Armed factions raid leaders of government-backed groups in Syria’s Suwayda
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – On Thursday, local factions supported by the Men of Dignity Movement raided the headquarters of an armed group affiliated with the government’s Military Intelligence in the town of Qanawat of Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria.
The Men of Dignity is a self-defense militia established after the outbreak of the Syrian war to defend the Suwayda area. Described as a terror organization by Russia, it took an initial position against the Syrian government in the early days of the war but did not engage in any armed conflict with government forces.
The local factions imposed a security cordon on the outskirts of Qanawat to pursue what is known as al-Fahd Forces, one of the most prominent armed groups affiliated with Raji Falhout, a local source told North Press.
Raji Falhout is the leader of a militia which is backed and supported by the Military Intelligence Branch of the Syrian government forces.
The house of Salim Hamid, the leader of al-Fahd Forces and one of the most prominent leaders close to Falhout, was raided, amid reports that he had fled outside the town, the source added.
The Men of Dignity posted on its official Facebook account that it will continue supporting the Druze youth in the operations of besieging the buildings in the town of Qanawat to search for gang remnants.”
The source indicated that the brother of the leader of the armed group, Bashar Hamid, was arrested. Also, Salim al-Qan’abani, member of the armed group affiliated with the Military Intelligence Branch was arrested.
On July 23, Suwayda witnessed a state of unrest that lasted for more than a week, amid continuous protests against violations by armed groups affiliated with the government’s Military Intelligence which developed into armed clashes that led to the expulsion of the groups from the governorate.
The town of Qanawat, north of the city of Suwayda, is witnessing a state of calm and anticipation amid popular satisfaction to get rid of the armed security-backed group in the town, according to the same source.