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The United Nations (UN) rights chief, Volker Turk, on Friday called for immediate accountability from Syria’s interim authorities following days of deadly clashes in the southern city of Sweida that reportedly left hundreds dead.
“This bloodshed and the violence must stop, and the protection of all people must be the utmost priority,” Turk stated, demanding “independent, prompt, and transparent investigations into all violations.”
He stressed that “those responsible must be held to account” and that “immediate steps must be taken to prevent recurrence of such violence,” emphasising that “revenge and vengeance are not the answer.”
Escalating Violence and Allegations of Abuse
Turk’s comments come after Syrian troops withdrew from the Druze heartland of Sweida on Thursday, acting on orders from the Islamist-led government. This withdrawal followed days of sectarian bloodshed that reportedly claimed nearly 600 lives, pitting Druze fighters against Sunni Bedouin tribes, alongside the army and its allies.
During the Syrian government’s brief deployment in Sweida, Israel launched air strikes against government troops and targets in and around Damascus, including the military headquarters. Israel had warned that its attacks would intensify until Syrian forces pulled back.
Turk’s statement cited credible reports of “widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property, and looting of homes.”
The reported perpetrators included “members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities, as well as other armed elements from the area, including Druze and Bedouins,” leading to “mass displacement.”
The UN rights office specifically documented an incident on July 15 where “armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering,” resulting in the “unlawful killing of at least 13 people.”
On the same day, six men were reportedly summarily executed near their homes in two separate incidents.
Call for Rights, Justice, and Protection
“The deployment of state security forces should bring safety and protection, not add to the fear and violence,” Turk asserted.
He added that with the fall of the former government, Syrians had experienced “a moment of hope for a better future based on human rights.”
Turk concluded by emphasising that “it is the responsibility of the interim authorities to demonstrate that this chapter will be defined by rights, justice, and equal protection for all.”
