Damascus forces move troops to Sweida, bomb villages

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Jul 2025 14:22
3 Shares

The Syrian Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense initiate a joint security deployment in Sweida to restore state authority and confront armed groups, as calls for international protection grow amid civilian casualties.

Two fighters from the Bedouin clans ride their motorcycle as they pass by Syrian government security forces deployed on the outskirts of the Sweida province, southern Syria, on July 14, 2025. (AP)

The spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior, Nour al-Din al-Baba, announced on Monday that "in response to pleas from the people of Sweida, and in coordination with influential parties in the province, a security deployment plan has been prepared by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior to impose the rule of law, assert state authority, and disarm outlawed groups."

Al-Baba added that "developments are moving toward a resolution in favor of the Syrian state, in line with the vision set by the Presidency of the Republic," noting that the deployment plan is being implemented based on positive engagement with active parties in Sweida.

He emphasized that "the outlawed groups are attempting to silence the voice of the civil current in Sweida."

The Syrian Ministry of Defense later reported that six soldiers were killed during an operation to break up clashes in Sweida, following an attack by armed groups operating outside the law.

Religious leader demands international protection

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Syria, issued a statement renewing his demand for urgent international protection due to the deteriorating situation in Sweida.

He rejected the entry of any security agencies, such as General Security and the Commission, stating that they entered the administrative borders last night under the pretext of providing protection, but instead shelled border villages and supported what he called "takfiri gangs" using heavy weaponry and drones.

The statement held all parties participating in attacks on residents or aiding these security agencies accountable, affirming that the call for international protection aims to prevent further bloodshed among civilians.

SDF condemns attacks on Sweida villages

Separately, the media center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) strongly condemned the continued assaults on villages and towns in Sweida, which have resulted in numerous casualties, along with the burning and looting of homes, civilian properties, farms, and lands.

The center warned that the recurrence of these attacks, alongside the harassment and violations against residents, undermining their freedom of movement and dignity, raises serious concern and poses a real threat to the Syrian people's aspirations for a secure and stable future.

Fierce clashes broke out overnight Monday in southern Syria, leaving at least 37 people dead and at least 100 injured. 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.

Moreover, sources also told Al Mayadeen that armed groups took control of the village of al-Surah in Sweida’s countryside following intense clashes, triggering a wave of displacement from the area. Meanwhile, local factions regained control of the village of al-Tayra in western Sweida, as residents in the Khalkhalah area began fleeing toward the city amid fears of escalating battles.