Syria: Demonstrator and policeman dead after fierce clashes

A protester and a policeman were killed today in southern Syriawhen security forces opened fire on protesters protesting their worsening living conditions, according to NGOs.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of the city Swedenbefore angry protesters stormed the government building, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Syrian government forces responsible for his protection opened fire to disperse them, added the NGO, which is based in Britain and has an extensive network of sources in Syria.

“At least one protester and one policeman were killed,” Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Protesters also “tore down a large photo of President Bashar al-Assad that hung on the facade” of the building, he said.

The local news network Suwayda 24 confirmed the two deaths, adding that four injured were taken to hospital.

The same network broadcast images showing dozens of people chanting “The people want the fall of the regime” in front of the governor’s offices.

Other images show an armored army vehicle on fire and heavy gunfire can be heard.

The Syrian authorities are present in Sweida province through official institutions and security centers, protected by security forces. The army has been deployed near the governor’s offices.

The interior ministry accused “a group of outlaws” of killing a policeman as he tried to storm police headquarters.

Power shortages

Some “carried weapons”, according to the interior ministry, which announced it wanted to “take all legal measures against anyone who tries to undermine the security and stability of the government and the safety of citizens”.

State television reported that “illegals broke into the government building and burned records” without elaborating.

In recent days, the Syrian government has decided to take austerity measures, such as severely limiting electricity consumption. The country is also facing fuel shortages.

According to the United Nations, 90% of the Syrian population lives below the poverty line and 12.4 million residents suffer from food insecurity.

The mainly Druze-populated province and capital of Sweida have remained relatively safe from fighting since Syria’s war began in 2011, except for rebel attacks in 2013 and 2015 and an attack by the Islamic State group. (IK) in 2018, during which more than 280 people were killed.

Although some members of the Druze minority joined the opposition at the beginning of the conflict, others continue to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

RES-EMP

Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.