ALWAGHT- Disturbing videos shared on social media show armed members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) brutally executing unarmed Druze civilians in Syria’s southern Sweida province.
The recent wave of violence in Syria’s southern Sweida province has resulted in one of the bloodiest massacres targeting the Druze minority in years. Initially sparked by clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes on July 13, the situation escalated sharply following the deployment of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants. Disturbing footage has emerged showing HTS fighters executing unarmed civilians, including the Arnous family and a water well guard, while shouting sectarian slurs—suggesting targeted killings meant to inflame religious tensions.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 people have been killed since the violence began, including women, children, and medical staff. A forensic pathologist confirmed the brutal nature of the killings, with many victims showing signs of close-range gunshots, beheadings, and throat slittings. Despite clear evidence of HTS involvement, the group’s leadership has yet to acknowledge responsibility, and no official clarification has been provided regarding the identity or affiliations of the perpetrators.
These atrocities reflect the worsening fragmentation of Syria amid ongoing conflict and lawlessness. Under the leadership of Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, HTS—formerly tied to al-Qaeda—has been accused of numerous human rights violations, especially against religious minorities. The Sweida massacre, following similar attacks on the Alawite community, underscores the grave threat posed by extremist groups exploiting the power vacuum left by the collapse of centralized state control.
