HRW: Severe humanitarian crisis in Sweida 

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said today that 9 days of armed clashes and serious violations in Sweida, southern Syria, have led to a major humanitarian crisis. “Fighting broke out between local Druze gunmen and pro-government Bedouin tribes, and escalated with the involvement of Syrian government forces,” resulting in widespread disruption of electricity, water, and healthcare services, and fueling sectarian hate speech and the threat of revenge attacks against the Druze.

The organization noted that “the government deployed forces from the Ministries of Interior and Defense and imposed a curfew on July 14, claiming to have restored order. However, residents reported sectarian assaults, looting and burning of homes, and arbitrary executions, including of women and children. The warring parties were also implicated in serious violations.”

Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said: “Communities are suffering from large-scale displacement and acute shortages of food, water, and medical care, while political obstacles and mutual distrust are hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid.”

The United Nations reported that more than 93,400 people have been displaced, most of them within Sweida, amid the destruction of electricity, water, and communication networks, and the paralysis of hospitals.

The organization’s report mentioned that the first limited aid convoy, organized by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, entered Sweida on July 20, amid ongoing shortages, lack of services, and growing health risks, with unburied bodies remaining in residential areas.

HRW also condemned the obstruction of aid delivery and called on all parties to facilitate the passage of relief convoys and protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

It noted that the ceasefire brokered by the United States on July 16 reinstated Sweida’s informal “autonomous administration,” but did not include guarantees for civilian protection or aid access, amid fears of escalating sectarian violence and revenge attacks.

In conclusion, Coogle stressed the need for professional and accountable security forces to protect all communities without discrimination and to restore essential services to build trust and break the cycle of recurring violence.

A-H 

ANHA