UN report documents mass killings and displacement in Suwayda
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has released a detailed report documenting the violence that swept through Suwayda in July, leaving more than 1,700 people dead and forcing around 200,000 civilians to flee their homes.
The report, issued today, is based on 409 firsthand testimonies from survivors and witnesses, along with field visits to the most affected areas. It found widespread destruction, particularly in Druze villages, where tens of thousands of homes, shops, and places of worship were burned.
The Commission stated that the scale and brutality of the violations were “deeply distressing,” calling for expanded accountability measures to ensure justice for victims and to rebuild trust among affected communities.
According to the report, the violence unfolded in three major waves, each marked by serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
In the first wave (July 14–16), government forces accompanied by tribal fighters allegedly carried out killings, torture, arbitrary detention, and looting against Druze civilians. Men were separated from women and children and executed, while others were killed in their homes or in the streets.
The second wave followed the withdrawal of government forces after Israeli airstrikes on Suwayda and Damascus on July 17. During this phase, armed Druze groups reportedly targeted Bedouin civilians, committing killings, forced displacement, and destruction, which led to the mass displacement of the Bedouin community.
The third wave (July 17–19) involved tribal fighters carrying out retaliatory attacks against Druze civilians, burning and looting homes and religious sites across dozens of villages, and killing or abducting civilians. Some government personnel reportedly joined these attacks after removing their uniforms.
The report also noted that Israeli military actions during the period contributed to instability and heightened tensions, while sectarian rhetoric intensified divisions and incitement to violence across communities.
The Commission documented patterns of targeting based on religious identity, ethnicity, age, and gender. It also reported that hospitals were overwhelmed and bodies accumulated during the escalation.
The report said at least 1,707 people were killed, including Druze, Bedouin, and members of government forces. It also documented cases of abductions and missing persons, with around 150 individuals still unaccounted for.
Additionally, the Commission reported widespread displacement, noting that around 155,000 civilians—mostly from burned Druze villages—remain unable to return, while nearly the entire Bedouin population continues to live in temporary and inadequate shelters.
It also highlighted cases of sexual violence against women and girls, including rape, while noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of such violations.
The Commission stressed the responsibility of all parties to protect civilians and ensure accountability, including through national investigations and international support where necessary.
It further called for stronger efforts to counter hate speech and misinformation, which it said fueled divisions and hindered reconciliation efforts.
The report concluded by urging comprehensive accountability, measures to prevent recurrence, and renewed efforts to restore trust and stability, while calling on external actors to avoid actions that could further destabilize the situation.