Syrian City Sweida Suffers Deadly Violence and Devastation

Residents in Sweida, Syria, are emerging from days of intense clashes between government forces and Druse militias to find widespread destruction. The violence, which has claimed over 500 lives, has left the city with a lingering smell of death, burned vehicles, looted stores, and bloodstained streets. Hossam, a local resident, described the unbearable atmosphere and the overwhelming presence of bodies at the public hospital, which has run out of body bags. This outbreak has reignited fears about the new authorities' ability to ensure security and the potential for further sectarian conflict in Syria.