Two separate attacks targeted local fighters in the southern Syrian governorate of Daraa on July 24 and 25, according to local sources.
In the first attack, on July 24, a local fighter identified as “Basel Kamal al-Masalmah” was shot and killed by unknown assailants near the al-Kazyah [gas station] roundabout in Daraa city. Local sources said al-Masalmah was a member of a unit affiliated with the Military Intelligence Directorate.
The unit is led by Mustafa al-Masalmah, a prominent local commander known as “al-Kassim.” This was the second attack on al-Kassim’s unit this week. The first attack killed two members of the unit and injured a third one.
A day after the assassination of al-Masalmah, unidentified gunmen opened fire at a motorcycle on road near the town of Tafas in northern Daraa. Two locals, “Abulrahim Issa al-Mubasbas” and “Khalid Ali al-Qabati,” were injured. Al-Qabati was reportedly a former rebel.
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No group has claimed responsibility for any of the attacks, so far. ISIS cells are known to be active in different parts of Daraa. So, the terrorist group remains the main suspect.
The deteriorating security situation in Daraa has been affecting both government forces and local fighters. The two sides will have to improve coordination in order to restate security in the governorate.
