Swaida marks first anniversary of July events by lighting candles 

Yesterday evening, Sunday, the National Alliance for Peace and Development organized a memorial gathering at the Saimou'a Hall in the city of Swaida to commemorate the victims of last July's events. The event was attended by local dignitaries, social figures, and representatives from civil society and youth groups.

Organizers reported that over 400 people attended to offer their condolences—a turnout that, in their view, reflected the spirit of solidarity and unity among the people of Swaida. It also conveyed a message that the tragedy was shared by all and that the unity of the Mountain’s residents remains the fundamental pillar for overcoming the ordeal's aftermath.

Speakers at the event noted that the one-year anniversary of the July events serves as an occasion to honor the civilians who lost their lives, reaffirm a commitment to national and humanitarian values, and bolster efforts to consolidate civil peace and prevent a recurrence of the violence the governorate witnessed.

Attendees also paid tribute to those who were attacked in the town of Al-Tha'lah during the events, describing their story as an embodiment of the suffering endured by civilians caught in the midst of violence, as well as a symbol of resilience in the face of violations.

In another event held in the evening, dozens of citizens lit candles in various squares and streets across the city of Swaida, as well as in its villages and towns. These voluntary, community-led initiatives were organized to commemorate the victims of the events.

Participants observed a minute of silence and placed candles and flowers at various locations throughout the city, conveying a message of tribute to the victims and a call to reject violence and preserve the unity of the social fabric.

These events mark the first anniversary of the unrest that erupted in July 2025. That period saw bloody clashes and acts of violence spreading across several towns and villages in the governorate, resulting in hundreds of casualties—both dead and wounded—as well as mass displacement and extensive damage to property and civilian infrastructure, before military operations ceased following ceasefire agreements.

The repercussions of those events remain vivid in the memories of Swaida’s residents. The anniversary has become an annual occasion for the community to remember the victims, the missing, and the displaced, while reaffirming the need to uncover the truth about what transpired, secure justice for those affected, and consolidate social reconciliation and civil peace—all to ensure the tragedy is not repeated and stability is restored to the governorate.

Sh-S

ANHA