Overview

• Syrian government forces entered Sweida city on July 15, established a strict curfew and declared a ceasefire to halt sectarian clashes.
• Monitors report that nearly 100 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in battles between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes since July 13, triggered by a vendor’s abduction.
• Israeli airstrikes on Syrian tanks have paused after earlier strikes targeted military columns advancing toward Sweida as a warning to Damascus over Druze protection.
• Thousands of civilians have been displaced as fighting spread across southern villages, exposing the interim government’s struggle to fill security gaps.
• Druze leaders remain split on whether to collaborate with Damascus or resist incoming troops, with some urging disarmament and others demanding international safeguards.