Syria’s Sectarian Fault Lines Erupt: Sweida Faces Deadly Unrest

Southern Syria is once again gripped by violence as sectarian clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters escalate in the city of Sweida. Over the past few days, at least 89 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, marking one of the deadliest flare-ups since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December.

The violence was triggered by a wave of kidnappings, including the abduction of a Druze merchant on the Damascus–Sweida highway. What began as retaliatory detentions quickly spiraled into open armed conflict, with both sides exchanging fire in densely populated neighborhoods.

Syrian government forces have deployed to the region in an attempt to restore order, but their presence has done little to quell the fighting. Six soldiers were reportedly killed during operations to secure safe passage for civilians. Meanwhile, **Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Syrian tanks** in the Sweida region, further complicating the volatile situation.

Local leaders and Druze spiritual authorities have called for restraint and international protection, warning that the absence of functioning state institutions is fueling chaos. The Syrian Ministry of Interior has announced a direct intervention to end the conflict and pursue those responsible.

As tensions mount, fears of a broader bloodbath loom large. The clashes underscore the fragility of Syria’s post-Assad landscape, where sectarian fault lines remain dangerously exposed.