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In the heart of Syria's Sweida province, a long-standing conflict between the Druze and Bedouin communities has recently escalated into violence. The latest clashes, which erupted on Sunday, have resulted in significant casualties and left many injured.
The conflict began with the abduction of a Druze vegetable merchant on the highway between Sweida and Damascus. This incident led to retaliatory abductions and clashes, causing over 50 fatalities and around 100 injuries.
The Druze, a religious minority that emerged from Shiite Islam in the 11th century, are known for their distinct religious and cultural practices. Historically, they have been cautious about their relations with other groups due to being viewed as heretics by some Muslim communities. During Syria's civil war, the Druze formed militias to protect themselves against various extremist groups.
The Druze are not opposed to the Syrian interim government, according to a joint statement. However, they have accused the Bedouins of carrying out attacks on Druze settlements alongside the Syrian armed forces. Members of the Sunni Bedouin tribes have fought on the side of the Syrian security forces in previous disputes, further complicating the situation.
Religious leaders of the Druze in Sweida issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire on Monday evening. Despite these efforts, the underlying tensions and historical grievances continue to pose challenges for lasting peace between the two communities.
The Syrian interim government deployed security forces in the area after the conflict began, but did not deploy forces to support the Druze in the current conflict. Five villages around Sweida have already been taken by the state security forces, according to Fachr.
The violence against the Druze has exacerbated the conflict between Syria and Israel. Israel has played a role in the broader context of southern Syria by advocating for demilitarization, creating a power vacuum that some argue contributes to the instability in the region. However, there is no direct evidence that Israel is involved in the specific Druze-Bedouin clashes.
Historically, local leaders and religious figures have brokered agreements to reduce tensions. For instance, in May 2025, an agreement was reached, placing Druze fighters in charge of local security in Sweida, though armed Bedouins remain present in some areas. The Syrian government has also taken steps such as postponing school exams in the affected area due to the unrest.
In April and May, dozens of people were killed in clashes between supporters of the new Islamist government in Damascus and the Druze in Syria. Despite these efforts, the underlying tensions and historical grievances continue to pose challenges for lasting peace between the Druze and Bedouin communities in Sweida.
- The community policy in Sweida province should address the ongoing conflict between the Druze and Bedouin communities, considering their unique religious and cultural practices, to prevent future escalation of violence.
- With the Druze community expressing concerns about attacks on their settlements, it is crucial for the employment policy to prioritize the hiring of Druze individuals in the security forces, ensuring their protection and preserving the harmony between the communities.
- As the Druze-Bedouin conflict remains a matter of general news, it is essential to incorporate information about the medical-conditions of the injured and the health-and-wellness resources available for the affected population, as part of the science and medical reporting on the issue. Additionally, the role of politics in war-and-conflicts must be considered to fully understand the complexities of the situation and the potential for peace.
