Claims of Atrocities Emerge from Suweida Hospital Amid Sectarian Violence

Sun Oct 19 2025 10:21:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Eyewitness accounts detail alleged massacre at a hospital in Syria's Druze-majority Suweida province, raising concerns over the safety of civilians.

Reports from Suweida city in Syria indicate that government forces may have perpetrated a massacre at a local hospital, with testimonies from staff and residents describing extensive violence against patients, especially targeting the Druze minority. Hospital conditions reveal horrifying scenes, with many bodies found and ongoing investigations into the casualty counts.

The recent outbreak of violence in the Druze-majority province of Suweida, Syria, has raised grave concerns over the alleged massacre at the National Hospital. Eyewitnesses, including hospital staff, describe horrific events where Syrian government troops reportedly opened fire on patients within the hospital wards.

Dr. Wissam Massoud, a neurosurgeon at the facility, stated, "It was a massacre," revealing that both young and elderly patients were killed as soldiers claimed they sought to restore peace. Disturbingly graphic scenes, shared by Dr. Massoud through footage, depict deceased patients still in their blood-soaked bed sheets.

Volunteer Kiness Abu Motab remarked on the tragedy of victims dying due to their minority status, questioning the legitimacy of government actions in what is meant to be a democratic country. Outside the hospital, local resident Osama Malak recounted the killing of an eight-year-old disabled boy, underscoring the brutality of the alleged attack, which he claims violated international laws protecting medical facilities.

As allegations of atrocities roll forth from various factions within the conflict, including Bedouins, Druze, and the Syrian army, the precise toll and nature of the violence at the hospital remain unclear. Various estimates suggest over 300 individuals were killed, though verification remains elusive.

In response, the Syrian defense ministry acknowledged reports of "shocking violations" by individuals in military fatigues in Suweida. Raed Saleh, the Syrian Minister for Disaster Management, pledged a thorough investigation into the claims of violence perpetrated by all involved factions.

Access to Suweida city has been heavily restricted, complicating the collection of firsthand evidence about the ongoing situation. The area appears besieged, with Syrian forces controlling movement in and out of the city, which is predominantly Druze and home to over 70,000 residents.

As tensions mount and the situation evolves, the plight of innocent civilians, including young Hala al-Khatib—who suffered severe injuries and lost her parents during the violence—highlights the urgent need for accountability and protection for vulnerable populations amidst ongoing conflict.