Syrian Government Prepares Return to Sweida Amid Renewed Druze-Bedouin Clashes, Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian crisis in southern Syria’s Sweida province is deepening as government forces prepare to return following renewed clashes between Druze armed groups and Bedouin clans. This development comes after a fragile ceasefire announced earlier in the week failed to halt the violence, which has already displaced tens of thousands of people.

Syrian officials confirmed negotiations were underway with Druze factions for government re-entry to restore stability, though an agreed deployment was reportedly delayed. Hours later, Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced the dispatch of a “specialized force” to intervene, emphasizing the national duty to protect civilians.

The United Nations reports that nearly 80,000 people have been displaced since the violence erupted last Sunday. Essential services, including water and electricity, have collapsed, telecommunications are disrupted, and health facilities in Sweida and neighboring Daraa are under severe strain. Ongoing insecurity and road closures are blocking critical aid deliveries, with the UN’s migration agency and humanitarian coordinator highlighting the dire need for access.

The complex conflict, which began with Sunday’s clashes between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes, saw government forces initially intervene on the side of the Bedouins. This escalation even drew in Israel, which launched airstrikes against Syrian forces in defense of the Druze community. A previous truce, mediated by the U.S., Turkey, and Arab countries on Wednesday, quickly unravelled, with renewed fighting flaring by late Thursday. Reports indicate Druze militias carried out revenge attacks against Bedouin communities, triggering a new wave of displacement and drawing in Bedouin supporters from other parts of Syria.

Amidst the escalating violence, the head of the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) center in Sweida city was reportedly kidnapped while evacuating a UN team. Regional calls for de-escalation continue, with Lebanese Druze leaders rejecting Israeli intervention and urging adherence to the ceasefire and national dialogue to address underlying community issues.

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