Violence Erupts in Southern Syria Amid Druze and Bedouin Clashes, Israel Responds

On Monday, Israel's military announced that it had conducted strikes against military tanks located in southern Syria, which is witnessing increasing violence between government forces, Bedouin tribes, and Druze militias. This escalation in Sweida province comes in the wake of a prolonged civil war that has plagued Syria for 13 years, leading to dozens of fatalities amid clashes between local militias and clans.

Reports indicate that more than 30 individuals have died and close to 100 others have been injured due to the conflict. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring organization based in the U.K., suggested that at least 89 people were killed, including children and female victims, along with members of the security forces. The fighting reportedly began with confrontations between armed factions of the Druze community and Sunni Bedouin clans, with accusations that some government forces supported the Bedouins.

Noureddine al-Baba, a spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry, stated that government forces were deployed in the area early Monday in an effort to restore calm. While acknowledging encounters with armed groups, he assured the public that their primary aim was to avoid civilian injuries. The conflicts arose after a series of kidnappings, sparked by the robbery of a Druze vegetable vendor by members of a Bedouin tribe who established a checkpoint in the region.

The Syrian Interior Ministry characterized the situation as a severe escalation, attributing the chaos to the lack of effective official institutions capable of maintaining order. The worsening security environment has exacerbated community tensions, despite ongoing appeals for peace. In response to the violence, UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi voiced profound concern and urged all factions to prioritize civilian protection and create an environment conducive to dialogue and political progression.

The Druze community, which has historically been seen as a loyal minority in Israel, has a complex relationship with the Syrian government, especially after the fall of former President Bashar Assad. While many within the Druze community in Syria may not desire Israeli intervention, certain factions have expressed distrust toward the current government. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual leader opposed to the new regime, has called for international protection against what he refers to as extremist groups backed by government forces.

As violence continues to erupt, Israel's position remains firm against any threats near its borders. Over the years, Israel has actively engaged in military actions within Syrian territory to prevent the rise of Islamic militancy following the civil war. In coordination with U.S. policy, efforts to normalize relations with Syria have seen only tentative negotiations, despite the challenges posed by ongoing unrest and military conflicts.