Why Did Syria Condemn Israeli Airstrikes in Sweida?

Damascus, July 16 (NationPress) The Syrian foreign affairs authorities have denounced Israeli airstrikes that targeted Syrian forces in the southern province of Sweida, labeling these attacks as "a flagrant act of aggression."

According to a statement from the foreign affairs authorities, Israeli warplanes executed a series of airstrikes on security positions both within and around Sweida city on Tuesday, leading to casualties among the interim government's forces as well as civilians, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The statement emphasized that "this criminal act signifies a serious violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law," adding that "Israel holds complete responsibility for the aggression and its repercussions."

The Syrian interim government asserted its "legitimate right to self-defense" and expressed its commitment to "safeguarding all Syrians without exception," particularly highlighting its duty towards the Druze community in Sweida.

In light of the recent violence in Sweida involving local factions, Bedouin tribal armed groups, and the interim government's security forces, the interim government has mandated strict measures to protect civilians, restore peace, and maintain social cohesion, urging the people of Sweida to reject any "foreign plots" or divisive schemes.

Simultaneously, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), based in Britain, has accused the forces of the Syrian interim government deployed in the city of committing serious human rights violations following recent clashes, which the SOHR claims have resulted in at least 166 fatalities since Sunday.

The SOHR reported that the alleged violations, carried out by units linked to Syria's defense and interior authorities, include public humiliation of Druze civilians, looting, destruction of property, and the incineration of homes in villages across Sweida's countryside. The observatory has released video evidence showing what it describes as systematic looting and destruction of civilian residences.

Among the reported 166 casualties, there were 67 civilians from Sweida, which included two women and two children, alongside 78 fighters from the defense authorities, internal security, and Bedouin tribes, as well as 21 individuals, including three women, who were reportedly executed in the field by the interim government's forces, according to the SOHR.

This wave of alleged abuses comes amidst ongoing turmoil in Sweida. Earlier in the day, heavy military vehicles withdrew from the city center following a ceasefire agreement facilitated between the interim government and local elders.

Despite the ceasefire, tension remains elevated with increased Israeli strikes and ongoing clashes that persisted in the city center throughout Tuesday afternoon.

Long lines of civilians fleeing the city were observed heading toward rural areas, driven by fears of renewed violence or arbitrary arrests. SOHR sources indicated that many families are leaving their homes without a clear destination, moving east and west into the countryside surrounding Sweida.

Meanwhile, video footage surfaced online capturing violations committed by Druze armed individuals against members of the Syrian forces. The videos depict several Syrian soldiers being stripped of their clothing and violently assaulted by the armed groups.

The violence initially erupted following the assault and robbery of a Druze youth by armed Bedouins at a makeshift checkpoint in the Sweida countryside. In retaliation, Druze fighters abducted several Bedouins, sparking days of urban conflict.