UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Tuesday about the ongoing violence in Syria's southern Sweida province, which has resulted in dozens of casualties, including civilians.

In a statement, Guterres condemned reports indicating indiscriminate killings of civilians, sectarian incitement, looting of private property, and all other forms of violence.

The Secretary-General urged interim authorities and local leaders to immediately de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, restore calm, prevent further incitement, and conduct transparent and public investigations while holding those responsible for these incidents accountable.

Guterres also expressed concern about Israeli occupation forces' airstrikes on Syrian territory, calling on the occupation to refrain from violating Syria's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed the necessity of supporting a credible, orderly, and inclusive political transition in Syria, in accordance with the key principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).

Sweida province, south of the capital Damascus, has witnessed armed clashes between outlawed groups from within the province and armed elements from neighboring areas, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.