Syrian Troops Deployed in Suweida, Southern Syria, Amidst Growing Protests
Reports from residents and dissidents reveal a concerning development in Suweida, southern Syria – the deployment of hundreds of Syrian troops and Iran-linked forces. This comes as the region witnesses a months-long peaceful protest movement against President Bashar Al Assad, with the primarily Druze province turning against the regime after years of civil war. The National has reported on these unfolding events.
The protests in Suweida, which began in September last year, have been a daily occurrence in the central square of the provincial capital. The region, bordering Jordan, hosts bases for Iran-backed militias accused of aiding drug smuggling into the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, it houses troops from Russia, armed Druze militias, creating a volatile mix that complicates the regime’s suppression of civil disobedience.
Recent arrivals of Praetorian Republican Guards, air force intelligence members, and military intelligence personnel in Suweida have raised concerns among local dissidents. There are fears that Syrian and Iran-linked forces could instigate incidents to justify a heavy-handed crackdown on protests under the pretext of maintaining order.
Pressures Mount for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is pushing for the return of unregistered Syrians who entered Lebanon after 2015. There are efforts to deport these migrants back to regime-controlled areas in Syria or to opposition-held regions with the help of international parties, including the European Union. This move has stirred discussions around the plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon amid ongoing challenges.
Urgent Action Taken for Missing Syrian Journalist in Iraq
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the MENA Rights Group (MRG) have filed an Urgent Action to the UN regarding the disappearance of Syrian journalist Sleman Ahmed in Iraqi Kurdistan. Ahmed, associated with a PKK-affiliated news outlet, was apprehended in October 2023, and his whereabouts remain unknown. This case highlights the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones and the need for accountability.
Jordanian Army Thwarts Infiltration Attempt from Syria
The Jordanian Armed Forces successfully apprehended four individuals attempting to infiltrate from Syrian territories into Jordan’s Northern Military Zone. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of border security and the commitment to safeguard national sovereignty against potential threats.
Concerns Rise Over Biden Administration’s Softening Stance on Assad
A recent opinion piece in the Washington Post highlights the growing normalization of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the implications of softening pressures by the Biden administration. Despite official opposition to Assad’s regime through sanctions, there are concerns that a shift in approach could embolden authoritarian leaders globally. This raises questions about the ethical implications of international diplomacy and human rights advocacy.
The Waning Focus on Syria’s Ongoing Crisis
Amidst continued suffering and crises in Syria, global attention towards the conflict has dwindled, overshadowed by other conflicts and geopolitical dynamics. The complex nature of the Syrian war, coupled with competing narratives and international interventions, has led to decreased media coverage and engagement. Human rights violations and the need for a political solution are emphasized as critical factors in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria.