UN Urges Syrian Authorities Accountability For Murder In Sweden

The head of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights office urged Syrian interim authorities to ensure accountability and justice for the killings and human rights violations in the southern Syrian city of Sweida.

The Syrian government sent troops this week to the city of the majority of its population of Druze to defuse fighting between the Bedouin and Druze, but violence continued to rise until a ceasefire was announced.

The Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it had received credible reports of widespread human rights abuses during fighting.

These include reports of brief executions, kidnappings, and destruction of private property by security forces and individuals linked to Syrian interim authorities, as well as other armed elements including Druze and Badui.

"These bloodshed and violence must be stopped, and the protection of everyone must be a top priority, in line with international human rights laws," Volker Turk's OHCHR High Commissioner said in a statement.

At least 13 people were illegally killed in an incident recorded on July 15 when a temporary authority affiliate opened fire at a family gathering.

Six men were executed near their homes on the same day.

"My office has received reports from persecuted Syrians and lives in fear of the safety of them and their loved ones," Turk said.

Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus on Wednesday and also attacked government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw.

Israel says the attack aims to protect Syrian Druzes - part of a minor but influential minority who have followers in Lebanon and Israel.

Turk expressed concern following reports of civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes in Sweden, Daraa in the southwest, and in downtown Damascus.