Armed individuals, along with members of the military intelligence of the Syrian regime forces, broke into a swimming pool in al Mqwas neighborhood east of Suwaida city on May 28, 2022. These forces claimed that the raid was perpetrated in search of individuals accused of drug smuggling. The gunmen shot several civilians as they tried to escape. The incident led to the death of Osama al Eliyan and Sakhr Su’out al Baddah. As the forces retreated from the site, Syrian regime personnel shot and killed a civilian called Laith Yaser al Baddah.
Following the incident, widespread protests started in al Mqwas neighborhood, and a shootout between Syrian Regime forces and gunmen from the area led to the death of Ragheb Jad’an al Sayyed, and five other civilians were wounded, including two women. We are yet unable to determine the party responsible for Ragheb’s death.
On the night of the same day, vehicles and members of the Syrian regime forces spread in the neighborhood’s vicinity and later fired mortar shells and damaged buildings in the area, which led to the forced displacement of the residents fearing further bombardment.
SNHR condemns all bombing and killing of civilians by Syrian regime-supported groups and the resulting damage and loss of human lives and forced displacement.
Photo of the victim showing Osama al Eliyan.
Photo of the victim Ragheb Jad’an al Sayyed, age 48.
Photo showing damages in the house after Syrian regime forces bombing of al Mqwas neighborhood.
