First Druze woman joins FSA

Amira Bahsas to join opposition fighters Damascus - George Al Shami The rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) has seen its first female Druze recruit join its ranks in Syria. Amira Bahsas, who is from the majority-Druze city of Sweida in the country’s south-west, publicly announced her decision to join opposition fighters in their attempts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Bahsas’ husband, Khaldoun Zinedine, was killed while fighting for the FSA on January 13. Zinedine became the first Druze defector from Syria’s armed forces. “In the name of God the merciful, because of the injustice and aggression carried out against out great people, it’s my decision to join the Free Syrian Army to protect our civilians,” Bahsas said in a FSA video message. “I address you today after the martyrdom of my husband – long live free Syria.” Bahsas’ husband joined the FSA in October 2011, establishing the Sultan Pasha Atrash battalion with around 120 other fighters.