Ongoing sectarian violence in Sweida has led to hundreds of deaths, including many Druze civilians allegedly executed by Syrian government forces, exacerbating fears of human rights violations.

As Suwayda

Reports from Sweida, southern Syria, indicate ongoing sectarian violence resulting in the deaths of over 200 people, including civilians and security forces. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 21 civilians were killed in field executions allegedly carried out by government forces, with incidents such as the public humiliation and subsequent death of an elderly Druze cleric circulating widely on social media.

The United Nations has condemned the alleged abuses and called for immediate de-escalation and transparent investigations. The conflict has drawn in neighbouring Israel, which has conducted airstrikes against Syrian forces, citing the protection of the Druze community. The Syrian government has condemned Israel's involvement, stating that its attacks have resulted in further civilian and security force casualties. The unrest presents a significant challenge for President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect Syria's diverse communities after taking office.

Allegations of human rights abuses in Sweida

On social media, this video is going viral, showing Syrian government forces forcibly shaving the moustache of an 80-year-old Druze cleric in a deliberate act of humiliation. According to local news, the elderly man was later found dead. Here in Suweda in southern Syria, at least 21 civilians have been killed in field executions by government forces, according to UK-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The United Nations said it condemned allegations of abuses against civilians. The Secretary-General urges the interim authorities and local leaders to immediately de-escalate and to protect civilians, to restore calm and of course to prevent any further incitement to violence. He further urges the interim authorities to transparently and openly investigate and hold to account those responsible for what we have seen. In all, more than 200 people have died in the violence, including civilians and security forces. To restore order, Syria's military deployed Tuesday to Suweda, a Druze community stronghold, following deadly clashes between the Druze and Bedouin groups which broke out on Sunday. But the army then began fighting with the Druze after 18 of its members were killed, with a brief ceasefire collapsing Wednesday. The violence has drawn in neighbouring Israel, which has vowed to protect the Druze with airstrikes on Syrian forces. We are committed to protecting the Druze residents. We are doing this through intensive operations. I hope we will not have to operate anymore. It depends very much on what is understood and done, and also not done. Damascus has condemned Israel's involvement, saying its attacks have killed both civilians and security force members. The fighting highlights the challenges faced by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect all of the country's diverse communities since overthrowing Bashar al-Assad last December.

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