Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law in Southern Syria

IHRC NEWS draws attention to the latest wave of forced displacement targeting Bedouin tribes in the province of As-Suwayda, southern Syria. The actions, carried out by armed militias affiliated with Hikmat Al-Hijri—one of the prominent non-state actors in the region—constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the fundamental rights of civilian populations.

Documented Abuse and Civilian Suffering

According to credible reports and documentation by both local and international human rights organizations, the displacement campaign was marked by disturbing acts of violence against civilians, including women and children. Eyewitnesses and humanitarian monitors have confirmed instances of brutal beatings, with victims displaying visible injuries—particularly women and children—underscoring the excessive use of force by the militias.

Detainees Released After International Mediation

The release of several detainees occurred only after a complex mediation process, involving guarantees from the Syrian government, as well as international actors including the United States, Jordan, and Turkey. This intervention highlights the gravity of the crisis and the breakdown of rule of law in the affected region.

A Grave Breach of the Geneva Conventions

The forced displacement of civilians, accompanied by violence and intimidation, constitutes a war crime under international law. The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit the forced transfer or evacuation of civilian populations, except for their own security in situations of imminent danger. The actions in As-Suwayda represent a severe breach of these international norms.

Urgent Calls for Accountability and Redress

IHRC NEWS echoes the urgent demands of human rights organizations—including Taaluf Humanitaire International Organization—for an independent and transparent investigation under United Nations supervision. The perpetrators must be held accountable, sanctions must be imposed, and the safe return and compensation of displaced families must be ensured.

Syria at a Crossroads

The situation in As-Suwayda, Syria, stands as a critical test for the international community. Ongoing silence and inaction will only embolden further violations and deepen the humanitarian crisis. Justice, accountability, and protection for the displaced remain non-negotiable priorities.

Report prepared with reference to documentation by Taaluf Humanitaire International Organization – Human Rights Office. For IHRC NEWS.

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Expert Commentary and Implications for International Stability

Date: 13 June 2025

Background

The latest reported Israeli attack on Iran represents a significant escalation in an already volatile regional dynamic. Tensions between these states have persisted for decades, driven by ideological rivalry, proxy confrontations, and enduring disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions versus Israel’s national security concerns.

Strategic Motivations

• Israel frames such actions as preemptive or defensive operations, seeking to disrupt Iran’s military infrastructure—especially those linked to nuclear programmes or proxy groups (notably Hezbollah).
• Iran perceives these acts as direct aggressions and violations of its sovereignty, responding with heightened rhetoric and, at times, limited military actions.

International Law and Diplomacy

• International law stipulates that attacks on sovereign states are only justified in cases of clear self-defence or UN Security Council authorisation. Any deviation is generally deemed a breach of international norms.
• The UN, European Union, and other neutral actors have consistently called for restraint, warning that ongoing hostilities risk sparking broader regional destabilisation.

Risks of Escalation

• An Iranian retaliatory strike could trigger a wider conflict, potentially drawing in the United States, Gulf states, or other major actors.
• Alternatively, the situation could devolve into shadow warfare—including cyber operations and proxy attacks—sustaining a perilous tit-for-tat cycle.

Internal Pressures

Both governments face notable domestic political pressures. While military engagements may galvanise national unity or distract from internal crises, they also heighten the risk of economic and social instability if prolonged.

Global Stakeholders

• Major powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and the EU closely monitor developments, each pursuing distinct interests in the Middle East and potentially shaping events via diplomacy, mediation, or realignment.
• The international community is particularly concerned with the potential for oil market volatility, refugee flows, and an increased risk of nuclear proliferation.

Outlook: Where Could This Lead?

Key scenarios include:

• De-escalation through diplomatic mediation by states such as Qatar, Turkey, or Oman.
• Continuation of covert or cyber conflict, prolonging instability without direct warfare.
• Unintended escalation leading to a wider regional—or even global—crisis.

“Absent immediate, coordinated efforts towards de-escalation, accountability, and international mediation, the risk of conflict intensification remains high. Both parties—and the global community—stand to lose immeasurably more through confrontation than through negotiation.”

Author:
Mohsin Durrani
Editor-in-Chief, IHRC Press Department – Asia Region
Ambassador-at-Large to Pakistan
Special Envoy and Head of the Diplomatic Mission

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