The Arab tribes of Khaldeh and Mount Lebanon released a firm statement on Friday condemning the violence in Syria’s Sweida province, describing it as a “dangerous sedition” that threatens Syria’s unity and could spill into Lebanon.
In a heartfelt appeal, the tribes addressed their Syrian counterparts, especially those in Sweida and Daraa, highlighting their long-standing values of honor, coexistence, and mutual respect. They called for an immediate end to the fighting. “We refuse to be dragged into internal battles that only serve the enemies of our people,” the statement read.
The tribes warned that if the unrest continues, it could cross borders and affect Lebanon, where communities have lived side by side for generations. “Our connection with the people of Sweida goes far beyond geography. A single spark there could ignite the entire region,” they cautioned.
Rejecting all calls for revenge or division, the tribes reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, and reconciliation. “True solutions come through mutual understanding, not through power struggles or domination.”
They also expressed their willingness to support any peace initiative in Sweida, citing their historical role in resolving disputes and promoting social harmony. They urged respected leaders in both Lebanon and Syria to act responsibly and help prevent further bloodshed.
The statement also addressed misinformation circulating in their name, including messages falsely attributed to Sheikh Riad Daher (“Abu Zeidan”). The tribes denounced such statements as “suspicious” and reaffirmed their genuine stance: unity, de-escalation, and rejection of all forms of sedition.
“We will not allow this conflict to spread into Mount Lebanon,” they concluded. “We will remain where we’ve always stood, on the side of wisdom, reconciliation, and a shared future.”
In parallel, the Lebanese Army’s Directorate of Orientation issued a firm statement on Friday stressing that “the Army will not allow any breach of security or disruption of civil peace.”
At the same time, it called for “unity, solidarity, and awareness” among the Lebanese in light of the situation, as well as “a sense of responsibility and refraining from any action that could have unforeseen consequences for the security of the Lebanese people.”
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