Syrian Presidency vows to restore stability through law in Sweida

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
Today 04:08
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The Syrian transitional Presidency condemns deadly clashes in Sweida, blaming outlawed armed groups for threatening national unity.

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Bedouin fighters stand on a pickup truck as they arrive at al-Dour village on the outskirts of Sweida city, during clashes between the Bedouin clans and Druze militias, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. (AP)

The Syrian Transitional Presidency issued a condemnation Friday over the ongoing violence in southern Syria, particularly in Sweida, attributing the deadly clashes to the expansion of "armed groups operating outside the law" that it said threaten civilian lives and endanger national security.

In a statement, Damascus said the attacks on families and the terrorizing of women and children are “utterly condemned and unacceptable by all moral, legal, and humanitarian standards,” stressing that such acts will not be tolerated under any justification.

The statement emphasized that “respecting civilians and ensuring their safety is a non-negotiable national duty,” adding that any violation of these principles constitutes a direct assault on Syria’s social fabric and national unity.

Justice, not revenge

The presidency reaffirmed its commitment to upholding law and justice in the face of chaos, stating: “We do not respond to disorder with disorder. We protect the law with the law and respond to transgressions with justice—not vengeance.”

It further asserted that the Syrian state belongs to all of its people, including both the Druze community and Bedouin tribes, underlining that the only reference point for Syrians is the constitution and the rule of law.

Measures to end violence on the ground

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the presidency announced it is working to halt clashes and human rights violations through a combination of political and security measures aimed at restoring order.

It said that relevant authorities are deploying specialized units to intervene, de-escalate the conflict, and mediate through state-supervised dialogue. The goal, it added, is to quickly re-establish calm and stability in the south.

At the conclusion of the statement, Damascus called on all Syrians—particularly voices of wisdom and restraint—to reject calls for escalation and unite in defense of Syria’s diverse social fabric, which has been its defining feature for centuries.

“The national duty requires everyone to stand under one roof—the homeland—and one reference: the law,” the statement concluded.

Humanitarian crisis deepens in Sweida

Sweida has witnessed some of the deadliest fighting in years, with fierce clashes between Druze factions, tribal militants, and units of the Syrian Army. According to Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed Al-Saleh, the death toll has surpassed 650.

The situation has grown increasingly dire. On Friday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported the death toll had risen to 718.

Syria's top religious body issues condemnation

In a notable intervention, Syria’s Supreme Council of Fatwa warned against collaboration with the Israeli enemy and condemned the killing of civilians, including women and children, regardless of their sect or background.

The council stressed the state’s obligation to protect all citizens equally, prevent sedition, and aid those affected by the violence. It further called for a clear distinction between Syrians acting in the national interest and those “seeking strength through the enemy.”