Israel Strikes Tanks in Syria’s Sweida Province Amid Ongoing Druze-Bedouin Clashes
The Israeli military has not indicated whether Monday’s strike was linked to the broader Druze-Bedouin fighting or a separate intelligence-based operation.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Israeli military on Monday announced it had struck multiple tanks in southern Syria’s Sweida province, where deadly clashes have erupted in recent days between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters.
“Several tanks were struck a short while ago in the area of Samee village, in the Sweida region, in southern Syria. To be continued,” wrote Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee in a post on X, without offering further details or elaborating on the reason for the strike.
The airstrike comes as tensions have escalated dramatically in Sweida, a region largely populated by Syria’s Druze minority. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 40 people have been killed in recent tribal clashes, including 27 Druze and 10 Bedouins. The violence has led to road closures and prompted the Syrian interior ministry to deploy forces to restore order.
It remains unclear whether the targeted tanks were part of the Syrian army, local militias, or factions involved in the inter-communal fighting. Israel has previously conducted strikes in Syria, primarily targeting Iran-linked assets or military infrastructure it views as threats. However, direct strikes amid internal Syrian unrest are relatively rare.
The situation in Sweida remains volatile. The Syrian government has called for calm and announced a postponement of school exams in the region due to the deteriorating security conditions. Local Druze leaders have urged Damascus to intervene and mediate a resolution to the conflict.
The Israeli military has not indicated whether Monday’s strike was linked to the broader Druze-Bedouin fighting or a separate intelligence-based operation. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.
