UN Investigation Finds Over 1,700 Dead in Syria Violence, War Crimes Suspected

A United Nations investigation revealed that more than 1,700 people died during a week of brutal violence in southern Syria last July, with nearly 200,000 residents forced from their homes. The report documents potential war crimes committed by Syrian government forces, tribal fighters, and armed groups from the Druze minority community.

GENEVA – A United Nations investigation released Friday documented devastating violence in southern Syria that claimed over 1,700 lives and displaced nearly 200,000 people during one week last July, with investigators saying multiple groups may have committed war crimes.

The comprehensive 85-page investigation by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic determined that at least 1,707 people died in Suweida Governorate. Most victims were civilians from the Druze religious minority, along with members of the Bedouin population and at least 225 government workers.

According to the investigation, approximately 155,000 people continue to live as displaced persons, creating an ongoing humanitarian crisis that persists months after a tenuous ceasefire took effect.

A separate investigation commissioned by the Syrian government and released March 17 recorded 1,760 deaths and 2,188 injuries “from all sides.” That inquiry also determined there were “many human rights violations” by various parties, including local armed groups and individuals connected to ISIS, as well as government and security force members, many of whom have been detained.

The government-appointed committee, established soon after the violence occurred, stated its work was based on collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, with results forwarded to the Justice Ministry.

The UN Commission determined that violations occurred across all major conflict participants. Many of these violations could qualify as war crimes, and some instances might rise to the level of crimes against humanity, investigators concluded.

According to the report, tribal fighters who joined government forces during initial operations functioned under direct government oversight, making the state responsible for their conduct, while other fighters were classified as active combatants.

The bloodshed occurred in three distinct waves from July 14 through July 19, 2025, approximately seven months following the rebel overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, with each period characterized by civilian attacks and extensive abuses. During the opening phase, government troops and allied fighters conducted executions, unlawful detentions, torture, sexual assault and theft, mainly targeting Druze residents, the investigation found.

The second wave involved Druze armed groups striking back against Bedouin populations, carrying out murders, torture, forced relocations and attacks on civilian and religious locations, resulting in the displacement of virtually all Bedouins from territories they controlled.

The final phase witnessed thousands of tribal fighters organizing and moving into Suweida, where they conducted extensive looting, killings and home burning across dozens of villages, with nearly every structure in 35 villages reportedly damaged or completely destroyed.

Investigators stated that unlawful executions were commonplace, with civilians – including women, children, elderly and disabled individuals – targeted during home invasions and in public areas, frequently accompanied by religious slurs.

The commission also recorded systematic torture, kidnappings, sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on religious buildings and deliberate destruction of civilian property, much of which perpetrators filmed and shared on social media platforms.

Although major fighting ended following the July 19 ceasefire, intermittent conflicts and violations have persisted, and investigators cautioned that without accountability measures and political solutions, conditions remain unstable.

The commission emphasized that addressing violations, delivering justice for victims and restoring trust among communities would be crucial to preventing future violence.