In the Suwayda province of southern Syria, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in armed clashes between the Druze community and Sunni Bedouins. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This incident has been confirmed by the Syrian Ministry of Interior and local sources. The clashes began on July 13, Sunday, after reports emerged of a Druze citizen being kidnapped on the road to Damascus in the al-Maqvas neighborhood in the center of Suwayda city.
This neighborhood is primarily inhabited by Bedouins. There are reports that Druze militants surrounded and took control of the area.
Subsequently, attacks by Bedouins began on Druze-populated villages in the western and northern parts of Suwayda province. According to the local independent news agency Suwayda 24, dozens of people have died as a result of the conflict, and more than 200 have been injured.
Additionally, the Syria Human Rights Observatory based in England reported that among the victims were children, Bedouins, and soldiers affiliated with government forces. The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated that at least 30 people have been killed, but independent sources have not confirmed this number.
During the conflicts, Israeli defense forces struck several tanks moving towards Suwayda. Israeli officials emphasized that this action was taken to protect the Druze community.
On Sunday night, a short-term truce was achieved through mediation between Druze and Bedouin leaders, and prisoners were exchanged. However, the peace did not last long, and combat operations resumed on Monday.
Suwayda 24 reported that there were drone attacks on villages and that government forces were located in the neighboring Dera province. The Syrian Ministry of Interior noted that the emergence of the conflict was due to the weakness of official institutions and security gaps.
The official statement indicated that the situation reflects the weakening of government control, the disruption of security balance, and the inability of local communities to restore peace. The provincial governor, Mustafa al-Bakur, called on citizens to be patient and to maintain peace.
Druze religious leaders are also calling for reconciliation within the community. It is worth noting that in May, large-scale clashes occurred between Druze fighters, security forces, and Sunni Islamic groups in Suwayda province and areas near Damascus, resulting in the deaths of more than 130 people.
After that, the government reached an agreement to integrate Druze militias into official security structures. However, recent events raise doubts about the effectiveness of this agreement in ensuring stability.
