Renewed clashes in Sweida province in southern Syria, two people killed in attacks

Two people were killed today in clashes that erupted again in the Sweida province in southern Syria, despite a ceasefire that came into effect on July 20, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights non-governmental organization said.

In that region, for eight days in July, the Druze religious minority and the Sunni Bedouins clashed fiercely, and it is believed that more than 1400 people, mostly Druze, were killed during mutual attacks.

"One member of the security forces was killed and seven others were wounded in clashes with local factions in the west of Sweida province," the Observatory said.

The statement added that explosions and gunfire were heard in several neighborhoods in Sveida.

The main road linking Sweida to Damascus has been blocked since the ceasefire was established on July 20, and armed groups affiliated with the authorities control its surroundings and disrupt traffic, the Observatory claims.

She accused the authorities in Damascus of imposing a blockade on Sweida to force the local population to de-escalate tensions.

Authorities announced yesterday that the first meeting of the committee tasked with investigating the violence in Sweida was held, the local Sana agency reported.