First humanitarian convoy enters war-torn Soueida

Sunday 20 July 2025 - 14:45

A first humanitarian aid convoy entered the southern Syrian city of Soueida on Sunday, following a week of deadly intercommunal clashes between Druze fighters and armed Bedouin groups. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent confirmed the convoy's arrival, marking a rare moment of relief in a region devastated by violence and cut off from basic supplies.

According to Omar al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Red Crescent, the 32-vehicle convoy included food, medical supplies, fuel, and body bags. He stated the mission was coordinated between government entities and local Druze-led authorities in Soueida, where control remains contested. The city, still without water or electricity, has endured severe shortages since the outbreak of fighting on July 13.

A fragile ceasefire declared by Syria’s interim president came into effect Sunday. However, tensions remain high. A second aid convoy organized by the Syrian government — accompanied by three ministers — was blocked from entering Soueida by Druze militias affiliated with Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a senior Druze religious leader. Sheikh al-Hijri has faced criticism from Damascus after requesting international protection for the Druze and appealing to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel, home to a Druze minority, has expressed its intention to defend the Druze population in Syria. Sheikh al-Hijri later clarified that all humanitarian aid channeled through international organizations is welcome.

The violence in Soueida has resulted in over 1,000 deaths, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). A Red Crescent photographer on the ground reported that the city hospital’s morgue is overwhelmed, with bodies lying outside on the ground due to lack of space.