Aid Convoy Reaches Sweida as Main Highway Reopens After Violence

An aid convoy successfully entered the city of Sweida in southern Syria on Thursday, marking the first such delivery via the main highway from Damascus since intense sectarian violence erupted last month. This reopening comes as the country continues to grapple with the repercussions of nearly 14 years of civil war.

In mid-July, clashes broke out between government forces and local Bedouin tribesmen, pitted against fighters from the Druze minority. The violence resulted in hundreds of fatalities and displaced tens of thousands, with disturbing allegations surfacing regarding government fighters executing Druze civilians and engaging in looting and arson.

While the fighting has subsided, government forces maintain a presence around Sweida, leading the Druze community to describe their situation as a siege, with limited humanitarian aid reaching the area. The provincial government of Sweida confirmed that the convoy, which was crucial for addressing the residents’ urgent needs, had arrived carrying U.N. assistance.

According to reports from state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV, the convoy consisted of 18 trucks filled with food baskets, cleaning supplies, and solar-powered lamps. Prior to this delivery, aid convoys had to navigate a longer route through Daraa province due to the closure of the main highway during the conflict.

The U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, highlighted the dire state of the healthcare system in Sweida during a recent visit. He noted that hospitals and clinics face critical shortages of essential medications, including insulin, dialysis supplies, and cancer treatments. Prices for basic goods have surged, forcing families to endure long lines for fuel and other necessities.

“Humanitarian assistance alone cannot resolve these challenges,” Abdelmoula stated. He emphasized the importance of restoring safe and reliable commercial goods to stabilize the situation and prevent further deterioration.

As Sweida begins to receive aid, the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues remains pressing. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Syria as they strive to rebuild in the aftermath of prolonged conflict.