Overview

• Government forces and Druze representatives launched negotiations on July 15 and announced a tentative ceasefire to end days of sectarian clashes in Sweida.
• Sporadic violence has continued despite the truce announcement, with Syrian military reporting at least 16 security personnel killed and local NGOs noting dozens of civilian deaths.
• Israel conducted a second day of air and drone strikes on Syrian army positions near Sweida, saying it aims to prevent attacks on the Druze minority and enforce demilitarization along its border.
• The interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa deployed reinforcements to secure civilian corridors and restore order in southern Syria after the clashes escalated.
• Analysts say the fighting reflects long-standing tensions between Druze communities and Bedouin tribes and highlights the interim administration’s limited authority in fragmented regions.