Systematic Killings in Suwayda: Evidence of Targeted Executions by Syrian Security Forces and Affiliated Militias
Amnesty International has documented a harrowing pattern of targeted killings in the Syrian city of Suwayda in mid-July, pointing to the direct involvement of Syrian security forces and affiliated militias in the execution of civilians.The evidence, gathered through eyewitness testimonies, verified images, and CCTV footage, reveals a deliberate campaign of violence against Druze men, shattering the long-held belief that civilians in the region woudl be spared the brutality of the ongoing Syrian conflict.
This report details the chilling accounts of these events, offering a extensive overview of the documented atrocities and highlighting the urgent need for independent inquiry and accountability.
A Climate of Fear and Betrayal
For years, Suwayda province, largely populated by the Druze minority, had remained relatively insulated from the intense fighting that has ravaged much of Syria. This relative safety fostered a sense of security amongst residents, a belief tragically shattered in July. “she recalled how she and other families thought that as civilians they would be safe. Rather,they killed us in cold blood,” one witness poignantly stated,encapsulating the profound sense of betrayal felt by the community.
The escalating violence began with a surge in reported executions of Druze men, prompting many families to attempt relocation to safer areas. However, even this desperate attempt to escape the bloodshed proved fatal for some.
Checkpoint Massacre: A Father’s Unimaginable Loss
on july 15th,a father attempting to move his family to the countryside experienced a nightmare scenario at a checkpoint. traveling ahead of his son’s vehicle, he watched in horror through his rearview mirror as security forces opened fire on his son, three other sons, and three nephews.
His account is devastating: “The security forces asked me if the car behind was with me. I said yes. both officers then walked toward my son’s car. I watched through the rear-view mirror. I saw my son smile at them and say salam aalykom [peace be with you]. One of the officers stepped back, returned the greeting, and suddenly opened fire – just like that.Then the second officer began shooting too. What hurt me the most was seeing my son’s body dance as the bullets pierced him.”
Amnesty International’s verification of images from the scene corroborates this testimony, revealing a sedan riddled with at least 60 bullet impacts from two distinct firing angles – a clear indication of a coordinated and deliberate attack.
Systematic Executions in Residential Areas
the violence wasn’t confined to checkpoints. On July 16th, multiple executions were carried out within residential areas of Suwayda.
Near the National Hospital: Four men were executed together in a home close to the National Hospital around 5:30 pm.
Tishreen Square: A 70-year-old man in a wheelchair was shot dead alongside two of his relatives in a residential home near Tishreen Square.
Unfinished Building: A woman recounted how armed men in beige military uniforms stormed her home, taking several men to a nearby unfinished building where they were immediately executed. She witnessed the aftermath, describing the sound of gunshots and seeing soldiers at the scene. She narrowly escaped being shot herself when one of the soldiers fired in her direction after spotting her looking out the door.The Horrific Execution at Suwayda National Hospital
Perhaps the most disturbing evidence uncovered by Amnesty International centers around the execution of Mohammed Rafiq al-Bahsas, a medical worker, at Suwayda National Hospital on July 16th. This incident, captured on CCTV footage, demonstrates a brazen disregard for human life and the sanctity of medical facilities.
The footage reveals a chilling scene:
significant Armed Presence: At least 15 armed men were present at the hospital entrance, including 12 in military uniforms (two displaying the Islamic declaration of faith on their patches), three in General Security uniforms, and three in civilian clothes.
Forced Assembly and Humiliation: Seven armed men, including individuals from the General Security and one with the Islamic patch, entered the hospital hall and forced approximately 38 medical personnel to kneel with their hands raised. Targeted Killing: Al-Bahsas attempted to engage with the armed men but was violently pulled from the group, struck, and tackled to the ground. Despite pleading for his life, he was shot twice at point-blank range by a soldier in military uniform, followed immediately by