France Vehemently Denounces ‘Atrocities Against Civilians’ in Syria

France implored an end to the “atrocities against civilians” in Syria’s Sweida on Wednesday, following accusations by a war monitor of government forces engaging in summary executions and other violations.

“The atrocities against civilians, which we vehemently denounce, must cease,” asserted the foreign ministry, demanding an “immediate cessation of hostilities” and urging all parties to honor a ceasefire.

On Tuesday, Syrian government forces entered the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, professing their intent to enforce a ceasefire brokered with Druze community leaders after confrontations with local Bedouin tribes resulted in over 100 fatalities.

However, witnesses recounted that government forces had allied with the Bedouin to assault Druze combatants and civilians in a violent spree throughout the city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor with informants within Syria, reported that 21 Druze civilians had perished “in summary executions by government forces” and allied factions.

Syria is navigating a precarious transition since Islamist-led forces dethroned long-standing ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, following nearly 14 years of civil strife.

“France endorses the endeavors of the Syrian transitional authorities and the leaders of the Sweida region to rekindle dialogue and aspires for a lasting accord to bolster Syria’s unity, stability, and sovereignty, as well as the security of all Syrians,” declared Paris.

In early May, French President Emmanuel Macron entreated visiting Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to safeguard all inhabitants in the multi-confessional nation, following the killings that had previously afflicted the Alawite and Druze minorities.