Sweida Clashes Kill 99, Exposing Syrian Government's Struggle for Post-War Control

Southern Syria's Sweida province has been gripped by a second day of deadly clashes, resulting in the deaths of at least 99 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The violence, primarily between local Druze militias, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and elements of the Syrian government forces, underscores the significant challenge faced by the new government in asserting nationwide control following the civil war.

The recent escalation was triggered by a series of tit-for-tat kidnappings, including the abduction of a Druze merchant by Bedouin gunmen on the highway to Damascus. This ignited retaliatory actions, leading to widespread fighting across the province. The New York Times reported on the escalating situation, stating,

"More than 50 people in Syria have been killed in a second day of clashes, underscoring the government’s challenge to assert control after the civil war."

Syria's Interior Ministry confirmed more than 30 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries, deploying security forces to intervene. Interior Minister Anas Khattab acknowledged the "absence of relevant official institutions" as a key factor exacerbating the chaos. The government, led by Prime Minister Ahmad al-Sharaa since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December, faces immense hurdles in disarming and integrating diverse armed groups.

The Druze community, a significant religious minority primarily residing in Sweida, has largely maintained autonomy through their own militias during the civil war. Many Druze factions remain suspicious of the new government, particularly given its Islamist roots, and some advocate for continued self-governance. Previous clashes in April and May also involved Druze fighters and government forces, leading to agreements aimed at integrating local security.

Neighboring Israel has also intervened in the escalating violence, conducting airstrikes on military tanks advancing towards Sweida. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated these strikes were "a clear warning to the Syrian regime – we will not allow harm to be done to the Druze in Syria." However, many Syrian Druze have expressed a desire to avoid foreign interference in their internal affairs.

The renewed fighting highlights the precarious security situation across post-Assad Syria, where the new government struggles to unify a nation fractured by 14 years of conflict. The ongoing violence in Sweida serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions and the complex path toward stability and national reconciliation.