Amnesty accuses Syrian forces of executing Druze in Suwayda
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Amnesty International said on Tuesday that it has verified compelling evidence that Syrian transitional government and affiliated forces carried out extrajudicial executions of Druze civilians in Suwayda on July 15 and 16, killing at least 46 people.
In a report, the organization documented videos showing armed men in military and security uniforms, some with official insignia, executing unarmed civilians in homes, a public square, a school, and a hospital.
Witnesses and relatives interviewed by Amnesty confirmed the killings, while its Evidence Lab verified 22 videos and photos.
“These deliberate killings by government and affiliated forces amount to extrajudicial executions, which are crimes under international law,” said Diana Semaan, Amnesty’s Syria researcher. She urged Damascus to ensure an independent, impartial investigation and hold perpetrators accountable.
The executions occurred after government forces entered Suwayda city to “restore stability” amid clashes between Druze armed groups and Bedouin militants.
Amnesty said that instead, armed men in uniform carried out systematic killings, including the shooting of civilians at Tishrin Square and the execution of a medical worker inside the National Hospital.
The report also cited incidents of sectarian abuse, such as humiliating treatment of Druze religious figures. Families of victims described men being lured out of homes and shot at close range.
The Amnesty noted that while the Syrian Ministry of Justice announced a committee to investigate, authorities have yet to respond to the organization’s findings. It added that credible reports of abductions by Druze and Bedouin militants after July 17 are under review.
“Impunity for such crimes has fueled cycles of sectarian violence and undermined trust in any promise of justice,” Semaan said.