Renewed Clashes in Sweida Leave 10 Security Forces Injured

Renewed Clashes in Sweida Leave 10 Security Forces Injured

Escalation of Violence Among Local Armed Groups and Government Forces

A report from Syrian state television reveals that ten members of the Syrian government security forces have been injured in ongoing clashes with local militias in Sweida province. These violent incidents unfolded on Monday in the predominantly Druze region of southern Syria.

Following attacks by what state media referred to as “outlaw groups” targeting security positions around Tal Hadid and the Walgha axis, the number of wounded personnel rose to 10, as confirmed by the Internal Security Command.

Clashes Triggered by Civilian Casualties

The surge in violence follows reports of civilian fatalities during earlier confrontations near Sweida city, with two local security representatives sharing details of those deaths.

Initially, only four security forces were reported injured while responding to these attacks, but that figure later increased to ten.

Exchange of Fire Between Government and Local Groups

The ongoing clashes highlight the tense dynamics between government forces and local militias within the province. Control over Sweida city and surrounding areas largely remains in the hands of local groups, posing significant challenges for the new Syrian authorities.

In light of these events, the government has been striving to reestablish control across Syria, particularly since the fall of long-time leader Bashar Assad in 2024.

Druze National Guard Challenges Government Narrative

One prominent local group, known as the National Guard and led by Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, has openly disputed the government's account of the situation.

The group has alleged that government forces indiscriminately shelled civilian areas using 23mm machine guns, asserting that these assaults have resulted in injuries, including that of a child, prompting them to retaliate against the sources of fire.

These serious allegations remain unverified by independent observers.

Two Civilians Reported Killed Amid the Violence

According to a Druze security source who spoke to AFP, a shell fired from a government-controlled zone hit the outskirts of Sweida city on Sunday.

The attack struck a tractor, leading to the deaths of two individuals— the driver and a passenger, a woman. This account has not been independently substantiated.

Sweida: A Nexus of Renewed Tensions

These recent clashes occur after ongoing exchanges of fire between government forces and Druze militias since Saturday night, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Sweida has been a hotbed of unrest, marked by recurring tensions between government-aligned forces and Druze communities, particularly following harsh outbreaks of violence last year.