Syria’s al-Sharaa says Suwayda clashes mark dangerous turning point
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated on Saturday that the recent wave of violence in Suwayda, southern Syria, represented a critical and dangerous turning point in both Syria’s security and political landscapes.
Al-Sharaa warned that the situation had nearly spiraled out of control, if not for the timely intervention of the Syrian state.
“The absence of state authority in southern Syria allowed chaos to erupt,” al-Sharaa said in his first public address following the announcement of a ceasefire. “The conflict rapidly escalated between outlawed armed groups and Bedouin communities, pushing the situation to the brink until the Syrian state intervened to restore order.”
He criticized Israel for escalating tensions, describing its airstrikes on southern Syria and government institutions in Damascus as a grave violation that further destabilized the country.
The Syrian transitional president acknowledged that both American and Arab mediators stepped in to help calm the situation and de-escalate hostilities.
Al-Sharaa highlighted that the state’s withdrawal from certain areas had opened the door for retaliatory attacks by armed groups from Suwayda against Bedouin families, triggering mass displacement and widespread fear.
“These reprisal attacks, which involved serious human rights violations, prompted tribal communities to mobilize in defense of their people trapped in Suwayda,” he said.
He strongly condemned foreign interference and warned against turning Suwayda into a pawn in broader geopolitical struggles, saying, “Relying on external powers and using Suwayda as a proxy in international conflicts serves no one and only deepens the Syrian crisis.”
“Only the Syrian state can preserve national sovereignty and authority across all territories.”
Al-Sharaa reiterated the state’s commitment to protecting all sects and minorities, vowing to hold accountable anyone responsible for violations. “We disavow all crimes and abuses—whether committed from within or outside Suwayda—and affirm the importance of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
He also stressed that the Druze community must not be judged by the actions of a few individuals: “The people of Suwayda remain an integral part of the Syrian state, and the Druze are a cornerstone of Syria’s national fabric.”
He concluded by thanking the United States for its constructive role in securing the ceasefire agreement, and extended appreciation to the European Union, Russia, China, Turkey, and Arab countries for opposing Israeli aggression and supporting efforts toward de-escalation and stability.