Syria detains security forces over sectarian violence that killed hundreds
The arrests follow a July rampage in Sweida where government fighters effectively sided with Bedouin clans against the Druze
The head of a Syrian committee investigating the violence in Sweida held a news conference in the capital, Damascus, to talk about progress made but did not release a death toll, saying this will come in the final report that is expected by the end of the year.
In mid-July, armed groups affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri clashed with local Bedouin clans, spurring intervention by government forces who effectively sided with the Bedouins. Hundreds of civilians, mostly Druze, were killed, many by government fighters.
Judge Hatem Naasan, head of the investigative committee, said they have listened to people affected by the violence, including “witnesses and victims”.