On Thursday evening, Residents of Yefren staged peaceful protests demanding the withdrawal of armed groups that entered the city, fearing the involvement of their community in armed conflicts.
The demonstrations began after the arrival of a military battalion from the Western Military Zone, according to Said Bouqsei’a, a member of the Yefren Municipal Council, who spoke to local media.
According to Said Bouqsei’a, a member of Yefren’s Municipal Council, the battalion opened fire on the peaceful demonstrators, leaving several people injured, some critically. Bouqsei’a urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that the situation could escalate further if the military presence in the city is not withdrawn.
Bouqsei’a stressed Yefren’s longstanding reputation as a stable and peaceful city, highlighting the community’s determination to maintain peace despite the recent unrest. He called on local and national leaders, including the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Defense, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to intervene immediately and order the withdrawal of the battalion to avoid further tension.
In a plea to prevent escalation, Bouqsei’a also urged community leaders from nearby areas to step in and help resolve the situation peacefully. He emphasized that the residents of Yefren want to remain outside any potential armed conflicts and are determined to protect the city from violence.
Meanwhile, Bouqsei’a addressed a suspended administrative dispute over the division of local districts, clarifying that it is purely an internal administrative issue. He confirmed that the city will comply with the recommendations of the committee assigned to resolve the matter but stressed that this dispute is not connected to the military presence and should not be used as a justification for it.
The sudden entry of armed forces into Yefren has alarmed residents, who fear the city could become embroiled in wider regional conflicts. Yefren has thus far managed to avoid direct involvement in the power struggles between factions within the Western Military Zone, and local leaders are working to prevent any escalation.
As tensions rise, calls for restraint and dialogue have intensified, with officials urging all parties to focus on de-escalation and the safety of residents. Local authorities are appealing for immediate intervention to preserve stability and avoid further violence.
