ROCHELLE JUNIOR

Sweida-The clashes that erupted on July 13 in Syria's Druze-majority province of Sweida between local Druze-led and pro-government Bedouin armed groups continue. Since July 13, many civilians have been killed, tortured and kidnapped in the city.

 “What is happening in Sweida is no longer just a protest against the government, but a fight for honor and existence,” said Linia Darwish, a women’s rights activist in Sweida.

Linia Darwish criticized the silence against the attacks in Sweida, stressing that those who remain silent could be subjected to the same attacks in the future. “I call on everyone to rise up to save civilians from these genocidal attacks.”

Linia Darwish believes that Sweida has been punished because its people have taken a stance against the “oppressive government”. “The people of Sweida have been killed and subjected to sectarian hate campaigns and inhumane practices for voicing their opinions.”

‘Houses have been burned down, people have been killed’

Speaking about the armed convoys that entered Sweida, she said, “They carried not only weapons but also radical ideology. These terrorist groups have burned down houses and killed civilians.”

Linia Darwish thinks that July 15 was the turning point of the clashes. “Security forces and armed groups entered the city and bombarded the city by using heavy weapons and drones. The city's lively streets turned into debris. People were executed at their homes and patients were killed in hospitals. Thousands of people had to flee to villages and many women were arrested.”

The activist also talked about the siege imposed in Sweida. “The armed groups blocked humanitarian aid routes and prevented UN convoys from entering the city. They attacked organizations such as the Red Crescent and even poisoned the city’s drinking water. An 80-year-old woman was also killed.”

‘The world remains silent’

Following the 48-hour ceasefire declared on July 19, the attacks on Sweida were resumed. “The people of Sweida are left alone. The world remains silent against the attacks. Despite the ceasefire, armed groups supported by ISIS and the Syrian Ministry of Defense continued their attacks.”

Linia Darwish also criticized people who think that the people of Sweida do not have the right to defend themselves. “While the armed groups have the right to attack us, we do not have the right to defend ourselves. Is it justice? The Syrian interim government is responsible for what is going on in Sweida. What is happening in Sweida is not just a local fight; it is a fight for honor and existence,” she said, calling on the international community to break its silence against the attacks on Sweida.