The Druze, a religious group with roots in Shia Islam, are an Arabic-speaking minority in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Golan Heights. They form the majority in Syria’s southern Sweida province. Many Druze in Israel serve in the military and maintain allegiance to the state.
As reported by CuriosityNews, discussions have taken place between the Druze and authorities in Damascus since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, with the aim of securing self-governance.
The current Syrian leadership, headed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has faced tensions with religious and ethnic minorities since al-Assad, from the Alawite minority, was removed from power in December.
Recently, al-Sharaa called on Sunni Bedouin tribes to honor a ceasefire intended to stop clashes with Druze-affiliated armed groups.
The recent fighting is the most severe since government forces clashed with Druze fighters in Sweida and near Damascus earlier this year, resulting in over 100 casualties.
Clashes in Sweida paused following ceasefire announcement
Ongoing reports indicate that clashes persist between Bedouin fighters and Druze groups in Sweida, despite the Syrian government’s directive to halt hostilities. The conflict has reportedly claimed more than 900 lives in recent days.
The interior ministry stated that fighting within the city had stopped after government forces intervened. According to spokesman Noureddine al-Baba, Sweida was cleared of armed tribal groups, and engagements in residential areas ceased following the ceasefire announcement.
The truce, supported by Israel as part of a U.S.-brokered agreement, included a pause in Israeli airstrikes on condition of Druze protection. However, some clashes continued in parts of Sweida. Prior to the ceasefire, armed tribes had engaged with Druze fighters after the army retreated under Israeli airstrikes and political pressure.
Al-Sharaa has blamed Israel for worsening internal divisions in Syria, stating that recent strikes on southern regions and government sites in Damascus have pushed the country into instability.
Background: Earlier this week, Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian forces in Sweida and Damascus, following allegations of military abuses against Druze civilians.
Further updates on Syria’s security conditions will follow.
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