Busra al-Harir, July 14: Israel’s military struck tanks in southern Syria on Monday amid escalating violence in the Sweida province, where clashes between government forces, Bedouin tribes, and Druze militias have killed dozens. Syria’s Interior Ministry reported over 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 89 dead, including women, children, and security personnel. The fighting began after members of a Bedouin tribe attacked a Druze man at a checkpoint, triggering tit-for-tat kidnappings and armed confrontations. The government deployed forces to restore order, but has also been accused by Druze leaders of siding with extremist Sunni groups.
The UN expressed deep concern, urging all sides to protect civilians and de-escalate. Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the violence, blaming a lack of functioning institutions and foreign interference. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri called for international protection and accused security forces of backing extremist factions.
Israel, which considers the Druze a loyal minority, has a history of intervening to defend them in Syria. In May, Israeli forces struck a site near Damascus following Druze-government clashes. Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned against Syrian troop deployment near Druze areas. While many Syrian Druze reject Israeli involvement, distrust in Syria’s new government—formed after President Bashar Assad fled in December—remains high.
The Druze, a secretive religious minority originating from a Shiite offshoot, are concentrated in Sweida and southern Damascus. They formed militias during Syria’s civil war and have fought both Islamist groups and government forces. Israel, wary of militant presence near its borders, has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria and seized a buffer zone near the Golan Heights.
The U.S., under President Trump, has pushed Syria toward normalization with Israel. Syrian officials have acknowledged indirect talks, and a U.S. envoy suggested progress would be gradual, “like unwrapping an onion.” The conflict underscores ongoing instability in Syria and highlights the fragile position of minority groups like the Druze amid regional power struggles. (AP)
