Suweida City, Syria - Recent violence in the Druze-majority southern province of Suweida has raised alarms, as accusations surface suggesting that Syrian government forces executed patients inside a local hospital during sectarian clashes. The National Hospital has become a grim scene, with reports indicating numerous casualties, sparking fears of systematic targeting of the minority Druze community.
Dr. Wissam Massoud, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, described the scene as a massacre, highlighting the horrifying reality faced by patients who came for care. "The soldiers claimed they wanted peace, yet they executed numerous patients, regardless of age," he stated. The aftermath of the government's raid revealed a shocking number of bodies, with witnesses recounting horrific details.
A hospital volunteer, Kiness Abu Motab, described the chilling scenario: "What crime did they commit? Simply for being part of a minority in what is called a democratic country?" Other locals expressed their distrust and fear toward the government forces, condemning the attacks. “They shot an eight-year-old disabled boy in the head,” Osama Malak, an English teacher, lamented, emphasizing the violation of international law that mandates the protection of medical facilities during conflict.
While various factions in the ongoing struggle accuse one another of war crimes, the hospital’s staff detailed harrowing experiences from last Wednesday’s event, where soldiers reportedly stormed the facility and opened fire on patients in their beds. Initial estimates suggest more than 300 casualties, although no independent verification confirms these figures.
The Syrian defense ministry acknowledged reports of "shocking violations" carried out by armed individuals in Suweida, with the Minister for Disaster Management pledging comprehensive investigations into the crisis. However, access to Suweida remains restricted, complicating on-the-ground reporting and verification of claims.
As the conflict unfolds, the toll on the Druze community and the wider civilian population intensifies, leaving residents and healthcare workers grappling with grief amidst the violence. During a visit to the hospital, an eight-year-old girl named Hala al-Khatib tragically shared her experience of being shot at home while hiding, unaware that she had lost both parents in the chaos.
The situation in Suweida continues to develop, with international observers calling for immediate attention to protect civilians amidst the ongoing hostilities plaguing this vulnerable region.
