UN Urges Calm, Civilian Safety as Syria Violence Escalates

Syria has been wracked by more than a decade of instability.

Inter-ethnic violence in Syria’s predominantly Druze city of Sweida has triggered government intervention, Israeli airstrikes, and, on Tuesday, a reported ceasefire announcement by Syria’s defense minister.

On Sunday, clashes erupted between Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias in Sweida, two days after a Druze merchant was abducted on the highway to Damascus.

Local reports indicate at least 30 deaths and hundreds injured, though exact casualty figures remain unclear.

As unrest continued Monday, interim government security forces were deployed to restore order, reportedly leading to clashes with local armed groups.

That same day, Israeli forces reportedly struck Syrian-controlled tanks in support of the Druze, whom Israel considers a loyal minority both at home and in the occupied Golan Heights, according to news sources.

Shortly after caretaker government forces arrived in Sweida on Tuesday, Syria’s defense minister announced a ceasefire.

Tensions among minority groups in the region have remained high since Islamist rebels toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in December and a new caretaker government—now gaining international recognition—was installed.
Guterres Expresses Concern

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, voiced deep concern on Tuesday over continued violence in Sweida.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the ongoing violence in the Druze-majority Sweida governorate,” Dujarric said, emphasizing alarm over reports of arbitrary attacks on civilians.

Guterres condemned “all violence against civilians, especially acts that risk inflaming sectarian tensions,” and called for urgent de-escalation, protection of civilians, and a transparent investigation into those responsible.
Israel Urged to Respect Syria’s Sovereignty

“The Secretary-General is also concerned by Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian territory and calls on Israel to refrain from violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Dujarric added.

He further called for support for “a credible, orderly, and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.”

UN humanitarian partners on the ground reported overstretched medical services, with disruptions to markets, electricity, water, and education.

While UN aid operations in affected areas have been suspended due to blocked roads, efforts are being made to resume assistance when conditions improve.
Human Rights Investigators Sound Alarm

Also on Tuesday, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria released a statement urging de-escalation and protection of human rights in Sweida.

The commission cited disturbing reports of killings, abductions, property destruction, looting, and rising hate speech both online and offline.

The investigators stressed the interim government's responsibility to uphold human rights, ensure safe passage, and allow humanitarian access. They also confirmed the launch of an investigation into alleged human rights violations related to the recent violence.