Damascus, Feb 8 (V7N) — Syrian authorities have detained an internal security officer in connection with the killing of four civilians in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida, according to local security officials.

Hossam al-Tahan, head of internal security in the area, said four people were shot dead and another seriously wounded on Saturday in the village of al-Matana. State news agency SANA reported that preliminary investigations, assisted by testimony from one of the survivors, identified one suspect as a member of the local Internal Security Directorate.

“The officer was immediately detained and referred for investigation,” al-Tahan said.

Earlier, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the victims were fired upon by unidentified attackers while harvesting olives. The group said the civilians had permission from authorities to be in the northern part of Sweida province, an area under government control.

Sweida, located in southern Syria, is considered a stronghold of the Druze minority. The province has remained sensitive since brief but intense violence erupted there in July last year, when clashes between Druze armed groups and Sunni Bedouin escalated and drew in government forces as well as tribal fighters from other regions.

While Damascus has maintained that its forces intervened to restore order, Druze factions, witnesses and rights groups have accused security forces of siding with Bedouin groups and committing abuses against Druze residents.

Although a ceasefire was reached later in July, tensions have persisted, with access to Sweida remaining restricted. Local residents have accused the government of imposing a blockade on the province, prompting tens of thousands to flee—an allegation authorities have denied. Several humanitarian aid convoys have since been allowed to enter.

The Syrian Observatory estimates that more than 185,000 people from the area remain displaced amid ongoing instability.

END/WD/RH