Syria: Arrests of Interior and Defense Ministry Members for Sweida Events

Syrian authorities have arrested and interrogated members of the Ministries of Defense and Interior regarding their alleged involvement in the violent incidents in July in the Sweida province, where Druze mainly reside. The committee investigating the incident announced the arrests.

Hundreds of people were killed in the Sweida province in July, following clashes between tribes and members of the Druze minority. The clashes escalated after Syrian troops were sent to the area. Relatives of the victims accused government forces of executing Druze civilians.

Committee spokesman Amar Izeddin stated that members of the Ministries of Defense and Interior were arrested, interrogated, and brought to justice. Izeddin did not specify the number of those arrested but added that they acted individually.

Amnesty International has called on the Syrian authorities to ensure that members of the government forces responsible for the extrajudicial executions are held accountable.

In March, the Syrian army was accused of the mass murder of members of the Alawite minority.

Source: APE-MPE- Reuters