the armed opposition factions, was shot dead by unidentified attackers riding a motorcycle on the outskirts of the village of al-Yadudah, located north of the city of Daraa.
The source said that al-Hashish sustained serious injuries and was transported to the Tafas National Hospital, west of Daraa, where he passed away.
“Al-Hashish hailed from the village of Tel Shihab, west of Daraa. He had served as a leader of a group within the armed opposition before government forces took control of Daraa and its countryside in 2018,” the source added.
In July 2018, the opposition armed factions and the government forces reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia in Daraa. Under the deal, the opposition factions agreed to hand over their weapons in exchange for staying in Daraa, and those who opposed the agreement they were sent to Idlib, which is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS – formerly al-Nusra Front). As part of the deal, those who chose to stay obtained a settlement card.
The source explained that after government forces entered Daraa in 2018, al-Hashish obtained a settlement card and continued to lead his group. Unlike other opposition groups in Daraa, his group did not assimilate into any government security or military formation after the 2018 agreement.