A significant prisoner exchange took place in the southern province of Sweida on Friday, marking a rare moment of de-escalation between the Syrian government and local "National Guard" forces. The swap involved the release of 91 individuals, signaling progress in resolving the fallout from the violent clashes that gripped the region last year.
Exchange Details and Supervision
The operation, conducted under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), saw the release of 61 detainees from the Sweida province in exchange for 30 members of the Syrian government's defense and internal security forces. The exchange was carried out at the Al-Matouna checkpoint in northern Sweida amid strict security measures and precise logistical arrangements.
Strategic Mediation Roles
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the United States played a primary role in mediating the deal between the Syrian government and the Druze religious leadership, represented by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari. This diplomatic breakthrough follows months of negotiations aimed at resolving the cases of those detained during the bloody violence that erupted in Sweida last July.
Background of the Conflict
The tensions in Sweida escalated significantly in July 2024, starting as clashes between Druze gunmen and local Bedouin fighters before expanding into broader confrontations involving government forces. In August 2024, dozens of local factions unified under the "National Guard" umbrella to consolidate military efforts under the spiritual guidance of Sheikh al-Hajari.
While a ceasefire was established in late July last year, the region remained volatile. This latest exchange is viewed as a critical step toward stabilizing the province and addressing long-standing grievances related to detainees and local governance.
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