Clashes Ease in Sweida as Rocket Attack Strikes Damascus Amid Rising Unrest

Clashes Ease in Sweida as Rocket Attack Strikes Damascus Amid Rising Unrest
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Tensions in southern Syria and the capital escalated Friday after a new round of clashes between Druze armed groups and government forces in Sweida coincided with a rare rocket attack on a residential building in Damascus, Arab News and Al Arabiya English reported.

Fighting in Sweida on Thursday—described by local analysts as among the most intense since a ceasefire in July—subsided by Friday but renewed fears of a broader escalation. Both sides accused each other of violating the truce that ended several days of violent confrontations over the summer.

The National Guard, the de facto Druze military authority controlling much of Sweida, said government forces launched an assault on the town of Al-Majdal using heavy weapons and attack drones. The group claimed it repelled the offensive and inflicted losses on Syrian forces. Damascus, however, said Druze factions were the ones who initiated attacks on de-escalation points, calling it a breach of international agreements.

Local analyst Saber Abou Ras reported the use of drones, anti-aircraft guns and mortars during the clashes, and said Israeli aircraft were audible over the province though it was unclear whether any strikes took place. He linked the fighting to what he described as a government “retaliatory attack” following local Druze forces’ takeover of a checkpoint previously held by state security.

Sweida has remained volatile since July, when battles between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes escalated after government security forces intervened and were accused of siding with the Bedouins. Hundreds of civilians—mostly Druze—were killed before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire led to the withdrawal of government troops. Druze groups have since established autonomous administrative and military structures, largely rejecting Damascus’ authority.

As tensions simmered in the south, Syria’s capital experienced a separate security incident Friday night. Rockets struck a home in the Mazzeh 86 neighborhood, wounding one woman and damaging the building, according to state media. An AP journalist reported that security forces cordoned off the site and restricted access. State outlets said the attack was carried out by “unknown assailants” using a mobile launcher, and an investigation was underway.

Explosions in Damascus have been less frequent in recent months, though several incidents have occurred since insurgent forces toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s government late last year. Israel has also maintained periodic strikes across Syria targeting military sites.

The latest flare-ups in both Sweida and Damascus underscore the fragile security environment nationwide, even as government officials—such as Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani speaking in London Thursday—acknowledge “mistakes on all sides” and describe the Sweida crisis as an internal Syrian “wound” requiring reconciliation.