Security forces, armed group clash in Syria’s Daraa
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – Clashes broke out on Wednesday in the city of Sanamayn, north of Daraa in southern Syria, between the General Security forces, affiliated with the Syrian caretaker government’s Ministry of Interior, and an armed group following the killing of several of its members the previous day.
Local sources told North Press that the fighting erupted between the General Security forces and an armed faction led by Mohsen al-Haymad, a former affiliate of the Military Security Branch under the previous regime.
The clashes began after a General Security convoy entered the city in response to the killing of three members of al-Haymad’s group by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday evening.
The deceased were identified as Osama al-Atmeh (known as al-Otas), Nour Jumaa al-Atmeh, and Ali Imad al-Atmeh, who were shot by unknown assailants after leaving a funeral gathering. The attack also injured Jaafar al-Atmeh and a child, who sustained moderate wounds.
According to the sources, al-Haymad’s group accuses a faction led by Ahmad al-Labbad (nicknamed al-Shabbat), which is allegedly affiliated with the former regime’s State Security Branch, of being behind the attack.
In an effort to prevent further clashes, the General Security deployed reinforcements to the city. However, al-Haymad’s group responded by opening fire on security forces, wounding one officer, which escalated into direct confrontations.
The sources confirmed that General Security has since taken control of the city, establishing multiple security checkpoints within Sanamayn to maintain stability.