Tensions continue to rise in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida in southern Syria.
A spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry said that government forces were preparing to redeploy to the city of Sweida in order to put an end to the ongoing clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that his country had ordered the delivery of aid to the Druze population in Sweida.
"In light of the recent attacks targeting the Druze community in Sweida and the severe humanitarian situation in the area, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has ordered the urgent transfer of humanitarian aid to the Druze population in the region," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The two million shekel (nearly $600,000) package includes food parcels and medical supplies, the ministry said, noting it had previously sent humanitarian aid to the Druze in Syria in March.
According to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath, Syrian tribal forces entered the city of Sweida on Friday after the country’s Arab tribes declared a “general mobilization” to support the Bedouin tribes of the region. Widely shared videos on social media show columns of tribal fighters heading toward the province.
In a statement received by the German news agency DPA, the tribes condemned what they described as “crimes of murder and genocide” committed against the Bedouins, accusing the perpetrators of causing mass displacement among civilians. They also called on the Syrian government not to obstruct the movement of fighters coming from other regions “to support their brothers.” The tribes asserted their “legitimate right” to defend the oppressed and to repel attacks, particularly those targeting “women, children, and the elderly.”
In a video published on social media, a spokesperson for the Syrian Tribal and Clan Council called on “all members of the tribes from east to west, from north to south of Syria” to immediately head to Sweida to “prevent a massacre and ethnic cleansing.” He urged the fighters to show restraint and to attack only those who confront them.
According to DPA, over 50,000 tribal fighters are reportedly taking part in the offensive on Sweida, with tens of thousands more en route from the eastern regions and Aleppo. These forces are said to have already taken control of several villages, including the strategic locality of Mazraa, and are advancing toward Sweida from the north via the Damascus road. A total of 41 tribes are reportedly involved in the fighting, while clans in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon have expressed their intention to join the frontlines.
According to Sky News Arabia, Israeli drones struck areas near Sweida at dawn on Friday, though no details were provided regarding the targets.
Israel Denies New Strikes Near Sweida Amid Rising Tensions
Israel on Friday denied claims by Syria’s official news agency Sana that its military had carried out new airstrikes Thursday night near Sweida, a majority-Druze city in southern Syria.
“The Israeli army is not aware of any overnight strikes in Syria,” an Israeli military spokesperson told AFP.
Damascus Condemns “Clear Violation of Agreements”
In response to the escalation, the Syrian presidency accused local Druze factions of violating the ceasefire, which had prompted the army’s withdrawal from the province. In a statement, the presidency said the pullback was intended to facilitate mediation efforts, but that “horrific” acts of violence had since been committed against civilians, threatening civil peace and plunging the region into “chaos and security collapse.”
The presidency also warned against “Israel’s blatant and ongoing interference in Syria’s internal affairs,” claiming it would only worsen regional instability. According to Ynet, Damascus initially coordinated its withdrawal with Israel, committing not to use heavy weaponry – a commitment Israeli officials now accuse the Syrian regime of violating.
Heavy Human Toll
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the death toll from the clashes in Sweida province has reached approximately 600, including 275 personnel from the Ministries of Defense and Interior, and 304 local residents.
According to Sweida 24, more than 100 people were killed on Thursday during an assault led by factions close to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri. Tens of thousands of civilians are reported to have been displaced, with many homes set ablaze.
As fighting intensifies, the Syrian government reiterates its determination to “restore state sovereignty and enforce the rule of law,” while condemning what it calls “implicit support for criminals” by any entity interfering with its regular forces.
UN rights chief urges prompt probe
The United Nations rights chief demanded on Friday that Syria's interim authorities ensure accountability.
"This bloodshed and the violence must stop and the protection of all people must be the utmost priority," Volker Turk said in a statement.
He demanded "independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations" adding: Those responsible must be held to account."
"It is crucial that immediate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such violence," he said. "Revenge and vengeance are not the answer."
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