Protests erupted in Suwayda, Syria today, September 20th, calling for the release of detained and abducted individuals, with reports indicating the presence of Israeli flags at the demonstrations. The situation is complicated by mutual accusations between involved parties regarding the fate of over 100 individuals taken during fighting in July. Multiple abductees have been released recently following mediation efforts by security forces and individuals like Laith Balous, according to reports. However, the Hijri side has not released any captives, and the fate of individuals such as a White Helmets member remains unknown. The involvement of numerous groups, some allegedly withholding accurate information or lists of captives, further hinders comprehensive deal-making. The tribes involved have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of reciprocal gestures from Hijri-affiliated militias. Adding to the distress, some pro-Hijri fighters have reportedly sent humiliating videos to the relatives of captives, exacerbating the grim situation resulting from the kidnappings and counter-kidnappings that occurred in Suwayda during July.
