Minister of Information's Statements on Security and Stability in Sweida and Humanitarian Aid

The Syrian Minister of Information, Dr. Hamza Mustafa, affirmed that the state is exerting all efforts to restore security and stability in the province of Sweida after the cessation of hostilities, pointing out that the security forces carried out a redeployment operation to resolve the conflict between local components.

In his interview with Al Jazeera last night, Dr. Mustafa explained that the crisis began with a conflict between unlawful groups and tribal forces, adding that there was an Israeli intervention that attempted to shift the balance by supporting externally-backed groups, leading to an unprecedented escalation and loss of control within the province.

The Minister added that the state promptly responded to mediators' calls by implementing a ceasefire and redeployment, ensuring the protection of all citizens through a wide deployment of security forces in disputed areas, significantly contributing to calming the situation, with some limited clashes remaining in remote areas away from the city center.

Mustafa confirmed the entry of humanitarian aid into Sweida despite attempts by some unlawful groups to obstruct its arrival, noting that the convoy of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs that headed to the province faced provocations from some parties yesterday.

He mentioned the initiation of electricity and communication repair operations in Sweida, emphasizing that these steps constitute a fundamental basis for enhancing stability and paving the way for political solutions.

The Minister warned against attempts to establish sectarian cantons within the province, considering these tendencies not new, but the Syrian people have always been quick to overcome them, affirming that some groups in Sweida rejected political solutions despite the state's intensive efforts.

He explained that the state did not close the door to dialogue over the past six months and positively engaged with all initiatives, including the demands of Sheikh Al-Hajri regarding the judicial police, but some parties withdrew from agreements, revealing hidden intentions to seek external forces to obstruct the solution.

Mustafa pointed to the escalation of sectarian incitement on social media, disclosing the existence of around 10,000 fake accounts daily spreading misleading content distributed among four countries, confirming that the Ministry of Information is making significant efforts to shut down these accounts seeking to dismantle the national fabric.

He concluded by emphasizing that Sweida will remain an integral part of Syria, expressing his confidence in the ability of the province's residents to reconsider their positions to correct the course, and stressing the state's continuity in the policy of national reconciliation despite all challenges.

In a related context, the Minister noted that the Commission of Inquiry into the events of the coast will hold a press conference tomorrow to present the results of its work after submitting the final report.