National Guard Forces: Detainees and missing persons remain top priority

Today, the leadership of the National Guard Forces issued a statement regarding the situation in Sweida and the protection of civilians, which read:

“Honorable people… Sons of the proud mountain… Sons of dignity and resilience,

At this critical stage in the history of our region, the leadership of the National Guard Forces affirms that the path chosen by the people of the mountain is a firm and clear one, based on protecting human life, land, and dignity; consolidating security and stability; and safeguarding our people’s right to live in freedom and safety, far from fear, violence, and extremism.

The National Guard Forces emerged through a genuine popular will and from a real need to protect society and defend its stability. From the very first moment, they have been part of the people, carrying their concerns, standing by their side, and drawing their strength from their resilience, trust, and unity.

During the past period, the people of the mountain faced major challenges and continuous attempts to destabilize the region, target daily life and essential services, and spread fear and anxiety among civilians. However, the people’s determination remained stronger than all attempts at intimidation, and the National Guard continued to maintain a presence on the ground, despite limited resources, carrying out its duties with responsibility, steadfastness, and discipline.

The leadership of the National Guard reaffirms its full commitment to protecting civilians, preserving their security and safety, working within legal and humanitarian frameworks, and cooperating with relevant authorities and institutions in a way that serves the interests of the people and preserves the stability of the mountain and the dignity of its residents.

The leadership also emphasizes that the unity and cohesion of the mountain’s people have always been, and continue to be, the cornerstone in confronting challenges, and that the strength of society lies in its solidarity, awareness, and adherence to its rights, dignity, and history.

At the core of our priorities remains the issue of detainees and the disappeared, as it is a humanitarian and national cause that cannot be ignored or overlooked. Efforts will continue through the appropriate channels and in coordination with relevant international bodies until every missing person is returned to their family and loved ones.

The National Guard leadership further affirms that the occupied villages and the right of their residents to return to them will remain a constant priority with no retreat, and that the restoration of these villages is now closer than ever before, thanks to the resilience of the mountain’s people, the unity of their position, and political and field efforts, along with coordination with relevant international parties seeking to consolidate stability and end the state of occupation.

We believe that the coming phase must be one of genuine stability, lasting security, and justice that preserves people’s dignity and guarantees a future worthy of their sacrifices and steadfastness. Any solution that does not place the security, rights, and dignity of the people at the forefront of its priorities will not be a sustainable solution.

Dear people, through your patience and steadfastness, you have proven that peoples who cling to their land and dignity are capable of overcoming hardships and shaping their future through their free will. The National Guard will remain, as you have always known it, a shield that protects, a voice that expresses the aspirations of the people, and an institution that works with full responsibility to preserve the security of the mountain, its stability, and the unity of its society.

May God have mercy on the martyrs, heal the wounded, protect our people, and safeguard Jabal Bashan and its people from all harm.”

ANHA