Syrian Forces Accused of Massacre in Sweida
Pharmacist Describes Horrific Family Killings
A pharmacist from Sweida, Syria, has made a desperate appeal to the global community, recounting the brutal murder of seven family members and the violent assault on her Druze community. Hala Saraya is currently trapped in her home, living in fear as she pleads for international intervention.
Unprovoked Attack on Civilians
Hala Saraya detailed how Syrian forces, locally referred to as the al-Golani militia, launched an unprovoked assault on civilians. The violence began on a Sunday evening. Saraya stated, “We are innocent and very polite citizens. But we don’t know why they killed us. They killed all of us.”
Initially, residents believed the militia was there to provide protection from Bedouin attacks. However, by Wednesday, the situation devolved into what Saraya described as a “brutal carnage.” Forces entered her relatives’ home under the guise of a weapons search, falsely assuring them of safety.
“They said, ‘We will not do anything bad to you.’ But after removing all the men from the house, they took them … to a place near their house actually. And they killed them immediately.”
—Hala Saraya
Seven members of the al-Saraya family were killed, their bodies discovered the following day. Saraya emphasized the horrific nature of their deaths, stating, “It was a horrible way. Not just a weapon on you. It was a horrible way.”
Among the deceased was Hala Saraya‘s cousin, Hussam Ghassan Saraya, an American citizen from Oklahoma. Described as a quiet and gifted individual, Hussam had studied accounting and finance in the United States and had no connection to weaponry.
Approximately twenty people were present in the house during the attack. Women were subjected to terror, and belongings were looted by the assailants.
Widespread Casualties in Sweida
The broader death toll in Sweida is reportedly staggering, with Hala Saraya estimating over 1,000 people killed and many families losing all their members. She remains confined to her home, unable to leave due to the pervasive danger.
I have just been given horrific news and videos of what is said to be an American citizen from Oklahoma who has been brutally killed in Syria.
He is Druse.
I have passed it on to a senior State Department official and a Member of Congress to check the facts.
Pray for his…
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) July 21, 2025
Richard Grenell, former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy, acknowledged the killing of American citizen Hussam Ghassan Saraya, stating that the State Department and a member of Congress are investigating the details.
Hala Saraya urgently called for international intervention, appealing, “We need UN protection. We can’t fight more. It’s not just a post on Facebook … we need real action to save us.”
Her final plea was a heartfelt entreaty for peace and safety: “All we need is peace. Save our children. Save us. Save all of us.”
The conflict in Syria continues to have devastating humanitarian consequences. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of early 2024, an estimated 16.7 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance, highlighting the scale of ongoing suffering (OCHA).
