More than 100 individuals have lost their lives in southern Syria amidst escalating sectarian violence between Druse militias and Bedouin groups in Sweida, with Israeli airstrikes complicating the situation further.
Escalation in Southern Syria: Clashes Result in Over 100 Casualties
Escalation in Southern Syria: Clashes Result in Over 100 Casualties
Intense sectarian violence erupts in Sweida Province as Druse and Bedouin factions clash, drawing in government forces and Israel.
Fighting in southern Syria's Sweida Province has intensified, resulting in over 100 deaths since Sunday. This surge in violence has seen clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druse militias in one of the region's deadliest confrontations in years, according to a war monitoring group.
The conflict emerged after a Bedouin tribe allegedly attacked a Druse man on a main highway, prompting retaliatory strikes and kidnappings. The skirmishes have drawn the attention of the Syrian government, which deployed military reinforcements in an attempt to control the situation, amidst fears that the government forces may be siding with the Bedouins.
The situation escalated further with Israel conducting airstrikes against Syrian government positions in the area, leading to more unrest. In response to the growing turmoil, the Syrian defense minister announced a ceasefire on Tuesday as government troops entered the province to stabilize the situation.
Local leaders expressed severe mistrust towards government officials, fearing that the interventions would primarily benefit the Bedouin factions. The growing violence highlights the challenges faced by Syria’s new governmental structure in establishing authority in the country and maintaining peace among its diverse ethnic groups.
