Israel Strikes Syrian Military Amid Deadly Clan Clashes in Sweida

Israel’s military has confirmed recent strikes on military tanks in southern Syria, intensifying an already volatile situation where deadly clashes are ongoing between Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian government forces in Sweida province. The region, struggling for stability after 13 years of civil war, has seen a significant escalation in violence this week.

Reports indicate dozens have been killed in the internal fighting. Syria’s Interior Ministry states over 30 fatalities and nearly 100 injured, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports a higher toll of at least 99 deaths, including civilians and security forces members. The violence reportedly began with the kidnapping of a Druze vegetable seller by a Bedouin tribe, leading to retaliatory attacks.

Syrian government forces intervened on Monday to restore order, leading to further clashes with local armed groups. Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba emphasized that the conflict is not sectarian but rather between the state and “outlawed armed groups,” asserting the state views the Druze community as a partner. Despite this, Druze spiritual leaders have called for a ceasefire and even “international protection,” expressing rejection of general security forces entering the province.

The United Nations has voiced deep concern over the violence, urging all parties to protect civilians and pursue genuine dialogue. Israel, which has a Druze population, stated its strikes were a “clear warning to the Syrian regime,” vowing not to permit harm to befall the Druze in Syria. This intervention follows previous Israeli airstrikes in Syria, including one in May near the presidential palace in Damascus, and highlights the complex, multi-layered conflict dynamics in the region.

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