18.07.2025 16:51
Conflicts between Druze groups and Bedouin Arab tribes in the city of Sweida, in southern Syria, are intensifying. After overnight attacks, the Hecri group withdrew from the city center, while in the afternoon, they managed to advance 4 kilometers with a counterattack. Amid the clashes, images of Druze militants displaying the bodies of slain Arabs in front of vehicles have caused a significant outcry.
The tension has risen again in the city of Sweida in southern Syria. Armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin Arab tribes have continued unabated for days.
According to the latest information from the region, militants affiliated with the Hecri group withdrew from the city center after clashes that lasted until morning. However, this withdrawal did not last long; during counterattacks organized in the afternoon, Druze Hecri forces made a 4-kilometer advance in the northern and western rural areas of Sweida.
SHOCKING IMAGES RELEASED
The increasing tension in the region was not limited to clashes. Some images shared on social media caused a great uproar worldwide. It was revealed that Druze armed groups displayed the lifeless bodies of killed Arab tribe members by hanging them at the entrances of the city and parading them in front of vehicles.
THE REGION IS ON THE BRINK OF WAR
Experts point out that the clashes in Sweida are not only a local tribal struggle but also a crisis that could trigger deep ethnic and sectarian fault lines. While it is known that Druze communities have historically held a relatively autonomous position against central authority, it is stated that the recent developments could completely destroy the fragile peace environment in the region.
THE ARMY AWAITS ORDERS
It has been reported that security forces assigned to suppress the clashes in the city of Sweida are on standby at the entrance of the city. While it is stated that the security forces have not yet entered the city, officials said, "We are on standby for Sweida."
ISRAEL GAVE 48 HOURS
A source speaking to the Israeli press, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the Tel Aviv administration would allow Syrian internal security forces to enter the city of Sweida due to the "instability" in the region. The Israeli official indicated that the entry of Syrian internal security forces into Sweida would "last 48 hours and be limited." Israel had previously carried out numerous airstrikes against Syrian forces in and around Sweida, which has been the scene of clashes.
CLASHES IN SWEIDA AND ISRAELI ATTACKS
Small-scale clashes began on July 13 between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze armed groups in the Sweida province in southern Syria. Dozens of soldiers were killed in attacks by Druze groups on the Syrian security forces deployed to the region. After the clashes between security forces and local armed Druze groups escalated, a ceasefire was established between the parties. However, the ceasefire was quickly broken, and the Israeli army carried out attacks targeting Syrian security forces.
On July 16, the Israeli Air Force struck the presidential complex, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense in Syria. On the same day in Sweida, a ceasefire was re-established between the government and local groups, while Israeli fighter jets carried out attacks on Damascus and Daraa. After the agreement, clashes reignited yesterday between the two sides as some Druze armed groups began forcibly displacing Bedouin Arabs, while security forces did not intervene. In Sweida, where security forces withdrew, it is estimated that more than 600 people have lost their lives in the clashes and Israeli attacks.