The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that a recent outbreak of violence in Suweida province has killed at least 594 individuals, exacerbating sectarian divides and prompting international responses, including Israeli airstrikes aimed at protecting the Druze community.
Over 590 Fatalities in Escalating Sectarian Clashes in Southern Syria
Over 590 Fatalities in Escalating Sectarian Clashes in Southern Syria
A surge in violence between Druze and Bedouin communities in southern Syria has led to nearly 600 deaths, according to monitoring groups.
The conflict in southern Syria has escalated dramatically, resulting in a staggering death toll of 594, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The violence, primarily between the Bedouin and Druze communities, erupted in Suweida province and has taken on alarming sectarian characteristics.
According to the SOHR, the casualties include 300 from the Druze minority—154 civilians, with 83 reportedly executed by government forces, and 146 fighters. Additionally, 257 government troops and 18 Bedouin combatants have lost their lives in the clashes. Disturbingly, three Bedouin civilians were also killed by Druze fighters. The conflict was precipitated by increasing tensions between the two communities.
During the clashes, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 15 Syrian government personnel. These strikes were framed by Israel as necessary measures to protect the Druze and compel the Syrian government to withdraw from the majority-Druze city of Suweida. While the SOHR’s tallies remain unverified, alternative estimates report a lower total of around 300 deaths, while other rights organizations cite at least 169 civilian casualties.
Despite an uneasy calm settling on Thursday following the withdrawal of government forces from Suweida, the aftermath reveals extensive destruction, including looting and bodies scattered in the streets. The Syrian government had previously announced a ceasefire, but prominent Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri dismissed it, advocating for continued resistance against government troops.
Sheikh Hajri has fostered ties with Israel, while different factions of the Druze community engage with the new Islamist-led Syrian government. Notably, Israel has voiced its intent to ensure its influence persists in southern Syria, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating that the country would not allow Syrian military forces to operate near the Golan Heights where significant Druze populations reside.
The situation remains fluid, with the interim Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, asserting that Israeli strikes aim to disrupt the country’s stability. As the violence continues to evolve, the safety and rights of the Druze community remain paramount, amidst complex geopolitical currents influencing the conflict.
