Disturbing Footage from Sweida Hospital

A harrowing video released by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has surfaced, depicting a brutal execution inside Sweida National Hospital. The video, which remains undated, shows hospital staff forced to kneel at gunpoint by fighters loyal to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The footage, reported by Russian state-controlled media RT, captures a tense and violent scene.

Violence Against Hospital Employees

In the video, several armed men, identified as members of the Syrian Defence and Interior Ministries by SOHR, surround the kneeling hospital employees. The situation escalates when one detainee, after being slapped by an armed man, attempts to resist. This act of defiance results in the detainee being shot twice at close range. The video further shows additional gunfire, with multiple victims falling to the ground.

Context of the Sweida Clashes

The incident occurred amid fierce clashes in Sweida between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes that began in July. Government forces entered Sweida, approximately 110 km from Damascus, intending to enforce a ceasefire but ultimately sided with Bedouin factions against Druze militias. Despite these tensions, Sweida city remains under Druze control, although surrounding villages have been retaken by government forces.

Call for International Investigation

Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community, has called for an international investigation into the violence in Sweida, including the hospital events. In a televised address, he urged for those responsible to be brought before the International Criminal Court and requested international observers to protect civilians.

Israeli Involvement in the Conflict

The Druze community, a minority in Israel with many serving in its military, has seen rare direct intervention from Israel in Syria’s south since the war began. According to Druze leaders, Israeli strikes played a crucial role in preventing a larger massacre of their community.