Syrian coast atrocities: As-Suwayda activists call for action

In recent days, the Syrian coastal region has witnessed a significant military escalation due to clashes between armed groups and forces loyal to the Damascus government, resulting in serious crimes against civilians. Activists from As-Suwayda have strongly condemned these violations, regardless of the perpetrators.

Activist Hussam Barik stated that the recent escalation has led to the loss of innocent lives, stressing: "We all support holding remnants of the regime and criminals accountable, but through legal means. We can no longer remain silent in the face of injustice. We have endured 54 years of oppression, which has only fueled sectarian hatred."

Barik reaffirmed that the Syrian people are united and will not accept rule by "foreign fighters from Chechnya, Afghanistan, and Turkey."

Call for Peace and Rejection of Violence

Activist Reem Azam emphasized the rejection of violence and massacres not only in the coastal region but across the entire country. She stated:

"The Syrian people rose up for freedom and peace—not to replace the regime with ISIS or allow for acts of revenge."

She urged the international community and human rights organizations to take action, adding:

"We want a free Syria that embraces all its citizens, safeguards their dignity, and ensures justice and equality."

Similarly, activist Louay Hamza clarified that rejecting violence does not equate to defending remnants of the regime. He asserted:

"We are not defending anyone. Anyone who takes up arms against the state should be held accountable. But what is the crime of the children, women, and elderly being killed in the Syrian coast? What difference is there between the massacres committed by Ahmed Al-Shara and those of Bashar Al-Assad's regime? Why are there foreign fighters from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan committing atrocities against civilians in the coastal region?"

Hamza also held the Damascus government responsible, calling on it to expel foreign fighters from the country, stating:

"It is not just those who pull the trigger who are criminals, but also those who provide them with weapons and allow these massacres to happen."

Warning Against Continued Violence

Activist Hafez Al-Khatib described the ongoing events in the Syrian coast as "not the actions of a state, but of criminal militias operating with brutality."

He criticized the leadership of Ahmed Al-Shara, stating: "When Al-Shara arrived, he promised to hold a national conference that includes all Syrian factions. But three months later, we see only delays and continued crimes against the people. This violence is unacceptable, and if it persists, it will lead to the downfall of Al-Shara's government."

Al-Khatib reiterated the necessity of a comprehensive national dialogue to ensure equal representation for all Syrian communities, warning that continued violence will only deepen divisions and escalate the conflict rather than bring peace.

a.k

ANHA