Escalating Violence in Southern Syria Claims Nearly 600 Lives, Displaces Thousands
Escalating Violence in Southern Syria Claims Nearly 600 Lives, Displaces Thousands
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Recent sectarian violence in southern Syria, primarily between the Druze community and Bedouin groups, has resulted in nearly 600 deaths, BBC reported according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The fatalities include Druze civilians and fighters, government personnel, and Bedouin fighters.
The unrest began with community disputes and escalated significantly with the intervention of Syrian government forces and subsequent Israeli airstrikes. Israel stated its strikes aimed to protect the Druze minority and prevent Syrian military deployment in the south. In contrast, Syria’s interim president has accused Israel of destabilizing the nation, while vowing to protect Druze rights and freedoms.
The renewed clashes in Sweida province have led to widespread displacement, with over 1,000 Bedouin families reportedly fleeing the area. Reports from the conflict zone include allegations of executions, looting, and home destruction by government-affiliated fighters, alongside summary executions and kidnappings.
Syrian government forces, which had previously withdrawn under a ceasefire, are now re-entering Sweida province to restore order. This re-entry was reportedly granted limited access by Israel for a 48-hour period following its airstrikes on Syrian government troops and facilities.
The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the situation, condemning all violence against civilians and calling for accountability for reported rights violations. The UN Human Rights Council’s Syria Commission of Inquiry has initiated investigations into alleged abuses in Sweida. Aid operations have been suspended due to blocked roads, exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation where medical services are overwhelmed, and essential infrastructure is disrupted. The escalating violence has reignited fears of broader instability across Syria.
