Druze spokesman in Suweida calls for decentralization after deadly drone attack

Rizk recounted the recent military escalation in Suweida and its countryside, explaining that they attempted to intervene to protect the village of Sami’, which was under heavy bombardment. 

However, a sniper initially hindered their advance before local fighters managed to eliminate the threat.

Since July 13, Suweida has faced attacks that have killed over 1,300 people, carried out by transitional government forces and affiliated armed groups.

 Local military forces in Suweida have responded, leading to intense clashes. A fragile, internationally brokered ceasefire has temporarily halted the fighting.

Rizk said he worked to motivate young fighters, boosting their resolve to defend Suweida during critical moments. He noted that they gradually withdrew to the village of Mazra’a but faced heavy shelling, forcing a further retreat to the village of Walgha. There, he was personally targeted by a drone, sustaining a shrapnel injury to the right side of his head.

 He was immediately taken to a hospital, where a CT scan revealed the shrapnel, but the injury was not severe.

Rizk accused the "General Security and Ministry of Defense" of using drones, stating that local tribes lack such capabilities, pointing to the involvement of these authorities in the attacks and massacres.

 Describing his observations at Suweida’s hospital, Rizk noted the exhaustion of medical staff due to the high number of casualties, both dead and wounded. After recovering, he returned to meet with neighbors and loved ones to support them, finding them steadfast and resilient.

 Rizk reported that the attacking forces attempted to enter the city with thousands of infantry, tanks, and armored vehicles, committing acts of destruction, looting, and violence against civilians in parts of Suweida. He stated, “It is impossible to negotiate with such killers and terrorists or extend a hand to them.” He called on international powers to remove the “murderer,” referring to Ahmad al-Shara, the head of Syria’s transitional government, deeming him unfit to lead the country.

Rizk claimed that those he called “New Mongols” had threatened Suweida after committing massacres on the Syrian coast, then followed through with killing, slaughter, and property theft. He highlighted the destruction of his village, Tha’ala, the killing of its elders, and the displacement of its residents, alongside other villages in Suweida province.

Rizk described the attackers as lacking dignity, morals, or any covenant with God or humanity. He noted that despite their attempts to adhere to the ceasefire, it was repeatedly violated, leaving them no choice but to defend themselves.

 In closing, Sheikh Marwan Rizk reaffirmed that the people of Suweida demand security, safety, and urgent humanitarian aid. He reiterated their desire to live in a secular, national state that preserves everyone’s rights and supports decentralization to allow Suweida’s residents to manage their own affairs. He emphasized that they no longer trust the transitional government. 

a.k

ANHA