Overview

• Kidnapping of a Druze merchant by Bedouin fighters on July 12 ignited the deadly clashes in Soueïda province.
• Interim government troops were deployed over the weekend, imposed a city-wide curfew and began entering Soueïda city on July 15 to end the violence.
• The Observatoire syrien des droits de l’homme reports the death toll has surpassed 200, including combatants and civilians, with allegations of summary executions and widespread property destruction.
• Israel Defense Forces bombed Syrian government armor around Soueïda, saying the strikes aimed to protect the Druze minority and prevent regime forces from militarizing the border region.
• Druze spiritual leaders remain split between calls for calm and appeals for immediate international protection for their community.