Protests in Syria condemn Israeli incursions, demand accountability

Protests and public demonstrations driven by various demands took place in several parts of Syria on Friday, including rallies condemning repeated Israeli movements and incursions into southern Syria, as well as protests over security and living conditions.

As part of the protests against Israeli actions in southern Syria, dozens of people gathered in Al-Sa'aa (Clock) Square in central Homs to express their support for residents of Daraa and other southern areas. Demonstrations were also held in the towns of Khan Arnabeh in Quneitra countryside and Sa'sa' in Damascus countryside, rejecting repeated Israeli incursions and movements.

Protesters also gathered in front of the Grand Mosque in the city of Douma, in Damascus countryside, to condemn Israeli actions in southern Syria.

In Hasakah, dozens of people took part in a demonstration in the Ghuwayran neighborhood, during which the Israeli flag was burned. The demonstrators expressed their rejection of Israeli movements. A similar protest was held in the town of Dhiban, in Deir ez-Zor province.

In Rankous, in the Qalamoun region of Damascus countryside, dozens of residents held a sit-in in front of the police station after Friday prayers. They called for clarification of the circumstances surrounding a security operation carried out in the town at dawn on Thursday, the publication of the investigation findings to the public, and accountability for any violations established by the investigation.

The sit-in followed clashes that left seven people dead, including two members of the Internal Security Forces and five armed men.

The Internal Security Forces announced that the operation, carried out in coordination with the General Intelligence Service, targeted an ISIS cell. However, the residents of the town questioned the official account of the armed men’s identities, according to statements by local residents.

The participants raised demands for justice, transparency, and the protection of civilians. They stressed their commitment to peaceful action and the need to avoid accusing individuals of affiliation with extremist organizations without clear evidence and proper legal procedures.

The security tensions that followed the operation were accompanied by raids and searches in several neighborhoods of the town. Around 25 detainees were released following local mediation efforts and contacts, while others remain under investigation.

ANHA