Clashes erupt in Syria’s Daraa following arrest ex-opponent
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – Clashes erupted on Sunday between local gunmen and the Syrian government forces in Daraa Governorate in southern Syria following the arrest of a former opponent by the government.
A local source told North Press that residents of the town of Inkhil, north of Daraa, issued a statement demanding the government forces release Nasser Ali al-Nasser, a former opponent, who was arrested by the government 20 days ago at Minkat al-Hatab government checkpoint on Damascus-Daraa highway.
The source added that the armed locals attacked the cultural center, which has been converted into the headquarters of the government’s State Security Branch. The armed locals surrounded the building and clashed with government force stationed there.
The source added that al-Nasser was a member of the opposition factions, who had made a settlement with the government and received a settlement card.
The source pointed out the al-Nasser did not engage in any military or security activities after the resettlement.
The source said that Inkhil is still experiencing security tension amid the residents’ anger at the actions of the government forces, and it is not yet known the extent of damage or causalities so far.
The source reported similar action of anger in the neighboring city of Jassem, north of Daraa, in solidarity with Inkhil to free the detained person.