France Condemns ‘Abuses Against Civilians’ in Syria’s Sweida, Urges Immediate Ceasefire

France has strongly condemned what it described as “abuses targeting civilians” in Syria’s Sweida region, following alarming reports of summary executions and escalating violence involving Syrian government forces.

In a statement released by the French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, Paris called for an “immediate cessation of clashes” and urged all parties to uphold a ceasefire, warning that continued violations threaten regional stability and civilian lives.

“The abuses targeting civilians, which we strongly condemn, must stop,” the ministry declared, urging restraint and renewed commitment to peace efforts.

The condemnation follows reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based war monitor, which claimed that 21 Druze civilians were executed by government forces and allied militias after entering the predominantly Druze city of Sweida.

The deployment, officially intended to enforce a ceasefire negotiated with local Druze leaders, reportedly devolved into a joint offensive alongside Bedouin militias.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and brutality as Druze fighters and civilians were allegedly attacked by both regime forces and tribal militias, despite prior ceasefire arrangements.

The recent violence comes amid fragile efforts to rebuild Syria following the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December, after nearly 14 years of civil war. Tensions between Druze and Bedouin groups have flared repeatedly in southern Syria, with the latest clashes leaving over 100 people dead.

France reiterated its support for Syria’s transitional authorities and urged local leaders to resume dialogue in a bid to safeguard the country’s multi-ethnic fabric and ensure the protection of all communities — particularly vulnerable minorities such as the Druze and Alawites, who have been disproportionately affected in recent months.

“France supports the efforts of the Syrian transitional authorities and the leaders of the Sweida region to restore dialogue… and hopes for a lasting agreement to strengthen the unity, stability, and sovereignty of Syria,” the statement read.

In May, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Syrian transitional leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris, where he stressed the importance of protecting all Syrian citizens regardless of religious or ethnic identity.

Later that month, the European Union lifted long-standing economic sanctions on Syria to aid the country’s reconstruction but simultaneously imposed new sanctions on three Syrian militias and two of their commanders, citing atrocities mainly targeting the Alawite community — traditionally associated with the former Assad regime.