On Monday, Syria’s Home Ministry announced an investigation into a disturbing video filmed at a major hospital in Sweida, a city under Druze control that has recently experienced significant factional violence. The footage, taken on July 16, shows four armed men in military fatigues confronting medical personnel, who were mostly kneeling or sitting on the floor during the encounter.
In the video, one standing civilian, refusing to comply with the armed men, sparked a confrontation that escalated quickly. As chaos ensued, the armed men resorted to shooting, resulting in civilian casualties. The video concluded with footage of an armed man dragging a deceased civilian, leaving a trail of blood behind.
(Warning – Graphic Image)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfafx5djahq
The incident occurred shortly after Syrian government forces arrived in Sweida to restore order in the wake of clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin Muslim tribes. Many locals believe that the government had, in fact, teamed up with the Bedouins against the Druze residents, prompting Israel to take action by bombing Syrian government forces that withdrew soon after.
A senior doctor at Sweida National Hospital reported that the attack was carried out by a government soldier who shot a civil engineer named Muhammad Basas. Following the shooting, the gunman reportedly threatened the remaining staff, warning them against speaking out.
After the gunman killed Basas, he detained hospital staff overnight, humiliating them and looting the facility before leaving. This violence poses a considerable challenge for the new government led by former al-Qaeda member Ahmed Al-Shara, who is trying to stabilize a country still reeling from a long civil war.
Shara has been attempting to gain the trust of Western leaders, even receiving praise from former President Donald Trump, who described him as a promising leader. There are indications that the U.S. may reconsider sanctions that were previously imposed during Bashar Assad’s administration.
Among the groups feeling the weight of oppression under this new regime are the Druze, as well as Syria’s small Christian and Alawite communities. Tensions have been rising, particularly against the Alawites. Although Shara’s government claims to have a handle on the situation, unrest continues, with accusations of attacks from both sides of the conflict.
Last Saturday, spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijiri called for an international inquiry into the footage from the hospital and urged that those responsible should be held accountable at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He emphasized the need for international observers in Sweida to prevent further violence.
The Syrian Ministry of Home Affairs responded on Monday, condemning the actions depicted in the video and pledging to oversee the investigation into the incident to ensure justice is served. They stated that all individuals involved, regardless of affiliation, would be held accountable.
Yet, human rights organizations, such as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, view this commitment as insufficient, advocating instead for a UN team to be sent to Sweida. They emphasize the critical need to ensure accountability for such attacks and to protect healthcare workers.
On Sunday, the UN Security Council expressed concern over the escalating violence in the Sweida region, condemning attacks on civilians and calling for immediate humanitarian access. They reminded the Shara government of its duty to protect all Syrians, regardless of their background, warning that without genuine safety, rebuilding efforts would falter.
The Security Council also called for a thorough investigation into the events captured in the hospital video, alongside other reports of violence, ensuring the need for transparency and accountability in the process.
