Local fighters in Daraa give Syrian forces 48 hours to withdraw
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – A local faction in southern Syria’s Daraa issued a statement on Saturday giving government forces 48 hours to withdraw from their positions in the eastern countryside, threatening an armed response if the ultimatum is ignored.
A local source told North Press that armed residents from the town of al-Jiza in eastern Daraa demanded the Syrian government forces vacate the area within two days or face attacks on their positions.
Tensions Amid Anti-Regime Protests
The ultimatum coincides with heightened tensions in the region after government forces targeted a protest in the northern Daraa city of Inkhil. The demonstration, which chanted slogans demanding the “fall of the regime,” also expressed solidarity with opposition advances in Aleppo and Hama provinces.
The source added that residents across Daraa are closely monitoring the situation, with many expecting potential clashes between local fighters and government forces. These tensions are exacerbated by what the source described as the deteriorating morale of government troops, following recent territorial losses in northern Syria.
Government’s Reinforcement in Daraa
In response to the rising unrest, the Syrian government has reinforced several of its positions in Daraa city with additional troops. Earlier reports noted that government forces fortified key sites in the city, including the Red Building Institution and the courthouse, to prevent any sudden attacks by opposition-aligned groups.
Broader Context of Escalation
The developments in Daraa are part of a broader escalation across Syria, where opposition factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed groups, have made significant advances in recent days. Their campaign, “Deterring Aggression,” has resulted in the capture of Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib provinces, raising questions about the regime’s stability.
Uncertain Future
As opposition forces gain momentum in the north, Daraa’s historically restive population appears increasingly emboldened. Local factions in the south have previously resisted government control despite reconciliation agreements brokered in 2018.
Analysts warn that the situation in Daraa could ignite a new front in Syria’s protracted conflict, further destabilizing the region and deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis. Observers are closely watching whether the ultimatum issued by local fighters will lead to direct confrontations or compel the government to retreat from its positions.