Syria forms investigative committee into deadly clashes in Suwayda
Justice Ministry committee, which includes judges and a military general, to submit periodic reports on recent violence in southern Syria, which killed 426 people, and deliver its final findings within 3 months
ISTANBUL
Syria on Thursday announced the formation of an investigative committee to examine the recent deadly events in Suwayda, a province in southern Syria.
The region has observed a ceasefire since the evening of July 19 following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes that left 426 people dead, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.
The Syrian government has since brokered four ceasefire agreements in Suwayda, with the most recent one still in effect as of July 19.
The formation of the committee by the Ministry of Justice, reported by the state-run SANA news agency, was based on provisions of the Judicial Authority Law and directives from the presidency “to uncover the truth, ensure accountability, and uphold national interests,” the ministry said.
According to the Justice Ministry’s decision, the committee includes judges Hatem al-Na’san, Hassan Mohammad al-Hamwi, Maysoon Hamoud al-Taweel, and Jamal al-Ashqar; Brig. Gen. Mohieddine Harmoush (whose exact position was not specified); and attorneys Tareq al-Kurdi and Ammar Ezzeddine.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating the circumstances that led to the Suwayda violence, examining assaults and violations committed against civilians, and referring those found responsible to the judiciary.
The committee is required to submit periodic reports and deliver its final findings within three months. It is also authorized to consult experts and relevant institutions as needed, SANA reported.
Meanwhile, Israel is exploiting the situation under the pretext of “protecting the Druze” by escalating its attacks across the country. On July 16, Israeli forces launched heavy airstrikes on four provinces, including targets near the General Staff headquarters and the presidential palace in Damascus.
Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January.
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