15.07.2025 15:13
In the ongoing clashes between Druze and Bedouins in southern Syria, which have entered their third day, nearly 100 people have been killed. Israeli aircraft conducted a show of force in the skies over Suwayda to support the Druze, while a ceasefire was announced following the entry of Syrian forces into the area. The Syrian army is preparing to hand over control of the city and its surroundings to police forces.
The Syrian Defense Minister, Major General Merhef Ebu Kasra, announced that a ceasefire has been declared in Suwayda, where clashes have been ongoing for two days.
In a post on his social media account, Kasra stated that the ceasefire was declared in accordance with an agreement reached with local leaders and prominent figures in the city, saying, "All our military units in the city have been instructed to implement the ceasefire. However, in the event of any attack by illegal armed groups, we will only respond to the sources of fire."
DEATH TOLL EXCEEDS 100
The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that 30 people have been killed in the ongoing clashes over the past two days, while the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported, based on local sources, that the death toll has risen to 99, with more than 200 people injured. It was recorded that a total of 60 Druze, including two children and two women, and 18 Bedouins were killed in the clashes.
Syrian Defense Ministry spokesman Hasan Abdulghani reported that troops and security forces were sent to the region in coordination with the Ministry of Interior to intervene quickly, stating that 18 soldiers were killed in an attack by an "illegal armed group."
ISRAEL SUPPORTS DRUZE
On the second day of clashes between Druze and Bedouin tribes, Israeli warplanes flew over the region.
In a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was announced that the warplanes targeted some tanks in Suwayda province.
The statement said, "The tanks were targeted to prevent their arrival in the region. The presence of these tanks in southern Syria could pose a threat to the state of Israel. The IDF will not allow the emergence of a military threat in southern Syria and will take action against it."
According to reports in Israeli media, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the airstrike was a message and a clear warning to the regime in Syria, saying, "We will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria. Israel will not sit idly by and watch."
Following this statement, Israel carried out a total of five airstrikes near the convoys of the Defense and Interior Ministries stationed around Suwayda province.
HOW DID TENSIONS ESCALATE?
According to information provided by Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the clashes began when a Druze grocer was robbed and kidnapped by members of the Bedouin tribe.
Shortly thereafter, kidnappings and barricades were established, and armed conflict began.
A Druze group led by Sheikh Hikmet al-Hijri, opposed to the Damascus regime, issued a statement accusing regime forces of supporting the gangs and demanding international protection.