Rubio: The fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups in southern Syria must stop

Rubio: The fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups in southern Syria must stop

The ongoing conflict between Druze and Bedouin groups in southern Syria has reached a critical juncture, with recent developments indicating a potential escalation. The fighting, which has been ongoing for several days, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reported 321 deaths since Sunday [1].

The violence was initially sparked by the Druze minority's calls for self-defense against Bedouin tribes who were perceived to be supporting the Syrian government. However, the situation escalated further when Israel intervened, carrying out heavy air attacks on Suwayda and Damascus, claiming to protect the Druze minority [1]. This intervention was met with condemnation from Damascus, which viewed it as a violation of Syrian sovereignty and an attempt to sow division and chaos in the country [1].

In response to the escalating violence, the Syrian presidency deployed a dedicated force to restore calm in the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda. The United States, through its ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, also announced a ceasefire agreement supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries [1]. However, despite the ceasefire, fighting continued, with Bedouin tribes calling for the assistance of other Syrian tribes and Israel allowing limited entry of Syrian internal security forces into Suwayda district for 48 hours [1].

The situation in Suwayda has been described as a "very dangerous escalation" by Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr, who noted that it represents an old fault line between Bedouin tribes and some Druze factions, with the current conflict being different due to the Bedouins' call for state intervention [1]. The United Nations Human Rights Office has also expressed concern over widespread rights violations committed by all factions involved in the fighting, including summary executions, arbitrary killings, and destruction of homes [1].

The interim Syrian President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has urged the Bedouins to fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the state's orders, while also blaming "armed groups from Sweida" for reigniting the conflict [2]. The Syrian government has been criticized for its role in the violence, with reports surfacing of Syrian government-affiliated fighters executing Druze civilians and looting and burning homes [2].

The international community has called for an end to the violence and the protection of all people in line with international human rights law. The United Nations Refugee Agency has also expressed concern about the effect of hostilities in Suwayda on its aid operations, stating that it is very difficult for them to operate there due to the ongoing violence [1].

In conclusion, the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups in southern Syria has reached a critical point, with significant casualties and displacement. The intervention of Israel and the deployment of Syrian internal security forces have further complicated the situation. The international community has called for an end to the violence and the protection of all people involved. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are being closely monitored.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/18/israel-reportedly-targets-bedouin-convoy-in-syria-after-attacks
[2] https://www.timesofisrael.com/syrias-sharaa-urges-bedouin-to-honor-truce-with-druze-slams-israeli-intervention/