Syrian Government Investigates Allegations of Atrocities in As-Suwayda Following Fierce Clashes
The Syrian government has pledged a full investigation into allegations of “horrific violations” in the city of As-Suwayda, a predominantly Druze area, following intense fighting that reportedly resulted in hundreds of casualties. The extent of the violence remains difficult to independently verify due to severe restrictions on access to the city.
reports from last Wednesday suggest that over 300 people may have been killed, though this figure cannot be confirmed. The Syrian Ministry of defense acknowledged awareness of these reports, stating that individuals in military uniforms were allegedly involved in the violations.
Raed Al-Saleh, Syria’s Minister of Disaster Management and Response of Emergency Cases, previously stated that all allegations of atrocities committed by any party would be thoroughly investigated.
Access to As-Suwayda is heavily controlled, with Syrian government forces manning numerous checkpoints, making the collection of direct evidence challenging. the city is effectively under siege, with movement in and out strictly regulated.
Upon entering the city, evidence of fierce fighting was apparent, with burned shops, damaged buildings, and vehicles destroyed by tanks.the conflict involved Druze and Bedouin fighters, prompting the Syrian government to intervene to establish a ceasefire.
While government forces have regained control of several Druze villages in the as-Suwayda Governorate, the city itself, home to over 70,000 residents, remains under Druze control.
During a visit to a hospital, an eight-year-old girl named Hala Al-Khatib was found with blood-stained and swollen facial injuries, suggesting she may have lost an eye. She recounted that gunmen fired at her head while she was hiding in a wardrobe at her home.Hala is reportedly unaware that her parents have died.
