Sweida Sectarian Clashes: Syria Pledges Investigative Probe

Syria has pledged to investigate deadly clashes in the southern province of Sweida, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities last month. This marks the second significant instance of sectarian violence since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. On July 31, a decree by Justice Minister Muzher al-Wais announced the formation of a seven-member committee to examine the incident.

The appointed committee, comprised of judges, lawyers, and a military official, will analyze the circumstances leading to the 'events in Sweida.' They are tasked with investigating reported attacks and abuses against civilians, with a mandate to refer perpetrators to the judiciary. Violence erupted on July 13 between tribal fighters and Druze factions, with government forces and Israeli strikes further escalating the conflict.

The Druze, a minority sect of Islam with communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, populate Sweida province alongside Sunni tribes, causing historical tensions. A U.S.-brokered truce eventually quelled the conflict. In a broader context, Alawite civilians were attacked in March, highlighting ongoing sectarian divisions in a region still grappling with the legacy of Assad's leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)