Ongoing siege and 36 villages in Sweida suffer from widespread displacement

Sweida is witnessing unprecedented, tragic humanitarian conditions, two weeks after the military offensive that swept through the city and its countryside, resulting in the mass displacement of residents to safer areas.

The systematic blockade of the roads leading from Damascus and Daraa has exacerbated the crisis, causing severe shortages of water, food, fuel, and the most basic necessities of life.

The affected areas, from which their residents have been displaced, include the villages of Khalidiya, Salmiya, Deir al-Sha'ir, and al-Haqf in the northeastern countryside. In the western countryside, the villages include al-Tha'la, al-Mazra'a, Walgha, al-Tira, Sami', al-Dour, Ta'ara, Qarasa, al-Duwayra, Najran, Harran, Labeen, Jarin, Dama, Deir Dama, al-Mujaymir, Ara, al-Majdal, Rima al-Lahf, Qum, and Kanaker.

In the northern countryside, the villages include Umm al-Zaytoun, al-Suwaymirah, al-Matouna, Lahtha, Radhima al-Liwa, al-Suwayra al-Sughra, Dhakir, Khalkhala, Umm Haratayn, Hazm, and al-Suwayra al-Kubra. The attacks also extended to western neighborhoods in the city of Sweida itself.

In the villages of Al-Dour and Najran alone, approximately 100 civilians were killed, according to human rights activists and hospital records, including women, children, and the elderly. Human rights organizations continue to document more victims, amid reports that the death toll across Sweida has exceeded 1,000. This is due to the inaccessibility of many villages where civilian bodies are scattered due to the control of the attacking forces and the presence of Transitional Government militants.

Local and human rights sources confirmed that Transitional Government forces and affiliated militants, the "Army of Tribes," committed widespread violations, including summary executions, burning homes, and looting of property.

Records have also emerged of the kidnapping of dozens of women and children, more than 80 of whom are still missing.

Despite the recent decrease in the intensity of clashes, violations continue, at a time when Sweida residents are hoping for a ceasefire and the provision of urgent humanitarian corridors to allow the entry of essential supplies and rescue the remaining besieged residents.

Sh-S

ANHA