Southern Syria has been gripped by a surge of sectarian violence in recent days, resulting in at least 516 civilian and fighter casualties, primarily in Sweida province and the Damascus suburbs of Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. The unrest involves clashes between Druze militias, Sunni Bedouin clans, and elements of the new Syrian government forces, prompting differing statements on responsibility from regional and international actors, including the Syrian state, Israel, and the United States. The situation has raised questions about accountability and stability in the region.
The recent violence escalated from inter-communal fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups, drawing in Syrian government forces. This marks the first significant deployment of government troops to Sweida since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, with reports of government forces later withdrawing before a ceasefire was declared. The new Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist leader, has faced deep suspicion from minority groups, including the Druze, regarding his administration's commitment to their protection.
While President al-Sharaa has publicly vowed to protect the Druze community and hold perpetrators accountable, stating, "We are determined to hold accountable anyone who wronged or harmed our Druze brethren," reports from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) document "summary executions" of Druze people by government forces. Al-Sharaa himself acknowledged "violations" and "criminal and illegal behavior" by some elements during the unrest.
Israel has intervened militarily, conducting airstrikes in Syria, including near Sweida and targeting the Syrian Defense Ministry in Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his country is "committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria" and directed military action against Syrian forces accused of attacking the minority group. Syria, however, has condemned these actions as "treacherous aggression," accusing Israel of using sectarian violence as a pretext to "dismantle the unity of our people."
In contrast to Israel's direct military intervention, the United States has focused on de-escalation. A ceasefire in the region was mediated by the US, Türkiye, and Arab countries. Furthermore, the Trump administration reportedly asked Israel to cease its strikes on Syrian military forces, according to Axios, citing a US official. This highlights the divergent approaches of international powers regarding the volatile situation in southern Syria.
The United Nations human rights chief has called for those responsible for violations and abuses to be held accountable, underscoring the urgent need for justice amidst the ongoing bloodshed. The complex interplay of local grievances, government actions, and external interventions continues to fuel instability, leaving the future of minority communities in southern Syria uncertain.