Overview

• The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 99 people killed—including Druze fighters, Bedouin combatants and security personnel—and more than 100 wounded since clashes erupted on July 13.
• The violence was triggered by the abduction and robbery of a Druze vegetable vendor by Bedouin gunmen on the Damascus–Sweida highway, prompting tit-for-tat kidnappings and armed exchanges.
• Syria’s defence and interior ministries deployed military units to Sweida province, established safe corridors for civilians and imposed a citywide curfew as troops advanced into key neighbourhoods.
• Israel’s military struck several Syrian army tanks near Sweida in a declared defence of the Druze minority and as a warning to Damascus.
• Local and religious Druze leaders have opened negotiations with Damascus authorities to broker a truce and define security roles for militias.