Syria: Tensions obstruct aid convoy for conflict-hit Sweida

The first humanitarian convoy to reach the conflict-hit town of Sweida, in Syria, attempted entry on July 20th, but deep-seated mistrust and community tensions allowed only a portion of the aid to get through, according to Radio France Internationale (RFI).

Sweida has been ravaged by recent conflict between the Druze and Bedouin groups. Roughly 30 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies, including water, bread, and first aid kits, were poised to enter the devastated area, which endured a week of fighting that claimed more than 1,100 lives. Although a ceasefire was reached, only part of the cargo was allowed through.

According to RFI’s Damascus correspondent Mohamed Errami, the humanitarian mission fell short of its objectives. No medical personnel were permitted to enter the area, and neither the injured nor trapped civilians were allowed to evacuate.

In Boussour al-Harir, a border town between Deraa and Sweida, the operation was overseen by two Syrian government ministers, Hind Kabayet (Social Affairs) and Mashab al-Ali (Health), as well as other officials, including Ahmed ben Mohamed from the Ministry of Emergency Management. He explained: “We have contacted the Sweida representatives and our team was supposed to enter with the trucks. But Hikmat al-Hajiri, the Druze religious chief, refused the entry of medics. Only food supplies went through.”

Negotiations at the coordination site dragged on for hours. The Syrian delegation on the ground tried to secure cooperation and guarantees, but to no avail. “We proposed that some blocked or injured civilians in Sweida could be evacuated,” said shaker, a Red Crescent worker involved in the mission. “All of our demands have been refused by the Druze groups. No medical staff has been able to enter. Even employees of the Ministry of Health have been blocked.”

The failed mission underscores the persistent distrust between Damascus and the armed Druze factions, which still maintain significant control over Sweida. Although a temporary ceasefire has paused direct fighting, no meaningful political settlement has been reached.

RFI’s Jerusalem correspondent Paul Khalifeh reported that skirmishes have continued near the key highway linking Sweida to Damascus, despite the ceasefire announcement.

The situation on the ground remains volatile. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Sunni tribal fighters launched fresh offensives on multiple Druze villages, triggering a mass exodus of the remaining Druze residents. The NGO said fighters burned homes and shops during their advance.

The SOHR also noted that on July 20th, Israeli airstrikes targeted tribal positions in at least six locations. Meanwhile, Syrian media reported that Druze armed groups launched a counterattack overnight, targeting the strategic area of Ariqa in the north.

Ongoing violence has disrupted plans for a prisoner exchange in northern Sweida. The SOHR said that preparations for the exchange, which was intended to reinforce the ceasefire, were derailed by mortar fire blamed on Sunni fighters. Dozens of people have been abducted during the clashes, including civilians on both sides. Some people are still missing.

Radio France Internationale, Maghrebi.org