Violence in Suwayda: Syria threatens new escalation

After days of bloody fighting that left more than 500 dead and reported targeted executions, tensions are rising again in the Syrian province of Suwayda. According to eyewitnesses and security sources, Syrian government troops are reportedly preparing to enter the provincial capital of the same name again in an effort to contain the escalating clashes between the local warring parties.

A spokesperson for the transitional government in Damascus denied that troops had already deployed. They were merely on "normal standby." Officials say fighting between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouins continues. The government blames the Druze for the escalation.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a local network of informants, has made serious allegations against government forces: At least 83 Druze civilians have reportedly been executed in recent days. At the same time, the Observatory accuses Druze militias of executing three Bedouins—including a woman and a child. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke of "lawless gangs" responsible for these acts.

The situation in Suwayda is devastating: According to the Observatory, electricity and water supplies have collapsed, and food is also scarce. In response to the humanitarian emergency, neighboring Israel announced aid of two million shekels (approximately €500,000). The support will primarily consist of food and medical supplies. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the need to provide rapid assistance to the suffering population.

Ceasefire under international pressure

A ceasefire was recently negotiated under the mediation of the United States , Turkey , and Arab states. Government troops withdrew from Suwayda on Thursday , after which Druze militias took control. Many Bedouin residents fled the city. A Bedouin commander told Reuters on Thursday that the Bedouin did not feel bound by the ceasefire, which applied only to the Syrian army.

Clergy and tribal leaders warned the government against renewed intervention. Hikmat al-Hijri, spiritual leader of the Druze in Syria, spoke out clearly against the return of government troops to Suwayda. Representatives of Arab tribal militias also announced their resistance and stated that they had mobilized tens of thousands of fighters.

An old conflict in new escalation

Suwayda, with a population of nearly 400,000, is predominantly Druze and enjoyed extensive autonomy during the Syrian civil war. The Druze, an independent religious community with roots in Shiite Islam , live primarily in Syria, Lebanon , Israel, and Jordan . Many of them are critical of the Sunni-dominated transitional government in Damascus.

In Israel, the Druze occupy a special position because, unlike Muslim and Christian Arabs, they serve in the military and play an important role in the army. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the protection of the "Druze brothers" in Syria a red line.

Amid the fighting in southern Syria, the Israeli army reportedly attacked the military headquarters in Damascus. Syria's interim president al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to drag his country into a war.

The Sunni Bedouins, traditionally shepherds and cattle breeders, have been in sometimes bitter conflict with the Druze population for decades.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for an immediate end to the violence. "The protection of all residents must be the highest priority," Türk stated. He also called on the Syrian leadership to investigate the killings in Suwayda and ensure justice.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also expressed concern. A spokesperson in Geneva said it is currently virtually impossible to bring humanitarian aid into the city.

pgr/jj (dpa, rtr)