Renewed sectarian clashes in south Syria kill two: SOHR
Fresh clashes erupt in Syria's Sweida, breaking ceasefire. 2 killed as Druze factions clash with regime forces near strategic Tal Hadid. Province remains under siege with main Damascus road blocked since July.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Renewed sectarian clashes broke out on Sunday in Syria’s southern Sweida province, killing at least two people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), marking the first deadly incident since last month’s tenuous ceasefire.
The predominantly Druze province has been on edge following a wave of intercommunal violence in July between local Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes, which led to the deaths of 1,400 people and necessitated intervention by Syrian government forces and tribal allies siding with the Bedouins.
Although a ceasefire was reached to halt the week-long bloodshed, the truce has proven fragile, with tensions escalating again around key strategic locations.
On Sunday, fighting erupted around Tal Hadid in Sweida’s western countryside—a high-altitude position described by the SOHR as a “key control point” that offers critical oversight over surrounding areas.
A member of Syria’s General Security forces was reportedly killed and seven others wounded during the confrontation with local Druze factions. SOHR also reported the death of one local fighter during the engagement.
Simultaneously, clashes broke out near the city of Thaala, following heavy shelling and bombardments originating from territories under Syrian government control. Explosions and gunfire were heard across several districts of Sweida city, further escalating fear among residents.
The escalation comes amid growing resentment in the province over what observers describe as a deliberate siege by the Damascus government.
The main road connecting Sweida to the capital has remained cut off since July 20. While Damascus has blamed Druze groups for blocking the route, the Syrian Observatory asserts that armed factions aligned with the regime have seized control of the area and are enforcing the closure, effectively isolating the province.
The SOHR suggests the blockade is part of a broader attempt by Damascus to “force inhabitants to comply” through economic and logistical pressure.
Government Launches Probe into July Massacre
Following international and domestic outrage over the July violence, the Syrian government announced it would investigate the events. A government-appointed committee convened its first meeting on Saturday, though skepticism remains high among local residents regarding the credibility and intent of the inquiry.
As Sweida remains under siege and intercommunal strife threatens to reignite, the region faces mounting instability. With both local factions and government forces locked in a volatile standoff, the province risks spiraling into further chaos unless lasting solutions are reached.
