Deadly Clashes in Suweida, Syria: Dozens Killed as Conflict Erupts Between Druze and Bedouin Groups; Israel Strikes Tanks

Kokcha News Agency – The Syrian Interior Ministry has announced that 30 people were killed and 100 injured in clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups in the Suweida province, southern Syria.

The ministry’s statement noted that the clashes occurred in the Makous neighborhood amid a security vacuum and absence of official institutions, deepening public security concerns. Despite calls for restraint, violence has persisted.

The ministry stated that the clashes directly threaten public safety and seriously harm social peace. Interior Ministry units, in coordination with the Defense Ministry, have intervened to control the situation.

Those involved in the armed conflict will be referred to judicial authorities, and all necessary measures will be taken to prevent recurrence.

Local sources indicate the tension began with the Druze and Bedouin groups seizing each other’s vehicles, escalating into heavy armed clashes.

A Syrian Defense Ministry source reported to the state-owned Syrian News Channel that military reinforcements were sent to Suweida to end the clashes. However, Druze forces allegedly attacked the army units, killing six soldiers and taking nine hostage.

Clashes continue in the southern and western countryside of the province. Meanwhile, a prominent Druze leader, Hijri, stated they would not allow the Syrian army and security forces into the area, accusing the Syrian government of providing military support to Bedouin tribes and calling for “urgent international protection.”

During Hijri’s statement, Israeli warplanes were seen flying over the Quneitra-Suweida-Deraa line in southern Syria.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later announced on social media that it conducted an airstrike targeting tanks in southern Syria, stating, “The IDF recently struck numerous tanks in the area between Sijin and Samaa in southern Syria.”

IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee shared on X, “The IDF attacked several tanks a short time ago in the Sami village area (Suweida region) in southern Syria.”

Reuters and AFP news agencies also reported that the area struck by Israel is located in Suweida.