Damascus: Clashes between local militias and clans in Syria's Sweida province have resulted in over 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries, prompting authorities to deploy government forces to restore order.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 37 people—including two children—were killed in the fighting between armed groups from the Druze religious minority and Sunni Bedouin clans across the province. The UK-based war monitor reported that military convoys were sent to bolster security checkpoints in the area.
The observatory noted that the violence erupted after a string of kidnappings between the two communities, beginning when members of a Bedouin tribe reportedly set up a checkpoint and attacked and robbed a young Druze man.
Rami Abdurrahman, who leads the observatory, said the hostilities began with the kidnapping and robbery of a Druze vegetable seller, triggering retaliatory attacks and further abductions.
In response, Syria’s defence and interior ministries have deployed personnel to the region to try to restore stability.
The interior ministry described the situation as a serious escalation, stating it “comes in the absence of the relevant official institutions, which has led to an exacerbation of the state of chaos, the deterioration of the security situation, and the inability of the local community to contain the situation despite repeated calls for calm.”
Following the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a swift rebel offensive led by Sunni Islamist insurgent groups in December, many Druze factions have grown wary of the new authorities in Damascus. Earlier this year, Druze groups in Sweida clashed with security forces loyal to the new government.
The Druze sect, an offshoot of Ismailism—part of Shiite Islam—originated in the 10th century. In Syria, Druze communities are primarily located in Sweida province and southern suburbs of Damascus, including Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.
Throughout the country’s nearly 14-year civil war, the Druze have formed their own militias. Since Assad’s ouster, internal divisions have emerged among Druze factions over whether to align with the new government and its military.
(inputs from PTI)