Four civilians were killed and one was seriously wounded after gunfire struck a group of farmers inspecting olive land in the Mutuna area of Suwayda’s northern countryside, authorities and local monitors said. The shooting occurred Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, targetting residents from the province while they were checking agricultural property, according to a reporter for the Verify platform.
Verify identified the four killed as Khalid Walid al-Jardi, Samir Kamal Amer, Hadi Nassar Amer and Maher Nassar Amer. The outlet reported that Firas Ahmad al-Halabi sustained serious injuries, while several others survived the attack, including Faisal Muhammad Amer and Walid Salman al-Jardi. Local sources initially reported that unknown gunmen carried out the shooting while the victims were working in an olive grove.
Interior Ministry Confirms Suspect Arrest
The Syrian Ministry of Interior later confirmed the arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in the killings. In a statement carried by state media and cited by Verify, the ministry said the suspect is a member of the Internal Security Directorate in Suwayda.
Brig. Gen. Hussam al-Tahhan, head of internal security in Suwayda Governorate, described the incident as a “heinous crime” against five citizens, resulting in four deaths and one critical injury. He said the Criminal Investigation Department began examining the case immediately after the shooting to determine the circumstances and those responsible.
According to Tahhan, preliminary findings, supported by testimony from one of the survivors, pointed to the involvement of an internal security member. Authorities arrested the suspect and referred him for investigation to complete legal procedures, the Interior Ministry said.
Calls for Accountability and Restraint
In his statement, Tahhan extended condolences to the families of the victims and stressed that any violation of citizens’ rights is categorically unacceptable. He said the Internal Security Command remains committed to protecting civilians and holding accountable anyone proven to be involved, regardless of affiliation.
He also urged residents of Suwayda to exercise restraint and patience while investigations continue, adding that justice would take its course to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The Interior Ministry echoed those remarks, emphasizing that no action threatening public safety would be tolerated.
Broader Security Context
The shooting came amid ongoing security tensions in Suwayda. Clashes renewed Feb. 6 between internal security forces and the National Guard, resulting in damage to civilian property. Local outlets reported exchanges of mortar and machine gun fire in several areas, including the village of Mazraa.
Suwayda has experienced instability since July 2025, when kidnappings between local communities escalated into armed confrontations. Subsequent government intervention, withdrawals and ceasefire agreements reshaped security arrangements in the province. On Aug. 6, 2025, Hikmat al-Hijri formed a “Supreme Legal Committee” to oversee local service and security affairs after barring government forces from entering. Authorities said the investigation into the Mutuna shooting remains ongoing, with judicial proceedings expected to determine responsibility and penalties.
