Clashes in Suwayda leave over 1,300 dead as Syrian Government pledges accountability despite little progress in investigation of previous coastal massacres

DARAMSUQ / WASHINGTON, D.C. — Suwayda, in southern Syria, has seen a sharp escalation in violence amid ongoing displacement and deadly clashes between Druze forces and Bedouin tribes reportedly backed by the Syrian government. 

According to human rights organizations, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including both civilians and military personnel. Despite these reports, the Syrian government has denied any involvement in the fighting or in supporting any of the armed factions. Officials have pledged to investigate the situation and hold accountable those responsible for violations in the province. 

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“The violations in Suwayda do not represent the state, and we are working to identify those involved,” said Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddin al-Baba. In an interview with Al-Arabiya, he added, “All parties have committed violations in Suwayda, and we will hold anyone responsible to account. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure the success of the Suwayda agreement.” He went on to say, “We are working to secure the entire province, and the government will take charge of maintaining security,” while warning that any move toward Suwayda’s separation from Syria’s state structure could pose a threat to neighboring countries. 

Al-Baba’s comments came shortly after statements by Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, who stressed that no one would be exempt from accountability — even those affiliated with the Defense Ministry — if found guilty of abuses in Suwayda. 

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reaffirmed Washington’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and a peaceful resolution that upholds the rights of all communities. “All those involved in atrocities, including individuals linked to the Syrian government, will be held accountable,” she told reporters. Bruce added that recent developments present an opportunity for the Syrian government to prove its commitment to justice. 

Syrian officials’ calls for accountability in Suwayda have drawn comparisons to earlier promises of justice in Syria’s coastal region, where few perpetrators have faced consequences. The key question now is whether Suwayda will see a different outcome — or repeat the same pattern of impunity.