📰 Laith al-Balous condemns killing of Sheikh al-Matani, holds armed group responsible

Damascus, Dec. 2 (SANA) Sheikh Laith al-Balous has publicly mourned the death of Sheikh Raed al-Matani, who local sources in Sweida say was killed under torture inside detention facilities run by armed groups operating under the name “National Guard. ” Al-Balous placed full responsibility for the killing on what he described as a secessionist faction linked to Hikmat al-Hijri and its supporters. In a statement published on his Facebook page, al-Balous stated that Sweida awoke to what he described as a “emerging tragedy” with the assassination of Sheikh al-Matani. He accused the group affiliated with al-Hijri of carrying out the killing using methods of intimidation, fabrication, and accusations of treason, which he stated mirror practices associated with the deposed regime.

Al-Balous stated that al-Matani was arbitrarily arrested and subjected to severe torture to extract forced confessions, without any legal documentation or public judicial process. He added that the victim was later killed in what he described as a brutal manner, accusing the group of trying to fabricate justifications to cover up the crime. Notably, he further alleged that the same armed faction had previously been involved in the killing of engineer Karam Monther and other local figures, as well as acts of looting, arson, and attacks on civilian homes and livelihoods in the town of al-Mazraa and surrounding villages. He accused the group of systematically using accusations such as “traitor” and “collaborator” against anyone who opposes its views.

In his closing remarks, al-Balous said he had repeatedly warned about what he described as armed mercenary elements and called on the people of Sweida to stand united against what he termed corruption and lawlessness. He urged residents to protect civil peace and preserve the dignity of the region. He also offered condolences to the family of Sheikh al-Matani and prayed for their strength. The killing of Sheikh Raed al-Matani comes amid a deteriorating security circumstances in Sweida, where multiple armed groups operating outside state authority have expanded their presence.

These groups are accused of carrying out arbitrary arrests, seizing relief aid, and contributing to growing disorder. Indeed, ongoing rivalries between factions have further fueled instability, raising severe concerns over the future of security and social cohesion in the province.