Intense clashes in Suwaida, Syria result in over 500 fatalities over several days
In the Syrian city of Suwaida, a complex and tragic conflict has unfolded since mid-July 2025. The violence, which has resulted in over 500 fatalities and injured hundreds more, has seen a significant escalation in the past week.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that among the dead are many civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. The organisation has accused the Syrian government troops of executing 83 Druze civilians, while armed Bedouin tribal groups and armed Druze local groups outside of state control have also been implicated in the violence.
The conflict has been marked by extrajudicial killings, mutual shelling, and airstrikes, leading to civilian casualties amid ongoing clashes between Druze community armed groups, Bedouin tribal forces, and Syrian Interim government security and military forces. Israeli occupation forces have reportedly carried out airstrikes, targeting military forces affiliated with the Damascus transitional authorities.
The United Nations Syria Commission of Inquiry has expressed deep alarm over the escalation, urging all parties to cease violence, protect civilians, and ensure safe passage for those fleeing the conflict. The Commission has also condemned increasing incitement and hate speech linked to the conflict. Over 57 civil society organisations have joined in condemning the wave of human rights violations and sectarian violence.
The Druze, a religious minority that emerged from Shia Islam and reside in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, have been deeply affected by the conflict. Many Druze in Suwaida have expressed skepticism towards the new central government in Damascus, led by Sunni Islamists. Tragically, three members of a Beduin tribe, including a woman and a child, were reportedly executed by Druze fighters.
A four-year-old girl named Leen was also reportedly killed by a projectile in the city centre. Essential services, including water, electricity, and hospitals, have been cut off, and the city's hospital had to be closed due to damage.
A ceasefire is now in effect, but the city remains in a state of fear. Bakeries and markets initially remained closed, and some bodies of the executed civilians were found bound or burned on the streets of Suwaida. In their Syrian stronghold of Suwaida, Druze enjoyed considerable autonomy during the civil war, but the recent violence has shaken the community to its core.
It is essential that international attention and action are focused on restoring peace and protecting civilians in Suwaida. The ongoing violence has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, destruction, and civilian casualties, necessitating urgent action to bring an end to the suffering.
- The ongoing conflict in Syrian city of Suwaida, marked by extrajudicial killings, mutual shelling, airstrikes, and the execution of civilians, has escalated political tensions and raised concerns about the community policy,as well as the security of the environment, particularly the protection of civilians.
- Amidst the escalating war-and-conflicts in Syria, the United Nations Syria Commission of Inquiry has called for an end to the violence and general-news outlets have reported on increasing human rights violations and sectarian violence, particularly in the Druze community in Suwaida, where civilian casualties and essential services disruption have been recorded.
