Clashes Between Bedouin Arabs and Druze Groups Continue in Syria’s Suwayda

Kokcha News Agency: In Syria’s southern Suwayda province, clashes between Bedouin Arabs, tribal forces, and certain Druze groups have reignited, particularly in the western and northern outskirts of the city. The violence escalated after Druze leader Hikmet al-Hajri’s group began forcibly displacing Bedouin Arabs, despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the Damascus government.

The Bedouin Arab and tribal forces launched attacks that lasted until the morning, pushing Hajri’s group back to the city center. However, by midday, Hajri’s forces counterattacked, advancing 4 kilometers towards the northern and western outskirts of Suwayda. Hajri’s group has been heavily using drones and snipers during the clashes.

In response, the Bedouin Arab and tribal forces, who have been facing logistical and supply issues, launched new attacks around 3:00 PM local time, reclaiming control of the northern and western areas. They also captured the Tel Hadi region and entered the western neighborhoods, seizing a significant amount of ammunition from Hajri’s group.

How Did This Situation Develop?
The conflict in Suwayda began on July 13 with small-scale clashes between Bedouin Arab tribes and some armed Druze groups. Syrian security forces were deployed to the region, but dozens of soldiers were killed in attacks by Druze groups. After the clashes escalated, a ceasefire was reached, but it was short-lived.

On July 16, the Israeli military launched airstrikes targeting Syrian security forces, hitting the Presidential Palace, the General Staff Headquarters, and the Ministry of Defense in Damascus. On the same day, a new ceasefire was brokered between the government and local groups in Suwayda, but Israeli warplanes continued to strike targets in Damascus and Daraa.

The situation worsened on July 17 when some Druze armed groups began forcibly displacing Bedouin Arabs, leading to renewed clashes. The Syrian security forces did not intervene, and the fighting has since continued.

Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing clashes, combined with Israeli airstrikes, have reportedly resulted in hundreds of casualties in Suwayda. The region is now facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, electricity, and water.