Escalation of Violence in Southern Sweida Province
At least 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 injured in intense clashes between local militias and tribal factions in southern Sweida province. The violence, which began over the weekend, continued into Monday, with government forces deployed to restore order. However, these efforts led to confrontations with armed groups operating in the region.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring organization, reported a higher death toll, stating that at least 50 individuals had died in the fighting. This includes two children and six members of security forces. The unrest started with a series of retaliatory kidnappings between members of the Druze religious minority and Sunni Bedouin clans.
According to the observatory, the conflict was triggered when Bedouin tribesmen set up a checkpoint where they allegedly attacked and robbed a young Druze vegetable vendor. This incident led to abductions on both sides, escalating tensions further.
Government Response and Security Measures
Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba stated that some clashes involved outlawed armed groups, but the government forces were working to prevent civilian casualties. He confirmed that security forces entered the city early on Monday. The Interior Ministry described the situation as a dangerous escalation, blaming the deterioration in security on the absence of relevant official institutions. This, according to the ministry, has deepened the chaos and hindered local efforts to restore calm.
Regional Involvement and Historical Context
In addition to the internal conflict, Israel also became involved. On Monday, the Israeli army announced it had struck military tanks in southern Syria, though no further details were provided. Israel has previously intervened in Syria to protect the Druze minority. In May, Israeli forces targeted a site near the presidential palace in Damascus, seen as a warning to interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
This strike followed deadly fighting between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters in the town of Sahnaya and the Druze-majority suburb of Jaramana. At the time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a statement asserting that Israel would not allow the deployment of Syrian government forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.
The Druze Community and Their Role
In Israel, the Druze are considered a loyal minority and often serve in the armed forces. The Druze, an esoteric group that split from Ismaili Shi’ism in the 10th century, are mainly concentrated in Sweida and certain Damascus suburbs such as Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.
During Syria’s 14-year civil war, Druze factions formed their own militias and have remained largely self-governed. Since the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the Druze have been divided on whether to reconcile with the new government in Damascus. Earlier this year, some Druze groups clashed with security forces aligned with the current authorities.
Complicating Local Power Dynamics
The Syrian Observatory claimed that government forces have taken sides with the Bedouins in some confrontations, adding to the complexity of the already volatile local power dynamics. This has further complicated efforts to bring stability to the region, with ongoing tensions threatening to escalate further.
The situation in Sweida highlights the deep-rooted divisions and challenges faced by communities in conflict zones. As violence continues, the need for effective governance and peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent.
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