UN Urges immediate Probe into Deadly Violence in Southern Syria

UN Urges immediate Probe into Deadly Violence in Southern Syria
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate, independent investigation into the recent wave of deadly violence that has engulfed southern Syria, particularly the province of Suwayda. The clashes have reportedly claimed hundreds of lives in one of the most severe escalations in the country in recent years.

In an official statement, Türk stressed the urgent need to halt the bloodshed and emphasized that any investigation must be transparent, independent, and swift to ensure accountability for the violations committed against civilians. He warned that the absence of justice would only fuel further chaos and violence.

Suwayda, a predominantly Druze region, has witnessed a sharp rise in tensions. Fierce fighting broke out between Syrian government forces, local factions, and armed groups, resulting in nearly 900 deaths, including women and children. Reports from the ground indicate widespread looting and the burning of homes, following the withdrawal of government troops from the city last Thursday.

The UN statement highlighted “widespread violations,” including extrajudicial executions, abductions, property destruction, and looting. It noted the involvement of state security forces, local militias, and fighters from both the Druze and Bedouin communities.

The violence has triggered a mass displacement of residents, exacerbated by a near-total absence of humanitarian aid and a breakdown of security in the affected areas. Suwayda, which had remained relatively insulated from the civil war since 2011, has seen mounting tensions in recent months due to increasing discontent among locals toward the central government in Damascus.

International human rights organizations have echoed the call for investigative missions on the ground to protect civilians and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. With the political process stalled and security-driven responses continuing, the humanitarian crisis in southern Syria deepens, leaving the region’s future uncertain and at risk of further escalation.