France on Wednesday condemned the reported abuses against civilians in Syria’s Sweida region and called for an immediate halt to the violence.
“The abuses targeting civilians, which we strongly condemn, must stop,” the French foreign ministry stated, urging all parties to honour a ceasefire and cease hostilities at once.
Syrian government forces entered the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Tuesday, claiming they intended to oversee a ceasefire reached with Druze community leaders after violent clashes with Bedouin tribes left over 100 people dead.
However, witnesses reported that government troops had instead joined forces with the Bedouin, launching a brutal assault on Druze fighters and civilians.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights — a UK-based war monitor with sources inside Syria — 21 Druze civilians were killed in summary executions carried out by government forces and allied groups.
Syria has been undergoing a fragile transition since Islamist-led forces toppled long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, ending nearly 14 years of civil war.
“France supports the efforts of Syria’s transitional authorities and Sweida’s regional leaders to restore dialogue,” the French government said. “We hope for a lasting agreement that will strengthen Syria’s unity, stability, and sovereignty, as well as ensure the safety of all Syrians.”
Earlier in May, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to protect all citizens in the religiously diverse nation, following violence that had targeted both Alawite and Druze communities in previous months.
Later that month, the European Union announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria to aid the country’s recovery. However, it also imposed fresh sanctions on three Syrian militia groups and two of their commanders, citing attacks primarily against the Alawite community linked to the ousted Assad regime.