Deadly Clashes Escalate in Syria’s Suwayda Province

Deadly Clashes Escalate in Syria’s Suwayda Province
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Violent clashes between an alliance of Bedouin Arab and tribal forces and Druze groups in Syria’s southern Suwayda province have resulted in a staggering death toll, with reports varying significantly between monitoring groups, Anadolu Agency reported. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported 426 documented deaths between July 13 and 20, including seven children, ten women, and healthcare and media professionals.

Meanwhile, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has reported over 1,000 fatalities in the sectarian conflict, including 440 Suwayda residents, of whom 104 were civilians (six children and 16 women). Another 361 deaths were identified as Syrian defense ministry and state-linked security personnel, including 18 Bedouin tribal members.

The fighting, which initially erupted on July 13, saw intervention by Syrian security forces who were subsequently ambushed. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire on Saturday, clashes have continued, with some pro-government Sunni fighters threatening to “burn” all inside if their alleged hostages are not released by Druze militants.

The tribal fighter added that they do not have an issue with the Druze community, except for Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari, the most prominent Druze spiritual leader who has rebelled against Damascus and whose fighters have been entangled in days of clashes with the Bedouin tribes.

Syrian government forces have since redeployed to Suwayda and overseen the withdrawal of Bedouin and tribal fighters from the city. The exact casualty figures remain uncertain, with observers suggesting the true death toll could be significantly higher.