Sweida: Demands to open crossings and hold accountable those involved in crimes against civilians

Sweida is witnessing a rising wave of popular anger and condemnation following a series of violations targeting unarmed civilians in several areas of the city and the countryside. Voices have risen demanding the immediate opening of humanitarian crossings, ensuring the delivery of aid and medical relief, and holding accountable those involved in crimes described as "systematic and brutal."

Nidal al-Mahithawi, a member of the Teachers' Association, told ANHA agency that "the international silence regarding what is happening in Sweida is blatant complicity." He believes that the violations and crimes taking place in Sweida reflect a repetition of the tragedies that have occurred in other Syrian regions, without serious intervention or an urgent response from international bodies.

For her part, lawyer Lina Abu Hamdan confirmed to ANHA agency that "the squares of dignity are returning," emphasizing that "the people who previously toppled the symbols of tyranny are now capable of toppling the systems of extremism and ignorance." She referred to the practices of armed groups affiliated with the transitional government in Syria, describing them as "lacking any representative or legitimate security capacity." She considered their actions "brutal and tyrannical," aiming to humiliate people and strip them of their dignity and rights.

According to testimonies, the violations have affected various areas from the western countryside to the city center, causing widespread destruction and the displacement of thousands of civilians, especially women and children.

In a moving scene, activists have been raising banners in three languages—Arabic, Hebrew, and English—since yesterday demanding the immediate opening of humanitarian crossings, the entry of food and medicine, the provision of medical care for the wounded, and the accountability of those involved in violations, most notably Ahmed al-Sharaa, whom the banners described as a "terrorist unqualified to lead any political entity," a reference to his previous inclusion on international wanted lists.

The events in Sweida began on July 13 with attacks launched by transitional government forces and affiliated militias. Numerous massacres and violations were committed, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,500 people and the wounding of hundreds, including women and children. Sweida remains under a siege and suffers from severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, amid escalating warnings of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

Sh-S

ANHA