Syrian Observatory Reports Over 1,700 Killed in Sweida Clashes

Syrian Observatory Reports Over 1,700 Killed in Sweida Clashes
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The death toll from last month’s violence in Syria’s Sweida province has risen to 1,709, according to figures released by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The casualties were recorded between July 13 and July 20, when fighting ended following a ceasefire. Among the victims were 484 civilians, including women, children, medical staff, and elderly people, who the Observatory said were executed on the spot by government forces and allied groups.

The monitoring group described the killings as evidence of grave violations committed in just a few days of unrest. The breakdown includes 725 residents of Sweida, mostly Druze, of whom 167 were civilians. In addition, 477 members of the Ministry of Defense and security forces were killed, along with 40 people from Bedouin tribes and one Lebanese fighter.

Israeli airstrikes accounted for 15 Syrian personnel and three civilians, while two journalists were also killed during coverage of the clashes. The Observatory noted that atrocities extended to the execution of 20 medical workers at Sweida’s national hospital, as well as members of Bedouin tribes killed by Druze gunmen. It urged both local and international actors to act swiftly to protect civilians and uncover the truth behind the killings.