SNHR: Death toll in clashes in Sweida reaches 426

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported that the number of documented deaths in the clashes in the southern province of Sweida has risen to 426. The SNHR statement stated that seven children, 10 women, six medical personnel, and two media workers were among those killed in the armed clashes between July 13-20.

SNHR previously announced that at least 321 people lost their lives and more than 436 were injured between July 13 and 18. The statement highlighted the violence and human rights violations that have been taking place in the region since the death toll rose.

The clashes that began in Sweida on July 13th resulted in fierce armed clashes between Bedouin Arabs and some Druze groups. Syrian security forces who arrived to intervene were reportedly ambushed. As the clashes escalated, the parties agreed to a ceasefire, but Druze forces loyal to Hekmat al-Hejri reportedly broke the truce and continued their attacks.

On July 16, the Israeli army carried out attacks targeting the presidential compound, the General Staff headquarters, and the Ministry of Defense in Damascus, the Syrian capital. Following this development, the Syrian army withdrew from Sweida. Druze forces affiliated with the Hejri faction reportedly displaced Bedouin families and began carrying out executions. As the fighting escalated, thousands of tribal fighters from outside the region reportedly arrived in Sweida to support the Bedouin Arabs.

The Syrian government deployed security forces to Sweida again on July 19th, forcing tribal fighters to leave the city. However, the devastation left by the clashes has been severe. Hundreds of people, both armed groups and civilians, have lost their lives in the events that have unfolded since July 13th. Some sources indicate that the death toll may be higher than reported.