Syrian security forces are gearing up to redeploy to the Druze-majority city of Sweida to quell renewed clashes with Bedouin tribes, a spokesperson for the Syrian interior ministry announced on Friday. This move comes despite warnings from Israel, further escalating tensions in the volatile southern region of Syria.
A ceasefire declared on Wednesday had briefly halted days of intense fighting that erupted between Druze and Bedouin fighters in Sweida province. The conflict prompted the Syrian government to deploy troops, which led to a spike in violence. After the truce, Syrian troops withdrew from the city, but skirmishes reignited late Thursday, undermining the fragile peace.
Israel has intervened in the clashes, stating it will not permit Syria’s government to station troops in the south. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes targeting Syrian troops in Sweida, the defense ministry, and areas close to the presidential palace in Damascus. Overnight, Israel carried out additional strikes in Sweida province.
Describing Syria’s new rulers as “barely disguised jihadists,” Israel claims its actions aim to protect the Druze community from attacks. The Druze are a religious minority with communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
The United States played a role in facilitating the earlier ceasefire between Syrian government forces and Druze fighters. The White House indicated on Thursday that the truce appeared to be holding. However, the renewed violence raises concerns about the stability of the region.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of attempting to fracture Syria and vowed to safeguard the Druze minority. Al-Sharaa has been working to foster warmer relations with the United States amid the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Sweida underscores the complexities of Syria’s civil war, involving internal factions and international powers with conflicting interests. The escalation threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Syrians.
