Syria’s Defence Minister vows accountability over Suwayda abuses

Syria’s Defence Minister, Marhaf Abu Qasra, has pledged that those responsible for recent human rights abuses in the southern province of Suwayda will face justice, regardless of whether they are affiliated with the armed forces.

The government said it was investigating “shocking and grave violations” reportedly carried out by an unidentified armed group wearing military uniform, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

The incidents have sparked outrage locally and prompted renewed scrutiny of military conduct in conflict zones.

The Defence Ministry emphasised that it had previously issued strict orders prohibiting any unauthorised formations from entering areas of military operations.

A special committee has been formed to investigate the violations in Suwayda, with Abu Qasra reportedly overseeing the process directly. The ministry said those found responsible would face “the harshest penalties available under military law.”

In a related development, the Interior Ministry condemned in the strongest terms widely shared footage appearing to show summary executions carried out by unknown individuals in Suwayda.

It labelled the acts as serious crimes and confirmed that an urgent investigation was underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

“No one is above the law,” the ministry said, adding that anyone proven to have been involved would be brought before the judiciary and prosecuted to the full extent of Syrian law.

Tensions in Suwayda escalated sharply last week following violent clashes between local armed factions and Bedouin tribal groups, triggering a government response. The violence led to a significant wave of displacement, with over 3,500 families reportedly fleeing to neighbouring Daraa province.

An initial ceasefire was brokered on July 17, with government forces subsequently withdrawing from key areas of Suwayda. However, isolated skirmishes continued in the days that followed.

By July 19, the Syrian presidency announced a nationwide truce and called on all parties to abide by the agreement. Security forces began redeploying to stabilise the province. 

A senior security official said the calm would enable displaced families to return and pave the way for broader reconciliation measures, including the exchange of detainees.

The situation also drew international attention. On July 16, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes near Syria’s General Staff headquarters and close to the presidential palace in Damascus, citing a need to “defend the Druze community” amid the unrest in Suwayda. 

The following day, the United States confirmed that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire deal aimed at de-escalating tensions.

As investigations into the alleged abuses continue, Syrian authorities have signalled a zero-tolerance stance, seeking to reassert control and restore confidence in the rule of law following one of the most turbulent weeks in Suwayda’s recent history.

By Aghakazim Guliyev