Amnesty International: 46 Druze Civilians Executed by Syrian Government Forces in Sweida
Amnesty International: 46 Druze Civilians Executed by Syrian Government Forces in Sweida
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Amnesty International reported Tuesday that it has documented the extrajudicial execution of 46 Druze civilians by Syrian government forces and allied militias during recent violence in Sweida province in southern Syria. The organization is calling for accountability and an independent investigation into the killings.
The violence erupted on July 13 and lasted for a week, beginning as clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters. The conflict escalated after Syrian government forces and armed tribal groups intervened, reportedly siding with the Bedouins.
Official statements claimed the intervention aimed to restore order, but eyewitnesses, Druze factions, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights accused government forces of committing violations against the Druze population.
According to the Observatory, the clashes resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including 789 Druze civilians, many of whom were allegedly executed in the field by members of Syria’s defense and interior ministries. Amnesty’s investigation confirmed the deliberate killing of 46 Druze individuals, including two elderly victims reportedly executed on July 15 and 16 in or near the city of Sweida.
The executions were carried out in public squares, homes, schools, a hospital, and a banquet hall, the report said. Verified video footage shows armed men in military and security uniforms—some bearing official insignia—executing unarmed civilians. Amnesty also analyzed weapons, photos, and eyewitness testimonies to corroborate its findings.
The organization noted the presence of a black insignia associated with the extremist group ISIS on at least four individuals in uniform seen in the videos, though no claims of responsibility have been made by the group regarding events in Sweida.
Amnesty has shared its preliminary findings with Syria’s ministries of defense and interior but has not yet received a response. Syrian authorities established a commission of inquiry in late July, tasked with submitting a final report within three months.
Diana Semaan, Amnesty’s Syria researcher, stated that deliberate and unlawful killings by state or allied forces constitute extrajudicial executions under international law. She urged prompt, impartial investigations and prosecution of those responsible. The organization is also investigating credible reports of kidnappings carried out by both Druze armed groups and Bedouin fighters.
