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damascus, Dec. 2 (SANA) Local sources and multiple media outlets declared on Tuesday that Sheikh Raed al-Matani was killed in Sweida province after being subjected to torture, two days after his abduction by armed groups operating under the name of the so-called “national Guard,” which are affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri. as per videos circulating on social media, al-Matani was violently abducted from his home two days ago in what witnesses described as a brutal and degrading manner. Local community sources later verified that he died under severe torture inside detention facilities run by the armed group “National Guard”.
The killing comes amid a worsening security circumstances in Sweida, where armed factions linked to external agendas have reportedly emerged and are competing for control through force. These groups are accused of carrying out arbitrary arrests and repressing anyone who opposes their practices. Local reports from the province indicate that the same militia, which presents itself as a “protection force,” has set up unauthorized checkpoints and seized relief aid provided by the syrian state and international organizations.
This has contributed to growing insecurity and widespread disorder now threatening social syria-stability/" class="smart-internal-link" title="📰 Erdogan says Israel’s actions are biggest obstacle to Syria stability">stability. Sweida has witnessed a series of similar abductions in latest months, along with deadly clashes between rival armed groups. Observers say these developments underscore the urgent need for the swift return of legitimate state institutions to restore security, protect civilians, confine weapons to lawful authorities, and put an end to the ongoing chaos.