تجدد المواجهات المسلحة في السويداء

Armed clashes renewed in the Syrian city of Sweida today (Wednesday), after 24 hours of the army's entry following two days of bloody confrontations between the Druze and Bedouins, resulting in 248 fatalities according to informed sources.

Eyewitnesses reported that armed groups are still entrenched in some points in Sweida, while Syrian army units continue their combing operations in the city. Syrian media reported ongoing displacement of civilians from Sweida towards the eastern countryside of Daraa, fleeing the armed clashes.

Today, Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels reported from informed sources that Israeli aircraft flew over southern Syria after carrying out three new airstrikes on the outskirts of Sweida province, and a fourth targeting Brigade 52 in the eastern countryside of Daraa.

According to Israeli Channel 12, Washington requested Tel Aviv to halt attacks on the Syrian army in the south.

It quoted an American official stating that the Israeli government committed to stopping these attacks on Tuesday evening. Axios confirmed that the administration of President Donald Trump asked Israel to cease attacking Syrian army forces in the south of the country; however, the occupying army announced the resumption of its airstrikes on Syria today (Wednesday).

For his part, the U.S. special envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, stated that the recent clashes in southern Syria are "concerning," noting that efforts are underway for de-escalation.

He wrote in a post on the platform X: "We are actively engaging with all components in Syria with the aim of moving towards de-escalation," adding: "The recent clashes in Sweida are concerning for all parties, and we are trying to reach a peaceful and comprehensive outcome for the Druze, the Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government, and the Israeli forces."

He considered that misdirection and poor communication represent the biggest challenge in ensuring the peaceful and considered integration of each party's interests. He noted that Washington is conducting direct, active, and fruitful discussions with all parties to move towards calm and integration.

It is worth mentioning that Syrian government forces deployed yesterday, Tuesday, in the city of Sweida, which has a Druze majority in southern Syria.

Clashes erupted on Sunday between Druze fighters and armed members of local Bedouin tribes, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. The clashes prompted authorities to send reinforcements to the area in an effort to restore calm and end the confrontations.

The Ministry of Defense announced yesterday a ceasefire in the area following communications between the authorities and dignitaries in Sweida, followed by the announcement of the entry of government forces into the city.

The city, which has a population of 150,000 before the entry of the Syrian army, was under the administration of local Druze factions responsible for security. Druze spiritual authorities called in statements for fighters to hand over their weapons and not confront government forces.