Religious figures, activists in As-Suwayda call for restraint, dialogue

Since Thursday evening, As-Suwayda has witnessed intense tensions that escalated into clashes between local factions and groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government forces, resulting in the deaths of 37 people, including two children, and injuring more than 100 others.

The clashes erupted after groups linked to the transitional government blocked the Damascus–As-Suwayda road, a vital artery connecting the governorate to the Syrian capital, disrupting the movement of civilians and supplies.

Religious and social figures have warned that this escalation fuels sectarian strife in the region, urging all sides to exercise restraint and extinguish the flames of sedition.

Hassan Yahya Al-Atrash, Emir of the Dar Ara in As-Suwayda, called for calm and self-restraint amid the ongoing tensions, warning against sliding into strife.

Al-Atrash said, “We call on all the people of the governorate, from all sects, to practice self-restraint and extinguish the strife before it spreads.” He emphasized that weapons are not a means of understanding among the people of As-Suwayda, and that the only path forward is to return to the language of love and peaceful coexistence, which the people of As-Suwayda have long been known for.

He stressed that the current phase requires wisdom and responsibility from all to spare As-Suwayda further escalation and division.

For his part, political activist Khaled Jamoul warned of the deteriorating security situation in As-Suwayda, noting that conditions are rapidly worsening amid rising casualties and expanding clashes.

Jamoul stated, “The situation is getting worse, injuries are increasing, and the root cause is the vital road connecting Damascus to As-Suwayda. The 60-kilometer stretch has turned into an open battlefield due to undisciplined factions.” He added that this road has repeatedly witnessed such incidents, further heightening the risk of escalation.

He also noted that local delegations have already begun to take action, starting from the Druze Community Council, in an effort to bring perspectives together and facilitate the exchange of captives, aiming to stop the fighting and open direct dialogue channels between the warring parties before the violence spreads further.

A-H 

ANHA