Damascus, Aug. 24 -- Syria's supreme committee for parliamentary elections announced Saturday the postponement of parliamentary elections, scheduled for September, in three provinces due to security challenges.

The committee said the elections in Sweida, Hasakah, and Raqqa will be deferred "until suitable conditions and a safe environment are available," stressing that the parliamentary seats allocated to the provinces will remain reserved until balloting can take place.

The decision underscores the challenges facing the interim authorities. Sweida has witnessed violent sectarian clashes in recent weeks, while Hasakah and Raqqa remain volatile due to the presence of rival armed groups and lingering security threats.

The committee also an...