The city of Suweida witnessed what eyewitnesses described as “heavy” shooting during a demonstration opposing the Syrian regime in Al-Karama Square, resulting in the injury of a civilian.
Activist Muhannad Zain al-Din told Enab Baladi that security forces opened fire on Monday, 15 July, in front of the city’s police headquarters building, wounding a civilian during the demonstration near the same building.
Muhannad, who was present during the same demonstration, said the shooting was preceded by security reinforcements deployed near the police headquarters, including cars with 23mm machine guns.
The local website Suweida 24 reported that the civilian, Jihad Zaid Zahreddine, was shot in the back in front of the police headquarters building. His condition is critical.
It added that Zahreddine was in front of one of the ATMs and was not among the protesters.
The website Al-Rased, which specializes in covering the news of Suweida, quoted a medical source as saying that the civilian was wounded by three bullets that settled in his abdomen, causing heavy bleeding.
It added in a separate post that the shooting occurred after an altercation broke out between a citizen riding a motorcycle and guards at the police command.
Local news accounts on Facebook posted a video showing heavy gunfire in Suweida, coinciding with the anti-Syrian regime demonstration.
Activist Muhannad Zain al-Din told Enab Baladi that protesters gathered in front of the police headquarters building after the shooting, and that the gathering was still ongoing at the time of writing.
The shooting came two days after an attack on the police command in Suweida by unknown assailants, which resulted in material damage to the building.
This is not the first instance of shooting at protesters in Suweida. The city witnessed a similar event on September 13, 2023, during a demonstration. In December 2022, a State Security patrol fired at protesters in Suweida, resulting in injuries.
The Syrian regime’s use of violence against protests in Suweida has already received international reactions, with the United States condemning it and Germany expressing concern.
For about a year, Suweida has been witnessing daily protests calling for the implementation of UN Resolution 2254, which provides for a political solution in Syria. The protesters demand the departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
