Instability in Syria Again: Clashes Reported Between Groups

Dozens have been killed and hundreds injured in armed clashes between the Druze community and Sunni Bedouins in Syria’s southern Suwayda province. The incident has been confirmed by the Syrian Ministry of Interior and local sources.

The clashes began on Sunday, July 13, in the al-Maqwas neighborhood in central Suwayda city following reports of a Druze citizen being kidnapped on the road to Damascus. This neighborhood is predominantly inhabited by Bedouins.

Reports indicate that Druze fighters surrounded the neighborhood and took control. Soon after, Bedouins launched attacks on Druze-populated villages in other parts of the province, particularly in the western and northern outskirts.

According to local independent news agency Suwayda 24, “dozens of people have died” in the conflict, and more than 200 were injured. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that among the casualties are children, Bedouins, and soldiers affiliated with government forces.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior confirmed that at least 30 people have been killed. The exact number of casualties has yet to be independently verified.

Amid the conflict, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also issued a statement. According to them, several tanks heading toward Suwayda were deemed a threat to Israel and were targeted. Israeli officials claimed the action was taken to protect the Druze community.

On Sunday night, a short-term truce was brokered between Druze and Bedouin leaders, and hostages were exchanged. However, the peace did not last. On Monday, fighting resumed in the western regions of Suwayda. Suwayda 24 reported drone strikes on villages and that government forces were deployed from neighboring Daraa province.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated that the root of the conflict lies in weakened state institutions and a security vacuum. “The situation reflects the weakening of government control, the disruption of security balance, and the inability of local communities to restore peace,” the official statement said.

The governor of the province, Mustafa al-Bakur, called on citizens to exercise patience and maintain peace. Several Druze religious leaders also urged the community toward reconciliation.

It is worth noting that in May, large-scale clashes between Druze fighters, security forces, and Sunni Islamic groups also occurred in Suwayda province and neighborhoods near Damascus, with over 130 people reportedly killed.

Following those incidents, the government reached an agreement to incorporate Druze militias into official security structures. However, recent events cast doubt on the effectiveness of this agreement in maintaining stability. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!