At least 30 people have been killed and 100 injured following intense armed clashes between local military groups and tribes in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria. The country’s interior ministry announced early Monday that these preliminary numbers could rise as the situation develops.
The violence erupted over the weekend, shaking the usually calm city in southwestern Syria. Tensions have been simmering due to local disputes and economic hardships, but the exact cause of the sudden escalation remains unclear.
In response to the unrest, the interior ministry stated that government forces would intervene directly to resolve the conflict and put an immediate stop to the violence. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors for their safety as they work to restore peace.
Sweida has largely been spared from the widespread conflict that has affected much of Syria over the past decade, making this surge in violence particularly alarming for locals and observers alike.
International organizations are closely monitoring the situation, with hopes that dialogue and mediation will prevent further loss of life.
