TheDruze insurgency in Southern Syria is an ongoing insurgency in southern Syria carried out byDruze militias against theSyrian transitional government. Beginning in early 2025 after thefall of the Assad regime, the conflict centers around a dispute over control of Druze-majority areas inSuwayda Governorate and conflict with local MuslimBedouins. Following demonstrations of the Druze minority in Israel, demanding government action to protect the Druze of Syria against persecution,[50] Israel has on occasions directly intervened by launching airstrikes against the Syrian government in support of the Druze.[51][52][53]
In February 2025, local sources in Syria'sQuneitra Governorate reported toAl Arabiya alleging that that the IDF had extended "tempting offers" of employment opportunities to residents of Syria.[56]
Tensions continued in late April 2025 after the spread of an offensive audio recording allegedly containingblasphemous content against the ProphetMuhammad, allegedly attributed to a Druze scholar named Marwan Kiwan, who disavowed it.[57]
On 28 February 2025, unidentified armed individuals fired upon a vehicle carrying Druze civilians traveling on a road leading toDamascus International Airport within Jaramana. Two elderly individuals suffered injuries in this attack, and were both hospitalized.[58]
On 1 March, clashes broke out betweenSyrian caretaker government forces and local Druze armed groups responsible for community protection in Jaramana, during the security operation launched bySyrian authorities on the suburb. Members of theJaramana Shield Brigade were involved in the clashes. During a violent altercation which erupted in Al-Seuof Square between two General Security Service members and local armed residents, one local gunman sustained serious injuries, requiring hospitalization, while authorities took the two security personnel into custody.[54][58]
In the clash at Al-Seuof Square, the wounded local gunman was taken to Al-Mujtahed Hospital for medical treatment. ButHay'at Tahrir al-Sham militants arrived at the hospital where the situation escalated when one of the wounded man's escorts allegedly madeblasphemous remarks aboutAllah. This prompted members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham present at the hospital to physically assault and subsequently detain the companions.[58]
The incidents began inJaramana at approximately 2:00 a.m. on 28 April 2025, when an unidentified group opened fire on alocal militia checkpoint near the "Al-Naseem" intersection at the entrance of Jaramana. Gunfire continued and intensified around 4:00 a.m., leading to the deaths of at least two members of thesecurity forces and six residents of the city. Over ten others were injured in the initial wave of violence.[63]
On 29 April 2025, clashes expanded to the Druze-majority towns ofSahnaya andAshrafiyat Sahnaya. Armed groups attacked multiple security checkpoints usingmachine guns andRPGs.[64]Hussam Waruar, the head of theSahnaya Municipality, was killed along with his son on 1 May by unidentified gunmen.[65] The unidentified groups killed the Druze leader,Wajdi al-Hajj Ali, who was shot in the head and died on 30 April 2025 before reaching the hospital.[66]
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, TheMinistry of Defense executed civilians at a poultry farm outside the town ofSahnaya.[67]
The SOHR stated that theMinistry of Defense ambushed Druze coming fromSuwayda towardsSahnaya, resulting in 43 deaths.[32] Some of the bodies were burned and others mutilated while the perpetrators (from theMinistry of Interior) reportedly chanted anti-Druze slogans.[68]
Clashes erupted between Sweida factions, and armed groups gathered around the village of Kanaker, west of Sweida. This coincided with clashes in the towns ofIra,Rasas andal-Soura al-Kabira.[69] The shrine and museum ofIssam Zahreddine, a late Druze military officer and former commander of theSyrian Republican Guard, was vandalized and burned inal-Soura al-Kabira.[70] General security vehicles were ambushed on 7 May by what state media called "outlaw groups" affiliated with theSuwayda Military Council.[71] Druze leader,Hikmat al-Hijri, declared that "There is no consensus between us and the Damascus government".[72]
On 21 May 2025, an armed group, "led by Fadi Nasr, with support from Tariq al-Nagoush", tookMustafa al-Bakour, the governor of Suwayda governorate, hostage at the town hall, demanding and securing the release of Raghib Qarqout, who is a convicted car thief. TheMen of Dignity movement was mobilised and secured the governor's exit route from the building, while theAl-Jabal Brigade engaged with the gunmen.[73] Al-Bakour submitted his resignation two days later.[74]
The violence began on 11 July, after a Druze vegetable merchant was assaulted by members ofBedouin tribes after they set up an improvisedroadblock.[76][77]
On 14 July, video was released showing aGeneral Security vehicle, including a person making sectarian statements, declaring his participation in the conflict.[80] Israeli aircraft were seen conducting low-altitude flights over the western countryside ofSuwayda, deployingflares.[81]
On 15 July, theSyrian Minister of Defense announced that a ceasefire had been reached with Druze spiritual leadership inSuwayda to cooperate with the Interior and Defense Forces and to surrender their weapons,[82] though it was denied byHikmat al-Hijri who declared that he would "resist this brutal campaign by all available means."[83] The Mar Mikhael Church in the town of as-Sawra al-Kabira was robbed, vandalized, and burned.[84] The groupMen of Dignity announced over 50 of their members killed or injured in Suwayda clashes.[85]
On 17 July, clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters were also reported in the western countryside ofRif Dimashq Governorate.[88] Clashes resumed in Suwayda after government forces withdrew as Bedouins launched new armed assaults on Druze forces, with the stated goal of releasing Bedouin prisoners of war.[89][90] A Bedouin commander toldReuters that the ceasefire agreement did not bind his men, but only the forces of President Ahmed al-Shara's administration. According to the commander, his forces are aiming to free the Bedouins who were detained in recent days by the Druze fighters.[91]
On 18 July, amid the large-scale attack by Bedouin fighters onSuwayda Governorate and reports of them enteringSuwayda city, backed by fighters from the neighboringDaraa Governorate and other governorates in Syria,[92][93] Hikmat al-Hijri reportedly demanded the Syrian government to send a conflict resolution force.[94] Reports later circulated that Syrian government forces were preparing to redeploy in the city of Suwayda, following renewed clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes. While an Israeli government related source said that Israel had agreed to a time-limited entry into Suwayda by Syrian government forces, the Syrian Interior Ministry denied that it was preparing to re-enter the city.[95][92]
On 19 July, the Syrian government declared a ceasefire which was approved by the Druze leadership and Bedouin tribes.[96] They arrived at the city ofSuwayda[97] but are having difficulty implementing the ceasefire.[98] Fierce street fighting was documented in the city of Suwayda between Bedouins and Druze.AFP, which had teams on the ground, reported that the Bedouin militants had managed to break through the Druze defenses and penetrate the west of the city. An AFP correspondent in Suwayda reported seeing dozens of houses and cars set on fire, and gunmen setting shops on fire after looting them.[99][100]
On 20 July, Clashes were reported after the ceasefire in the towns ofAl-Ariqah, Rimah, Hazem andShahba, after an attack by tribal militias,[101] especially inAl-Ariqah after the entry of tribal fighters with the help ofGeneral Security Service.[102]
On 21 July, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that nine civilians were injured by a drone attack on the city ofShahba by Bedouin tribes.[103]
On 26 July, The spiritual leadership of the Druze, headed by SheikhHikmat al-Hijri, announced the formation of a "Supreme Legal Committee" consisting of six judges, including four judicial advisors, and three lawyers. The committee outlined its responsibilities as managing public affairs across all sectors in Suwayda, including administrative, security, and service-related matters.[105]
On 3 August, what the transitional government called "illegal groups" reportedly violated the ceasefire agreement and attacked the Syrian Internal Security Forces.[106] Fighting took place in Tal al-Hadid,[14][107] with theAl-Jabal Brigade involved in the fighting[27]
On 8 August, clashes erupted in the town ofNajran between Druze factions and an armed group, following an attack reportedly launched by the latter. TheSyrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the clashes resulted in the deaths of two people on both sides, along with material damage and the burning of several civilian homes, before the attackers withdrew.[108]
On 10 August, the town ofal-Majdal came under an assault from three directions, involving the use of heavy machine guns and mortar fire.One wave of the attack originated from the town ofal-Mazraa, where government forces are stationed, while the other two approached from positions west of al-Majdal, firing heavy and medium machine guns toward the surrounding villages.[109]
On 15 August, one woman from Suwayda was killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle she was traveling in near the town of al-Kiheel in the eastern countryside ofDaraa Governorate. She was en route with other passengers from Suwayda toBeirut via the highway passing through Daraa toward Damascus. The area where the incident took place was under the control of the Syrian government.[110]
On 16 August, demonstrations took place in al-Karama Square inSuwayda. Protesters chanted slogans against "federalism" and demanded "full independence" for Syria, with slogans praisingHikmat al-Hijri.[111]
On 25 August, according toEnab Baladi, other groups that later joined include "Men of Dignity,[g] the Unitarian Popular Resistance, Southern Shield Forces, Mountain Shield Forces, Lions of the Mountain Forces, Shield of Tawhid, Sahwat al-Khedr Shield, Mimas and Tal al-Lawz, Men of al-Lajat and Men of al-Kafr", while 164th Brigade joined on 24 August,[116] and theSuwayda Military Council joined on 27 August.[22]
On 26 September, theSyrian Druze militias established a localwomen's self-defense army as a response to the precarious security situation. More than 500 women are involved.[118]Minors have been forcibly trained to use weapons.[119]
On 1 October, shootings broke out after the infiltration of drones belonging toMinistry of Defense.[121]
On 7 October, theNational Guard repelled an infiltration attempt by Syrian government forces in the town of Rima Hazem.[122]
On 8 October, protesters inShahba demonstrated in support of the residents of Ashrafieh andSheikh Maqsoud,[123] during its siege inOctober 2025 Aleppo clashes, waving flags ofSyrian Democratic Forces and banners reading: "The siege of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh is a siege of Suwayda" and "Long live the resistance of the SDF!"[124]
On 9 October, unknown Druze fighters attacked a government position inWalgha; the National Guard denied its participation.[125]
On 10 October, Syrian government forces and the National Guard clashed in northernSuwayda, with 23 mm cannons.[126]
On 11 October, a US delegation met withHikmat al-Hijri and the National Guard, without the knowledge ofJihad Ghoutani, which created divisions in the National Guard. On the same day al-Hijri changed the name ofJabal al-Arab to "Jabal al-Bashan", a Hebrew term, which generated controversy inSuwayda,[127] the matters were legally resolved by the National Guard.[128]
On 20 October, the National Guard repelled an infiltration attempt by Syrian government forces with 23mm heavy machine guns towards the town ofMajdal.[129].
During the summer of 2025, theAs-Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria witnessed heavy clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin militias. During this period, several videos emerged allegedly documenting summary executions, abuses against civilians, and acts of violence including the burning of houses, looting, and abductions.
A video report by theBBC titledMore than 350 people killed in Syria clashes showed widespread violence in affected areas.[130]
Drone footage showed damaged neighborhoods in Sweida following the fighting.[131]
CCTV footage from Sweida hospital circulated online, reportedly showing armed men killing a person inside the hospital while medical staff were forced to the ground.[132]
A video report fromThe Guardian titledKilled for what, religion? featured testimonies describing summary executions and retaliatory violence during the sectarian escalation.[133]
Human Rights Watch reported that the conflict was accompanied by "serious abuses," including summary executions, arson attacks on homes, looting of property, and the forced displacement of civilians.[134]
Syria: Syria condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria and asserted their right to self-defense.[135] Theforeign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of theUnited Nations Charter and international humanitarian law".[136]
Rojava/DAANES: TheSDF condemned the violence in Suwayda, commenting on the civilian casualties in the conflict.[137] TheKurdishwomen-ledYPJ in particular expressed its readiness to "protect Druze women and civilians, [and to] shoulder all the responsibility placed upon us without hesitation".[138] On 17 July 2025 the Social Affairs and Labor Authority of the DAANES dispatchedhumanitarian aid to Suwayda Governorate.[139]
Suwayda Military Council: An official statement was issued declaring a state of maximum alert. The council announced that all combat units under its command had been placed on maximum alert, prepared for immediate intervention if deemed necessary to protect civilians.[140]
Hikmat al-Hijri: Called on Druze fighters to "resist this brutal campaign by all available means."[141]
Muwaffaq Tarif: Declared, "The eyes and hearts of the Israeli Druze community are focused on the suffering of the Druze villages around Damascus."[142]
Algeria: Algeria strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Syria, calling it a flagrant violation of sovereignty.[143]
Bahrain: Bahrain welcomed the Syrian government's announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda province, saying the measure contributes to improving security, stability and preserving civil peace.[144]
Iraq: Iraq expressed its deep concern over the escalating tensions in Syria and strongly condemned Israel's repeated military interventions, calling them flagrant violations of sovereignty.[144]
United Nations: The UN urged de-escalation between the belligerents and urged measures to protect civilians.[145]
European Union: The EU urged de-escalation and the implementation of the ceasefire declared on 15 July. It expressed its concern over Syria's sovereignty and integrity.[146]
Arab League: The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a fellow Arab League and UN member state and a clear breach of international law. The League characterized the attacks as acts of "bullying" that must not be tolerated by the regional or international community and called for their immediate cessation. It warned that the strikes aimed to sow chaos in Syria by exploiting recent unrest in Suwayda—events which the Syrian government itself denounced and pledged to investigate. The League expressed full solidarity with Syria, urging the government to defuse tensions through dialogue and inclusive national reconciliation.[147]
TheMuslim World League issued a statement expressing its full solidarity with Syria against any threats to its security, stability, and sovereignty, particularly attempts to sow discord among its communities or interfere in its internal affairs. The League voiced support for the Syrian government's efforts to protect all segments of the population, uphold civil peace, and enforce the rule of law. It also condemned Israel's attacks on Syrian territory and its "continued violations of international laws and norms".[144]
Hamas: Hamas issued a statement expressing full solidarity with Syria and described the Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international laws" and called for a strong response to confront them.[144]
Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as against international law.[149]
Walid Jumblatt: Warned against "the plots of Israel" and accused Netanyahu of attempting to create sectarian division and chaos in Syria.[150]
^Affiliated with theSyrian Ministry of Interior, stationed atAl-Tanf base.[3] Before June 2025, it was the US-backed Syrian Free Army, and later joined the Syrian transitional government.[4]
^The Men of Dignity Movement "initially declined to join the new military formation". Later however, they "issued a statement welcoming the announcement of local factions uniting under an "organized military body", describing it as a necessary step at a time when the Druze community is defending its existence "against covetous invaders".[115]
^"Israel launches bombing raids in Syria and Lebanon".The Guardian. 15 July 2025.Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved16 July 2025.In Syria, the transitional government has said it had sent the forces south to end days of clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups, who remained armed following the end of the civil war.
^"Israel strikes in Damascus as clashes between government forces and Druze groups in Syria rage on".Associated Press. 16 July 2025.Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved16 July 2025.Islamist insurgent groups ousted Syria's longtime despotic leader, Bashar Assad, in December, bringing an end to a nearly 14-year civil war. Since then, the country's new rulers have struggled to consolidate control over the territory.
^"حزب الله يدين قصف العدو الصهيوني لدمشق" [Hezbollah condemns Zionist enemy's bombing of Damascus].Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah (in Arabic). 16 July 2025.Archived from the original on 18 July 2025. Retrieved18 July 2025.
.svg)
Supreme Legal Committee in Suwayda(from July 2025)[1]
Israel
Syria(caretaker andtransitionalgovernments)
Islamic State[2]
Abdul Moneim al-Naseef[19]
Sheikh Rakan Al-Khudair[20]
Rojava/DAANES: TheSDF condemned the violence in Suwayda, commenting on the civilian casualties in the conflict.[137] TheKurdishwomen-ledYPJ in particular expressed its readiness to "protect Druze women and civilians, [and to] shoulder all the responsibility placed upon us without hesitation".[138] On 17 July 2025 the Social Affairs and Labor Authority of the DAANES dispatchedhumanitarian aid to Suwayda Governorate.[139]
Algeria: Algeria strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Syria, calling it a flagrant violation of sovereignty.[143]
Bahrain: Bahrain welcomed the Syrian government's announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda province, saying the measure contributes to improving security, stability and preserving civil peace.[144]
Iraq: Iraq expressed its deep concern over the escalating tensions in Syria and strongly condemned Israel's repeated military interventions, calling them flagrant violations of sovereignty.[144]
United Nations: The UN urged de-escalation between the belligerents and urged measures to protect civilians.[145]
European Union: The EU urged de-escalation and the implementation of the ceasefire declared on 15 July. It expressed its concern over Syria's sovereignty and integrity.[146]
Arab League: The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a fellow Arab League and UN member state and a clear breach of international law. The League characterized the attacks as acts of "bullying" that must not be tolerated by the regional or international community and called for their immediate cessation. It warned that the strikes aimed to sow chaos in Syria by exploiting recent unrest in Suwayda—events which the Syrian government itself denounced and pledged to investigate. The League expressed full solidarity with Syria, urging the government to defuse tensions through dialogue and inclusive national reconciliation.[147]
Gulf Cooperation Council: The council condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.[148]
Hamas: Hamas issued a statement expressing full solidarity with Syria and described the Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international laws" and called for a strong response to confront them.[144]
Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as against international law.[149]
Walid Jumblatt: Warned against "the plots of Israel" and accused Netanyahu of attempting to create sectarian division and chaos in Syria.[150]
