Syrian president vows to defend unity amid Suwayda unrest and foreign meddling

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa delivered a televised address on July 17, reaffirming Syria’s commitment to national unity and the protection of its citizens in light of recent unrest in the southern province of Suwayda. 

Al-Sharaa praised the Syrian people's resilience, stating they had launched a revolution in pursuit of freedom, achieved victory through sacrifice, and remain prepared to defend their dignity against any threat, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

The president accused Israel of reigniting efforts to destabilise Syria by fuelling internal strife and attempting to turn Syrian territory into a zone of unending turmoil. 

“This entity,” he said, “has consistently sought to weaken Syria’s social fabric and obstruct its recovery by inciting division.” Al-Sharaa underscored that the Syrian people, with a long tradition of unity, would not allow foreign actors to fragment the country.

Amidst the recent outbreak of violence in Suwayda, President Al-Sharaa announced that local factions and Druze religious leaders had been entrusted with maintaining security to prevent the situation from spiralling into wider conflict. 

He warned of groups acting outside the law and exploiting local disputes, accusing some of rejecting dialogue and prioritising personal interests over national unity.

Despite intensified Israeli attacks on civilian and government infrastructure, the president said Syria had succeeded in restoring stability. He credited diplomatic efforts from the United States, Arab countries, and Türkiye with de-escalating a potentially catastrophic situation.

Addressing the Druze community directly, Al-Sharaa described them as “an essential part of the nation's fabric,” assuring them that their rights and freedoms are a national priority.

“We reject any attempt to pull you towards foreign agendas or sow division among Syrians,” he said.

Al-Sharaa emphasised that Syria did not fear war but had chosen a path of national interest over destruction.

“We have always defended our people, but this moment calls for unity and protection of our citizens above all else,” he said. 

He stressed that those who violated the law would be held accountable, while reaffirming the state's duty to uphold justice and safeguard all communities.

In closing, President Al-Sharaa called on all Syrians to join in rebuilding the country.

“Unity is our weapon, hard work our path, and our will the foundation for Syria’s renewed future,” he declared.

By Aghakazim Guliyev