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Syria Imposes Curfew and Ceasefire in Sweida Following Deadly Clashes

Divided Druze spiritual authorities are appealing for international protection under growing insecurity

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Two fighters from the Sunni Bedouin clans, ride their motorcycle as they pass by Syrian government security forces deployed on the outskirts of the Sweida province where clashes erupted between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, southern Syria, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Malek Khattab)
Syrian government security forces gather on the outskirts of Sweida province where clashes erupted between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, southern Syria, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Malek Khattab)
Syrian government forces deploy at the Mazraa village on the outskirts of city of Sweida, where clashes erupted between Sunni Bedouin clans and Druze militias, southern Syria, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

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.