In a heartbreaking development in Syria's Sweida province, fierce clashes between the local Druze community and Bedouin tribes have left at least 18 dead and around 50 wounded. Reports from local media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reveal that the violent outbreak began in the eastern al-Muqawwas neighborhood, where heavy gunfire and shelling ravaged the area, impacting even children and critically injured individuals.
The conflict escalated rapidly following an earlier incident at a temporary checkpoint near al-Masmiyah, where a young Druze man was assaulted and robbed by armed Bedouins. This sparked a fierce retaliatory response, with Druze fighters detaining several members of the Bedouin community. The violence quickly spread to other parts of Sweida, including the western and northern countryside near villages such as al-Tayra, Lbeen, and around police checkpoints near al-Sura al-Kabira, where mortar shells further intensified the situation.
Reinforcements from the neighboring Daraa province bolstered the ranks of groups aligned with the Bedouin tribes, adding another layer to the already volatile situation. Amid growing tensions and the fear of further escalation, local community leaders are striving to mediate and negotiate the release of detainees from both sides.
This tragic outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many communities face in maintaining peace under strained circumstances. As details continue to emerge, all eyes remain on Sweida in the hope that dialogue and understanding will eventually pave the way toward a calmer future. 🙏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
