Syrian government forces and Druze factions exchange prisoners in Sweida

The Syrian government and Druze factions controlling the southern city of Sweida carry out their first prisoner exchange since deadly clashes last summer, the Syrian government’s Sweida media office says.

The swap involves Damascus releasing 61 prisoners from the Druze factions detained in Adra Central Prison near the capital, in return for the Druze National Guard Forces freeing 25 Syrian government personnel, the media office says.

The operation takes place under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Heavy sectarian clashes in Sweida between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes erupted last July. The clashes intensified further when forces of the Islamist-led government were sent to quell the fighting in the provincial capital of the mostly Druze province.

The clashes drew strikes from Israel backing the Druze against Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government.

A comprehensive ceasefire was announced later in the month to halt the fighting following days of bloodshed in which hundreds were killed.