At least 37 people were killed in clashes between local fighters and groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government in the city of Suwayda, located in southern Syria, where Druze citizens constitute the majority of the population. According to a report by Hawar News Agency (ANHA), based on information obtained from local sources, the clashes broke out last night between Bedouin groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government and local fighters formed by Druze citizens. 

 

Sources reached by Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reported that 37 people were killed in the clashes, 27 of whom were Druze and 10 Bedouin. It was also reported that 50 people, including two children, were injured in the clashes.

 

The Suwayda Education Directorate announced that high school exams had been postponed due to the clashes.

 

In a statement on the matter, the Syrian Transitional Government said that the Ministers of Interior and Defence were looking into the issue and that police forces had been sent to the area. The statement claimed that the clashes had arisen from previous unrest.

 

MIGRATION IN THE REGION 

 

Yesterday, as a result of the attack by groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government on the village of Teyr, many people migrated to the town of El Mezraa and Suwayda. It was reported that some houses were burned down in the clashes around the village and that local fighters were positioned around the village for defence.

 

It was reported that the clashes spread to the Semi, Lebîn and Heran regions and continued.  

 

The Rical El Kerama Organisation, based in Suwayda, issued a statement calling on the Syrian Transitional Government to fulfil its responsibilities.

 

The spiritual leader of the Druze community in Suwayda, Sheikh Hikmet El Hicrî, also called for a ceasefire and warned against attempts to stir up strife in the region.

 

Bedouin groups had also attacked a young man from Suwayda a few days earlier, leading to clashes after local fighters responded. People were kidnapped from both sides, and violent clashes broke out on the Damascus-Suwayda road.

 

SDF CONDEMN THE ATTACKS

 

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a statement: "We condemn the ongoing attacks and aggression targeting the villages and towns of al-Sweida, which have led to the tragic loss of many lives and the burning and looting of numerous civilian homes and farms. The repeated attacks on our people in al-Sweida, along with the continued harassment they face in their daily lives and freedom of movement, are deeply concerning. These acts represent a serious setback to the hopes and aspirations of the Syrian people."

 

The SDF called "for an immediate end to these attacks, guarantees to prevent their recurrence, and providing opportunity for national initiatives to address all issues in a way that reflects the will and interests of all components of the Syrian people."