Reports from Suweida, Syria, detail accusations against Syrian government forces of a massacre at a local hospital, which has traumatized the Druze community. Eyewitnesses and medical staff recount horrific scenes, while the government has vowed to investigate alleged "shocking violations" by military personnel.
Claims of Atrocities Emerge Amid Violence in Syria's Suweida Province
Claims of Atrocities Emerge Amid Violence in Syria's Suweida Province
Allegations of a massacre at a hospital in Suweida have sparked outrage and concern, raising questions about the treatment of minority groups in Syria.
The situation in southern Syria's Druze-majority Suweida province has escalated dramatically as allegations of a massacre at the National Hospital surface. Eyewitness accounts and testimonies from health care workers describe chilling scenes of violence against patients, igniting outrage within the local Druze community.
Dr. Wissam Massoud, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, reported that patients were killed while they were asleep in their beds. "The soldiers came here saying they wanted to bring peace, but they killed scores of patients, from the very young to the very old," he detailed. The stench of death accompanied by the sight of decomposing bodies lined in plastic bags paints a grim picture of the aftermath.
Witness accounts indicate that Syrian government troops focused on the Druze religious community during the chaos that erupted over a week ago. Kiness Abu Motab, a hospital volunteer, underscored the tragedy, questioning the victims' "crime" of simply being a minority in Syria. The sentiment resonated among the local populace, with residents expressing deep distrust towards government forces, labeling them "monsters" for their actions.
Reports suggest that up to 300 individuals may have perished in the crackdown, though verification of such figures remains challenging, given heavy military restrictions and a siege-like environment in Suweida. International law explicitly protects hospitals, yet accusations point towards flagrant violations, with allegations extending to all factions involved in the conflict, including the Bedouin community and the Syrian army.
A statement from the Syrian defense ministry acknowledged "shocking violations" reportedly carried out by persons in military attire, promising a thorough investigation into the allegations of atrocities. Despite the chaos, the city continues to exhibit signs of conflict, with extensive damage to infrastructure and civilian property evident upon entry.
For the people of Suweida, including traumatized children like eight-year-old Hala al-Khatib, who was shot in the head while hiding, the violence marks a devastating chapter in their lives. The wider international community remains watchful as examinations into the situation continue, highlighting the precariousness of safety and peace in the troubled region of Syria.
