Statement on the Escalation of Violence in Sweida Governorate
The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) expresses its strong condemnation and deep concern over the alarming escalation of violence in Sweida Governorate, accompanied by serious violations targeting civilians and threatening civil peace. Preliminary documentation by SCM indicates the extrajudicial killing of approximately 100 civilians, including women and children, in addition to the killing of more than 60 members of the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior at the hands of local armed factions. Other serious human rights violations have also been documented, including inhuman and degrading treatment, particularly of elderly individuals, as well as attacks on medical facilities and widespread destruction of civilian property. Thousands of civilians remain trapped in conflict areas, unable to flee to safety or access essential services.
SCM also strongly condemns the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, including recent strikes that targeted civilian areas and public security forces in Sweida, reportedly killing around 130 members of the Ministry of Defense. The attacks also included strikes in the heart of the capital, Damascus, hitting densely populated civilian areas. These attacks constitute a clear violation of Syrian sovereignty and pose a direct threat to civilian safety, civil peace in Syria, and regional stability. (SCM has not yet been able to verify the full extent of the loss of life and property caused by these attacks.)
In light of these serious developments, SCM calls on all parties to:
- Immediately and unconditionally cease all acts of violence;
- Initiate a comprehensive and genuine national dialogue based on fair participation, with the aim of addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving the aspirations of all Syrians for dignity, freedom, and the establishment of a state of citizenship and the rule of law;
- Ensure the full protection of all civilians and facilitate the safe evacuation of those trapped
- Guarantee the entry of civil defense teams and the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical services to civilians without obstruction;
- Submit an official complaint to the United Nations regarding Israel’s repeated attacks on Syrian territory, and demand accountability in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
In this context, SCM also reminds the Syrian government of its legal and moral responsibility to protect all civilians without discrimination, and to take effective measures, beyond issuing statements, to prevent and criminalize hate speech and incitement against them, and to ensure that such violations are not repeated, in line with its obligations under international law. Moreover, SCM calls on the government to suspend individuals affiliated with it who appeared in recorded footage committing acts that degrade human dignity and treating civilians in ways that may amount to torture or inhuman treatment, in preparation for holding them accountable through transparent and fair judicial proceedings.
May the victims rest in peace, and may the wounded find a swift recovery. We extend our deepest condolences and strength to their families. We hope for safety for all Syrians, an end to the cycle of violence, and for the language of dialogue and inclusivity to prevail over weapons and revenge, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of Syrians to build a state based on the rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights.
