Al-Suwayda: Interior and Defense Ministries Declare Urgent Security Intervention to Restore Stability

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khatib affirmed that "the absence of security and military institutions is the main reason for the ongoing tensions in Al-Suwayda and its countryside," emphasizing that "the only solution lies in ensuring security and reactivating the role of these institutions to guarantee civil peace and the return of normal life." This came in a post on the "X" platform, coinciding with escalating armed clashes resulting in dozens of casualties.

The Interior Ministry announced in a previous statement that intense clashes erupted between local groups and tribes in the "Al-Muqawwass" neighborhood in the city of Al-Suwayda, leading to the death of more than 30 people and injuring around 100 others, according to preliminary statistics. It pointed out that "the absence of official institutions exacerbated chaos, hindered peace efforts, and threatened civil peace."

The ministry added that it will intervene in cooperation with the Defense Ministry "to resolve the conflict, pursue the perpetrators, and refer them to the judiciary," calling on local parties to "restrain themselves and cooperate with the security forces."

On the other hand, the Defense Ministry stated in a release carried by the SANA agency that "institutional vacuum hindered crisis containment efforts," indicating the deployment of military units "to quell the clashes and secure civilians." It urged parties to "cooperate with the forces and adhere to dialogue," emphasizing that "restoring security is a shared responsibility between the state and citizens."

Governor of Al-Suwayda Mustafa Al-Bakour warned against the continuation of violence, saying: "We appreciate the efforts of the tribes to contain the tension, and the state will not hesitate to protect civilians." The "Spiritual Leadership of the Unified Druze Muslims" condemned the events, describing them as a "hidden sedition," urging the government to "maintain security and remove the rogue gangs."

In a related context, security forces in Daraa reportedly deployed along the border with Al-Suwayda to address recent security developments, according to SANA.

The Defense Ministry concluded its statement by emphasizing "support for any initiative that enhances civil peace," while the Interior Ministry stressed "the need to expedite the deployment of security forces and initiate comprehensive dialogue." The statements recommended that operational forces "protect civilians and prevent violations" as part of an effort to end the crisis and restore stability to the region.