Activist: Syrian govt backs attacks on Suwayda   

The city of Suwayda is witnessing a dangerous escalation, with clashes between groups linked to Syria’s transitional government forces and local armed residents forming factions to protect their areas. Violent clashes erupted in the Al-Maqous neighborhood east of Suwayda after repeated attacks by gunmen on the Druze community in Suwayda and its surroundings. About 10 Druze individuals were detained, and a Druze truck driver was assaulted in the Damascus countryside. 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 150 people killed or injured from both sides, including civilians. These bloody clashes highlight the ongoing security challenges facing Syria’s transitional government since it came to power after the fall of the previous regime in December 2024. Supporters of the new authority have been launching a campaign of incitement and hatred targeting various Syrian communities, particularly the Druze. 

Massive attacks supported by the government

Adel Al-Hadi noted that “the attacks are not carried out by individuals but by large convoys of ISIS fighters, so-called public security forces, and the Ministry of Defense affiliated with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, along with foreign factions, some of whom have been captured by Suwayda’s fighters.”

 He clarified that “this is bigger than just individuals; large numbers are attacking Suwayda from the direction of Daraa, along a front stretching at least 40 kilometers. The attacks are massive, involving drones, armored vehicles, and heavy weapons. Thus, the interim government, with support from tribes and ISIS, is attacking Suwayda.” 

Suppressing believers in pluralism and democracy

Al-Hadi believes the goal of these attacks, which have extended from massacres on the coast to attempts to commit massacres in Suwayda among the Druze and other communities, is to subdue anyone who supports a democratic, free, pluralistic, and culturally diverse Syria. He noted that there are Christian martyrs from Suwayda as well. 

Federalism as the Solution

The Druze lawyer and activist emphasized that “the attackers are trying to establish a backward Islamic ISIS emirate to serve foreign agendas. These attacks will leave deep scars in Syria’s national and social fabric, proving that Syrians are not a single, unified people but rather diverse groups, as evidenced by the reactions of many extremists brought in through an international equation to occupy Syria.” 

Regarding the impact, Al-Hadi stated, “Coexistence as it was before is no longer possible, and a centralized system in Syria is no longer feasible. There must be a federal system at the very least, and these massacres and violations should lead to international protection and a federal system that ensures the protection of Syrian minorities who believe in a democratic system, including moderate Sunnis.” 

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ANHA