15.07.2025 07:50
As clashes between Druze and Bedouin Arab tribes continue to escalate in Syria's Sweida province, at least 99 people have lost their lives. In an attack by Druze forces on the Syrian army deployed to the region, 18 soldiers were killed and 9 soldiers were taken hostage. Meanwhile, the clashes have also spread to Hasakeh. Tensions in the area are rising steadily.
As clashes continue between Druze and Bedouin Arab tribes in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, near the Jordanian border, the death toll is steadily rising.
In an attack by Druze forces on the Syrian army deployed to the region, 18 soldiers lost their lives, while according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 99 people have died in the clashes.
9 SOLDIERS TAKEN HOSTAGE, CLASHES CONTINUE
A source from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, who provided information to the state-owned Syrian News Channel, reported that military deployments were made to the region to end the clashes between groups in Suwayda, but Druze forces attacked army units, killing 18 soldiers and taking 9 soldiers hostage. The clashes continue in the Kenaker town in the southern rural area of the province and in the western countryside.
CLASHES HAVE SPREAD TO HASAKEH
Meanwhile, clashes have also spread to Hasakeh. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that clashes occurred between the Hamzat and Sultan Murad brigades. It was reported that both sides used heavy weapons in the clashes that erupted over theft allegations. The clashes intensified in the city center, with both sides using heavy weapons and mortars.
ISRAELI FIGHTER JETS FLYING IN THE REGION
In the meantime, Druze leader Hicri made a written statement regarding the developments, stating that they would not allow the Syrian army and security forces to enter the region. Hicri accused the Syrian government of providing military support to Bedouin tribes and called for "urgent international protection." At the time of Hicri's statement, Israeli fighter jets were seen flying along the Quneitra-Suwayda-Daraa line in southern Syria.
A VILLAGE HAS BEEN TAKEN UNDER CONTROL
According to the Syrian official news agency SANA, the Ministry of Defense and internal security forces have been deployed in the Dour village in the northwest of Suwayda to end the conflict, prevent escalation, and protect citizens and their properties. The Ministry of Defense units continued their advance in the northwest and northern axes to take control of the province and end the clashes. The Dour village was later taken under control by the units.
ISRAEL STRIKES NEAR DEFENSE MINISTRY CONVOY
Israeli fighter jets carried out two airstrikes near convoys belonging to the Ministry of Defense in the Mezra and Kenaker villages in the northwest and south of Suwayda. No official statement has been made regarding the attack, and there is no information on whether there were any casualties. In total, Israel has targeted the vicinity of convoys belonging to the Syrian Ministry of Defense with airstrikes five times in the last few hours.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz defended the attacks on southern Syria, stating, "We will not allow harm to the Druze; Israel will not stand by." Katz expressed that the attacks serve as "a clear message and warning to the Syrian regime."
DEFENSE MINISTRY: CONTROL PROCESS OF CLASHES IN SUWAYDA CONTINUES
Syrian Defense Ministry spokesman Hasan Abdulghani stated in an interview with state television Ihbariyya that despite the intensity of the clashes in Suwayda, the process of bringing them under control is progressing.
"We have made progress on many fronts; we are currently very close to the city of Suwayda," said Abdulghani, noting that the rural farming area has been brought under control, and Kenaker will soon come under the control of security forces, and advancing units have also taken control of the Mezra village.
Abdulghani emphasized that the units deployed to the region do not have an active combat purpose, and their goal is to end the clashes and restore public safety, stating, "The forces of the Ministry of Defense are currently 4-5 kilometers away from the center of Suwayda. We will intervene as necessary according to developments on the ground. Just like in other provinces, we will ensure security and stability here and hand over control to state institutions."
Abdulghani described the groups affiliated with Druze leader Sheikh Hikmet al-Hicri as illegal formations, emphasizing that contacts with local leaders, civil society representatives, and spiritual leaders in Suwayda are ongoing, and communication channels for a solution are kept open.
Abdulghani stated that Israel does not directly target the convoys of the Ministry of Defense, saying, "Airstrikes were likely conducted on empty areas."
Abdulghani added, "We are not at war with anyone; we are only tracking illegal armed groups."
HOW DID THE CLASHES START?
Small-scale armed clashes began in Suwayda yesterday morning after Druze groups seized some vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arab tribes. As both sides took some civilians hostage, the clashes intensified, resulting in at least 30 deaths and 100 injuries.
A source from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, who provided information to the Syrian News Channel, reported that military deployments were made to the region to end the clashes between groups in Suwayda, but Druze forces attacked army units, killing 18 soldiers and taking 9 soldiers hostage.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced that "a large number of tanks" were targeted near the province of Suwayda, which has been the scene of clashes between Druze and Bedouin Arabs. The statement mentioned that "a large number of tanks" were hit around the village of Semii near Suwayda, and it was noted that detailed information regarding the attack would be shared in the coming hours. The Israeli government had promised military and political support to the Druze minority against the Damascus regime after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.