Over 30 Killed in Clashes in As-Suwayda Province

Kokcha News Agency: The Syrian Defense Ministry issued a statement on Monday detailing the recent violence in As-Suwayda province, which has left over 30 people dead and approximately 100 injured over the past two days. The clashes, which erupted between local armed groups and tribes in the Al-Muqas neighborhood of As-Suwayda city, have caused significant unrest in the region.

According to the official Syrian news agency, the Defense Ministry attributed the violence to institutional gaps that hindered the ability of official security or military bodies to intervene effectively. The ministry stated that, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, military forces were deployed to the conflict zones to establish safe passages for civilians and quickly end the clashes.

The Defense Ministry called on all parties in As-Suwayda to cooperate with the Syrian Armed Forces and internal security forces, urging restraint and the avoidance of further violence. The ministry emphasized that restoring security and stability in As-Suwayda is a shared responsibility between the government and its citizens, and it expressed full readiness to support any initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and reinforcing civic spirit.

Background on the Clashes
The violence reportedly began when an armed group stole a vehicle belonging to a merchant who had traveled from Damascus to As-Suwayda. The thieves not only took the vehicle but also its contents, including cash. In response, local groups detained several members of the tribes involved in an attempt to recover the stolen vehicle, leading to armed clashes between the parties.

As tensions escalated, Druze religious leaders and tribal elders called for restraint and urged all sides to avoid further violence. They warned against allowing the conflict to take on a sectarian or tribal tone.