Southern Syria has erupted into one of its deadliest outbreaks of sectarian violence in recent years, nearly 600 people have died in Suweida province since Sunday, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR), as clashes between Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes, and government forces intensify. The Syrian government’s brief intervention, followed by Israeli airstrikes and a disputed ceasefire, has failed to restore peace. The conflict, now deeply sectarian, has displaced thousands and drawn in regional powers, further destabilizing the region.
Violence Erupts Between Druze and Bedouin Communities
The conflict began with a dispute between the Bedouin and Druze populations in Suweida, SOHR reported that 594 people have died since Sunday, including 300 Druze, with 146 fighters and 154 civilians among them. Of the civilians, 83 were reportedly summarily executed by Syrian government forces. On the other side, 18 Bedouin fighters and three Bedouin civilians also lost their lives, allegedly killed by Druze fighters.
Government Forces and Israeli Strikes Escalate Tensions
According to SOHR, 257 government personnel died in the clashes. Additionally, 15 Syrian government soldiers were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israel claimed the strikes were aimed at protecting the Druze and compelling government troops to retreat from Suweida. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would continue to act with force in Syria, citing both humanitarian reasons and strategic security interests.
Disputed Ceasefire and Withdrawal from Suweida
The Syrian government announced a ceasefire on Wednesday night, and its forces began withdrawing from Suweida on Thursday. Despite the truce, prominent Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected it. He called for continued fighting to achieve what he described as the “total liberation of our province from gangs.” His followers have reportedly led the resistance against the Syrian military, while Hajri maintains ties with Israel.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA reported that nearly 2,000 families have fled their homes across southern Syria due to the violence. Residents in Suweida described scenes of widespread damage, looting, and bodies left in the streets. Islamist-led Syrian government forces had entered the city on Monday to suppress the unrest, but their presence only escalated the situation.
Conflicting Death Toll Estimates Highlight the Chaos
While SOHR puts the death toll at 594, other estimates vary. Security sources cited by the BBC report around 300 deaths. Meanwhile, the Syrian Network for Human Rights has documented at least 169 civilian deaths. These conflicting numbers highlight the fog of war and the difficulty of independently verifying the scale of the carnage.
Syria Accuses Israel of Destabilization
In a televised address, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of exploiting the unrest to destabilize Syria. He reassured the Druze population that the government remained committed to protecting their rights and freedoms, despite the heavy loss of life and accusations of summary executions by state forces.
