Syrian Official: Militias Commit Executions, Block Aid In Sweida

A Syrian government source reported extrajudicial executions and obstruction of aid in Sweida, where armed groups are blocking access to state and international agencies.

July 28, 2025Clash Report

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According to the source, armed factions have prevented Syria’s Ministry of Health from documenting killings and are actively denying international NGOs access to conflict zones. Large portions of the province remain under the control of these groups, making it nearly impossible to establish safe zones for humanitarian intervention.

The source confirmed that a White Helmets volunteer was abducted while attempting to evacuate international aid staff from Sweida. Militias have also refused entry to several humanitarian aid convoys. Even prominent Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, who previously mediated local ceasefires, has reportedly been unable to safeguard aid workers.

Despite the obstacles, Syrian authorities managed to evacuate approximately 1,000 individuals—mostly from Bedouin and tribal communities—out of the embattled areas of Kafra and Shahba to neighboring Daraa province. Some aid workers and patients were also evacuated, but dozens of families remain trapped.

Aid Shortages And Ceasefire Collapse Deepen Crisis

The official described severe shortcomings in the support provided by international organizations to the 21 shelter centers in Daraa, currently hosting around 150,000 displaced persons. The government called on humanitarian agencies to fully assume their responsibilities and deliver urgent relief.

Tensions in Sweida spiked after a week-long conflict between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribal forces that killed hundreds, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Although the Syrian government announced four ceasefire deals, only one has held.

The Syrian Civil Defense reported evacuating 300 civilians, including 20 injured individuals and the bodies of eight victims, to Damascus via the Busra al-Sham crossing. Meanwhile, the Syrian Interior Ministry announced arrests of militia leaders in Latakia, though they appear unrelated to the Sweida situation.

The government emphasized that humanitarian aid must not be politicized and called for immediate international intervention to alleviate suffering in the region.

Sources:

Syrian Official: Militias Commit Executions, Block Aid In Sweida