{"id":132746,"date":"2025-12-01T11:53:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T11:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/?p=132746"},"modified":"2025-12-01T11:53:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T11:53:54","slug":"investigators-blocked-from-suwayda-as-mandate-extended-to-years-end","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/132746\/","title":{"rendered":"Investigators blocked from Suwayda as mandate extended to year\u2019s end\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) \u2013<\/strong> Head of the special committee investigating the recent events in Suwayda, southern Syria, said on Monday that the committee\u2019s mandate has been extended for two additional months, with its work expected to conclude by the end of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judge Hatem al-Naasan told North Press that the committee has already collected \u201ca large number of testimonies\u201d and formed a \u201ccomprehensive narrative\u201d of the Suwayda events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that the team is now working to finalize its findings within the newly allotted timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to al-Naasan, investigators have been gathering testimonies both in person and through social media platforms, following a methodology adopted since the committee\u2019s formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team has conducted a wide range of interviews with residents inside Suwayda, as well as those displaced to Damascus, Sahnaya, Jabal al-Sumaq, Daraa, Rural Damascus, and other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that, so far, the committee has found no evidence confirming the presence of foreign fighters within Syrian army units during the clashes, contrary to allegations circulating online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf any evidence or new testimonies emerge, the committee will inform the media and relevant authorities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Naasan noted that the committee has attempted to enter Suwayda city to continue investigations on the ground, but armed groups currently controlling the area have prevented access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese outlawed groups have imposed a de facto situation on residents and blocked communication with us,\u201d he said, adding that the committee remains committed to entering the city to complete its work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suwayda, a predominantly Druze governorate in southern Syria, descended into turmoil in mid-July after a local dispute quickly escalated into widespread intercommunal violence. The clashes pitted local Druze militias against Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters and, at times, forces affiliated with the Syrian transitional government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unrest left behind a trail of mass killings, looting, forced displacement, and a surge in abductions and enforced disappearances\u2014events that continue to reverberate across the region. International human rights organizations have documented serious violations and urged for an independent investigation into the abuses committed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On July 31, the Syrian Ministry of Justice formed the investigative committee to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the events. The committee\u2019s mandate also includes investigating assaults and violations against civilians and referring those proven to be involved to the competent judiciary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reporting by Nayef al-Bayoosh<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Editing by Jwan Shekaki <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n