Fierce clashes breakout in Syria's Sweida, leading to displacement

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
Today 02:42
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At least 37 killed in violent clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes in Sweida, southern Syria, as local groups blame the government for escalating insecurity and declare general mobilization.

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A Druze gunman, left, speaks with Syrian security forces who reached a deal with locals to deploy around the southern Damascus suburb of Jaramana that has witnessed fighting earlier this week in Damascus, Syria, on May 2, 2025. (AP)

Fierce clashes broke out overnight Monday in southern Syria, leaving at least 37 people dead and prompting waves of displacement in the Sweida governorate.

According to local sources who spoke to Al Mayadeen, violent confrontations erupted between armed Druze factions from Sweida and Bedouin tribal groups near al-Thalaa military airport and the village bridge of Hazm, located north of Sweida governorate.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Syria's Ministry of Defense has deployed significant reinforcements to the region.

Syrians flee villages

The fighting has triggered a large-scale displacement, with residents fleeing the town of Khalkhala toward the city of Sweida amid fears that the battles may soon reach urban centers. Reports also confirmed the armed takeover of the village of al-Surah in the rural outskirts of Sweida, while local factions managed to regain control over the village of al-Tayra to the west of the province.

Druze fighters blame Syrian gov. for security detrioration

In a statement issued early Tuesday, the influential Rejal al-Karamah (Men of Dignity) movement, the most prominent Druze group in Sweida, placed direct blame on the Syrian government for the deterioration of security in the governorate. The group warned that the current unrest "threatens civil peace and paves the way for chaos."

The movement emphasized that the roots of the crisis lie in "the deliberate absence of the state's role in securing the vital road" connecting Damascus to Sweida and the government's continued disregard for repeated violations and assaults against civilians along this route.

Efforts are reportedly underway among local elders and community leaders to contain the violence and de-escalate the situation.

Self-defense in non-negotiable

However, the Men of Dignity affirmed in their statement that while they are working to prevent further bloodshed, "the principle of self-defense is non-negotiable."

The group declared a general mobilization, stressing that their aim is to "deter those who violate public safety" and protect civil order—not to seek vengeance.