Syrian Interior Ministry denies reports that government forces redeploying to Suwayda
Syria’s Interior Ministry says reports that it was preparing to redeploy government troops to the southern province of Suwayda in response to renewed fighting between tribal groups are inaccurate, according to state media.
“We confirm that no official statement has been issued in this regard, and we categorically deny the veracity of what was published,” said spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba, SANA news agency reported.
The spokesperson said government forces were in a normal state of readiness, and that there had been no deployment to Suwayda so far.
Violent clashes have resumed between Druze and Bedouin tribes around the Druze-majority city following the withdrawal of government forces late on Wednesday.
‘We have never wanted to cause division’: Influential Druze leader al-Hijri
A prominent Druze religious leader who earlier urged Druze fighters to confront government forces in Suwayda has released a statement downplaying sectarian divisions in southern Syria.
In a video statement, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who had rejected a Syrian government ceasefire agreed with other Druze leaders, insisted he did not want to sow division.
“We are not sectarian; we have never wanted to cause division. We hold full responsibility for anyone who tampers with security and stability,” he said. “We affirm that whoever engages in sabotage or incitement represents only himself, and his actions should not be attributed to any sect or region.”
UN says credible reports indicate widespread rights violations in Suwayda
The UN Human Rights Office says credible reports indicate widespread rights violations have been committed by all factions fighting in Suwayda, including summary executions, arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction and looting of homes.
Among the reported perpetrators were security forces, government-affiliated elements, as well as Druze and Bedouins, the office stated.
Reports of rights violations include:
- On July 15, armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering, killing at least 13 people.
- On the same day, they reportedly summarily executed six men near their homes in two separate incidents.
- The office has also documented the public humiliation of a Druze man, including the forcible shaving of his moustache, an important cultural symbol for the Druze community.
- Since July 12, hundreds have been reported killed, the UN added.
“My office has received accounts of distressed Syrians who are living in fear for their lives and those of their loved ones,” said UN human rights chief Volker Turk. “The deployment of state security forces should bring safety and protection, not add to the fear and violence.”
