At least 30 people have been killed and around 100 injured
in violent clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans in Syria’s
southern Sweida province. The Syrian government has deployed security forces to
restore order as local leaders and spiritual authorities call for calm amid
fears of escalating sectarian violence.
Syria’s Sweida Province Erupts in Deadly Sectarian Violence
At least 30 people have lost their lives and nearly 100 have
been wounded in fierce clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans
in the southern Syrian province of Sweida. The violence, which erupted over the
weekend, has prompted the Syrian government to deploy military convoys and
security forces to the region in an urgent attempt to quell the unrest and
restore stability.
What Sparked the Clashes in Sweida?
As reported by the BBC, the fighting was triggered by a
series of kidnappings between both groups, starting when members of a Bedouin
tribe set up a checkpoint and attacked a young Druze man. Rami Abdurrahman,
director of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told ABC News
that the initial incident involved the kidnapping and robbery of a Druze vegetable
seller, which quickly escalated into tit-for-tat attacks and further
kidnappings.
Scale of the Casualties
According to the Syrian Defence Ministry, the death toll
stands at 30, with around 100 wounded. WION News reported that 37 people
have died, including 27 Druze (two of whom were children) and 10 Bedouins, with
over 50 injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed similar
figures, highlighting the severity of the clashes and the high number of
civilian casualties.
Main Groups Involvement
The Druze are Syria’s third-largest religious minority,
making up approximately 3–4% of the population. Their faith, which dates back
to the 11th century, blends elements from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and
Greek philosophy, and is closed to outsiders—no conversions are allowed. The
largest Druze community is based in Sweida, where they have historically
coexisted with Bedouin tribes but have also experienced disputes over land,
resources, and political influence.
The Bedouin clans, predominantly Sunni, are traditionally
nomadic and have a long history in the region. Tensions between the two groups
have flared intermittently, often fuelled by competition for resources and
longstanding grievances.
Syrian Government Reaction
As reported by France 24, the Syrian Defence Ministry announced that government forces have been deployed to the area to
“restore calm and guarantee safe passage”
protect civilians caught in the crossfire. The
Interior Ministry described the situation as a “dangerous escalation”. It blamed the absence of effective local governance for the deterioration of
security and the inability of the community to contain the violence, despite
repeated calls for calm.
Mustapha al-Bakur, the governor of Sweida, urged residents to
“practice self-restraint and heed national calls for reform.”
Spiritual
authorities have also appealed for peace, warning that continued violence could
further destabilise the region.
What Measures Are Being Taken to Restore Order?
Military convoys have reinforced security checkpoints
throughout Sweida, and government forces are actively pursuing those
responsible for the violence. The authorities have promised to take “direct
action” to halt the clashes and restore order, as reported by the BBC and Ynet
News.
How Does This Relate to Syria’s Ongoing Civil War?
The latest violence comes in the wake of significant
political upheaval in Syria. As the BBC notes, Sunni Islamist factions led by
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) invaded Damascus at the end of the previous year,
resulting in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after 54 years of family
rule. Since then, the new authorities have struggled to assert control, and
various minority groups—including the Druze—have expressed concerns about their
safety and lack of protection.
Earlier this year, clashes between Druze groups and security
forces from the new government resulted in dozens of deaths. The Druze
community remains divided over whether to integrate with the new authorities or
maintain their independence.
Historical Tensions Between Druze and Bedouin
The Druze and Bedouin have a long history of coexistence
punctuated by periodic conflict. Disputes over land, water, and political
representation have often led to violence, particularly in times of broader
instability. The current unrest is seen as a resurgence of these longstanding
feuds, exacerbated by the power vacuum and security breakdown following the
fall of the Assad regime.
Implications for Civilians
Civilians in Sweida have borne the brunt of the violence,
with dozens killed or injured and many more displaced. The fighting has
disrupted daily life, with reports of mortar fire and armed clashes in
residential areas. Local leaders have called for urgent humanitarian assistance
and protection for vulnerable populations.
What Are the Calls for Calm and Reconciliation?
Both government officials and spiritual leaders have issued
repeated appeals for calm. The governor of Sweida, Mustapha al-Bakur, and
various Druze religious authorities have urged all sides to refrain from
further violence and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
International Community Response
Western nations have attempted to reset relations with Syria
in recent months. The United States recently removed HTS from its list of
foreign terrorist organisations, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy became
the first British official to visit Syria since the outbreak of the civil war
14 years ago. However, the latest violence underscores the persistent
challenges facing Syria as it seeks to recover from years of conflict and sectarian
strife.
Prospects for Peace in Sweida
The situation remains tense, with fears that further
violence could ignite broader sectarian conflict in southern Syria. The
government’s deployment of security forces has brought a temporary halt to the
fighting, but underlying grievances between the Druze and Bedouin communities
remain unresolved. Observers warn that without meaningful dialogue and
reconciliation, the risk of renewed clashes persists.
Statements from Local Authorities and Residents
As reported by multiple outlets, including ABC News and the
BBC, local leaders have voiced deep concerns about the security situation.
Druze community members told the BBC of their anxiety over both physical
attacks and the lack of protection from the new government. Many residents have
urged the authorities to do more to safeguard their communities and address the
root causes of the conflict.
A Fragile Calm Amid Deep Divisions
The deadly clashes in Sweida highlight the fragility of
Syria’s post-war order and the deep-seated divisions that continue to fuel
violence. As government forces move to restore order, the need for genuine
reconciliation and inclusive governance has never been more urgent. The coming
days will be critical in determining whether peace can be restored, or whether
the cycle of sectarian conflict will continue to haunt southern Syria.