Sectarian Fighting Resumes in Syria’s Druze Stronghold Sweida Amid Siege and Regional Tensions

Sectarian Fighting Resumes in Syria’s Druze Stronghold Sweida Amid Siege and Regional Tensions
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Sectarian violence in southern Syria’s Druze-majority region of Sweida has reignited, dashing hopes for lasting calm after a brief ceasefire, The National reported. Fighting between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes escalated on July 18, with Bedouin fighters seizing control of Mazraa village near Sweida, burning homes and vehicles.

Residents describe Sweida city as “under siege,” facing severe shortages of electricity, water, and food supplies. Over 600 people, including civilians, fighters, and security personnel, have died in recent clashes, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The White Helmets reported one of their aid workers missing after being stopped by local gunmen while escorting UN staff.

Despite reports of Syrian government forces returning to the region to stabilize the situation, officials denied troop deployments, stating forces remain on standby. Conflicting accounts emerged, including Israeli media claims that Israel permitted Syrian security forces limited access to Sweida amid the unrest.

The violence follows a four-day offensive by Syrian elite forces and allied militias, which shattered Sweida before a ceasefire was announced under international pressure. However, the Syrian presidency accused Druze fighters of violating the truce with “horrific violence” against civilians.

Israel conducted airstrikes near Sweida, though it denied responsibility for some reported attacks. The US expressed displeasure with Israeli strikes and is engaging diplomatically with all parties to resolve the crisis.

Regional leaders, including Turkey’s President Erdogan and Gulf Arab states, condemned foreign interference and called for Syria’s sovereignty and unity. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised Damascus’s efforts to contain the violence.

The humanitarian situation remains dire as fighting continues on Sweida’s outskirts, with thousands displaced and the city isolated amid ongoing conflict.