For the first time since the violent confrontations between the Druze and Syrian security forces at the end of April, high-intensity fighting has resumed between the two sides. The current round was sparked by a local incident on the outskirts of Sweida Governorate, in which a Druze resident was kidnapped by a Bedouin gang. In retaliation, Druze militias led by the Sweida Military Council abducted several Bedouin residents.
Despite efforts by local religious dignitaries to calm tensions, violence escalated rapidly. Syrian security forces dispatched to de-escalate the situation walked into a planned ambush by the Military Council, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 security personnel. The clashes quickly expanded into a large-scale conflict that has already claimed the lives of around 200 people—mostly fighters from among the Druze, Bedouin, and regime forces.
These events mark the collapse of understandings reached between the regime and the Druze community in May and bear a strong resemblance to previous cycles of violence. As before, internal pressure from the Druze community in Israel spurred Israeli military involvement. Israel conducted direct strikes against Syrian security forces in the Sweida region, destroying tanks belonging to the new Syrian army. Later, Israel attacked near the entrance to the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus—an assertive signal demanding an end to the fighting in the south.
The events also once again revealed internal Druze divisions: The militant and confrontational stance is led by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and his fighters under the Military Council, who support Israeli involvement and even advocate for direct confrontation with President al-Sharaa and his forces. In contrast, more moderate voices call for restraint, dialogue with the regime, and an end to Israeli interference—among them Sheikhs Yusuf Jarbou, Hammoud al-Hinnawi, and the leader of the Men of Dignity movement, Laith al-Balous.
As in previous incidents, regime forces and local militants were documented committing abuses and violence, including forcibly shaving Druze men’s beards—an extreme form of humiliation that drew condemnation even from moderate elements within the community. It remains unclear whether Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa authorized or ignored these actions. Nevertheless, questions are again raised about his ability to control forces acting in his name, further undermining his efforts to portray a moderate and responsible image.
Unlike past clashes, this round of violence is occurring against the backdrop of intensive diplomatic contacts between Israeli and Syrian parties. During these talks, declarations—mainly from Israel and the United States—hinted at a possible future normalization agreement. Now, however, the softened Israeli approach toward al-Sharaa appears to be fading. With growing distrust and hostility between the sides, the prospects for an agreement—even a limited security arrangement at the border—are increasingly in doubt.
For the first time since the violent confrontations between the Druze and Syrian security forces at the end of April, high-intensity fighting has resumed between the two sides. The current round was sparked by a local incident on the outskirts of Sweida Governorate, in which a Druze resident was kidnapped by a Bedouin gang. In retaliation, Druze militias led by the Sweida Military Council abducted several Bedouin residents.
Despite efforts by local religious dignitaries to calm tensions, violence escalated rapidly. Syrian security forces dispatched to de-escalate the situation walked into a planned ambush by the Military Council, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 security personnel. The clashes quickly expanded into a large-scale conflict that has already claimed the lives of around 200 people—mostly fighters from among the Druze, Bedouin, and regime forces.
These events mark the collapse of understandings reached between the regime and the Druze community in May and bear a strong resemblance to previous cycles of violence. As before, internal pressure from the Druze community in Israel spurred Israeli military involvement. Israel conducted direct strikes against Syrian security forces in the Sweida region, destroying tanks belonging to the new Syrian army. Later, Israel attacked near the entrance to the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus—an assertive signal demanding an end to the fighting in the south.
The events also once again revealed internal Druze divisions: The militant and confrontational stance is led by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and his fighters under the Military Council, who support Israeli involvement and even advocate for direct confrontation with President al-Sharaa and his forces. In contrast, more moderate voices call for restraint, dialogue with the regime, and an end to Israeli interference—among them Sheikhs Yusuf Jarbou, Hammoud al-Hinnawi, and the leader of the Men of Dignity movement, Laith al-Balous.
As in previous incidents, regime forces and local militants were documented committing abuses and violence, including forcibly shaving Druze men’s beards—an extreme form of humiliation that drew condemnation even from moderate elements within the community. It remains unclear whether Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa authorized or ignored these actions. Nevertheless, questions are again raised about his ability to control forces acting in his name, further undermining his efforts to portray a moderate and responsible image.
Unlike past clashes, this round of violence is occurring against the backdrop of intensive diplomatic contacts between Israeli and Syrian parties. During these talks, declarations—mainly from Israel and the United States—hinted at a possible future normalization agreement. Now, however, the softened Israeli approach toward al-Sharaa appears to be fading. With growing distrust and hostility between the sides, the prospects for an agreement—even a limited security arrangement at the border—are increasingly in doubt.