Football Player Killed and Others Injured in Armed Clash in Idlib

Football player, Mohammed Arja, from "Umaya" sports club was killed, and another person was seriously injured, following a shooting incident in one of the neighborhoods of Idlib city in northern Syria. The incident occurred yesterday, Monday, July 28, after a dispute between two parties, as announced by the "Idlib Governorate" in an official statement.

Local sources reported that the incident started with a verbal altercation between the father of the perpetrator, known as "A.A," and one of the victims. When the player Mohammed Arja tried to intervene to resolve the conflict, the perpetrator opened fire on him, leading to his immediate death, in addition to the killing of the other person involved in the altercation with the perpetrator's father, and the serious injury of the latter's son.

The "Idlib Governorate" announced issuing a search warrant for the fugitive perpetrator, confirming that investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident. Internal security forces were deployed at the scene of the incident, while the area was filled with tension and anger, with some residents storming the perpetrator's house and setting its contents on fire. The funeral of the victims witnessed intense gunfire by the mourners, reflecting the escalation of armed violence in the region.

"Umaya" club also mourned the first-team player, Mohammed Arja, describing him as a "promising talent," expressing sadness at his loss. The club called for the perpetrators to be pursued and brought to justice, urging the reinforcement of security in the city.

It is worth noting that Mohammed Arja was one of the prominent players in the club, which is among the leading clubs in the province, achieving an advanced position in the first division league and winning the Martyrs' Cup in 2023.

The incident highlights the worsening of weapon crimes in areas outside the control of the Syrian government, despite official efforts to restrict weapon possession. Idlib continues to witness sporadic violence due to the widespread proliferation of arms after years of conflict.