Syria struggles to quell deadly Bedouin-Druze clashes in south

July 20, 2025

Sectarian clashes have persisted in southern Syria despite an "immediate ceasefire" announced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with fighting between Druze fighters and Bedouin gunmen continuing in parts of Suweida province despite government forces being deployed. Over 900 people have reportedly been killed in the past week, with all sides accused of atrocities, prompting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to demand an end to the violence. Israel declared support for the Druze minority and conducted military strikes against Syrian government forces, though a US-brokered ceasefire was later announced with conditions that Druze citizens be protected.

Who is affected

Druze community in Suweida province
Bedouin tribes in southern Syria
Civilians in the conflict areas
Religious and ethnic minorities in Syria
Residents of Suweida city and surrounding province
Merchants and shopkeepers whose businesses were looted and burned

What action is being taken

Syrian government forces are deploying to Suweida and setting up checkpoints
Druze fighters are pushing out Bedouin gunmen from Suweida city
The Syrian interior ministry is intervening to halt clashes
The US is diplomatically pressing for an end to the violence
Israel is conducting military strikes against Syrian government targets
The UN human rights chief is documenting and reporting on human rights violations

Why it matters

The violence has already resulted in more than 940 deaths according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights
The conflict threatens the safety and security of Syria's Druze minority community
The situation risks expanding into a wider regional conflict with Israel's involvement
Human rights violations including summary executions and arbitrary killings are occurring
The violence undermines efforts to establish peace and unity in Syria
The situation demonstrates ongoing instability in Syria despite government claims of control

What's next

The Syrian government has pledged to hold violators accountable regardless of affiliation
The US-brokered ceasefire agreement includes a halt to Israeli military strikes if Druze citizens are protected
The US has called for all groups to put down their weapons and build "a new and united Syrian identity"
Government forces will continue attempting to prevent more people from joining the fighting

Read full article from source: BBC