ARA News

DAMASCUS – Angry Druze protesters broke into security headquarters of the Assad regime in the southern Syrian city of As-Suwayda, activists reported on Saturday. 

This comes one day after two deadly car bomb attacks hit As-Suwayda, killing more than 26 people including prominent Druze leader Sheikh Wahid al-Balous –who was known for his opposition to the Assad regime.

The Druze community blamed the assassination of al-Balous on the regime forces. 

Hundreds of people in As-Suwayda took to the street on Saturday to condemn the attacks and demand the Assad regime to withdraw its forces from the city.

Angry Druze protesters destroyed the statue of former Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad –Bashar’s father– and broke into security headquarters. 

“We are aware that Assad regime has been trying to ignite the flames of sedition among the Syrian communities,” Druze activist Izzat Salloum told ARA News in As-Suwayda. 

Activists reported that the protesters took over the building of regime’s political devision after clashes with security forces in the city. 

Meanwhile, Syrian army forces closed the road between As-Suwayda and Damascus, and cut off electricity and internet connection in the outraged city. 

Speaking to ARA News, civil rights activist Rakan Abu Khalil said the Druze community has been marginalized in Syria for decades. 

“It’s time for outrage. The regime should know that we will fight for our rights and we will accomplish what Sheikh Wahid al-Balous had fought for before they assassinate him,” Khalil said. 

Reporting by: Adel Hassan 

Source: ARA News