At Least 30 People Killed in Clashes Between Druze, Bedouin Militias in Syria

Latest Developments

Druze-Bedouin Clashes Erupt After Merchant Abducted: At least 30 people have been killed in ongoing clashes in southern Syria between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze militias after a Druze merchant was reportedly abducted on July 11. Six Syrian troops were killed in the renewed sectarian violence on July 14 after government forces were deployed to halt the fighting, which centered predominantly around the Druze-majority province of Suwayda. Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Babad said, “Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties.” Some reports alleged that members of the government security forces were “actively participating” to support local Bedouins involved in the clashes.
IDF Strikes Syrian Tanks: The IDF stated on July 14 that it had struck “several tanks in the area between Al-Sijin and Sami in southern Syria,” near the area of the deadly clashes. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the strikes were intended to send “a message and a clear warning to the Syrian regime — we will not allow any harm to the Druze in Syria.” Katz has released similarly worded statements during previous violence involving Syria’s Druze community, asserting in March that Israel would “take all the steps required to maintain their [Syrian Druze’s] safety.”
Instances of Sectarian Violence Plague New Government: The latest clashes between Druze and Bedouin factions came after 100 people were killed when Druze groups clashed with government forces near Damascus in April, and a further 1,600 people — mostly belonging to the Alawite religious minority — were murdered in Syria’s coastal region by government-affiliated fighters. The Druze Military Council in Suwayda stated on July 14, “the residents of this land will not be an easy target for incitement projects,” adding, “Today, we declare that the responsibility to protect our people and deter anyone who tries to undermine stability and security falls on all of us.”

FDD Expert Response

“The Druze have rejected state control over Suwayda since the fall of the Assad regime. This absence of authority has fueled the rise of militias, increased drug smuggling, and created a climate of insecurity, leading to violent clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. As Syrian army troops advance toward Suwayda, there must be a political solution that addresses Druze concerns about the new government, ensures their safety, and reintroduces state authority to provide the security and services that have long been absent from the governorate.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

“Clashes in southern Syria between members of the Druze minority and Bedouin tribesmen once again illustrate the fragility of government institutions in parts of the country. While Damascus is trying to extend governmental control, there are many unresolved issues. The Druze minority must not be persecuted, but at the same time, the government should be able to extend its control to keep the peace in areas where sectarian violence is likely. Any future Israel-Syria normalization will need to include stability and peace in southern Syria so that threats cannot reemerge.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow

“The causes of this violence are not just local feuds. A principal cause of disunity is that President Ahmad al-Sharaa has concentrated so much power in his own hands while rejecting oversight and putting off elections for several years. Minorities like the Druze, the Kurds, and the Alawites have ample reason to be concerned that this government does not represent them.” — David Adesnik, Vice President of Research