ماذا يحدث في سويداء سورية ؟

As the bloody confrontations continue, attention turns to Sweida to see whether it will close the chapter on escalation or if it is on the brink of a new phase of mutual violence. A source from the Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed the death of 6 Syrian army personnel during operations to break up the clashes between the Druze and Bedouin tribes.

The Sweida province in southern Syria has been experiencing tensions since Saturday evening, following the outbreak of violent clashes between local Druze groups and armed members of Bedouin tribes, resulting in over 30 fatalities and around 100 injuries, according to an official statement issued by the Syrian Ministry of Interior today (Monday).

According to the spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior, Nour al-Din al-Baba, matters are "heading towards resolution in favor of the Syrian state, within the vision of the presidency."

Al-Baba stated in remarks reported by the "Syrian News" channel that internal security and defense forces entered Sweida early this morning, expecting the situation to be resolved by this afternoon.

He reported that the security deployment plan was implemented after positive communication with the active parties in the province, and that the lawless groups are using civilians as "human shields."

He emphasized the necessity of completely disarming these groups, confirming that the recovery of the kidnapped individuals is a matter of time, and that those wishing to join state institutions are "welcome."

The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated that the serious escalation in Sweida comes amid the absence of the relevant official institutions, "which has led to a worsening of chaos, a breakdown of security, and the local community's inability to contain the crisis despite repeated calls for calm."

The confrontations erupted following an incident involving the theft of a car on a highway linking Sweida to the capital Damascus, followed by mutual detention of civilians from the provinces of Hasakah and Sweida, before the situation escalated into armed clashes between military groups and Bedouin tribes in the Al-Maqous neighborhood of Sweida, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior. Gunfire and shelling were exchanged, causing damage to homes, and explosions were heard east of the city.

The clashes extended to villages such as Al-Soura Al-Kabira and Al-Tayra, with homes and properties being burned, and mass displacement recorded from some areas.

A source in the Syrian Ministry of Defense announced the death of 6 army personnel during operations to break up the clashes in Sweida. The ministry confirmed that it has begun deploying specialized military units and provided safe passages for civilians, noting that the institutional vacuum has contributed to the exacerbation of chaos.

Sheikh Aql of the Druze community, Youssef Jarbou, led mediation efforts that resulted in the release of all detainees. The spiritual presidency of the Druze Unified Muslims warned of a "detestable hidden sedition," asserting that blood is a red line. The "Men of Dignity Movement" called for a general mobilization, accusing the government of failing to protect civilians, while reaffirming its defensive stance.

Sweida is considered a stronghold of the Druze community in Syria, with an estimated population of around 700,000. It witnessed similar clashes in April and May, resulting in 119 fatalities, before ceasefire agreements were reached between the government and community elders.