SWEIDA, SYRIA — Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa has issued an urgent appeal for calm and national unity following a surge in violent sectarian clashes in the southern province of Sweida that have left over 900 people dead since mid-July.
In a televised address on Saturday evening, Al-Sharaa called on all factions involved in the escalating conflict—particularly Bedouin tribes, armed militias, and members of the Druze religious minority—to respect an immediate ceasefire and work toward restoring peace and order in the volatile region.
“It is imperative that we firmly confront anyone who seeks to stir up sectarian strife, fuel the flames of division, or promote a discourse of revenge and retaliation,” the interim leader stated. “Our priority must be the safety of our citizens, the preservation of Syria’s unity, and a return to national dialogue.”
900 Killed in a Week of Violence
According to humanitarian organizations and local monitors, the death toll has soared to at least 900 since violent confrontations erupted around July 13. The fighting has largely centered in the province of Sweida, a historically Druze-majority area, where tensions between Druze communities, Bedouin tribes, and various armed groups have rapidly escalated.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy gunfire, artillery shelling, and arson attacks in residential neighborhoods. Dozens of families have been displaced, and access to basic services such as electricity, water, and healthcare has been severely disrupted.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the situation as one of the most deadly outbreaks of sectarian violence in the region in over a decade, surpassing even some of the fiercest battles during the height of the civil war.
Druze Forces Retake Sweida City
On Saturday, Druze fighters reportedly succeeded in retaking control of the provincial capital, Sweida city, following a fierce counteroffensive against tribal militias and armed factions that had overrun several key neighborhoods earlier in the week.
Videos circulating on social media showed jubilant Druze residents waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the local resistance. According to security sources, the opposition fighters were later evacuated from the area under a fragile truce brokered by local mediators.
Though the city is now back under Druze control, the overall security situation remains deeply unstable.
Government Troops Deployed
In response to the deteriorating conditions, Syrian government forces began deploying troops to Sweida province over the weekend. Military convoys were spotted moving through southern highways, and army checkpoints have been established around the city.
Officials from the Ministry of Defense stated that their primary goal was to enforce the ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian aid, and prevent any further attempts to ignite sectarian warfare.
“Our forces are under strict instructions to protect all civilians regardless of their ethnic or religious identity,” a government spokesperson said. “Any individual or group caught violating the truce will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”
Israeli Strikes Add to Tensions
Further complicating the situation, Israeli armed forces have carried out a series of airstrikes in recent days targeting Syrian government positions and armed groups in both Sweida and Damascus.
The Israeli military claimed it acted in response to “credible intelligence” suggesting Syrian authorities and allied militias were involved in a range of violent actions against members of the Druze minority, which also has a significant population in Israel’s northern territories.
“The Israeli Defense Forces will not tolerate the oppression of minorities and the destabilization of border regions,” the IDF said in a statement. “We hold the Syrian regime responsible for all acts of aggression originating from its territory.”
Syrian state media, meanwhile, condemned the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty and accused Israel of exploiting internal instability for its own strategic interests.
Regional and International Reactions
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis and has urged all parties to refrain from further violence. UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, emphasized the need for a comprehensive political solution and humanitarian access to affected areas.
“The situation in Sweida is alarming. Sectarian violence is not the path to peace. I call upon all actors, including the Syrian government, community leaders, and international partners, to support dialogue and reconciliation,” Pedersen said in a statement released from Geneva.
The Arab League has also called an emergency meeting to discuss the developments, amid fears the conflict could spill over into neighboring Jordan and Lebanon, both of which host large Druze communities.
A Fragile Peace
Despite government intervention and the temporary halt in fighting, residents of Sweida remain wary. Shops remain shuttered, schools closed, and streets patrolled by a mix of government troops and local Druze self-defense groups.
Many civilians are concerned that unless a long-term resolution is reached, the violence could erupt again at any moment.
“People are exhausted and traumatized. We’ve buried neighbors, lost homes, and seen too much blood,” said a local teacher, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals. “What we need now is peace and leadership that puts the people first—not sectarian agendas.”
With the future of Syria’s southern region hanging in the balance, much now depends on the effectiveness of the government’s ceasefire enforcement, the willingness of local groups to disarm, and the broader international community’s support for a political roadmap.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor the situation in Sweida and provide updates as they develop.
