
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) has documented the killing of at least 558 people and the injury of over 783 others with varying degrees of severity in Suwayda province, southern Syria, between 13 and 21 July.
According to the report published today, Monday, 21 July, the casualties include 17 women, 11 children, six medical personnel (three of them women), and two media workers, all killed during intense clashes and escalating violence that involved extrajudicial killings, mutual shelling, and airstrikes carried out by the Israeli Air Force.
The preliminary toll also includes fighters from armed Bedouin tribal groups and local factions unaffiliated with the Syrian government, as well as members of the Internal Security Forces and the Ministry of Defense affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government.
Tensions in Suwayda began between 12 and 13 July, following the kidnapping and robbery of a young man on the Damascus–Suwayda highway. His family retaliated with a counter-kidnapping, triggering armed clashes in the al-Maqous neighborhood, east of Suwayda city.
The confrontation quickly escalated into broader armed conflict between local Druze factions and Bedouin tribal fighters from the countryside, with both sides engaging in abductions and killings across multiple areas.
After security forces from the Ministries of Defense and Interior entered the province—then later withdrew following Israeli airstrikes—Suwayda devolved into a complex conflict zone involving local and regional actors, conflicting agendas, and a failure of local forces to contain the collapse.
Ongoing Revisions
The SNHR noted that the death toll is not final, as the figures are continuously updated based on new verified information. The organization continues to classify victims based on the responsible parties and distinguish between civilians and combatants.
In its report, the SNHR issued several recommendations to both the Syrian government and the warring parties.
For the government, the group called for:
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Controlled use of force
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Independent investigations and accountability for perpetrators
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Protection of civilian infrastructure
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Facilitation of humanitarian aid
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Compliance with international human rights law
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Reduction of inciting or sectarian rhetoric in media and social platforms
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Support for responsible and balanced local/national media
For both sides of the conflict, the SNHR urged:
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An immediate ceasefire
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Protection of civilians
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Avoiding retaliatory and inciting rhetoric
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Respecting the role of community leaders and religious figures in mediation efforts
Health Ministry Report
The Syrian Ministry of Health reported receiving 1,698 injury cases resulting from the Suwayda clashes. The injuries ranged from minor to moderate, with 425 critical cases. A total of 57 ambulances were dispatched, and 1,022 patients were transferred to other provinces.
The official death toll recorded in public hospitals reached 260, according to a statement by Health Minister Musab al-Ali posted on his X account late on Friday, 18 July.
Since the third day of the conflict, the ministry prepared an emergency medical convoy consisting of 20 ambulances, specialized medical teams, and large quantities of medicine and supplies. However, intense shelling prevented the convoy from entering the province due to safety concerns for medical personnel. The convoy remains fully ready to enter as soon as a ceasefire is enforced and safe corridors are secured, according to the minister.
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