Shocking Confessions of Participants in the Violence Actions in Sweida

The website “Delil24” obtained exclusive recordings revealing the confessions of individuals involved in the violence that swept As-Sweyda`a Governorate in southern Syria in July 2025, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of displaced persons. The recordings shed light on the chaotic coordination and severe violations against civilians, within the context of a complex sectarian conflict.

One of the confessors, Qusai Abdul Aziz Al-Hijjo (21 years old) from the city of Tabqa, from the Al-Nassir clan, recounted details of his involvement. He said he returned from Saudi Arabia to Damascus two months ago, where Faraj Al-Hammoud Al-Faraj, a notable figure of Al-Bushaban tribe, called via social media posts to gather and fight against the Druze in As-Sweyda`a.

Qusai pointed out that Al-Hammoud targeted minorities, especially the Druze, in his speeches.

The journey began from Al-Mazza Highway in Damascus, where about 20 people gathered in five cars. With the help of his brother, the group reached Izra`a in rural Dara`a, then moved to the Al-Mazra’a area in rural areas of As-Sweyda`a.

There, they joined convoys of factions including “Al-Amshat” and “Al-Hamzat,” affiliated with the Syrian Army under the Interim Government, along with immigrants/Foreign Expats of various nationalities, including Pakistanis and Uzbeks, wearing clothing bearing Islamic State insignias.

According to Qusai, factions affiliated with the Ministry of Defense led the battles, while the tribes carried out “mopping-up” operations behind them. But he was shocked by the scenes of destruction: “Bodies of Druze civilians lying on the roads, burned houses and destroyed cars.”

He added: “They were burning everything, even civilian homes, to prevent people from returning.” He also noticed the presence of individuals suspected to be former ISIS members, boasting about their violations to bolster their image in front of the Interim Government.

Sheikh Sami Al-Hafl, from the Al-Akidat tribe, was a key coordinator of incitement, supplying fighters with ammunition and weapons, including Kalashnikovs and rocket launchers.

After being injured in As-Sweyda`a, Qusai returned to Damascus, where he watched videos showing looting and arson, and militants bragging about “spoils” including cars and weapons.

At the end of his confession, Qusai addressed the people of Syria, warning against being drawn into a civil war: “Do not get involved in internal fighting that destroys Syria and divides it.” This narrative expose organizational chaos and serious violations, confirming the complexity of the conflict in As-Sweyda`a, where tribal loyalties mixed with external interventions amid accusations of massacres against civilians.