NEW DELHI: Twelve people lost their lives in southern Syria‘s Daraa province following an explosion that tragically killed a group of children. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, was reported by a war monitor. Daraa, known for its role in the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, came under government control in 2018 through a ceasefire agreement supported by Russia.
Despite this, the province continues to face challenges such as poor living conditions and security issues, leading to frequent violence and unrest. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights identified Ahmed al-Labbad, described as leading an armed group, as the individual accused of planting the explosive device that caused the children’s deaths.
Al-Labbad, a former state security agency worker, denied these allegations according to the monitor, which relies on sources within Syria.
A separate armed group, led by an individual with ties to the Islamic State (IS) and currently working for military intelligence, clashed with Al-Labbad’s group in retaliation.
The violence escalated as Al-Labbad’s residence was set on fire, resulting in casualties including members of both groups and an innocent civilian caught in the crossfire. Drug-related items were discovered at Al-Labbad’s house, further complicating the situation. The clashes are reported to be ongoing in the area. Syrian state media did not immediately cover the events on Sunday. The official state news agency, SANA, reported a different death toll from the explosion, attributing it to ‘terrorists’.
Daraa province has been a hotbed for attacks, clashes, and assassinations, with former rebels retaining light weaponry under the 2018 Russian-backed agreement. Recent incidents include the killing of a jihadist militia leader and seven members affiliated with IS in clashes with local factions.
The Syrian civil war, stemming from 2011 protests, has left a devastating impact on the country, claiming over half a million lives and severely damaging its economy and infrastructure.
Despite this, the province continues to face challenges such as poor living conditions and security issues, leading to frequent violence and unrest. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights identified Ahmed al-Labbad, described as leading an armed group, as the individual accused of planting the explosive device that caused the children’s deaths.
Al-Labbad, a former state security agency worker, denied these allegations according to the monitor, which relies on sources within Syria.
A separate armed group, led by an individual with ties to the Islamic State (IS) and currently working for military intelligence, clashed with Al-Labbad’s group in retaliation.
The violence escalated as Al-Labbad’s residence was set on fire, resulting in casualties including members of both groups and an innocent civilian caught in the crossfire. Drug-related items were discovered at Al-Labbad’s house, further complicating the situation. The clashes are reported to be ongoing in the area. Syrian state media did not immediately cover the events on Sunday. The official state news agency, SANA, reported a different death toll from the explosion, attributing it to ‘terrorists’.
Daraa province has been a hotbed for attacks, clashes, and assassinations, with former rebels retaining light weaponry under the 2018 Russian-backed agreement. Recent incidents include the killing of a jihadist militia leader and seven members affiliated with IS in clashes with local factions.
The Syrian civil war, stemming from 2011 protests, has left a devastating impact on the country, claiming over half a million lives and severely damaging its economy and infrastructure.