Clashes Renew Between Druze Groups and Syrian Forces in Sweida

Fighting has resurfaced in the province of Sweida, Syria, where clashes between Druze armed groups and government forces intensified over the past few days. On Thursday, both sides accused each other of violating a ceasefire that had temporarily quelled violence following a series of deadly confrontations in July. Despite no reported fatalities, the renewed conflict has rekindled fears of further escalation in the region.

The National Guard, which operates as the de facto military authority in Sweida, claimed that government forces launched an assault on the town of al-Majdal. They reported the use of heavy weapons, including drones, alleging that this represented an aggressive attempt to breach their defenses. In a statement, the National Guard asserted, “Our forces bravely and with high combat efficiency repelled this attack, inflicting heavy losses on the attacking forces in terms of equipment and personnel.”

In response, the Syrian government accused the local factions of initiating the ceasefire violations. Mustafa al-Bakour, the governor of Sweida province appointed by Damascus, stated that “some factions and the so-called National Guard” had launched attacks on designated de-escalation points. He described these actions as a “clear violation of international agreements” that hinder efforts to restore stability and facilitate the return of displaced residents.

Local political analyst Saber Abou Ras characterized the clashes as “very intense and violent,” detailing the use of drones, anti-aircraft machine guns, and mortar fire during the exchanges. He also noted the presence of Israeli warplanes in the area, though it remains unclear if they conducted any strikes. Abou Ras suggested that the government forces may have initiated a retaliatory strike following the takeover of a checkpoint by local authorities previously controlled by Syrian government security forces.

On the international front, Asaad al-Shibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, addressed the ongoing situation during an event hosted by the Chatham House think tank in London. He acknowledged that “mistakes made by all sides” had contributed to the unrest in Sweida, emphasizing the need to confront the issue as a unified internal challenge rather than as a conflict between opposing factions.

The province of Sweida has a history of violent confrontations, particularly highlighted by the clashes in July 2023, which erupted after a series of kidnappings involving Druze groups and local Bedouin tribes. The conflict escalated with the intervention of government security forces, who were perceived to have sided with the Bedouins, leading to significant casualties among Druze civilians. During this period, Israeli forces intervened on behalf of the Druze, targeting government positions and facilities in Damascus.

Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, government forces retreated from Sweida, allowing Druze groups to establish a military and governmental presence similar to that of the Kurdish-led authorities in the northeast of the country. This has resulted in a largely autonomous administration that has resisted cooperation with the Damascus government.

As a consequence of the July violence, tens of thousands remain displaced, including many Druze within Sweida and Bedouins evacuated to other areas. The ongoing clashes signify a troubling continuation of instability in the region, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation and the potential for further conflict.