The Syrian security has released three detainees of 11 who were arrested in anti-government protests in the Druze city of Sweida, local activists said Wednesday.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Sweida three weeks ago, protesting worsening economic conditions and demanding the downfall of Bashar al Assad.
Demonstrators near a main square of the southwestern city called for Assad’s overthrow, echoing chants at the start of pro-democracy protests in 2011 that were violently crushed by security forces and sparked a violent, nine-year conflict, according to Reuters..
Syrian authorities blame Western sanctions for widespread hardship among ordinary residents, where the currency collapse has led to soaring prices and people struggling to afford food and basic supplies.
Sweida city had been spared the unrest seen in other parts of Syria since the start of the conflict and remained in government hands.
The majority Druze population have long resisted being drawn into the Syrian conflict that pits mainly Sunni rebels against Assad’s rule.
Zaman Al Wasl
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