Syria is in trouble again: shots were fired during anti-Assad protests
Although the war in Syria, which broke out in March 2011 and remained on the global agenda for years, has ended in most of the country, tensions have risen rapidly in the south recently.
Incidents broke out today in the southern province of Suwayda, where tensions have been high due to demonstrations against President Bashar Assad in recent weeks. It was reported that he shot at anti-government protesters.
Sweida24 television reported that, according to initial information, three injured people were hospitalized.
Sources in the region and local media claimed that the ruling Baath Party authorities opened fire on people protesting poor living conditions and the economic crisis.
Videos shared on social media show the crowd fleeing amid gunfire.
The demonstrations in Suveyda last for weeks.
According to local media, events escalated when protesters attempted to storm the Baath Party headquarters in the city this morning. The building was closed for a time due to mass demonstrations last month.
The images recalled what happened in 2011, when the war in Syria began. At the time, accusations of opening fire on anti-government protesters in Dera and other cities quickly increased tension in the country, and internal turmoil escalated into a war that engulfed the region.
Although Assad managed to retake most of the country with the support of Russia and Iran, rising poverty and lack of fuel have recently sparked protests.