Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
DAMASCUS, July 21 (Xinhua) — Fierce clashes broke out between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes supporting the interim government in rural areas of southern Syria on Sunday, threatening a fragile ceasefire in the region, activists said.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said large numbers of Bedouin reinforcements had gathered in the villages of Bustan, Dama and Najran, and there were signs of preparations to storm neighbouring Druze areas.
Heavy fighting broke out in the towns of Arika and Umm al-Zeitoun, located along the Damascus-Suwayda highway, with Bedouins reportedly burning homes and looting property. The violence led to the closure of two key roads, further increasing tensions in the already volatile area.
An expected prisoner exchange between the two sides was called off after mortar shells, believed to have been fired from Bedouin positions, landed near the planned transfer site.
At least 1,120 people have been killed since fighting began on July 13, according to the observatory, including more than 100 civilians and dozens of government troops. For now, tensions remain high in the region and the ceasefire remains in jeopardy. –0–
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