Published : 19-12-2025
Syria – Action Group
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, affirmed that the situation on the ground in Syria remains fragile, despite a noticeable decrease in violence levels recently. She warned of internal and external factors contributing to instability, foremost among them Israeli airstrikes and incursions in the south of the country.
In a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday evening, December 18, DiCarlo stressed that the UN condemns all forms of violence, including the events in the Syrian coastal region and the Suwaida governorate, as well as the ongoing tensions between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). She noted that hate speech and disinformation campaigns have fueled conflicts in several of these instances.
The UN official called on the Syrian government to ensure transparency in the ongoing investigations into these events and to hold those responsible accountable, given the continued reports of extrajudicial killings and abductions targeting specific communities, including members of the Alawite sect.
Background of security events
On March 6, the Syrian coast witnessed a security escalation following actions by groups affiliated with the former regime's army. These actions targeted members of the General Security forces in the Latakia countryside, resulting in violations against civilians that claimed the lives of hundreds, fueled by sectarian tensions.
In the Suwaida governorate, events erupted on July 12 following tit-for-tat kidnappings between residents of the predominantly Bedouin neighborhood of al-Muqawwas and members of the Druze community, before escalating into armed clashes. Despite the Syrian government's intervention to resolve the conflict on July 14, its actions were accompanied by violations against civilians, prompting local factions to retaliate.
On July 16, government forces withdrew from Suwaida after being targeted by Israeli airstrikes. This paved the way for retaliatory acts and violations against Bedouin residents in the governorate, before a ceasefire agreement was reached.
Israel is exacerbating the security situation
DiCarlo affirmed that Israeli airstrikes and incursions into southern Syria have directly contributed to the deteriorating security situation and increased instability. She called on Israel to refrain from violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Accounting is a prerequisite for recovery
The UN official explained that genuine recovery in Syria cannot begin without a comprehensive accounting for past violations, addressing the issue of missing persons, and ensuring accountability for atrocities.
Humanitarian needs remain high
UN officials stated that approximately 16.5 million people still require humanitarian assistance amidst an ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis.
Syria – Action Group
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, affirmed that the situation on the ground in Syria remains fragile, despite a noticeable decrease in violence levels recently. She warned of internal and external factors contributing to instability, foremost among them Israeli airstrikes and incursions in the south of the country.
In a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday evening, December 18, DiCarlo stressed that the UN condemns all forms of violence, including the events in the Syrian coastal region and the Suwaida governorate, as well as the ongoing tensions between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). She noted that hate speech and disinformation campaigns have fueled conflicts in several of these instances.
The UN official called on the Syrian government to ensure transparency in the ongoing investigations into these events and to hold those responsible accountable, given the continued reports of extrajudicial killings and abductions targeting specific communities, including members of the Alawite sect.
Background of security events
On March 6, the Syrian coast witnessed a security escalation following actions by groups affiliated with the former regime's army. These actions targeted members of the General Security forces in the Latakia countryside, resulting in violations against civilians that claimed the lives of hundreds, fueled by sectarian tensions.
In the Suwaida governorate, events erupted on July 12 following tit-for-tat kidnappings between residents of the predominantly Bedouin neighborhood of al-Muqawwas and members of the Druze community, before escalating into armed clashes. Despite the Syrian government's intervention to resolve the conflict on July 14, its actions were accompanied by violations against civilians, prompting local factions to retaliate.
On July 16, government forces withdrew from Suwaida after being targeted by Israeli airstrikes. This paved the way for retaliatory acts and violations against Bedouin residents in the governorate, before a ceasefire agreement was reached.
Israel is exacerbating the security situation
DiCarlo affirmed that Israeli airstrikes and incursions into southern Syria have directly contributed to the deteriorating security situation and increased instability. She called on Israel to refrain from violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Accounting is a prerequisite for recovery
The UN official explained that genuine recovery in Syria cannot begin without a comprehensive accounting for past violations, addressing the issue of missing persons, and ensuring accountability for atrocities.
Humanitarian needs remain high
UN officials stated that approximately 16.5 million people still require humanitarian assistance amidst an ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis.
