19Syrian government forces prepared to return to Sweida province Friday after renewed clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes displaced nearly 80,000 people. A U.S.- and Türkiye-brokered ceasefire briefly paused the violence, but fighting resumed, delaying the government’s return.
The conflict began when Bedouins allegedly attacked a Druze man, triggering retaliation. Government forces sided with the Bedouins, leading to accusations of bias. Israel launched airstrikes against Syrian military sites in defense of the Druze, who are a recognized minority in Israel.
Revenge attacks by Druze groups caused more displacement, with over 1,000 families fleeing to Daraa province. The UN reported a collapse of essential services in Sweida, with no access to water, electricity, or aid.
Druze leaders in Lebanon rejected Israeli involvement and urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and pursue national dialogue. Analysts say the Assad regime used the unrest to reassert control, inflaming sectarian tensions. (AP)
