14.07.2025 23:40
While clashes continue between the Druze and Bedouin Arab tribes in the Suwayda province, located in southern Syria near the Jordan border, 18 soldiers were killed and 9 soldiers were taken hostage during an attack by Druze forces on the Syrian army that was deployed to the region.
```html
Conflicts between Druze and Bedouin Arab tribes continue in the province of Suwayda, located in southern Syria near the Jordan border.
DRUZE FORCES ATTACKED THE SYRIAN ARMY: 18 SOLDIERS KILLED, 9 SOLDIERS TAKEN HOSTAGE
A source from the Ministry of Defense, who provided information to the state-owned Syrian News Channel regarding the clashes, reported that military reinforcements were sent to the region to end the conflicts between groups in Suwayda, but Druze forces attacked army units, killing 18 soldiers and taking 9 soldiers hostage.
MINISTRIES OF DEFENSE AND INTERIOR PREPARED A SECURITY DEPLOYMENT PLAN
Interior Ministry Spokesman Nureddin al-Baba stated in a statement to the Syrian News Channel that they are responding to the calls for help from the people of Suwayda and are coordinating with effective parties in the province.
Baba said, "A security deployment plan has been prepared by the Ministries of Defense and Interior, and the aim of this plan is to establish the authority of the state and the rule of law and to disarm illegal armed groups."
DRUZE LEADER HICRI: WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE SYRIAN ARMY TO ENTER THE REGION
Meanwhile, one of the prominent leaders of the Druze, Hicri, made a written statement regarding the developments, saying that they will 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."
DAMASCUS FORCES TOOK CONTROL OF A VILLAGE
According to the Syrian official news agency SANA, the Ministry of Defense and internal security forces were deployed in the village of Dour, 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 conflicts. The village of Dour was later brought under control by the units.
DEFENSE MINISTER ADDRESSED SOLDIERS: PROTECT YOUR CITIZENS
Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Ebu Kasra, in a statement regarding the events in Suwayda made on the X platform, addressed the soldiers within the Ministry of Defense, saying, "Protect your citizens. Stand between them and the gangs targeting them. Be vigilant against any looting of public and private properties. Any negligence will be recorded, and every laxity will be accounted for."
Additionally, Ebu Kasra stated that they expect active contributions from the units assigned to restore security in Suwayda, calling for them to "be soldiers who stand by the people, as they always have, and protect them."
ISRAELI ARMY ANNOUNCED IT STRUCK "A NUMBER OF TANKS"
On the other hand, the Israeli army announced that "a number of tanks" belonging to the Syrian army were targeted near the province of Suwayda, which has been the scene of clashes between Druze and Bedouin Arabs.
In a statement made by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was stated, "Tanks moving towards the city of Suwayda in southern Syria were detected early this morning.
``````html
The IDF carried out an attack to prevent the tanks from reaching their target. The presence of these tanks in southern Syria could pose a risk to the security of the state of Israel. The IDF will not allow a military threat in southern Syria and will do everything in its power to prevent it. "We continue to monitor developments in the region," the statements said.
ISRAEL'S DEFENSE MINISTER KATZ: WE WILL NOT ALLOW HARM TO THE DRUZE
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 claimed that the attacks serve as "a clear message and warning to the Syrian regime."
The Israeli government had promised military and political support to the Druze minority against the Damascus regime, disrupting the integration efforts of the Druze region with the country following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Small-scale armed clashes began yesterday morning in Sweida after Druze groups seized some vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arab tribes. As both sides kidnapped and held some civilians, the clashes intensified, resulting in at least 30 deaths and 100 injuries.
```