Recent clashes in Suweida, Syria, prompted by sectarian tensions between the Druze and Bedouin communities, have resulted in almost 600 deaths. The situation is further complicated by Israeli air strikes aimed at protecting the Druze and preventing Syrian military advances.
Sectarian Violence in Southern Syria Claims Nearly 600 Lives
Sectarian Violence in Southern Syria Claims Nearly 600 Lives
Alarming reports indicate a rise in violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in southern Syria, leading to significant casualties.
The ongoing violence in southern Syria has escalated dramatically, with a staggering death toll reported at nearly 600, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The conflict primarily involves factions from the Druze religious minority and the Bedouin community, with the recent outbreak being characterized by brutal sectarian clashes since Sunday, particularly in Suweida province.
The SOHR's latest figures indicate that 594 individuals have lost their lives, including 300 Druze members—146 of whom were fighters and 154 civilians. Disturbingly, the report states that 83 of these civilians were allegedly executed by Syrian government forces. Additionally, at least 257 personnel from the government and 18 Bedouin combatants were reported dead, alongside three Bedouin civilians killed by Druze militants. The violence was reportedly ignited by a dispute between these two communities.
Furthermore, the conflict saw 15 government personnel killed in Israeli air strikes, which were claimed by Israel to be protective measures for the Druze and aimed at pushing government forces out of Suweida. Verification of these figures remains elusive, although other sources within the security framework have pegged the death toll at around 300, and the Syrian Network for Human Rights identified at least 169 civilian casualties.
An uneasy calm returned on Thursday after government forces withdrew from the Druze-majority city of Suweida. However, residents described scenes of destruction and looting following the clashes, with bodies discovered in the streets. Government convoys had arrived previously, claiming to restore order amidst continuing violence.
Sectarian dynamics in the region have been further complicated, as differing factions within the Druze community have emerged, with some siding with the Syrian government's Islamist-led forces, while others, like prominent Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, have pushed for continued resistance against government control.
Israeli involvement has also played a crucial role, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel would persist in exerting its influence in Syria to safeguard the Druze population and prevent Syrian military presence south of Damascus. Recent Israeli air strikes reportedly damaged significant Syrian military installations and sparked international concern over the escalating violence.
Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned these Israeli strikes, characterizing them as attempts to undermine Syrian stability. He assured the Druze community of the government's commitment to their rights and freedoms, asserting that any attempts to sow discord would be met with resistance. The situation remains tense as both internal and external forces vie for power in this fraught region.
