Intense fighting persists in Syria, despite the ceasefire agreement.
In the heart of Syria, the city of Sweida has been engulfed by a violent conflict between government forces, Druze armed groups, and Bedouin fighters. The escalation of violence, which began around July 13, 2025, has resulted in at least 248 deaths, according to recent reports.
The conflict was sparked by a robbery on July 11, 2025, which exacerbated longstanding tensions in the region. The clashes have since spread to surrounding villages and neighboring Daraa Governorate, amplifying sectarian tensions and insecurity.
The Syrian government, in an attempt to reassert control and enhance security, moved its Internal Affairs and Defense Ministry forces into Sweida city center on July 13. This intervention led to further clashes and casualties, including an ambush that claimed dozens of lives.
Israel, citing the need to protect the Druze community, has conducted repeated airstrikes on Syrian army targets in Sweida province since July 14. These strikes have targeted tanks, government assets, and villages such as Al-Mazra'a, adding an external dimension to the conflict dynamics.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense has stated that its military forces in Sweida are responding to the source of fire while adhering to rules of engagement to protect residents and prevent harm. In response, Israeli Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, has warned that the Israeli army will continue attacking regime forces until they withdraw from the area and may escalate its responses if the message is not understood.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been significant, with numerous casualties, power outages, road closures, and displacement of civilians. The United Nations has called for de-escalation of the conflict and expressed concerns about the broader regional implications amid Israeli-Syrian tensions.
The Druze community, both in Israel and Syria, have been divided over how to deal with the country's new leaders. In Syria, some advocate for integration into the new system, while others remain suspicious of the authorities in Damascus and push for an autonomous Druze region.
The clashes between government forces and the Druze in Sweida are part of a complex and volatile mix of local ethnic and tribal rivalries, government militarization, and external military interventions. The conflict continues to unfold, with more than 250 people reported dead as of yesterday morning.
Politics and general news have been dominated by the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Syria, specifically the clashes in Sweida, where government forces, Druze armed groups, and Bedouin fighters are engaged. The escalation of this conflict, which began following a robbery on July 11, 2025, has not only resulted in violence and hundreds of deaths but also amplified crime-and-justice issues, such as Israeli airstrikes on Syrian army targets and the ensuing insecurity in the region.
