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Reactions to the Military Parade in Sweida: Criticisms and an Apology from the Organizer
The military parade organized by a faction of the National Guard in Sweida sparked widespread criticism within local circles, prompting the organizing party to issue an apology and reaffirm their respect for the criticisms directed at them.
Today, the main streets of Sweida witnessed a parade of National Guard personnel and fighters, who interacted with most of the armed factions in the region. Participants carried light weapons such as rifles and snipers, with armored vehicles and military equipment leading the procession. Some raised religious slogans and wore masks, which further fueled controversy and criticism.
On social media, activists and commentators expressed their rejection of the use of religious slogans and wearing masks during the parade. Activist Thani Saleh Arabi questioned the reason behind chanting religious slogans, emphasizing that their support for the National Guard does not require such gestures, and that support should be neutral. He added that these slogans do not represent the society. Similarly, activist Samer Fahad rejected the idea that the fight is about land, dignity, and identity, not religion or sectarianism, and expressed surprise at the repeated religious chants such as “Labbayk Ya Hussein, and our leader forever.” Journalist Ehad Morad summarized the matter simply as “Labbayk Ya Insan” (“Here I am, oh human”).
Amid the widespread criticism, the organizing body issued an apology statement, emphasizing that acknowledging mistakes is a sign of strength, while stubbornness is a sign of weakness. The statement stressed that the goal of the parade was for the military force to be a source of security and reassurance for all community components.
The apology was well received by many critics, who reiterated the importance of listening to civilian voices, valuing community opinions, and not hesitating to confront errors regardless of their source—aiming to preserve national unity and balance in military operations.
