Conflicting information emerges from Syria as tensions escalate in the southern province of Suwayda. According to ERT reports, sources cited by Lebanese network Al Mayadeen claim that Syrian transitional president Ahmed Al-Shara left the capital Damascus, accompanied by his family. Simultaneously, a military unit suddenly stormed the Syrian Radio and Television building, taking control of the station’s broadcasts.
Sources reported that prominent officials of Al-Shara’s provisional government were assassinated, including Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra.
Meanwhile, the channel, citing other sources, reported that communications, electricity, and internet were completely cut off in Suwayda province, amid fears of escalating clashes in the border region.
Syria: Army prepares to redeploy in Suwayda
At the same time, however, and possibly contradicting the above information, Syrian security forces are preparing to redeploy in Suwayda to respond to battles between Druze and Bedouin tribes, according to a spokesperson for Syria’s Interior Ministry, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Israel has previously warned the Syrian government to withdraw its forces from southern Syria, launching strikes on government troop positions and targets in Damascus to reinforce its message.
