BEIRUT, Aug 3: Fresh violence flared across Syria over the weekend, straining a fragile ceasefire and testing the transitional government’s control. In Sweida, Druze militias clashed with government forces, leaving at least two dead and several injured. The renewed fighting follows last month’s deadly clashes between Druze factions and government-backed Bedouin groups. Despite limited aid reaching Sweida, humanitarian conditions remain dire and tensions high.
In northern Aleppo province, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) exchanged fire with government-affiliated fighters near Manbij. Both sides accused each other of initiating the attacks, further complicating efforts to implement a reintegration deal.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted a ground raid in Quneitra, near the Golan Heights, targeting suspected weapons traffickers. Israel has increased operations in southern Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December. Despite U.S.-mediated talks, no lasting security agreement has been reached between Syria and Israel. (AP)
