Fresh wave of sectarian violence breaks out in Suwayda Province

CSW is deeply concerned at the fresh wave of sectarian violence in Suwayda Province in southern Syria.

CSW sources in Suwayda City reported that the situation deteriorated on 13 July, following attacks by Sunni tribes on Druze neighbourhoods and villages. Clashes continued overnight and into 14 July. At least 30 people are confirmed to have been killed, with many others taken hostage by both sides.

The fighting escalated on the morning of 14 July, when volunteers from other parts of the country joined the Sunni tribes in an attempt to overcome the Druze resistance. Unverified sources report that the government sent army and police units to intervene and stabilise the situation, but these units were ambushed by Druze militia. Images and video clips of the violence have been circulating on social media.

A Druze community leader in Suwayda told CSW: ‘The situation is bad and extremist elements have joined the fight against us. We don’t trust the central government in Damascus and the national army and police; they are driven by an extremist agenda and we fear the worst is still to come.’

The source also claimed that the attackers had demonstrated ‘IS-style behaviours and narratives.’

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW strongly condemns this latest wave of violence, and we call upon the Syrian government to act firmly and decisively to put an immediate end to sectarian incitement and bring perpetrators to justice. The international community should urge the Syrian government to show greater commitment towards cracking down on sectarianism and working with international partners to promote the values of peace, mutual respect and equality of citizenship.’

Note to Editors:

1. The Syrian Druze are believed to constitute around 3.2 percent of the population. Originating from the Near East, the Druze self-identify as ‘Unitarians’ or ‘the People of Monotheism,’ and are deemed by hard-line Islamists to be heretics.