Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) announced Monday that at least 1,341 people have been documented killed or injured in southern Syria’s Suwayda province, amid a sharp escalation in violence since July 13.
In a preliminary toll published on its official website, SNHR said the casualties include 558 deaths, among them 17 women, 11 children, six medical personnel, and two media workers. Another 783 people were reported injured, many critically.
The human rights organization attributed the rise in civilian casualties to intense clashes, sporadic violence, and unlawful killings, including mutual shelling and Israeli airstrikes in the area.
Victims include both civilians and combatants, including members of local Druze factions, government-loyal Bedouin tribal groups, and forces affiliated with Syria’s Internal Security and Ministry of Defense.
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SNHR clarified that its documentation adheres to international law standards and distinguishes between civilians and fighters. Armed personnel killed in combat are not included in the death toll unless killed after capture, which the group classifies as extrajudicial executions.
In a statement, SNHR urged the Syrian government to curb the use of force, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and open independent investigations into the reported violations. It called for the protection of civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and religious sites.
The organization also stressed the need to support reconciliation efforts, prevent sectarian incitement, and ensure transparency in security operations, including psychosocial support for victims.
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Furthermore, SNHR called on all conflict parties to end hostilities, comply with international humanitarian law, and engage in local ceasefire mechanisms, including empowering civil society leaders and local mediators.
Earlier Monday, Syrian government buses evacuated dozens of Bedouin families from Suwayda to eastern rural Daraa. According to our reporter, the total number of evacuees exceeded 1,000 people, now resettled across towns including Khirbet Ghazaleh, Bosra al-Sham, Kahil, and al-Sahwah.
