The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that there are international efforts to uncover the fate of the kidnapped in Sweida province in the south of the country, noting that outlaw groups still refuse to disclose the fate of the kidnapped and missing. This comes as internal security forces, in cooperation with the military police, began procedures to transfer 61 detainees from Sweida province to the Mutana checkpoint in the northern countryside of the province, in preparation for implementing an exchange process that includes the release of 25 prisoners held by the so-called 'National Guard' militia in Sweida, under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Syrian News Channel quoted the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, Nor al-Din Baba, as saying: 'Today we succeeded in an exchange process that brought joy to 86 Syrian families,' noting that the Ministry of Interior made great efforts in this process, especially the leadership of internal security in Sweida. Baba added: 'We managed to resolve the kidnapping, detention, and holding of 25 Syrian citizens who were kidnapped by outlaw groups,' revealing that 61 detainees held by the Syrian state were released. Baba explained that 'this matter came within the context of the Amman agreement for steps to calm the situation in Sweida and return to a peaceful and political solution within the framework of Syrian national unity.' Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted the head of media relations in Sweida, Qutayba Azam, as saying that internal security forces, in coordination with the military police, began transferring detainees to the Mutana point this morning to complete exchange procedures. Azam stated that the operation includes the release of 25 prisoners held by the so-called 'National Guard' militia, confirming that its implementation is carried out under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross, ensuring compliance with approved humanitarian standards and procedures. This step falls within the government's efforts to address the file of detainees and prisoners of war in Sweida through a mutually agreed-upon mechanism between the concerned parties, which contributes to reducing tension and enhancing local stability in the province, according to the agency. In turn, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the exchange operation was carried out under the direct supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross through the Mutana checkpoint in the north of the province, amidst meticulous arrangements and strict security measures that ensured the smooth and safe completion of the operation.
